On the 21st May 1944, the gun position of “E” Troop, 17th Canadian Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, situated midway between Ponte­corvo and Acquino, was being subjected to very heavy shelling by the enemy.  At one time several shells landed at once in the vicinity of Lieutenant Archibald, one of which buried him and another killed three men, mortally wounded a fourth, and seriously wounded four others.

This officer immediately extricated himself from the debris and despite the continuous shelling, organized the evacuation of the wounded and personally pulled out the ammunition from a burning trailer, thus preventing another explosion and further loss of life.  Although suffering from severe burns, Lieutenant Archibald realized that the regiment was taking an essential part in the divisional artillery program and that it was necessary, therefore, for every possible gun to be in action in order to obtain the desired fire effect.  Disregarding his personal safety entirely, he reorganized his troop and with great initiative and determination caused his guns to continue firing, despite the continuous shelling.  His calmness and confidence combined with his inspired leadership were of considerable assistance to the results obtained by the supporting fire of the unit and the subsequent success of the 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade.

At Otterloo, during the night 16/17 April 1945, the enemy attacked and overran 76 Battery Command Post, setting the building on fire and knocking out the wireless sets and cutting off line communication with Regimental Headquarters.  Gunner Bouchard, a driver/mechanic, realizing the serious situation and that word of a full scale attack must reach the infantry as soon as possible, jumped into his unarmoured 15-​hundred­weight vehicle and headed back for the infantry battalion headquarters, a distance of 1,200 yards.

By this time the enemy were dug in on both sides of a 400 yard stretch of the road.  Displaying absolute contempt for the enemy machine gun and rifle fire, inspired only by the thought that he must get through, he continued down the road.  Sheets of flame swept both sides of the vehicle as he proceeded on his self-appointed task and soon it was burning fiercely.  Disregarding the imminent danger of explosion he continued with his vehicle and on arrival at battalion headquarters presented the first clear picture of the serious situation.

This man, by his own personal initiative, complete devotion to duty and contempt for danger, set an outstanding example to his comrades and transmitted clear and concise information essential to the successful defence of Otterloo.

On 7 September 1944, Acting Captain Brown was a Forward Observation Officer with the Irish Regiment of Canada which was holding the ridge immediately east of Coriano.  The battalion, and particularly the most forward companies, were under direct observation by the enemy holding Coriano Ridge and as a result was being heavily mortared and shelled.

Captain Brown, in order to gain the necessary observation to deal with the enemy mortars, occupied an observation post in a house fully exposed to enemy observation and fire.  From here he began the task of locating and engaging these targets.  During some particularly heavy shelling Captain Brown's observation post was hit by shells several times and the house collapsed.  This same shelling killed one other Forward Observation Officer in this area and wounded the battery commander.  Realizing that he was the only artillery officer remaining to relieve the infantry of its mortaring and shelling, Captain Brown occupied another exposed house from which he could see and engage the enemy mortars.  This second house was, however, soon engaged by the enemy and destroyed.  Showing great courage and determination, Captain Brown, knowing that only from a house could he see the flash of enemy mortars behind the Coriano Ridge, occupied yet a third one.  This house, too, was engaged by the enemy and although hit by shells many times, Captain Brown remained there and successfully stopped the enemy mortaring and the greater part of the shelling.

The determination and devotion to duty shown by Captain Brown undoubtedly saved the infantry in this position from many more casualties. His actions under these trying conditions are worthy of great praise.

On the 30 April 1945, during the attack of the Irish Regiment of Canada on Heveskes in Holland, Gunner Fehr was a wireless operator in an artillery observation post tank when the area was subjected to heavy fire from enemy guns only 800 yards distant.  It was imperative that these guns must be silenced because they threatened to engage “C” Company of the Irish Regiment of Canada which had advanced to the area of Heveskes and was about to attack the town.

