Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Serjeant

Unit:

Intelligence Section, Essex Scottish Regiment, British Army

Awarded on:

March 20th, 1946

"Sergeant Vossenaar, Dutch Interpreter attached to the Intelligence Section of the Essex Scottish Regiment since November 1944, has at all times during the campaign in Northern Holland and Germany displayed great gallantry and devotion to duty.
On the 12th April 1945, The Essex Scottish Regiment was advancing north through Holland to the strongly fortified provincial capital of ASSEN. Sergeant Vossenaar travelled with the leading company commander. Strong opposition was encountered from small enemy pockets armed with machine guns and bazookas and several times Sergeant Vossenaar left the tank on which he was riding to personally assist in wiping out these pockets. He obtained much valuable information regarding the enemy from prisoners and friendly civilians enabling 'B' Company to deal with enemy resistance with few casualties.
About midnight, 'B' Company entered the outer defences of ASSEN. Sergeant Vossenaar learned from a prisoner that the leading platoon had passed by a strong pocket of enemy armed with machine guns and bazookas. Accompanied by the prisoner, Sergeant Vossenaar persuaded seven Germans to give themselves up and personally led a section of 'B' Company which accounted for eight others with grenade and bayonet.
Sergeant Vossenaar was wounded on the 30th April 1945 when an enemy machine gun and bazooka team ambushed a reconnaissance patrol he was accompanying as interpreter.
Such acts of gallantry as these, cheerfully and willingly performed with total disregard of personal safety have characterized Sergeant Vossenaar's entire career with The Essex Scottish Regiment. In every engagement in which he has taken part his conduct has been far beyond the call of duty."

L.G. 28-11-1945