Christopher Vokes CB CBE DSO (1904 - 1985)

Born 13 Apr 1904 in Armagh, Ireland

Ancestors

Died 27 Mar 1985 at age 80 in Oakville, Halton, Ontario, Canada

Biography

Major-General Christopher Vokes CB CBE DSO served in the Canadian Army in World War II
Service started:
Unit(s): 4th Canadian Armoured Division
Service ended:

Christopher Vokes CB CBE DSO is/was a significant Ontarian .

Christopher Vokes CB CBE DSO is Notable.

Christopher Vokes CB CBE DSO migrated from Ireland to Canada.

Christopher Vokes was the son of a British officer, Major Frederick Patrick Vokes and Elizabeth Briens. He married Constance Mary Waugh in 1932 in Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada.^[1]

He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1925 and from McGill University with a bachelor of science in 1927.^[2] He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers,^[2] and completed his education with a two-year stay (1934-1935) at the Camberley Staff College in England.^[3]

Starting in 1939, Vokes rapidly rose through the ranks of the Canadian General Staff.^[4] With the 1st Canadian Infantry Division, he served as Adjutant General, Assistant Quartermaster General, General Staff Officer, grade 1, and as Officer Commanding Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.^[4] He proved to be an outstanding operational officer and on 24 June 1942 was promoted to Brigadier, in charge of the 2nd Infantry Brigade, which he commanded during the Allied invasion of Sicily.^[4]

In 1943 he became the commander of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division and was promoted to the rank of Major-General.^[4] He was the commander of the division during the Battle of Ortona.^[4] On 1 December 1944, he took over command of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division and fought in the Battle of the Hochwald.^[4]

From June 1945 to May 1946 Vokes was the General Officer Commanding the Canadian Army Occupation Force in Europe.^[4] Returning to Canada, he commanded the Canadian Army's Central Command and then Western Command.^[4] He retired to Oakville, Ontario in 1959 and in 1985 published his memoirs, My Story.^[4]

He died of cancer on 27 March 1985, aged 80.^[4]

His awards included: Companion of the Order of the Bath; Commander of the Order of the British Empire; Distinguished Service Order; Canadian Forces Decoration; Legion of Honour; Croix de Guerre

1911 69 Rideau, Kingtson, Ontario, Canada.^[5]

Household Role Sex Age Birthplace Immigration Occupation

Frederick Vokes Head M 37 - Oct 1873 Ireland 1910 Construction Manager, RMC

Elizabeth Vokes Wife F 35 - Apr 1876 Ireland 1910

Christopher Vokes Son M 7 - Apr 1904 Ireland 1910

Frederick A. Vokes Son M 4 - Sep 1906 Ceylon 1910

1921 Royal Military College, Pittburgh, Frontenac, Ontario, Canada.^[6]

Household Role Sex Age Birthplace Immigration Occupation

Frederick Vokes Head M 47 Ireland 1910 Officer, Permanent Force

Elizabeth Vokes Wife F 45 Ireland 1910

Christopher Vokes Son M 17 Ireland 1910

Frederick Vokes Son M 14 Ceylon 1910

Sources

1. ↑ "British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932; 1937-1938," Christopher Vokes and Constance Mary Waugh, 30 Jan 1932; citing Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B13764, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Desmond Morton, (2008). "Christopher Vokes". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada.
3. ↑ Juno Beach Centre . "Major-General Christopher Vokes".
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9} Wikipedia Christopher Vokes
5. ↑ 1911 Census Canada. Library and Archives Canada.
6. ↑ 1921 Census Canada. Library and Archives Canada.