Medal citations for Carpiquet:
AUSTIN, James Gordon, Warrant Officer Class I (Regimental Sergeant-Major) (A.4005) - Military Cross - Infantry - awarded as per Canada Gazette and CARO/6074, both dated 22 September 1945.
This Warrant Officer landed in Normandy on 6 June 1944 with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and has been through every action in which the battalion has been committed. Throughout the campaign he has conducted himself in the most energetic, gallant and distinguished manner. At Carpiquet, France, on 4 July 1944, he made repeated trips into the battle area to evacuate wounded and on one occasion took command of a disorganized group that had become separated from its platoon, fought his way back to the company headquarters and turned an organized entity over to the company commander. The gallant qualities of Regimental Sergeant-Major Austin were again brought out ...
DAVIDSON, Frank Paul, Lieutenant (Acting Captain) - Bronze Star Medal (United States) - Armour (10 Canadian Armoured Regiment [Fort Garry Horse]) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 30
March 1946 and CARO/6478 dated 1 April 1946.
Captain Davidson, 10 Canadian Armoured Regiment, fought as troop leader early in the campaign in Normandy, France. During the bitter and difficult attack on the Carpiquet airfield, he exhibited himself as an outstanding leader of men in battle. On 14 August 1944, he became Intelligence Officer of the regiment...
DOUTHWAITE, Charles Robert Raefe, Captain - Member, Order of the British Empire - Canadian Army Intelligence Corps (3 Canadian Field Security Section) - awarded as per Canada Gazette and
CARO/5826, both dated 30 June 1945.
This officer was responsible for the organization of security within 3 Canadian Infantry Division during the planning of the assault on Normandy and throughout the campaign in Northwest Europe. At all times his skill and devotion to duty have been outstanding and have far exceeded what might normally be expected of an officer of his rank. At the time of the capture of Carpiquet airport valuable documents of Canadian intelligence interest were secured as a direct result of his leadership under fire. In the later stages of the campaign his work has continued on an increasing high level. He has accepted an unusual degree of responsibility and on all occasions acquitted himself admirably.
DUCHNICKI, Frank, Gunner (H.67677) - Croix de Guerre avec Etoile de Bronze (France) - RCA (12 Canadian Field Regiment) - awarded as per CARO/5625 dated 28 April 1945.
On 4 July 1944 during the attack on Carpiquet airfield, Gunner Duchnicki, 12 Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, was a member of an observation post party supporting the North Shore Regiment. The party advanced behind the artillery barrage with the assaulting companies to the western edge of Carpiquet where orders were received to establish an observation post on the north eastern corner of the village overlooking the approaches from Caen. Shortly after the post was selected the enemy subjected the area to intense shelling and mortaring, during which the observing officer was seriously wounded. Gunner Duchnicki evacuated him to the nearest medical point, returned to the post and directed the fire of the guns of the Regiment throughout the greater part of the day, during enemy tank and infantry counter-attacks and under heavy and continuous mortar fire. The determination and sense of responsibility of Gunner Duchnicki during this critical stage of the battle enabled direct artillery support to be given to the North Shore Regiment during the consolidation of the objective, Carpiquet.
DURNO, William Ralston, Lance-Bombardier (H.47520) - Croix de Guerre avec Etoile de Bronze (France) - RCA (12 Field Regiment) - awarded as per CARO/5625 dated 28 April 1945.
On July 4, 1944 during the attack on Carpiquet airfield Lance-Bombardier William Ralston Durno of a field regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, was a member of an artillery observation post party in support of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. This party advanced with the assaulting companies across the open, flat airfield to a bunker where the observation post was established, remaining there under intense enemy shell and mortar fire for a period of three hours.The cable from the remote control unit to the wireless set, 200 yards away in a carrier, was cut into shreds by the shell splinters and repair of the damage was out of the question. Lance-Bombardier Durno traversed the open, fire-swept ground between the post and the carrier time and again to carry the fire orders from the artillery officer to the operator of the wireless set. Undoubtedly Lance-Bombardier Durno's courage and determination were very important factors in obtaining the artillery support required by the Royal Winnipeg Rifles in continuing their attack onto the final objective.
FLINTOFT, James, Lieutenant (Acting Captain) - Military Cross - RCA (14 Field Regiment) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 4 November 1944 and CARO/5061 dated 8 November 1944.
