Brooke Claxton

Brooke Claxton, PC, DCM, KC (23 August 1898 – 13 June 1960) was a Canadian veteran of World War I, federal Minister of National Health and Welfare and Minister of National Defence. He was born in Montreal and received his early education at Lower Canada College. He was a gifted student and entered McGill University in September 1915 after completing grade 11. After a year at university he left McGill in 1916 and enlisted with the Victoria Rifles of Canada. While at McGill he was a member of The Kappa Alpha Society. He served overseas with the Royal Canadian Artillery and saw action, which experience marked him profoundly. He was promoted to the rank of Battery Sergeant-Major in the field and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct...