On 23 December 1943, when six tanks of 12 Canadian Armoured Regiment bogged down into heavy mud south of Ortona during the battle for this key position, it became operationally essential that these tanks become extricated to rejoin their squadron for the combined tank-infantry assault on the town the following morning. Realizing the vital necessity of having these tanks ready to move by the next day, Capt. Armstrong, the LAD officer, under continual shellfire and sniping, without regard for his own safety, personally directed the recovery of all the bogged tanks with dogged determination, skill, and a high degree of bravery. As a result of his gallant efforts, all six tanks were freed from the mud enabling them to rejoin their squadron during the night and to play a vital part in the subsequent capture of Ortona.

Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 18 April, 1944, No. 36477, page 1815. His sergeant, Frank James Fontaine was awarded the MM in the same action. Postwar, he was President of the Serviceman’s Automobile Club. RCEME Technical Bulletin, October 1962.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He worked with great presence of mind and determination in removing the petrol and workshop store lorry to a place of safety when they were in danger of catching fire from the burning store tent and ammunition dump that were set alight by bombs from enemy aircraft. He was in full view from the glare of the conflagration, and was bombed by the enemy aeroplanes the whole time, as well as being in great danger from bursting shells of the ammunition dump. Through his efforts, valuable property was rescued, and it was possible to carry on repairs to guns the next morning. He set a splendid example.

Awarded 7 November 1918. Fifth Supplement to the London Gazette of 5 November 1918, No. 30997, page 13174. Canada Gazette, 21 December 1918, p2032.

not found.

From RCEME Quarterly, July 1951. Lt-Col Edward served from 1917 to 1919 in the Royal Flying Corps, where he was awarded the MC and DFC. He graduated from McGill University in 1924 in Civil Engineering. In World War II, he joined 4 Army Field Workshop, RCOC, later transferring to RCEME in May 1944, serving in the UK and NWE. Post war, he commanded 27 Medium Workshop, RCEME (RF) and 3rd Technical Regiment,

From an original idea that a Bailey Bridge could be launched across a river from the backs of tanks, Captain Kingsmill was instrumental in the development and construction of such a bridge used during the 12 May 1944 attack across the Gari River on the Gustav Line (Map ref 863145). As a result of many rehearsals and careful preparation, the bridge framework was assembled in daylight under heavy enemy concentrations. Then, at one, under direct observation and subject to intense mortar and machine gun fire Captain Kingsmill, with no thought for his own safety, coolly walked backwards over open ground a distance of 500 yards in front of the tank-borne bridge. He directed it successfully into place at the first attempt. Wounded by an exploding shell, he dauntlessly remained at the river crossing during the final securing of the span. When an enemy counterattack developed from the opposite side of the river in an effort to dislodge the bridge, he climbed inside one of the two supporting tanks, methodically proceeding to machine gun the German fire positions. Determined to stem the attack he called for and received artillery support. Not until the counterattack was beaten off and the bridge was firmly in place did Captain Kingsmill consider leaving to have his wounds attended. His courage and determination were at all times beyond praise. His most gallant action contributed directly in the smashing of the Gustav Line.

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 C.H. Nroutsos, Commanding Officer, 14 Canadian Armoured Regiment; document at Headquarters, 1 Canadian Armoured Brigade, dates not specified (supported by Brigadier W.C. Murphy); with Headquarters, 8 Indian Division, 25 May to 1 June 1944 (supported by Major-General D. Russell); at Headquarters, 13 Corps, 2-19 June 1944 (supported by Lieutenant-General S.C. Kirkham); at Headquarters, Eighth Army, 24-28 June 1944 (supported by Lieutenant-General O.W.H. Leese); at Headquarters, Allied Armies in Italy, 1 July 1944 (approved by General H.R. Alexander). Awarded “in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy”. Graduate Engineer. Postwar, he was manager of the district sales offices in Canada of the Aluminum Company of Canada. RCEME Technical Bulletin, January 1962.