While in support of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles at Carpiquet, 4 July 1944, as Forward Observation Officer from 14 Field Regiment, Captain Flintoft displayed the utmost gallantry and courage well beyond the call of duty. In addition to rendering infinitely valuable service to the battalion in the direction and control of artillery fire from his regiment, Captain Flintoft rallied
and commanded a platoon of "B" Company during a temporary withdrawal in the face of Panther tanks when most of the platoon officers and Non-Commissioned Officers had become casualties. In so doing, Captain Flintoft prevented a general withdrawal of the un-officered company and contributed largely to the battalion's ability to hold their ground. Throughout this action and at any time that Captain Flintoft has been attached to this battalion, he has always given evidence of outstanding qualities of gallantry, cool courage and superior skill and leadership.
FURNISS, Leslie George, Bombardier (B.22317) - Croix de Guerre avec Etoile de Bronze (France) - RCA (19 Canadian Army Field Regiment) - awarded as per CARO/5625 dated 28 April 1945.
Bombardier Furniss was a member of the 19 Canadian Army Field Regiment throughout the campaign in France. His personal initiative and outstanding courage in maintaining line communications with the Regimental Forward Observation officers was at all times highly commendable. During the attack on Carpiquet, 4 July 1944, he laid line forward to the Forward Observation Officer on the airfield, whilst subjected to extremely heavy shell and mortar fire. After installing the line he and his party were pined down by enemy machine gun fire, but with great coolness and ingenuity he succeeded in extricating his vehicle and crew without casualty. Later during the same operation Bombardier Furniss repeatedly went out into the open to repair breaks in the line caused by the intense mortaring. At dusk, when the line again failed, he returned to the Forward Observation Officer over a route covered by fire carrying batteries for the R/T set. It is beyond doubt that the unselfish devotion to duty of the Non-Commissioned Officer greatly affected the success achieved by his regiment throughout the operation.
GRANT, Donald Ivan, Lieutenant - Military Cross - General List - Awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 23 December 1944 and CARO/5235 dated 3 January 1945.
Lieutenant Grant, a photographic officer with Canadian Film and Phot Unit, came ashore at H + 15 minutes on D Day with an assault company of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. The assault craft came under heavy machine gun fire as it neared the shore. Lieutenant Grant, regardless of the heavy machine gun fire sweeping the ground around him, and with no thought for his own safety, carried out with determination his job of photographing the landing of the assault troops. When the troops advanced inland he went with them, carrying out his duties in the face of intense enemy fire with remarkable coolness. Later in the day he assisted in bringing the wounded to the Field Dressing Station. Later in the campaign Lieutenant Grant was covering the attack on Carpiquet airfield when he came under heavy mortar fire; his driver who was assisting him was killed. The body being in the open, Lieutenant Grant made several attempts under intense fire to reach the body, till he himself was wounded. At all times this officer has carried out his duties with courage, skill and determination in the face of continual danger with no thought of his personal safety. His coolness has continually been an example and inspiration to the other members of the film and photo unit.
HOSFORD, Edwin Allison, Corporal (G.4553) - Croix de Guerre avec Etoile d'Bronze (France) - Infantry (North Shore New Brunswick Regiment) - awarded as per CARO/5625 dated 28 April 1945.
On 4 July 1944, the attack on Carpiquet commenced. At this time Private Hosford was a rifleman. Casualties almost at the outset left Private Hosford in charge of his section and with no orders as to the situation with which he was then confronted. His company was held up in the grain fields outside Carpiquet by machine-gun fire.
Private Hosford, on his own initiative took three men and advancing under fire cleaned out the enemy machine gun post, thus allowing his company to proceed to its objective which he was then instrumental in consolidating, although the position was under constant shelling. Private Hosford, with total disregard for his own safety continued to move about encouraging and advising his platoon who were by this time without officers or senior Non-Commissioned Officers.
The position was then heavily counter-attacked by infantry and tanks, but so skilfully had been Private Hosford's dispositions, and so inspiring his example and determination, that though greatly out-numbered the position resisted all the efforts of the enemy who counter-attacked again and again.
There is no doubt that this Private's conduct contributed directly to the success of his company and battalion.
ISENOR, Leo Emery, Private (F.65848) - Military Medal - Service Corps (22 Canadian Field Ambulance) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 10 November 1945 and CARO/6193 dated 12
November 1945.
