In Korea, on 21 May 1952, the tank dozer of C Squadron, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) became stuck while preparing a road in the forward company area of 1 PPCLI. The situation was precarious since the immobilized dozer was in full view of the enemy positions, a scant half-mile across a river valley. The armoured recovery vehicle commanded by Sgt “Trapper” Allen was called forward. On arrival at the site, enemy artillery began to range in on the vehicles. The link-up of two cables and preparing the dozer for the recovery was slow and tedious. Several times the vehicles were hit and the crews ordered to take cover. Sgt. Allen refused to take cover and continued working. The dozer was recovered intact that night.

The London Gazette of Tuesday, 16 September 1952, No. 39646 page 4920. The London Gazette notes him as being in the Lord Strathcona’s Horse.

During the crossing of the Gari River, 12 May 1944, by tanks of the 11 Canadian Armoured Regiment near San Angelo (Map Reference 8515), many tanks bogged down in the soft river flat. Working under fierce enemy shell and mortar fire, threatened by snipers concealed along the river bank, Sergeant Carson supervised the recovery and evacuation of our tanks under the worst possible conditions. When one tank was hit and one caught on fire, and all attempts to extinguish the blaze failed, Sergeant Carson personally placed a cable on the burning tank, then pulled it into the river, thereby preventing its total destruction. During the remainder of the day, his cool direction of recovery operations was a steadying influence on the men working under him. His courage, determination under fire and tenacity of purpose were largely instrumental in the recovery of 23 bogged tanks, enabling them to rejoin the regiment at a time when they were urgently needed.

(K52889) Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 3 October, 1944, No. 36730, page 4572, and Canada Gazette dated 23 September 1944 and CARO/4986 dated 14 October 1944. Recommended for immediate award by Lieutenant Colonel R.L. Purves, Commanding Officer, 11 Canadian Armoured Regiment; document with Headquarters, 1 Canadian Armoured Brigade, 23-29 May 1944 (supported by Brigadier W.C. Murphy); at Headquarters, 8 Indian Division, 30 May to 8 June 1944 (supported by Major-General D. Russell); at Headquarters, 13 Corps, 11-19 June 1944 (supported by LieutenantGeneral S.C. Kirkman); at Headquarters, Eighth Army, 24-28 June 1944 (supported by LieutenantGeneral O.W.H. Leese); passed to Headquarters, Allied Armies in Italy and approved by General H.R. Alexander. Awarded “in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy”

Sergeant Fielding, M62367, has been in command of an armoured recovery vehicle section of 21 Canadian Armoured Regiment since its arrival in Normandy. On 9 August 1944, the regiment was ordered to concentrate at Gaumesnil, MR078551, and assigned the task of pushing through at all costs to Point 195, MR 0846. The attack went in at 1430 hrs. By 1000 hrs, 10 August, fighting through most intense 88-mm, mortar, and self-propelled anti-tank gun fire, two squadrons were on the objective. Attempts to reach them by echelon vehicles carrying urgently needed petrol, ammunition, and water were fruitless due to intense, accurate, enemy mortar, artillery, and automatic fire. Sergeant Fielding volunteered to run the supplies forward, and by skilful use of ground, led his three vehicles through to the squadrons in the face of intense enemy fire. Three times he successfully completed this hazardous trip. The squadrons, completely topped up, were able to hold the regimental objective and establish a deep salient in the enemy anti-tank defences. In the Moerbrugge bridgehead, MR8794, on 12 September 1944, the regiment was ordered to cut the main Bruge-Eegloo road. This was done at MR9878 and armoured patrols pushed north and east to the Leopold Canal. Nearing the canal at MR9702, two tanks were knocked out by anti-tank guns and a third hit in the sprocket, breaking the track and causing it to run off the road into a deep ditch. So acute was the angle that the tank’s guns were useless for protection. Attempting to evacuate, the first member was wounded by automatic fire, and the crew elected to remain in the tank. The crew commander came up on the air for help and Sergeant Fielding was sent forward with his armoured recovery vehicle and crew. After making a quick reconnaissance through his binoculars, he notified the crew commander by wireless of his plan. Under increased mortaring, automatic, and small arms fire, he ordered his vehicle forward, dismounted, and made the necessary hook-up to tow the disabled tank. Climbing back into his recovery vehicle he then directed the towing of the tank to a sheltered position where the crew could safely be evacuated and the wounded man given first aid. The recovery of this tank and its crew was instrumental in the commanding officer receiving vital and valuable information as to enemy gun positions from the crew commander. Through the entire campaign in Northwest Europe, this NCO has played his part in every action the regiment has fought. His exceptional nerve, cool thinking, uncanny judgment, and absolute disregard for his personal safety while under the most severe enemy fire, has time after time resulted in the saving of valuable lives and equipment, and has been an inspiration to all who worked with him. His devotion to duty and untiring efforts have contributed greatly to the fighting efficiency of the regiment primarily and of the division as a whole.

