Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

"C" Company, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's), 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Armoured Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On 19 April 1945 Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada had succeeded in crossing the Kusten Canal North of Friesoythe, Germany, and had established a small bridgehead. “C” Coy had been ordered to advance up the division centre line to secure positions through which the entire force could continue the attack. Pte Shields was a signaler at “C” Coy HQ. By 1300 hrs 19 April the coy had made substantial progress but the enemy had managed to infiltrate the coy area and communication with supporting arms was only maintained through the skillful efforts of Pte Shields. At 1530 hrs coy HQ was attacked by an enemy force and it appeared that the small defense section would be unable to drive them off. Without hesitation Pte Shields turned his wireless set over to his number two operator and went to the aid of the defenders. For nearly an hour this OR ran from position to position encouraging the men and assisting them so effectively that the enemy was finally driven off with heavy casualties. At 2045 hrs the same day the enemy again attacked the position with infantry supported by a self-propelled gun. The enemy had advanced to within thirty yards of coy HQ when wireless communication failed and the line to battalion HQ was severed by shell fire. Realizing the importance of communication to control supporting arty fire Pte Shields moved out under direct enemy observation and succeeded in repairing the damaged line and restoring communication. On his way back to his post a shell burst nearby and he was seriously wounded in the head. The courage and initiative displayed by this OR, far beyond the normal call of duty, undoubtedly resulted in the final defeat of at least two major enemy counter attacks. His daring disregard for personal safety was a magnificent inspiration to all ranks in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.