Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

30th Field Company, II Canadian Corps, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
During the latter part of March 1945 2nd Canadian Corps Troops Engineers were warned that the formation would be building 'Blackfriars Bridge', a class 40 Bailey Pontoon across the Rhine River near Rees at MR A061515.
Lt. W.F. Brundrit, of 30th Canadian Field Company, was chosen to be Officer in charge of construction, and from the 15th to the 24th of March 1945 did an enormous amount of work on the technical and organizational planning of the operation. On the 24th of March 1945 he made the initial recce of both banks of the Rhine in spite of harassing shellfire and danger of mines on the enemy bank. This recce was of the utmost importance and the data obtained enabled the final design of the bridge to be completed. It was then apparent that the bridge length would be approximately 1800 feet and the site was chosen at MR A06155155.
From the 26th of March 1945 to the 28th of March 1945 in the construction of bridge and approaches Lt. Brundrit worked unceasingly without regard for shelling, eating and sleeping; aiding in construction and in arranging for the large quantities of stores and equipment to arrive at the job, at the right time and place. When the bridge was completed at 1200 hours, 28th of March 1945, he fell asleep in his vehicle, completely exhausted.
The opening of 'Blackfriars Bridge', the longest Bailey Bridge constructed in North West Europe, provided 2nd Canadian Corps with a Rhine crossing which took troops, tanks, guns and supplies to feed the successful attack on Emmerich and Western Holland.
During the whole operation Lt. Brundrit's judgement and energy combined with his excellent technical knowledge of bridging were a decided factor in its successful completion.