(M62367) Sergeant Fielding was awarded a Military Medal on 30 July 1945. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 22 January 1946, No. 37442, page 650, and Canada Gazette dated 10 November 1945 and CARO/6193 dated 12 November 1945.

On 23 December 1943, South of Ortona, Sergeant Fontaine was NCO in charge of a recovery tank crew engaged in the recovering of six tanks of “B” Squadron, 12 Canadian Armoured Regiment which had become badly bogged down in soft mud. During fierce fighting for this position, when these tanks were urgently needed to continue the attack this NCO with his recovery crew took charge of this most difficult and hazardous undertaking under heavy mortar and machine gun fire. As a result of this gallant and determined action all six tanks were set free from the mud and played an important part in the subsequent capture of the key enemy-held town of Ortona.

Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 18 April 1944, No. 36477 page 1816, and Canada Gazette No. 12 Vol 78 dated 18 March 1944 and CARO 4395 dated 21 March 1944. The London Gazette records him as Canadian Armoured Corps.

On 6 August 1944 at Cormelle, Normandy, Corporal Gill, whilst acting as a fitter with the 28th Canadian LAD attached to 7 Canadian Medium Regiment, was called to the gun position to carry out repairs to guns that had been temporarily disabled by heavy enemy shelling. Despite the continued shelling, this NCO, with utter disregard for his own safety, successfully repaired the guns enabling them to be put into action at a time when they were most needed. Again, at St Aignan de Cramesnils on 12 August 1944, Corporal Gill was called upon to repair disabled guns under a heavy bombing attack. This NCO showed great determination and courage, and helped maintain the morale of the men at the gun position by his coolness and determination. During the campaigns that followed in Belgium, Holland, and Germany, Corporal Gill, by his bravery, cheerfulness, perseverance, and great devotion to duty, was an inspiration to all the men who worked with him

(D128754) Corporal Gill was awarded a Military Medal on 30 July 1945. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 22 January 1946, No. 37442, page 650, and Canada Gazet te dated 10 November 1945 and CARO/6193 dated 12 November 1945.

No details.

On the morning of 8 February 1944, while Sergeant Hurry was in charge of a recovery post at Hongi Bridge on the Orsogna front, he was informed that a White Scout Car, belonging to the Perth Regiment and used for communication to the forward troops, was bogged down in a mined field about two miles northwest of Arielli and about five hundred yards north of the Orsogna lateral road. Although warned by an officer of the Perth Regiment that any attempted recovery of this vehicle was highly dangerous, owing to the area being under heavy mortar fire as well under enemy observation, Sergeant Hurry, without hesitation, set out with a crew of two men in order to recover the vehicle. In spite of intense mortaring and many narrow escapes from injury, the crew were successful in recovering the vehicle. Two days later, Sergeant Hurry set out again with same crew to recover three vehicles of the Perth Regiment in the vicinity of Poggiopirito. It was essential that the unit received these vehicles immediately, although the roads were completely washed out by rain and the resultant mud was almost impassable. After more than six hours of unceasing labour, the crew recovered the vehicles by means of building a road on which the recovery vehicle could work. During this time there was imminent danger of enemy mortar fire since that particular area had been mortared heavily during the preceding days. This non-commissioned officer showed great initiative, coolness and resourcefulness in the face of danger. His inspired leadership and determination infused those with him with an indomitable spirit that would not accept defeat. His high conception of duty was responsible for getting forward to the Perth Regiment certain essential vehicles at a critical time.