Private Isenor has rendered outstanding and gallant service with 22 Canadian Field Ambulance throughout the whole period of the campaign in Northwest Europe. Private Isenor landed in Normandy on 6 June 1944 and since that time has been employed as a driver of a jeep ambulance, and has seen action in every operation in which 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade took part. During the battle for Carpiquet airfield in July, Private Isenor did exceptionally good work, under heavy shell fire, in driving to the foremost areas to pick up and transport the wounded. Without thought of his own safety, he drove his jeep ambulance to the forward areas many times during the battle to collect casualties and transport them to safety and medical attention. The cheerfulness, determination and courage of this soldier throughout the whole campaign have brought great credit to himself and to his unit. The many arduous tasks which he has been called upon to do have been performed most willingly and in many instances with great risk to himself. He has always been willing and anxious to render service over and above the call of duty. By his unselfish, untiring and courageous efforts he has saved the lives of many Canadian soldiers.
Wounded infantrymen of Le Régiment de la Chaudière near Carpiquet, France, 4 July 1944.
JOHNSON, Lloyd Douglas, Lieutenant - Croix de Guerre avec Etoile de Argent (France) - Armour (7th Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment, 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars) - awarded
as per CARO/5625 dated 28 April 1945.
On 29 June 1944 at La Villeneuve, prior to the attack on Carpiquet, patrols had made a night reconnaissance of the outskirts of Carpiquet and reported that the enemy had withdrawn. The 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade were to move forward and occupy Carpiquet. However it was decided that a daylight patrol was necessary to ensure that the approaches were clear. Lieutenant Lloyd Douglas Johnson volunteered to lead a patrol of three carriers and two heavy armoured cars. Lieutenant Johnson established his patrol on the high ground between La Villeneuve and Carpiquet. He then led his two armoured cars right up to the outskirts of Carpiquet where they came under heavy enemy anti-tank and machine gun fire. His two cars were knocked out, the crews dismounted, and Lieutenant Johnson organized the withdrawal of the crews carrying with them two wounded comrades. Realizing that the information gained was too meagre to be of much assistance, Lieutenant Johnson remained with his patrol on the high ground. This patrol now consisted of twelve men and two wounded. Lieutenant Johnson and his patrol remained under heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire for two and a half hours during which time the enemy in company strength put in two attacks, each time coming within ten yards of the position but both times were forced to withdraw due to the withering fire of Lieutenant Johnson and his men. During all this time Lieutenant Johnson reported all enemy positions by wireless and sent back a detailed sketch map. An orderly withdrawal was then effected. Lieutenant Johnson's patrol suffered a total of five casualties and casualties to the enemy were very heavy. The information gained by perseverance and outright courage as sown by Lieutenant Johnson proved to be of vital importance in the subsequent attack on Carpiquet.
LALANDE, Gaston, Lieutenant - Croix de Guerre avec Etoile d'Argent (France) - Infantry (Regiment de Chaudiere) - awarded as per CARO 5625 dated 28 April 1945.
Lieutenant Gaston Lalande, an infantry platoon commander with Le Regiment de la Chaudiere, took part on 4 July 1944 in the attack on the village and airfield of Carpiquet. Early in the battle his platoon was engaged by numerous snipers. He was very aggressive and led his men to clean out nest after nest of snipers. All of the many houses on his front were thoroughly cleaned out, numerous snipers were killed and may taken prisoner. At times it seemed that his men were about to slow down due to fierce enemy fire, but Lieutenant Lalande led them on, rushing and taking all objectives, leading each section in turn, thereby exposing himself constantly to enemy fire.
It was a brilliant action led by a superb leader, a fearless and indefatigable officer which was more than instrumental in breaking the crust of enemy resistance, allowing our forces to push through and capture the entire position before the enemy had a chance to reorganize. His entire disregard of danger and coolness under fire was an inspiration to his men.
MacRAE, John Chester Roy Kingsborough, Lieutenant - Military Cross - Infantry (North Shore [New Brinswick]) Regiment) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 9 December 1944 and CARO/5217
dated 23 December 1944.
At Carpiquet on the night of 5 July 1944, a heavy counter-attack was launched against the salient held by the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment. This attack was followed at dawn on 6 July 1944 by a co-ordinated infantry and tank attack on a company of the Regiment de la Chaudiere on the right flank of the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.
