During operations, which led to the final liberation of the Netherlands, Lieutenant Colonel Cranston has carried out his duties with outstanding ability. His sound appreciation of the problems involved and his careful planning to meet probable emergencies ensured that the maximum Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer service was available for units when required during the operations.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 19 February 1946, No. 37476, page 1053, and Canada Gazette dated 22 December 1945 and CARO/6291 dated 23 December 1945. Recommendation with Headquarters, Canadian Forces in the Netherlands, 21-26 September 1945 when signed off by Lieutenant-General G.G. Simonds. Cranston commanded RCEME units from Headquarters, 2 Canadian Corps.

Canada Gazette dated 22 March 1947 and Canadian Army Order 12/47 dated 31 March 1947.

Canada Gazette dated 21 September 1946 and CARO/6763 dated 23 September 1946.

During the campaign in Holland, Major Stethem served as second-in-command to the Commander, Royal Canadian Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, of 1 Canadian Division and latterly at Headquarters First Canadian Army, on the staff of Deputy Director Mechanical Engineers. The manner in which this officer performed his duties has been outstanding and he has invariably accomplished more than was expected of him. During the last stages of the operations, Major Stethem was made responsible for organizing the salvage and repair of all damaged enemy vehicles captured in west Holland. By displaying initiative and determination of a high order, by imbuing his subordinates with the importance of the task confronting them, and by the skilful use of the limited facilities at his disposal, he carried out his mission in a highly satisfactory manner, and was directly responsible for making available to the Canadian Army and the Netherlands Government many valuable vehicles at a time when they were urgently required. The repair organization that Major Stethem built up was ultimately handed over to the Ministry of Transport of the Netherlands Government ad his handling of this operation was marked by the efficiency and smoothness with which it was carried out.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 19 February 1946, No. 37476, page 1053, and Canada Gazette dated 22 December 1945 and CARO/6291 dated 23 December 1945. Recommended by Brigadier G.M. Grant, Deputy Director Mechanical Engineers with First Canadian Army; document with Headquarters, First Canadian Army, 21 July 1945 until uncertain date; approved by General H.D.G. Crerar. An award at the level of Knight Officer was considered but not approved.