Lieutenant Jean Baptiste Arthur ’John’ Brillant

Lieutenant, 22nd Battalion, Infantry (Army).

Military Cross (raid near Boiry-Becquerelle)
Description: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in volunteering for and leading a raiding party against enemy positions some 500 yards in front of a line. Seeing some of the enemy running away, he pursued them, and, although wounded himself, personally accounted for several, and driving one into our barrage, thereby obtaining valuable information. By previous reconnaissances under difficult and highly dangerous conditions, he largely contributed to the success of the raid.
Date of award: 1918-09-06
Date of award: 1918-05-28

Victoria Cross (Boiry-Becquerelle, Amiens, France)
Description: For most conspicuous bravery and outstanding devotion to duty when in charge of a company which he led in attack during two days with absolute fearlessness and extraordinary ability and initiative, the extent of the advance being twelve miles. On the first day of operations shortly after the attack had begun, his company's left flank was held up by an enemy machine gun. Lt. Brillant rushed and captured the machine-gun, personally killing two of the enemy crew. Whilst doing this, he was wounded but refused to leave his command. Later on the same day, his company was held up by heavy machine-gun fire. He reconnoitred the ground personally, organised a party of two platoons and rushed straight for the machine-gun nest. Here 150 enemy and fifteen machine-guns were captured. Lt. Brillant personally killing five of the enemy, and being wounded a second time. He had this wound dressed immediately, and again refused to leave his company. Subsequently this gallant officer detected a field gun firing on his men over open sights. He immediately organised and led a "rushing" party towards the gun. After progressing about 600 yards, he was again seriously wounded. In spite of this third wound, he continued to advance for some 200 yards more, when he fell unconscious from exhaustion and loss of blood. Lt. Brillant's wonderful example throughout the day inspired his men with an enthusiasm and dash which largely contributed towards the success of the operations.
Date of award: 1918-09-27
Date of award: 1918-09-16
Source: The London Gazette (No. 30922), 27 September 1918

Born 15 March 1890 in Assametquashan, Quebec. Son of Joseph Brillant of Rimouski, Quebec. Lt Brillant spent 13 years with the 89th Regiment. (The 89th Temiscouata and Rimouski Battalion of Infantry was redesignated the 89th Temiscouata and Rimouski Regiment 8 May 1900).

CEF Burial Registers - Died of Wounds - this Officer was seriously wounded by enemy fire, while rushing a field gun, during the operations in the vicinity of CACHIE, on August 9th 1918. He was immediately attended to, but succumbed to his wounds later.