Lieutenant-Colonel J.H. Christie
Toronto Scottish Regiment

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid in the enemy’s trenches. He handled the covering party with marked ability, and was largely responsible for the success of the raid. Later, he assisted in bringing in a wounded man under very heavy fire.

(M.C. citation, 1917)

Born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on 23 June 1892, John Herbert Christie worked for a Toronto investment firm and served in the First World War. He had reverted from lieutenant to sergeant to go overseas, earned another commission with the 73rd Battalion (The Black Watch), and received the Military Cross for heroism at Vimy Ridge.

Christie originally served as second-in-command under Lieutenant-Colonel C.C. Thompson in the Toronto Scottish before a transfer to the officer training school. Thompson returned to Toronto in October 1940, where he faced greater danger than overseas. In July 1943, Thompson found himself the victim of an assault when a pair of thieves tried robbing the cash box from the city’s Scottish Club. Christie assumed command of the Toronto Scottish until February 1942, when he transferred to a holding unit. He relinquished command to fellow First World War Military Cross winner Major Willard Gordon Thomas Roach.

After the war, Christie resumed his investment career and became president of the firm in 1953.

He died in Toronto on 15 September 1977.