Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Anti-Tank Platoon, Support Company, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment "Loyal Eddies", 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

March 8th, 1945

Recommendation:
During the Loyal Edmonton Regiment’s attack on the night of 19/20 September 1944, two rifle companies penetrated the strong enemy position on Castellaccio ridge and succeeded in reaching their objective, San Lorenzo (MR 823956), the last feature dominating the Rimini gap. Enemy tanks and SP guns were active on the first ridge and it was obvious that the rifle companies’ position on the feature behind would become completely untenable in daylight unless anti-tank guns could be brought up.
Sergeant William Neilson Ross of the Anti-Tank Platoon reconnoitered the route on his motorcycle to examine the road and check the possibility of moving his guns near the enemy positions. On reaching the rifle company commanders that it was sheer suicide to attack to bring soft vehicles through the enemy line. Nevertheless, Sergeant Ross returned to “F” Echelon area and personally led his two guns into position without any thought of danger himself. Intense enemy shell fire over this one mile route knocked out both towing vehicles, but the guns successfully moved into their proper positions behind the still operating enemy tanks. By this action Sergeant Ross in positioning his guns in rear of the enemy tanks in support of the rifle companies resulted in the withdrawal of the enemy tanks and thereby secured the position.
Thus, Sergeant Ross’ but standing initiative and gallantry enabled this last vital objective to be held fire against all enemy attempts to retake it.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 8 March, 1945.