Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

A Company, 1st Battalion The Essex Scottish Regiment, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
In the Second Canadian Infantry Division’s drive on Groningen, in the Northern Holland, The Fourth Canadian Infantry Brigade was the first formation to reach the outskirts of the city. On the 14 April 1945, the three Infantry Battalions were engaged in overcoming resistance in the southern suburbs.
All through the day, the fighting had been against stiff small arms and bazooka fire and progress was slow because of the tenacious grip the enemy kept on the canal lines and bridges. By the evening, the leading troops had worked their way, north to the canal which surrounds the old, historic, central part of the city where the German garrison, ordered to hold out at all costs, was making a firm stand.
“A” Company of the Essex Scottish Regiment, commanded by Major D.W. McIntyre, working forward on the Brigade right flank, succeeded in discovering a bridge that had not been demolished. Major McIntyre, immediately seizing the initiative, made a close personal reconnaissance, and a quick plan to storm the bridge with his Company mounted in Kangaroos.
One section from the leading platoon was sent forward on foot to rush the bridge and draw enemy fire. Major McIntyre, himself well forward and exposed to this fire from automatic weapons, 20 mm cannon and bazookas, observed the location of the strong points from which weapons sited to cover the bridge approaches were firing. All observed enemy positions were then shattered by the accuracy and crushing weight of Artillery fire which Major McIntyre himself directed on the enemy’s defences.
Precise timing of the assault in Kangaroos enabled the whole company to cross before the enemy could recover and Major McIntyre’s energetic and inspiring direction of the ensuing battle in the heart of the enemy’s stronghold enabled a firm bridgehead to be established with a minimum of casualties to “A” Company.
This bridgehead was of high significance to the Divisional operation. The Sixth Canadian Infantry Brigade passed through the bridgehead during the night and the swiftness of this thrust brought about the eventual surrender of the Commander and Staff of the Enemy Garrison.
Throughout, the plan and its execution showed battle skill of the highest order. The speed and dash of the attack directly reflected the confidence of all ranks of the company in their leader - Major McIntyre.