This second attack succeeded in driving the forward elements of the Regiment de la Chaudiere back and exposing the flank of the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment. "C" Company sustained this direct attack on its front and right flank and the situation appeared most grave.
Lieutenant MacRae, appreciating the situation, reorganized his platoon to meet this threat to the company's right flank and continued to move along his men encouraging them and arranging details despite the fact that small arms fire and high explosive from the heavy weapons of the tanks were sweeping their position.While carrying out this reorganization, Lieutenant MacRae was knocked down by the blast of a high explosive shell and rendered unconscious for several minutes. Upon regaining
consciousness, he refused to leave his position until the enemy were beaten off. The steadfastness and devotion to duty shown by Lieutenant MacRae were an inspiration to his platoon and were major factors in the successful holding of the company's position.
MASSEY, John Joseph, Private (C.21046) - Military Medal - Infantry (Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa [Machine Gun]) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 4 November 1944 and CARO/5061 dated
8 November 1944.
On the night of 4/5 July 1944, at Map Reference 972695 Sheet 7 F/1 (France) during a heavy enemy infantry and tank counter-attack on our positions on the northern edge of Carpiquet,
Corporal Massey, a No 1 Gunner of 7 Platoon, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Machine Gun) kept his gun going under heavy enemy machine gun and 75-mm fire. The gunner on the adjacent gun was wounded so Private Massey took over that gun too, and for some time with the help of two ammunition numbers, kept both guns in action, by running back and forth between the two guns over ground covered by heavy enemy fire. The count of enemy dead next morning, in front of the position, was over 100.
McCORRISTON, Percy Reginald, Lance-Sergeant (H.87328) - Military Medal - Infantry (Royal Winnipeg Rifles) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 4 November 1944 and CARO/5061 dated 8
November 1944.
At Carpiquet airfield on 4 July 1944, when his Platoon Commander had become a casualty, this Non-Commissioned Officer assumed command of the platoon [Royal Winnipeg Rifles], rallied the disorganized group of men by moving calmly from section to section under incessant shell-fire and captured the platoon objective. Again, when shelling and mortar fire had reduced and disorganized his platoon, Acting Lance-Sergeant McCorriston reorganized his men and, on orders from his Company Commander, withdrew them to a position in reserve.
Throughout this campaign, this Non-Commissioned Officer has manifested outstanding qualities of leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty. He is recommended accordingly.
McRAE, Wilbert Findley, Warrant Officer Class I (Regimental Sergeant-Major, MBE (E.1068) - Military Cross - Infantry (North Shore [New Brunswick] Regiment) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated
9 December 1944 and CARO/5217 dated 23 December 1944. Since killed in action.
During the early morning of 4 July 1944, the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, with the Regiment de la Chaudiere on its right, attacked, captured and held the village of Carpiquet.
As a result of casualties during the actual attack and as counter-attacks were expected, it became necessary to call for reinforcements. On receiving information that reinforcements had arrived at "A" Echelon, Regimental Sergeant-Major McRae promptly went to supervise their handling and at the same time to bring up further supplies of ammunition. To ensure that they should arrive safely, he made a reconnaissance, on foot under fire, of the best routes into the area. He then organized the reinforcements into each group up to their company, under mortar fire, in time for them to get settled before the counter-attack was made. There were no casualties owing to his careful planning. He then returned, having supervised the dumping of ammunition and mines in each company area, refilled the ammunition lorries and brought them into the battalion area where he established his reserve. During most of this time enemy harassing mortar and shell fire was falling in and around the battalion area.
Throughout the battle of Carpiquet which lasted for several days, his resourcefulness and clear thinking contributed greatly to the fighting efficiency of the battalion, and by his careful planning reinforcements and supplies came up safely and regularly despite the almost continuous shell and mortar fire under which Regimental Sergeant-Major McRae personally supervised the work throughout.
By his coolness, confident bearing, and leadership, he inspired the reinforcements, most of who were under fire for the first time, with steadiness which did not leave them when the counter-attacks did eventually come in, with the result that they gave a very good account of themselves in their first action. His steadiness and personal courage were an outstanding example to all ranks of his unit.
MORTON, Ronald Edward Alfred, Lieutenant-Colonel - Distinguished Service Order - Armour (10 Canadian Armoured Regiment [Fort Garry Horse]) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 23
December 1944 and CARO/5235 dated 3 January 1945.