Shell splinters were continually hitting the tank and the first round shot away the aerial rod.  Disregarding the heavy artillery and small arms fire and in full view of the enemy, Gunner Fehr climbed on top of the tank and replaced the aerial.  In order to get better observation the Troop Commander was obliged to leave his tank.  Shortly after leaving the tank his remote control cable was badly cut.  Despite the fact that the tank had already received three direct hits and shell splinters continued to hit the tank, Gunner Fehr fearlessly stood up in the hatch in order to receive fire orders from his Troop Commander and gallantly continued to man his set until the enemy guns were successfully neutralized.  Gunner Fehr's courageous devotion to duty under heavy fire ensured that continuous and accurate supporting fire was provided and his gallant efforts contributed to the subsequent attainment of the company objective.

On the night of 16/17 April 1945, Regimental Sergeant-Major Gunter was acting as Regimental Sergeant-Major to 17 Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.  The regiment, in support of 11 Canadian Infantry Brigade, had deployed in the early evening in the area of Otterloo, Holland.  As the enemy had not been completely cleared of the vicinity, all units were required to take active measures for their own local defence.  At the regimental headquarters, this responsibility fell to Sergeant-Major Gunter.  At about midnight warning was received that enemy troops were detected infiltrating through the gun position and by 0005 hours 17 April 1945, they had reached the immediate area of the regimental headquarters.  While the battery personnel were heavily involved with protecting their guns, this Warrant Officer coordinated and deployed his own men at the headquarters.  In addition he organized a system of runners to maintain contact with the batteries as radio and telephone communications were partly disrupted and undependable.  At the same time he arranged and supervised the collection of enemy prisoners captured by the batteries as well as our own wounded. Sergeant-Major Gunter's control of the situation at regimental headquarters, his calmness of manner and disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Canadian Artillery, and were instru­mental in preventing the enemy from over­running the position.

On the night of 16/17 April 1945 at Otterloo when the enemy attempted to break through the town and rejoin his main forces, this Non-Commissioned Officer was in command of his gun detachment in 60 Battery.  This battery was sited in rear of the other two and during the early stages of the attack, although subjected to intense mortaring and machine gun fire, did not have the enemy actually on the gun position, and as a result was able to maintain a terrific concentration of fire to assist the other two batteries who were heavily engaged in fighting the enemy.

While 60 Battery guns were still firing the enemy did reach his position.  With contempt for the mortar bombs and machine gun bullets which were landing all over the position, Sergeant Knight, realizing his gun must continue firing, shot the first enemy to approach his gun.  Then a second German appeared and as this Non-Commissioned Officer attempted to deal similarly with him, his weapon jammed.  Again with no thought of personal consequences and displaying valour and a sense of duty far beyond the normal call, Sergeant Knight disposed of the next German with his bare hands.  While all this was going on he still continued to pass fire orders to his gun, which remained in action the whole time.  His courage and coolness in a situation which seldom confronts the gunners kept his detachment on the gun and continued to produce the essential fire required by the other batteries.

Later on, “tank alert” was ordered when information was received that tanks were entering the town from the north.  Sergeant Knight, again with utter contempt for the mortars and machine guns, moved his gun up into the town to a position where he could cover the main cross-roads, so that he could engage any tanks which might threaten the battery position.  During the whole engagement this Non-Commissioned Officer's conduct was outstanding.  His cool, stout-hearted steadiness and courage, the example he set for his detachment and the rest of the unit undoubtedly kept the remainder of his battery in action until the attack was successfully repulsed.

Throughout the battle of the Liri Valley in May 1944 and again during the Gothic Line actions in August 1944, Gunner Marchuk displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order.  On 24 May 1944, this soldier was driver of a vehicle which had gone forward to reconnoitre a new gun position.  The group of which he was a part was subjected to heavy mortar, shell and small arms fire but despite the fact that his vehicle was hit by shell fragments, Gunner Marchuk carried on with his duties without hesitation.  The example he set was a great encourage­ment to all ranks present and no delay occurred in preparing the new gun position for occupation.  During the night 24-25 August 1944 the regimental gun position near Montemaggiore was heavily shelled, killing the commanding officer and seriously wounding two signallers.  Disregarding the continuous close shelling, Gunner Marchuk immediately rendered first aid.  Having noted that the Commanding Officer was dead and that one of the wounded men was beyond help, he skilfully applied shell dressings to the second wounded signaller.  Then the road to the dressing station was found to be blocked by vehicles damaged by the shelling.  Gunner Marchuk organized a carrying party and led it with the wounded man to the dressing station.  His courageous action undoubtedly not only saved this man's life but gave great encouragement and inspiration to his comrades.  The work of this Gunner Driver had at all times been outstanding and his initiative and courage under enemy fire are deserving of the highest praise.