(C12037) Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 30 January 1945, No. 36917 page 680, and Canada Gazette dated 30 December 1944 and CARO/5235 dated 3 January 1945.

When, in August 1944, 1 Canadian Corps with 8th Army crossed the River Metauro to attack the formidable Gothic Line, 117 Battery, 7 Canadian Anti-tank Regiment was placed under command of 1 Canadian Infantry Division and, as a result, saw much action. The self-propelled guns of this battery were constantly in the foremost battle positions. On 16 September 1944, K70513Sergeant Raymond Lloyd Kelly, NCO i/c of the LAD section attached to 111 Battery, went forward to Polerelli area (MR873906) to effect repairs on a knocked out self-propelled gun. This job entailed several hours work in total darkness. Despite heavy shelling and mortar fire, the task was completed by dawn. Only the skill and courage displayed by Sergeant Kelly made this possible. On 18 September 1944, in area Ghette? (MR 848922) Sergeant Kelly effected repairs to a self-propelled gun under similar conditions. Again, without rest or consideration for his personal safety, he had the equipment in running order in the shortest possible time. He knew that it was essential that the gun be back in action as the enemy had Tiger tanks in the area. On 21 September 1944, in front of the San Fortunato feature (MR836944) , Sergeant Kelly went out on foot to search for a gun that was reported disabled and out of communication. The enemy shell and mortar fire in this area was particularly heavy, but this did not disturb him and he gave up only when he was certain that the report was not true. On many other occasions, Sergeant Kelly has effected repairs to guns and vehicles in the most forward areas. His personal courage, technical skill and devotion to duty were of the highest order and an example to the others with whom he has come in contact.

(K70513) Sergeant Kelley was awarded a Military Medal on 21 September 1944. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 29 May 1945, No. 37101 page 2745, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5625, both dated 28 April 1945. Recommendation mentions Map Reference Italy, 1:50,000, Sheets 109/4 and 101/3.

Sergeant Larochelle, crew commander of the armoured recovery vehicle of No. 1 Squadron, 22 Canadian Armoured Regiment, landed with the unit in Normandy on 26 July 1944. Apart from normal recovery tasks entailing work under heavy shellfire, he took forward vital supplies to the tanks when enemy fire prohibited the use of trucks. His cheerfulness under fire, qualities of leadership and technical skill were of inestimable value in furthering the efforts of 22 Canadian Armoured Regiment. At Cintheau, (MR0853) on 8 August 1944, the regiment had harboured after losing seventeen tanks by mines and antitank fire. Although all other armoured recovery vehicles were pinned down by a hellish concentration of high explosive and 88-mm fire, Sergeant Larochelle pressed on and by skilful manoeuvring reached his squadron tanks, which he serviced and then devoted the remainder of the night to recovering a knockedout tank, rendering it fit to fight the next day. Given the task of recovering two disabled tanks behind the enemy’s forward positions at Wousche Plant Age, (MR 602260?) on 23 October 1944, and realizing the anxiety of the crews marooned in the midst of the enemy, Sergeant Larochelle moved forward with his recovery vehicle immediately. Reaching the disabled tanks he jumped down from his vehicle and adjusted the towing hitch, and was about to mount his own vehicle when a veritable hail of shellfire descended on their position, cutting the towing hitch to ribbons. When the shelling slackened off, Sergeant Larochelle rallied his crew, improvised a new towing hitch, and recovered both tanks in the face of a terrific crossfire. On 1 March 1945, in the Hochwald Gap (MR033408) , this NCO snatched two slightlydamaged tanks back from a forward slope under direct observation of enemy anti-tank guns. Only the boldness of the move, and the skill in hitching and getting away, made possible the success of the venture. On his return, plans having been made to serve a hot meal to the forward infantry and tank crews who had been fighting steadily under appalling conditions of weather, terrain and enemy fire, Sergeant Larochelle volunteered to take it forward. Although it required several sorties over observed ground, he did not rest until every man in the area had been fed. The successful stand of the next day was in no small part attributable to the obvious rise in morale of all ranks following the hot meal. He has consistently displayed the highest qualities of leadership. His fighting spirit has continually driven him to tasks beyond the normal call of duty, setting an example to every man in 22 Canadian Armoured Regiment.

