Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant-Major

Unit:

"D" Company, The North Nova Scotia Highlanders, 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

August 11th, 1945

Recommendation:
Company Sergeant Major Harry Jardine Bishop, "D" Company, North Nova Scotia Highlanders, exhibited a high degree of devotion to duty, personal bravery and inspired confidence during the Company's attack on Bienen, Germany, an enemy strong points on the left flank of the 30 British Corps Bridgehead across the Rhine River on 25 March 1945.
"D" Company attacked this strongly held position on the left flank of "C" Company and the Company Commander was seriously wounded in the first few minutes of action. Upon hearing that his Company Commander was wounded CSM Bishop immediately went forward across open ground under intense enemy machine gun fire. The forward platoons were out of communication with Company Headquarters and with each other. CSM Bishop contacted both platoons and co-ordinated the Company's effort until it was firm on the [ ... ]
CSM Bishop was hit in the shoulder by shrapnel but he refused to have his wound attended until "D" Company came under command of "B" Company some six hours later.
As soon as the Company was firm on the first part of its objective CSM Bishop organized the evacuation of casualties, personally directed the removal of the more seriously wounded men. He stayed in the field directing these operations even though the machine gun fire had not been stopped. Time and time again he crossed the open ground regrouping his men and keeping in communication with the Command Post.
By his daring conduct and inspiring actions during this operation CSM Bishop was responsible to a very great extent for the successful Company consolidation and holding of the first part of the objective. His fine example of leadership and bravery was unsurpassed.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 August, 1945.