Edmund De Wind was born in Comber, County Down, Ireland on December 11, 1883. Educated at Campbell College, he worked as a clerk in the Bank of Ireland until 1911 when he came to Edmonton, where he was employed by the Canadian Bank of Commerce, before enlisting in the 31st Canadian Battalion in 1915. He fought in the battles of St. Eloi, Ypres, and the Somme. In September 1917, he qualified for a commission and was transferred to the 17th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles with the rank of Lieutenant. Edmund De Wind's Victoria Cross citation reads: "For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice on the 21st March, 1918, at the Race Course Redoubt, near Groagie, France. For seven hours he held this most important post, and though twice wounded and practically single-handed, he maintained his position until another section could be got to his help. On two occasions, with two NCO's only, he got out on top under heavy machine gun and rifle fire, and cleared the enemy out of the trench, killing many. He continued to repel attack after attack until he was mortally wounded and collapsed. His valour, self-sacrifice and example were of the highest order."