On 26 February 1945, at the beginning of operation Blockbuster, the 6 Canadian Armoured Regiment (1H) had one squadron in support of 5 Canadian Infantry Brigade of 2 Canadian Infantry Division and 2 squadrons in support of 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade of 3 Canadian Infantry Division. The fighting on the 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade front was partuclarly heavy and during the course of the day some 22 tanks were lost through enemy action, mines and bogged down. Realizing the seriousness of the situation early in the day Captain P.C. Neil, 54 LAD att to 6 Canadian Armd Regiment (1H) , took his recovery tanks forward behind the two squadrons and acting entirely on his own initiative began recovery work on the bogged down and mined tanks in an area subjected to heavy enemy artillery, machine gun and sniper fire. This work was done without covering fire or the assistance of mine detectors in a heavily minded area. In the late afternoon “A” Squadron who had been in support of 5 Canadian Infantry Brigade were released, having accomplished their task in the CALCAR area, MR E9948, and were ordered to rejoin the regiment to support 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade in their attack on UDEM. The \squadron at this time had lost only three tracks on mines but on the move to the regimental area lost eight bogged down. The considerable distance between the two areas necessitated the splitting of the recovery section and recovery of “A” Squadron was under command of the Regiment Tech Adjt. Unfortunately, this officer was killed during his work by the explosion of a mine. Captain P.C. Neil immediately took over both tasks and complete contempt for danger, set an example which was immediately responded to by his crews and by noon on the 28th all recoverable tanks which were still battle worthy were back with the regiment. The 6 Canadian Armd Regiment (1H) was committed to Phase II of the operation on the morning of 1st March and from this point on, due to the enemy’s indiscriminate use of both anti-tank and schu mines and treacherous going, recovery became the most important feature of maintaining tank support for the infantry. The situation seemed hopeless at times and at last light of 3rd March, the regimental strength was some 23 effective tanks. From these one squadron was to be kept in reserve to support the 7 Canadian Infantry Brigade attack on Sonsbeek. The remaining tanks were to support 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade who were passed through 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade. The recovery section had worked from first light to dark on the day of the 3rd and at 2200 hrs Captain Neil was ordered to make every effort to continue recovery at all costs. Despite exhausted condition of his men this work was continued until 1800hrs 4 March. From this point on squadron strengths were maintained at from 8-10 tanks. From the 26 Feb 45 to 4 March Captain Neil and his crew recovered fifty-one tanks. This was an outstanding record as this was not recovery in the ordinary sense but recovery across a boggy, mined battlefield, where the battle was still raging and which was at all times subjected to extremely heavy artillery, machine gun and mortar fire. There is no doubt that his courage and contempt for danger, his will powere and personality set such a high example to his crews that by their efforts all squadrons were kept at the highest possible strength. Due to this Regiment was able to give the maximum support when called upon and maintain the momentum of the attack and bring the clearing of the west bank of the Rhine to successful conclusion.

Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 29 May, 1945, No. 37101, page 2744, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5677, both dated 12 May 1945. Recommended for immediate award on 10 March 1945; document with Headquarters, 2 Canadian Armoured Brigade, 13-22 March 1945; passed directly to Headquarters, 2 Canadian Corps which held it 22-27 March 1945. Graduate Engineer. Postwar, he was Senior Industrial Engineer in the Welland Plant of Cyanamid of Canada, Limited. RCEME Technical Bulletin, July 1962.

No citations have been found.

Fourth Supplement to the London Gazette dated 11 January 1916, No. 29438, page 591 and Canada Gazette 29 July 1916 p361. He is noted as being a Lieutenant in the 28th Canadian Infantry Battalion. No citation in the Gazette. Extracts from his personnel file (Library and Archives of Canada, RG 150, Acc 1992-93/166, Box 7376): He was born on 31 December 1882. He enlisted in the 8th Battalion as Armourer Sergeant Major on 22 September 1914. His trade on enlistment in the CEF was Small Arms Armourer (Gunsmith). He was promoted T/Lieutenant in the Canadian Ordnance Corps on 18 September 1915, and was appointed an Armourer Officer on 20 March 1916. He was promoted T/Captain on 24 June 1916, and appointed Inspector of Machine Guns on 21 November 1916, and finally T/Major on 29 January 1918. He was recommended for gallant and distinguished service in the field by the Field Marshal Commander-in-Chief, resulting in a Mention in Despatches (Supplement to the London Gazette of 1 January 1916, No. 29422). He died on 18 February 1952.

On 12 May 44 when the tanks of the 11 Canadian Armd Regiment crossed the GARI River South of S. Angelo (MR 862153) many tanks became bogged in the soft river flat, Captain Patton, the regimental LAD officer, proceeded to the crossing with his recovery tank, and working under heavy mortar fire, machine gun and rifle fire succeeded in recovering twenty-three of the bogged tanks while in full view of the enemy. His coolness and determination under while directing recovery operations from outside the tanks was an inspiration to his recovery crews and spurred them on to greater efforts. His success in recovering twenty-three tanks was a vital factor in the support given the Infantry during the crossing and the subsequent securing of a firmly held bridgehead.

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 at Headquarters, 1 Canadian Armoured Brigade, 22-25 May 1944 (supported by Brigadier W.C. Murphy); with Headquarters, 8 Indian Division, 17-28 May 1944 (supported by Major-General D. Russell); at Headquarters, 13 Corps, 30 May to 19 June 1944 (supported by LieutenantGeneral S.C. Kirkham); at Headquarters, Eighth Army, 24-28 June 1944 (supported by LieutenantGeneral O.W.H. Leese); at Headquarters, Allied Armies in Italy, 1 July 1944 (approved by General H.R. Alexander). Awarded “in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy”. Graduate Engineer. Postwar, he was a partner in Patton and Cooke, Ltd., in Vancouver. RCEME Technical Bulletin, July 1962.

