Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

"B" Company, The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On 25 March on the consolidation of the Rhine bridgehead at Tillhaus, Corporal Clifford John Handley, Section Commander, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, took over command of his platoon when his Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant became casualties, continued the advance and captured the company objective, thereby securing the Battalion's left flank.
The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders were assigned the task of securing the left flank of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade after crossing the Rhine River. Tillhaus was an enemy strongpoint menacing the left flank of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders. "B" Company attacked this strongpoint and the leading platoon, of which Corporal Handley was Section Commander, was subjected to intense and accurate machine gun and mortar fire. The Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant were wounded and the leading section pinned down. Corporal Clifford John Handley, without hesitation and in the face of heavy observed fire, went forward alone to read the battle, and discovered that the leading section had all become casualties with the exception of one man. Corporal Clifford John Handley then sent for a troop of tanks and a section of flame throwers and personally led this battle group towards the objective. His well planned attack was completely successful and it overran the heavily defended enemy stronghold, destroying the defenders by flame and bullet. A Colonel of the 6th Paratroop Division and his Adjutant were taken prisoner. No enemy escaped.
Through Corporal Clifford John Handley's quick appreciation, prompt action and personal bravery Tillhaus, a vital link in the enemy defense line was captured and the left flank of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade secured.