Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, The Regina Rifle Regiment, 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
The Regina Rifle Regiment carried out the initial assault on 6 June 1944. They reached the brigade objective on 7 June 1944 and from that time onwards until 11 June have fought off many counter-attacks. The fighting spirit, tenacity and high morale of this unit can be ascribed to the cool-headed and inspiring leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel Matheson.
In particular on the night of 8/9 June 1944, when the Battalion Headquarters was attacked by PZ KW Mk V tanks and infantry, the colonel himself led the defence resulting in knocking out five tanks.


Supplement to the London Gazette, 31 August, 1944.