Captain Rupert landed in Normandy with the 22nd Canadian Armoured Regiment on 27 July 1944, and has given outstanding service to date. He has on several occasions, through his ceaseless untiring efforts and with boldness in the face of enemy fire, recovered many vehicles, both tanks and wheeled vehicles, which, had the regiment been forced to operate without, it would have been greatly handicapped. In the operation at Hill 195 in France, one mile south of St Helaire, on 9 August 1944, the regiment had suffered several tank casualties and, when ordered to pull out, there were three tanks still serviceable if recovery could be brought forward. The hill was still under enemy mortar and shell fire with 88-mm guns covering the area. Captain Rupert personally reconnoitred a way in, and directed his recovery equipment to the tanks concerned. He supervised the complete operation and the tanks were successfully recovered. Again, in Belgium at Wouwsche Plantage near Steenbergen in October 1944, Captain Rupert was again called on to effect recovery of several tanks that were temporarily out of action due to mines. The woods north of the railway track contained machine gun positions and mortars. Captain Rupert, without considering his own safety, personally directed and supervised the successful recovery of these tanks. Again, in Germany near Wennenthal, the regiment suffered tank casualties due to panzerfaust fire. Two tanks were recoverable, but the area was still under heavy enemy shellfire and intense small arms fire. Captain Rupert, without thought of his own welfare, personally supervised, directed, and successfully effected recovery of the tanks. The service which 84 Light Aid Detachment has given this regiment has been of the highest and most satisfactory standards in all phases of its work. The Light Aid Detachment’s excellent record, due to the leadership and executive ability of Captain Rupert in effecting repairs, recovering equipment, making modifications, improving equipment, and maintaining guns, has kept this regiment in a state of fighting efficiency by virtue of its being able to maintain in the field a maximum number of fighting vehicles for all operations.

Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 22 January 1946, No. 37442, page 647, and Canada Gazette dated 10 November 1945 and CARO/6193 dated 12 November 1945. Captain Rupert was awarded the Military Cross on 10 April 1945. Graduate Engineer. Postwar, he was President and General Manager of the Brackman-Kor Milling Company Ltd., New Westminster, BC. RCEME Technical Bulletin, April 1962.

On 20 December 1944, two recovery tanks of 53 Light Aid Detachment, attached to 2 Canadian Armoured Regiment, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) were detailed to provide recovery resources at the Fosso Munio crossing. An assault bridge was to be launched and the recovery tanks were to be the first across. The bridge was launched, but before taking the tanks across, Captain Wilkins, commander of 53 Light Aid Detachment, went forward on foot and examined the bridge and found that it had been launched at such an angle that it was impossible for tanks to use it. He immediately informed the engineers who completed a fill with an armoured bulldozer. Throughout the bridging and filling operations, the crossing was subjected to an extremely heavy concentration of enemy shell, mortar, and machine gun fire to such an extent that two M-10 self-propelled guns, one D-6 bulldozer and one tank were destroyed within a radius of two hundred yards of the bridge site. Owing to the heavy concentration of the fire that was brought to bear on the crossing and beyond, it was decided to put fighting tanks across first to assist the Perth Regiment. A troop of tanks was ordered to cross. The first two succeeded, but the third tank bogged down in the fill, completely blocking the route and preventing any further crossings. Captain Wilkins, taking stock of the situation, realized the derelict tank could not be moved by his recovery tanks and arranged for the use of a nearby armoured bulldozer. He then dismounted from his recovery tank in company with two of his men and went forward on foot under the extremely heavy fire carrying the recovery cables, secured them to the stranded tank and returned to the armoured bulldozer and directed the winching of the derelict vehicle clear of the crossing. In the face of the intense enemy shell and mortar fire for some thirty minutes, Captain Wilkins acted with gallantry and without thought for his own safety, and by his efforts was directly responsible for clearing the crossing and ensuring the passage of the supporting arms, which were essential for the holding of the Perth Regiment bridgehead.

Captain Wilkins was awarded an Immediate Military Cross on 5 January 1945. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 22 May 1945, No. 37091, page 2650, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5376, both dated 17 February 1945. Recommended for immediate award; document with Headquarters, 5 Canadian Armoured Division, 27-28 December 1944; with Headquarters, 1 Canadian Corps, 28-29 December 1944; with Headquarters, Eighth Army, 30-31 December 1944; with Headquarters, Allied Armies in Italy, 3-5 January 1945. Graduate Engineer. Postwar, he was Manager of Salary Administrative Services of the Ontarion Hydo-Electric Power Commission. RCEME Technical Bulletin, ??