On D Day and during every action since then in which his regiment has been involved, Lieutenant-Colonel Morton has shown outstanding leadership, ability and courage in handling his
regiment and in the cooperative way he has worked with other arms. It was his skill and determination on D Day that largely contributed to the successful supporting of the 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade onto their objective which was considered of such importance to the successful landing and subsequent operation of 3 Canadian Infantry Division. During this action he personally attacked and destroyed with his tank an enemy battalion headquarters. On D+2 after he had organized and supervised a tank-infantry attack from Les Buissons onto Vieux Cairon and when subsequently withdrawing he personally protected a disabled tank until it was successfully towed to safety. On D+3 at Les Buissons he organized an attack to restore a situation. During this action his tank was hit by an '88. He continued to fight until his tank was hit twice more by '88s and set on fire. He got his crew out and withdrew them through the enemy infantry a distance of a mile. His splendid cooperation with 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade during the attack on Carpiquet and subsequently during the garrisoning of the area was a large contribution to the success of this battle. While performing the garrison duty of defending Carpiquet from 5 to 8 July 1944, his regiment was subjected to intense short range fire from three sides. He personally supervised the defensive arrangements and in so doing inspired his whole regiment with his coolness and confidence. From 12 to 18 July when his regiment was supporting 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade in the area of Verson, he displayed the same qualities as he had shown at Carpiquet and was an inspiring example not only to his own men but to the infantry with whom he was working. The splendid consistent display of courage, determination, cheerfulness and cooperation has been a most outstanding example of the best soldierly qualities and is worthy of the highest recognition.
NEGRIDGE, Peter, Corporal (D.15253) - Croix de Guerre avec Etoile d'Bronze (France) - Engineers (16th Canadian Field Company) - awarded as per CARO/5625 dated 28 April 1945.
In Normandy on 4 July 1944, Corporal Peter Negridge was in charge of a section of sappers attached to the North Shore Regiment during the assault and capture of Carpiquet airfield by a Canadian infantry brigade. The task of the assault sappers was the demolition, if necessary, of any enemy strong points and to clear the immediate area captured of any mines and booby traps.
Corporal Negridge led his section of sappers in the assault and despite the heavy concentration of artillery and mortar fire, he succeeded in directing the neutralization of the mines in the immediate area. His contempt of danger throughout the attack set an example to all his men. During this period he was wounded in the shoulder but refused to go back and continued with his task until it was completed. Corporal Negridge then directed his section in the digging of their defence position in preparation for the expected counter-attack. It was not until he was satisfied that the section had taken all possible measures for their defence that he allowed himself to be evacuated.
The high sense of responsibility of Corporal Negridge, his leadership and his devotion to duty was an inspiration to his men throughout the whole of the attack.
SINCLAIR, Garnet William, Rifleman (H.41541) - Military Medal - Infantry (Royal Winnipeg Rifles) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 4 November 1944 and CARO/5061 dated 8 November 1944.
On 4 July 1944, at Carpiquet airfield, this soldier showed extraordinary courage and devotion to duty in moving about all day under heavy shell and mortar fire to care for and evacuate the
wounded.
At the time of this action four company stretcher bearers had become casualties, making it necessary for Sinclair, a company stretcher bearer [Royal Winnipeg Rifles], to evacuate wounded from both "B" and "D" Companies as well as "A", his own Company. In all he made five trips to ground where "B" and "D" Companies were under terrific fire and with the utmost coolness and disregard for his own safety, bandaged and evacuated wounded men, in addition to doing magnificent work of the same sort within his own Company. During one trip through "B" Company when he was returning from evacuating the Company Commander, four of the enemy surrendered to Rifleman Sinclair although he was unarmed at the time.
Throughout this heavy and confused action, Rifleman Sinclair's outstanding courage and gallantry, his coolness under the most severe of enemy fire, and his undeviating devotion to duty served as an inspiration to both the officers and men of this battalion and unquestionably influenced the battalion's ability to hold it's ground in the face of the tank and infantry counter-attack.
SLEMMON, Melvin Orvell, Rifleman (H.41064) - Military Medal - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 23 December 1944 and CARO/5235 dated 3 January 1945.
