Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No.3 Troop, "B" Squadron, 10th Armoured Regiment (The Fort Garry Horse), 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
H 26063 Sgt Chaulk, W., 10 Canadian Armoured Regiment has fought with his regiment through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. On many occasions, during this period, he has displayed great initiative and courage. Many instances could be cited amongst them being Sgt Chaulk’s part in the dash from Assen to Groningen on the 13 April 1945.
On this day Sgt Chaulk was a crew commander in the lead tank in the point troop of the forward Squadron. Speed of advance was imperative, and in view of this, the tanks were leading the way.
Just south of Eelde, Sgt Chaulk noticed an enemy demolition party dashing to destroy a bridge some distance ahead. Regardless of the danger involved he ordered his tank ahead through heavy enemy fire and arrived in the vicinity of the bridge, not only in time to kill six Germans but in time to prevent the demolition. Pushing across the bridge, Sgt Chaulk moved to the outskirts of Groningen where the column was halted by a road block. To maintain the impetus of the advance Sgt Chaulk dismounted from his vehicle and made a thorough reconnaissance of the obstacle. After fire from his guns proved ineffective and despite the inevitable mine field the SA and 20 mm enemy fire, Sgt Chaulk on foot, fastened cables to the obstacle and pulled it down with his tank. Pushing ahead into the city Sgt Chaulk’s tank was finally hit by a bazooka, killing one crew member and wounding and burning the crew commander. Although in great pain he remained to pin-point enemy positions to the infantry and refused to be evacuated until his task had been completed. During this particular operation he was directly responsible for the destruction of one 20 mm gun, two MGs, 5 vehicles and killing of 15 and the wounding of 12 Germans.
The gallantry and devotion to duty of this NCO is deserving of the highest praise and his outstanding leadership throughout all operations has been an inspiration to all ranks.