Captain Matthews has served with the 17 Canadian Field Regiment since 1940 as Quartermaster.  Since April 1945, Captain Matthews has carried out his duties of Quartermaster with untiring devotion to duty.  The very large quantities of ammunition required for the attack on Arnhem, 1 April 1945, was quickly delivered under Captain Matthews' supervision in spite of heavy traffic problems and change of gun positions.  Subsequently, during the rapid advance from Arnhem to Hardwewijk, 15 April to 19 April 1945, Captain Matthews spent long hours in personally getting supplies and ammunition up to the fast moving gunners.  During the attacks on Delfzijl, 1 May 1945, the supply lines were again stretched to many miles but Captain Matthews, showing great skill from long experience, carried supplies forward to the fighting troops without delay.

For his actions in Holland Captain Matthews is highly commended for his skilful work in carrying out the many diversified duties behind the lines.  All his efforts were concentrated in making every man and officer as comfortable as possible under adverse circumstances by supplying food, clothing and weapons of war at the right time and right place.  His untiring faithfulness in doing his work well has gained the unwavering respect of all ranks.

On 30 April 1945, Captain Pyper was the Forward Observation Officer with “C” Company of the Irish Regiment of Canada who had consolidated southeast of Heveskes, Holland.  For approximately four hours during the afternoon the area was subjected to very heavy enemy fire from nine 40-millimetre flak guns.  Despite the shelling, Captain Pyper continued to direct his artillery fire on to enemy targets until his observation tank, which had received four direct hits, burst into flames.  Captain Pyper managed to escape from the burning tank and crawled into an adjacent barn and established a new observation post.  From this position he carried on with supporting artillery fire.  The barn received several hits during the remainder of the afternoon but Captain Pyper, with complete disregard for the intense fire, skilfully directed artillery fire on to the enemy guns and succeeded in knocking them out of action.

On 1 May 1945 Captain Pyper was with “C” Company in the town of Heveskes when his observation post was hit and his operator killed and the two remaining members of the party were wounded.  Unable to get replacements immediately, Captain Pyper carried on alone.  He remained at his post for six hours under heavy fire, operating the wireless set, directing artillery fire on targets and maintaining liaisons with the forward company, a task normally carried out by four men.  Captain Pyper's courageous devotion to duty and initiative were an outstanding example to all ranks of “C” Company.  By his gallant conduct and provision of effective artillery support, Captain Pyper inspired the company to carry out its task.

For the past six months Lieutenant-Colonel Rankin has commanded 17 Canadian Field Regiment with distinction.  During March and April operations in Holland he was outstanding in devotion to duty.  He acted as representative to Commander, Royal Canadian Artillery at infantry brigade headquarters throughout and deployed the guns with unusually sound foresight.  These fluid actions demanded frequent and rapid movement of batteries over wide areas and it was due entirely to the unceasing efforts of this officer that the regiment was able to provide continuous effective fire support for the infantry.  The successful accomplishment of the various complicated moves during this period is exemplary of the highest state of efficiency of the regiment.  Lieutenant-Colonel Rankin has maintained his regiment at a high standard of discipline and training which was displayed when his men repelled a savage and concentrated attack by eight enemy infantry on the regimental gun position near Otterloo on the night of 17 April 1945.  During the five day battle for Delfzijl, commencing 21 April 1945, this officer was responsible for fire control of two field regiments, two heavy anti-aircraft batteries, one heavy artillery battery and one armoured regiment, each calibre of gun being required to bring fire to bear from time to time over a frontage of 20,000 yards.  By maintaining close personal liaison with forward observation posts and forward troops Lieutenant-Colonel Rankin secured up to date information of the tactical situation.  As a result of these visits, often under heavy fire, he was able to organize and put into operation a flexible fire plan which ensured immediate and effective artillery support throughout the action, culminating, in the final phase, in a concentrated effort of his entire resources on the final objective.  Throughout his period of command, Lieutenant-Colonel Rankin has displayed initiative and aggressiveness and his regiment, as a result of its training and fighting spirit, has brought honour to the Corps of Artillery and 5 Canadian Armoured Division.