The above soldier is a stretcher-bearer in a rifle company of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. He has at all times displayed the utmost coolness and efficiency in dealing with all types of casualties. At Le Mesmil Patry on 17 June 1944 while under heavy mortar, shell and rifle fire, he attended to the wounded showing complete disregard for his own personal safety. On 4 July 1944 at Carpiquet he again assisted with the wounded while under extremely heavy mortar fire, carrying on while the remainder of the company was pinned down. He was always the first out of the slit trenches after any shell fire and was constantly attending or prepared to help any man no matter how dangerous or exposed his position was to the enemy. His actions have constantly served as an example of great bravery to the entire company.
STOCKDALE, Harold Douglas, Rifleman (Acting Corporal) (D.63754) - Croix de Guerre avec Etoile d'Bronze (France) - Infantry (Headquarters, 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade) - awarded as per
CARO/5625 dated 28 April 1945.
Rifleman (Acting Corporal) Harold Douglas Stockdale was employed continually by the Brigade Commander as personal driver from the time of landing on the beach of Bernieres-sur-Mer at approximately 0900, June 6, 1944. In the performance of his duty, Acting Corporal Stockdale was constantly required to drive the Brigade Commander, by night and by day, along unknown roads, often harassed by enemy gun fire, and into the forward defended localities. When the Brigade Commander was making a preliminary reconnaissance for the attack on Carpiquet, Acting Corporal Stockdale was required to drive him to Marcelet, being the most forward observation point. It happened that Marcelet was not in fact occupied by our troops and when they were there a German staff car came down the road from Carpiquet, containing an enemy officer and his driver. The Brigade Commander and his driver fired on the car, forced it to stop, and took the enemy officer and his driver prisoner. At all times and in all circumstances, Acting Corporal Stockdale displayed the same cool composure and devoted service.
TRUMBLEY, Frederick Charles, Corporal (Acting Sergeant) (H.40825) - Military Medal - Infantry (Royal Winnipeg Rifles) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 4 November 1944 and CARO/5061
dated 8 November 1944.
On 4 July 1944, at Carpiquet airfield, when two section commanders of his platoon had been wounded and the fire power of the platoon reduced to rifles only, this Non-Commissioned Officer acting as Platoon Commander, reorganized the weakened sections into one defensive position, gathered from a German position a Machine Gun 42 and ammunition belts, collected from Canadian dead and wounded sufficient filled Bren magazines for his purpose and was thus able to carry out the task allotted to his platoon [of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles]. The above gallant action took place under constant mortar and shell fire, Acting Sergeant Trumbley giving no thought to personal safety but his actions and outstanding courage serving as an inspiring example to his men.
WILSON, Robert, Sergeant (B.63708) - Military Medal - Infantry (Queen's Own Rifles of Canada) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 10 November 1945 and CARO/6193 dated 12 November 1945.
Sergeant Wilson is the Regimental Aid Post Sergeant of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. He landed with "C" Company of this regiment during the assault on the beaches of Bernier-sur-Mer, Normandy, 6 June 1944, and has served continuously in every action undertaken by this battalion until the cessation of hostilities. At all times during this long period he has carried out his duties of caring for the wounded with unceasing cheerfulness, great courage and bravery. Upon numerous occasions, Sergeant Wilson has taken it upon himself to go forward into the battle zone, under heavy shelling and mortar fire, to bring back wounded comrades to their own lines. During the heavy fighting for Carpiquet village, 4 July 1944, it was learned that a section of men were isolated by mortar and small arms fire, very close to the enemy lines; amongst these were two badly wounded men, desperately in need of first aid. As soon as the message was received at the Regimental Aid Post, without hesitation, Sergeant Wilson volunteered to make the hazardous journey with the necessary medical equipment. Taking a stretcher bearer and showing the utmost disregard for his own safety, displaying great courage and skill, Sergeant Wilson, under a hail of enemy small arms fire, through shell cratered and burning fields, reached his objective. Upon doing so he discovered that the two men were very badly wounded and were in urgent need of a qualified surgeon. Placing one of the men on a stretcher, he and the stretcher bearer again made their way across the bullet-swept terrain to the Regimental Aid Post. Sergeant Wilson then made a second trip, under the very heavy enemy barrage, and miraculously succeeded in bringing back the other wounded man. At all times during the campaign, the bravery and devotion to duty shown by Sergeant Wilson has been a constant source of inspiration to all ranks of this battalion. All wounded men returning to the unit after hospitalization are loud in their praise of this outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer's speedy and efficient work, which has undoubtedly saved lives.
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