Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

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

Recommendation:
On 25 March 1945, when commanding "C" Company, The North Nova Scotia Highlanders, Major Lloyd Christian Winhold showed leadership and bravery of a very high order which influenced the capture of Bienen, Germany, a vital position in the Rees bridgehead of the River Rhine.
The village of Bienen, which had been attacked four times before "C" Company's attempt, constituted a key to the perimeter of the Rees bridgehead. It provided the only exit from the western part of the bridgehead and was very strongly held.
The initial assault by "C" Company was made over about 500 yards of open ground. A large number of casualties, including the Platoon Commander and Sergeant of 14 platoon, were sustained from machine gun and mortar fire. Many times while passing through this devastating fire, Major Winhold, with entire disregard for his own personal safety, climbed on one of the tanks supporting the attack, in order to direct its fire.
After the first platoon had crossed the open ground, it assaulted a strongly held house by a main road but did not have enough remaining strength to capture it. The Commander and Sergeant of 15 platoon were also wounded. Major Winhold personally reorganized the platoon and led the assault successfully through withering fire from the frontend both flanks. He immediately proceeded to reorganize his depleted company into two platoons and deployed them.
Major Winhold then directed a new attack into the main enemy defenses in Bienen, from an exposed position. Each platoon started on a separate axis, he personally leading one of them. After proceeding some distance the area was counter attacked with three enemy Self-Propelled Guns and a strong body of Infantry. It was getting dark so he moved around in the area of the enemy Self-Propelled Guns forming a firm line onto which he withdrew his leading section, and successfully repulsed the enemy attack. When the reorganization was progressing he again climbed on one of the tanks and directed its fire in the darkness during the whole of the armoured fire fight, in which one of his supporting tanks and one of the enemy Self-Propelled Guns were knocked out. The remaining two enemy tanks then withdrew.
The inspired leadership and great personal bravery exhibited by Major Winhold were the means, whereby, this very strong enemy position was cleared for the further operations of 30 British Corps in the western part of the Rees bridgehead. His conduct during the whole six hours of the operation was beyond praise.