- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Brigadier
- Unit:
- 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade, Canadian Army
- Awarded on:
- July 29th, 1944
Recommendation:
On 23 May 1944, 24 hours prior to the launching of the main attack by 1 Canadian Division on the Adolph Hitler Line and as a preliminary phase, 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade was ordered to close on the enemy defences, infiltrate through them, and breach the left flank near Pontecorvo. Brigadier Spry was made responsible for this operation. During the course of this battle and that of the following day, Brigadier Spry handled his Brigade with skill and determination, often under intense artillery fire and without regard for his personal safety. A great measure of the success on 23 May was due to the penetration of the enemy defences on the night 22/23 May by 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade and its independent efforts on the following day.
Brigadier Spry therefore played a large personal part in the successful outcome of the battle.