On the night of 16-17 April 1945 “F” Troop of the 17 Canadian Field Regiment deployed 300 yards north of the village of Otterloo.  Lieutenant Ross was Gun Position Officer of “F” Troop.  About 0030 hours 17 April 1945 the enemy attacked the town in an effort to break through to rejoin his main forces.  Under cover of a heavy wood, the enemy succeeded in getting into the troop command post.  Appreciating that he could do nothing for his troop from an enemy occupied house, Lieutenant Ross successfully covered his command post staff while they got out of the house and on to the gun position, where they dug in.  The gun position was being heavily mortared and soon was subjected to medium machine gun fire from both flanks as well as the front.  In spite of this concentration of fire, Lieutenant Ross went to each gun detachment in turn to issue clear and concise orders that the position would be held and that every round of small arms ammunition would be used only for sure hit.  As a result, when the enemy arrived in strength, only visible targets were engaged, that is, at about four yards.  Soon the troop was completely surrounded and cut off, and it was assumed that all ranks had been either killed or captured.  But such was far from true.  This officer with his troop, for six and one-half long, hectic hours, beat off attack after attack and defended the guns successfully until after first light when assistance arrived to find the men cleaning the guns and having breakfast.  During the night Lieutenant Ross made two trips across 300 yards of open country swept by machine gun fire to contact the nearest infantry position in an endeavour to get a message to his Battery Commander by Battalion Headquarters for additional fire support.

By his quick appreciation of the situation, excellent command and rapid organization of the troop position for defence, this gallant officer enabled the position to be held without the loss of a single gun.  As a result of this determined stand the organized attack on the town through the troop position failed.

Bombardier Smith joined 17 Canadian Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, 27 July 1940 and has served throughout the campaigns of Italy and Holland with untiring devotion to duty.  During his time in the ranks Bombardier Smith was a popular, cheerful individual who had an outstanding knack in leading men in the various endeavours during the long months of training in England.  Upon becoming a Non-Commissioned Officer his gun detachment followed his leadership with great devotion and he in turn always made sure that the men under his command were the best equipped, best trained Gunners in the regiment.  At Arnhem, 16 April 1945, when the regiment was ordered to deploy in a certain area, the enemy started to shell Bombardier Smith's battery when it was going into action. Showing utter contempt for the enemy shells, Bombardier Smith urged his detachment to such swift action that his gun was in position and firing long before the other guns in his troop.  By this action it was possible to quickly register a very important target of twenty enemy vehicles which were engaged and many destroyed.  During an enemy attack on Otterloo around 0430 hours, 17 April 1945, Bombardier Smith was commanding his gun detachment which was deployed in an open field 150 yards from a wood.  This wood provided good cover for the enemy who soon engaged the area with persistent bursts from machine guns.  Bombardier Smith, realizing that a determined attack would soon be made by the enemy, crawled back to the troop command post, a distance of 100 yards, and asked permission to engage the enemy in the woods over open sights.  Permission was granted and he and his detachment, assisted by the light from burning buildings, fired at the enemy using high explosive shell and a time fuze with a setting of ten seconds which is the minimum safe setting.  The first rounds burst behind the enemy so Bombardier Smith, without thought of the possible serious consequence, immediately ordered the fuzes to be set at two seconds time of flight and continued to fire until the enemy were forced to withdraw.  Throughout this period the detachment were subjected to continuous machine gun and rifle fire.  By Bombardier Smith's gallant action and his absolute control of the gun crew a coordinated enemy attack was prevented, thus enabling the guns of his battery to continue firing.