(A102884) Sergeant Larochelle was awarded a Military Medal on 30 July 1945. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 22 January 1946, No. 37442, page 650, and Canada Gazette dated 10 November 1945 and CARO/6193 dated 12 November 1945.

On the night 28/29 November1943, A99497 Armament Staff Sergeant JA McCoig was engaged on special recovery work on the Sangro River Crossing. During this period, an ammunition column parked on the lateral road was shelled and two vehicles set on fire, both were loaded with ammunition. Realising the danger involved from spreading flames, he made strenuous efforts to put out the fire by means of foam extinguishers. He was successful in extricating one vehicle, but was forced to leave due to exploding ammunition. When the fire died down, he drove his recovery tractor to the scene of the fire, and cleared the road of all debris. During the entire period, the area was being shelled by the enemy. His determination and utter disregard of personal safety prevented the fire damage from spreading. Furthermore, he cleared the road for urgent traffic to proceed. The manner in which he carried out this work was a splendid example of courage and a rare sense of duty that calls for special praise

Armament Staff/Sergeant McCoig was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery on on 28 November 1943. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 18 April 1944, No. 36477 page 1817.

At about 1600 hrs on 11 December 1943, the enemy laid a heavy concentration of artillery fire on the town of San Vito (MR 3611). The first shell landed in the main square of the town where the Advanced workshop Detachment of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade Workshop was located and caused a number of casualties. Refusing to take cover, B94589 Staff/Sergeant Monteith promptly went to the assistance of the wounded and, in spite of the fact that the shelling continued and another shell landed in the square, coolly and courageously took control of the situation, organized rescue parties, and evacuated the wounded to the main dressing station. The promptness with which Staff/Sergeant Monteith handled the situation, his coolness and efficiency under fire, and his courage and indifference to danger ensured the rapid evacuation of casualties and helped materially to maintain the morale of all troops in the vicinity.

Staff/Sergeant Monteith was awarded a Military Medal on 11 December 1943. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 9 May 1944, No. 36508 page 2170.

On 19 December 1944 at approximately 1300 hours, enemy shells commenced falling on the site occupied by 6 Canadian Infantry Brigade Workshop RCEME at Nijmegen, Holland the first of which instantly set fire to several vehicles and damaged the building. Craftsman Olechowski immediately and unhesitatingly attacked the flames, and, by his exemplary action, encouraged other soldiers in the vicinity temporarily confused by the exploding shell, to quickly follow his lead, despite the fact two other shells exploded in the immediate area. Craftsman Olechowski then entered a blazing 15-cwt vehicle, which was in immediate danger of total destruction by fire and, after much difficulty, due to smoke and heat, he succeeded in driving the vehicle, still blazing, and with small arms ammunition which was in it exploding, out of the workshop and on to a roadway where the vehicle became a total loss. His unhesitating action assisted in saving other vehicles in the shop from total destruction, in localizing the fire, and in preventing further loss of valuable workshop equipment. Throughout the campaign in Western Europe this soldier has displayed a coolness under fire and a devotion to duty which were outstanding and this action is characteristic of his conduct.

(M37070) Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 22 January 1946, No. 37442, page 650, and Canada Gazette dated 10 November 1945 and CARO/6193 dated 12 November 1945.

Not found

(34828) Confirmed by letter from file.

2 Canadian Recovery Company on 11 Feb 45 was order to play a major part in transporting 12 Buffaloes from Nijmegen to the area of Gennep (MR E780465 Holland) having delivered the Buffaloes and having turned around in Gennep the convoy of twelve transporters was halted by traffic congestion just the town at MR E773480. At 1145 hours the enemy began mortaring the road area quite causing the transporter crews to leave their vehicles and seek cover. One crew member was killed and two wounded. As the officer in charge of the convoy had remained to direct the turnaround in Gennep, Sergeant Roulston assumed command at the head of the convoy. Realizing instantly that the convoy was an ideal target and attracting fire he left his vehicle and rallying the 48 drivers and crews and organizing and encouraging them to return to their transporters. By this action, which necessitated considerable exposure to enemy fire, he succeeded in getting the convoy rolling and not only prevented destruction of much valuable transporter equipment but was also instrumental in keeping a vital road to the front clear. He also checked on the condition of the wounded and assured himself that no harm could result from moving them. Throughout his service in NW Europe since August 1944, Sergeant Roulston has set an outstanding example to all ranks of the unit by his complete disregard for personal safety, his leadership and high sense of responsibility. On at least two other occasions his devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire has been a material contribution to the success of operations.

