Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Nr.10 Platoon, "B" Company, The Carleton and York Regiment, 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
Reference Map: 1/50,000 Sheet 33 West Apeldoorn.
On the afternoon of 13 April 1945, “B” Company, Carleton and York Regiment was ordered to attack through “D” Company who were at Map Reference 822029. “B” Company moved through to the attack and number 10 Platoon was leading supported by three tanks.
G-22232 Private (Acting Corporal) Joseph Henry Wilfred Senechall was in command of a section in number 10 platoon.
When the platoon was approximately 100 yards across the starting point it came under heavy fire from machine guns and mortars which were located in a group of buildings on the side of the road approximately 100 yards ahead. Acting Corporal Senechall quickly deployed his section into fire positions and directed their fire on to these buildings. The bulk of the enemy resistance appeared to be coming from one particular building. While tank and small arms fire was being brought to bear on this building, Acting Corporal Senechall crawled forward over very exposed ground to within a few yards of it. Then jumping up he ran forward and entered the basement. Almost immediately he reappeared with 12 German prisoners who had been manning three machine guns and 6 Panzerfaust anti-tank weapons and holding the company up. This proved to be the core of the enemy resistance and “B” Company was soon able to press forward and gain its objective.
Throughout the entire engagement Acting Corporal Senechall showed complete disregard for his own personal safety. Many times he had to expose himself to enemy machine gun and mortar fire and also to the fire from our own tanks.
By his outstanding courage and fine example he was at all times an inspiration to his men, and his actions are worthy of the highest praise.