Valisa Bogichevich, D.C.M, M.M. with Bar

75763 Sergeant Valisa Bogichevich of the 29th (Vancouver) Battalion. His first name has also been spelled Walisa and Welisa; his surname Bogicevich.

Valisa was born probably in Danilovegrade, Montenegro on September 20th, 1886. His next of kin was given as his sister in Danilovegrade. He gave his occupation as Labourer at the time of enlisting into the 29th on November 9th 1914, and he said he belonged to the "Montenegrin Church," likely an Orthodox sect. As a 29th original, his attestation paper was signed by Lt-Col. H.S. Tobin. Valisa was a member of the active militia, probably the Duke of Connaught's Own Rifles or perhaps the Irish Fusiliers. At 28 years of age and with militia experience, he rose through the ranks in Tobin's Tigers to Sergeant. He received a rare combination of gallantry awards: a Military Medal, a bar to the M.M., and the D.C.M.

Distinguished Conduct Medal: The citation published in the London Gazette, of October 3rd, 1918, detailed the event as follows - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a night raid, when he led his section against three strong hostile posts, clearing each out and overcoming heavy resistance. He personally accounted for five of the enemy and captured two prisoners, as well as accounting for an unknown number of the enemy in a large dug-out with Stokes bombs. His fine leadership and great courage carried his section through to their objective, and entailed heavy losses on the enemy.

Sgt. Bogichevich was killed in action on August 9th, 1918 and is buried in Rosieres Cemetery, the Somme, France. Rosieres is a village about 32 kilometres east of Amiens and 7.5 kilometres south of the main road from Amiens to St. Quentin.

Note: Forty two other members of the C.E.F. were awarded the D.C.M., M.M. and Bar combination. Seven members of the Australian Force and one member of the New Zealand force achieved the same.