(H64678) Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 9 October 1945, No. 37302 page 5003, and Canada Gazette and CARO/6074, both dated 22 September 1945.

On 18 Apr 45 Sergeant Slumkofske was despatched in charge of a special recovery detachment consisting of 2 transporters, 2 caterpillar D-8’s, 1 carrier and 9 men for special operations with 4 Canadian Armoured Division. The detachment was ordered to keep open a narrow and boggy road from the main thoroughfare to the bank of the Rustenkan Canal at MR W140980, over which a shallow bridgehead had been established. Complete responsibility for the successful performance of this vital work fell on Sergeant Slumkofske who had to contend with far more than the usual difficulties. Many of the tanks and other armoured vehicles were bogged a good distance from the road, which necessitated the building of corduroy roads to these vehicles before recovery could be effected. Throughout the operation, which lasted until 25 Apr, the detachment was under sporadic shell fire and part of the time mortar and rocket fire; the work had to be done in the open in unarmoured vehicles and on several occasions tasks had to be carried out within the bridgehead itself. Despite the enemy fire and other adverse conditions this NCO, by borrowing vehicles and constantly encouraging his men, so efficiently organized and supervised the work, including the engineering tasks, that it was possible to recover as many as 6 vehicles, including 4 tanks, from deep bog ground one day. During the week, the thoroughness and tireless efforts of this NCO ensured that the road to the bridgehead was not damaged and the flow of operational traffic at no time suffered from any serious delay. Throughout the operation, Sergeant Slumkofske, by his complete disregard for personal safety, his initiative, energy and determination set an inspiring example to the men under his command. The outstanding efficiency with which the detachment carried out their task was a material contribution to the success of the operation.

(A57497) Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 21 August 1945, No. 37235 page 4267, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5953, both dated 11 August 1945. Recommended for immediate award; document with Headquarters, 2 Canadian Corps until 30 May 1945; with Headquarters, First Canadian Army, 2-11 June 1945.

On the 26 February 1945, “B” Squadron, 27 Canadian Armoured Regiment, were in support of the South Saskatchewan Regiment after having made a night push onto the high ground near Calcar. There were a number of enemy pockets left behind which had been by- passed at night. It was impossible for any wheeled vehicles to bring up supplies during the day due to the boggy condition of the ground and the fire brought to bear by the by-passed enemy. In addition, all routes fwd were under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire. As the Squadron Leader moved from place to place directing the battle his tank became bogged down and no other tank of his squadron could come to his assistance, as they were busily engaged with the enemy. It was necessary therefore to request recovery. In answer to the call, MI04311 Sergeant Sodeman EF, 85 LAD, arrived and with his recovery tank pulled out the bogged down tank. Learning from the Squadron leader that, it might be necessary to disengage the battle due to lack of ammunition and petrol, Sergeant Sodeman volunteered to bring them forward in his recovery tanks. This was extremely difficult due to the soft ground and the constant fire being brought to bear by the by-passed enemy. As soon as the enemy realized what Sergeant Sodeman was up to they immediately brought down a terrific concentration of artillery and mortar fire. Not only were these trips made extremely dangerous by this fire, but his tanks became bogged twice and he had to direct and recover these tanks in full view of the enemy. However, he never deterred in the face of all these difficulties and managed during the afternoon to make three trips back and forth In spite of every effort the enemy made to prevent him. The determination and bravery of Sergeant Sodeman in the face of enemy machine gun, artillery and mortar fire across open boggy country, was an inspiration to our forces on the high ground and was the determining factor in the bringing of this operation to a successful conclusion.

(M104311) Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 29 May 1945, No. 37101 page 2745, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5718, both dated 26 May 1945. Recommended 12 March 1945; document with Headquarters, 2 Canadian Armoured Brigade, 13-17 March 1945; with Headquarters, 2 Canadian Corps, 17 March to 9 April 1945. Dates with Headquarters, First Canadian Army not shown on form.