On 12 March 1918, during the First World War, Lieutenant De Wind was defending a position near Grugies, France, while serving with the British Army.
With only two other soldiers to aid him, and twice wounded, De Wind held off repeated assaults until another section could offer help.
On two occasions, De Wind got out on top of heavy machine gun and rifle fire, clearing the enemy out of the trenches.
He repelled attack after attack until mortally wounded.
He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
In 1910, De Wind emigrated to Canada from Ireland, and entered service with the Canadian Bank of Commerce, serving in the Yorkton and Humboldt branches of the Commerce Bank.
For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice on the 21st March, 1918, at the Race Course Redoubt, near Grugies. 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 N.C.O.’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.
Victoria Cross citation in The London Gazette, May 13, 1919