Strawn, Harry Warren

Panzerkampfwagen V Panther

Date of birth:: October 17th, 1917
Date of death:: December 13th, 1998
Nationality:: Canadian (1931-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography

Harry lived in Souris, Manitoba, Canada most of his life. He retired from the Royal Canadian Legion as manager in the early 1980's. He lived 2 houses away from his loader operator from the Fort Garry Horse for approx. 35 years.

Harry married Vera Janz on June 10, 1948. Their son Charles Thomas Strawn was born December 14, 1948.

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Military Medal (MM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No.2 Troop, "A" Squadron, 10th Armoured Regiment (The Fort Garry Horse), 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, Canadian Army
Awarded on:: August 19th, 1944

Recommendation:
During the action in Rots on the 11 June 1944, after the remainder of his troop had been destroyed, this NCO carried on the fight with determination and initiative. Having determined the location of a Panther tank that was in a prepared ambush position, he successfully engaged it by firing through the building. Subsequently, while withdrawing through the village he fought his tank with great skill and destroyed another Panther. He showed outstanding courage and ability in performing a task where the enemy had a decided and obvious advantage. His action was an excellent example of cool, reasoned efficiency against odds and resulted in the destruction of much enemy equipment.

Awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 19 August 1944

Sources

- ZUEHLKE, M., Holding Juno, Douglas & McIntyre, Vancouver, Canada, 2006.
- The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps Association
- The Fort Garry Horse.ca