Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Major

Unit:

"D" Company, Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

May 26th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Veritable

Recommendation:
On the 21st of February 1945 “D” Company, Royal Winnipeg Rifles, commanded by Captain (Acting Major) Denison was ordered to capture the high ground, which is thickly wooded and overlooks Moyland, Germany to the North East. This attack was quickly pushed home despite the heavy defensive fire put down by the enemy and the few enemy that were left alive withdrew.
Later in the day “D” Company was ordered to pass through “C” Company and to seize the high ground at the eastern tip of the wood. This required a 1000 yard advance through an extremely thick wood which was being subjected to the full weight of the enemy’s fire. Casualties amongst Major Denison’s men were heavy but ceaselessly moving from platoon to platoon he kept control of his company and by his own personal courage inspired his men to go on. Machine gun fire from prepared positions on the hill feature was intense but by skillfully maneuvering his men he got his now depleted company into an assaulting position and stormed the hill top with he himself leading.
During the consolidation phase they were counterattacked twice by the enemy, both of these were successfully beaten off with heavy casualties to the Germans. When the enemy were seen forming up for a third attack Major Denison, from the crest of the hill and in full view of the enemy personally sited and directed the fire of a troop of tanks, which had come up in the meantime. The defensive fire brought down by the company and the tanks quickly broke up the enemy attack and they withdrew.
By his initiative, leadership, courage and offensive spirit Major Denison was able to inspire his men to hold their hard won objective thus securing the left flank of the Brigade.

The London Gazette, dated May 26th, 1945:
"Awarded in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Air Liaison Section

Citation:
"Capt. Denison commanded a Canadian air liaison section and sailed with the advanced party to Normandy on D-Day. His craft was sunk with all equipment and kit. In spite of these difficulties Capt. denison succeeded in establishing his section, which worked most effectively from the earliest stages of the landing. This work entailed proceeding with the leading troops and maintaining wireless communication with aircraft. His courage and determination in these operations led to the destruction of a great quantity of enemy material and men."

Awarded with gold plated star.