Combe was 36 years old, and a lieutenant in the 27th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 3 May 1917, south of Acheville, France, Lieutenant Combe steadied his company under intense fire and leading them through the enemy barrage reached the objective with only five men.

He proceeded to bomb the enemy, inflicting heavy casualties and then, collecting small groups of men, succeeded in capturing the objective, together with 80 prisoners.

He repeatedly charged the enemy, driving them before him, but while personally leading his bombers he was killed by a sniper.

Combe's medal is held by the Provincial Archives in Regina, Saskatchewan and is displayed on special occasions.