Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Brigadier

Awarded on:

July 29th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Awarded on:

October 11th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantery Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

December 22nd, 1945

"At 1400 hours, 11 April 1945, 1 Canadian Infantry Division attacked westward across the River Ijssel, the object of the operation being to force the enemy to leave the Netherlands, otherwise to destroy him in order to stop the flooding of the countryside and to remedy as quickly as possible the serious lack of food in western Holland. Brigadier Ziegler commanded the artillery in support of this operation.
In the initial stage, to ensure the effectiveness and accuracy of the great amount of artillery under his command, Brigadier Ziegler personally formulated the fire plans and fire support that so successfully assisted 1 canadian Infantry Division in its final sweep westward, a task made unusually difficult by the fact that the prime consideration at all times was to spare the Netherlands' civilian life and property. Making extreme use of intelligence information, obtained through civilian and army channels, Brigadier Ziegler personally directed the fire of the artillery with such outstanding skill that destruction to civilian personnel and property was held to an absolute minimum while effective artillery support was afforded the division in its drive through western Holland.
After the unconditional surrender of the enemy, a speedy occupation of the country and quick evacuation of the Germans became essential. The artillery group under Brigadier Ziegler's command was given the responsibility for the largest area in western Holland. Again displaying unlimited energy and expert organizing ability, Brigadier Ziegler completed arrangements to effect rapidly the collection and disarmament of the enemy.
Throughout the entire operation in Holland, the formation policy of consideration first to civilians and civilian property, rigidly adhered to by Brigadier Ziegler, was largely responsible for the comparative immunity to Allied shell fire experienced by the civilians in western Holland."

Royal dedree no.2
Candian Gazette of 22 dec.1945
Originally recommended for a Brnze Lion, but created a Commander in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)