Lieutenant Stone is Command Post Officer in 76 Canadian Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, and has been through the campaigns in Italy and Holland with 17 Canadian Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.  During the advance on Lake Comaccio in January 1945, Lieutenant Stone was acting as Gun Position Officer when due to heavy rains the dug in Command Post was flooded with water and the staff was forced to work from a vehicle.  During this period the gun position was subjected to heavy shelling but showing great devotion to duty Lieutenant Stone continued working in his vehicle and kept the guns firing.  So close had been the shell splinters that many holes were counted in the tarpaulin of the vehicle where splinters had penetrated.  On the night of 16/17 April 1945, 17 Canadian Field Regiment was deployed 300 yards north of the village of Otterloo on the main axis of 5 Canadian Armoured Division.  At 0030 hours 17 April 1945, the enemy attacked with 800 men on a brigade front which took in the area of Lieutenant Stone's battery.  In spite of constant machine gun fire and mortar bombs falling in the area of the Command Post, this officer personally manned the wireless to Regimental Headquarters, passing back valuable information as it was relayed from the troop positions.  The battery deployed on his right suddenly called for supporting artillery fire which Lieutenant Stone answered by engaging the enemy with fire from the third battery.  In order to be effective it had to fall within 100 yards of his own Command Post but without considering the danger, he brought down this fire with telling effect.  Lieutenant Stone did not withdraw from his post until the enemy entered his Command Post and the wireless was knocked out of action.  Not to be outdone, Lieutenant Stone obtained another wireless set, established a new Command Post and with a small group of men and small arms defended the position until an opportunity was afforded to rejoin Regimental Headquarters.  Lieutenant Stone's coolness and absolute devotion to duty was an inspiring example to all ranks and the determination and gallant efforts displayed in fighting under the worst possible conditions is worthy of the highest praise.

On 17 January 1944, 11 Canadian Infantry Brigade put in an attack on a strongly held German position in front of Ortona where an observation post had been established for the Commanding Officer of the Cape Breton Highlanders and the Officer Commanding 37 Battery, 17 Field Regiment, the Royal Canadian Artillery.  During the early stages of the battle both the observation post telephone lines and the infantry telephone lines were cut by enemy mortar and shell fire, while at the same time wireless communication was unsatisfactory.  Gunner Turner, who as Battery Signaller realized that communications had failed, on his own initiative went forward in full view of the enemy and, under intense mortar, shell and machine gun fire, re-established communications between the observation post and brigade headquarters.  Throughout the battle this soldier continued, at great personal danger, to maintain the line communication which was so essential to the successful conduct of the battle.  It was through the courage, initiative and determination of Gunner Turner in the face of fierce enemy fire, that the command and control of the battalion with which the observation post was working was able to continue throughout the battle and thus carry out its allotted task.  During the ensuing weeks while the regiment was in the line, this soldier continued to show a devotion to duty which compared favourably with that already mentioned.  Opposed to harassing fire, working long hours and under continuous strain, this soldier showed an ever-increasing spirit of determination to ensure that communications were maintained.  Never faltering in his duty he has set a standard worthy of high recognition.

This officer was appointed to the Canadian Army (Active) on 10 July 1940 and proceeded overseas on 9 November 1941.  While serving with the 17 Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, he was severely injured, being permanently disfigured and partially blinded.  In spite of these handicaps Major Wood remained overseas and as a result of his outstanding efforts is now a Chief Instructor, the Royal Canadian Artillery.  The keenness and efficiency of this officer have been a factor in raising the standard of artillery reinforcements.

NOTE:  On 26 September 1943 Colonel W.A. Townsley, Commanding Officer, 1 Canadian Artillery Reinforcement Unit, recommended Acting Major Wood for the Canada Medal (an award subsequently issued to nobody).  The text adds to our knowledge of his career.

This officer was born in Kincaid, Saskatchewan in 1915.  After receiving a standard education he qualified as a school teacher 1st Class and was so employed until enlistment in July 1940.  Proceeding overseas in the rank of Captain, November 1941, he followed through various courses and training in the 17 Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, earning for himself a record of industry and efficiency.  In May 1942 Major Wood, while on training, met with a serious accident resulting in head injuries, partial loss of sight and disfigurement.  In hospital he underwent consequent severe operations and on returning to duty became a member of the Instructional Staff of 1 Canadian Artillery Reinforcement Unit, where after command of a Training Battery he was made Chief Instructor in the rank of Major.  Although permanently injured and disfigured, this officer has never relaxed in his training or duty.  His drive and initiative have placed him in his present responsible post in spite of what he has undergone.