Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

"C" Squadron, 3rd Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (The Governor General's Horse Guards), 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

October 11th, 1945

Recommendation:
On the night of the 16/17 April 1945, the Irish Regiment of Canada with, in support, “C” Squadron, 3 Canadian Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (Governor General’s Horse Guards) were holding a defensive position based on the village of Otterloo (Holland).
At midnight the enemy launched a strong counter-attack which came as a surprise and succeeded in penetrating the forward company positions. By 0230 hours the enemy had infiltrated throughout the village, occupied numerous houses, and were digging in on both sides of the main road which was the Divisional Centre Line. The situation within the village was fast becoming critical.
Corporal Stitt was ordered to patrol up and down the main road from his position with “E” Company to the centre of the village, a distance of 500 yards and to clear the enemy who by this time commanded the road.
As his tank moved out on the road it was immediately engaged by Spandau and “Bazooka” fire. One “Bazooka” bomb scored a direct hit on the turret rink and completely destroyed the traversing mechanism. Although the enemy were only ten yards away, Corporal Stitt continued to attack the enemy up and down the road, closing with them to point blank range. Throughout this period, he calmly remained on the outside of his tank, constantly exposed to enemy fire, pulling the tank guns on to the enemy by hand and engaging then with grenades and pistol.
By his aggressive action and courage well beyond the bounds of duty, Corporal Stitt successfully cleared the main street of Otterloo, killing and wounding countless German infantry. His action was undoubtedly instrumental in restoring the situation within the village and keeping the Centre Line open.
Corporal Stitt’s courage, devotion to duty and aggressive spirit in the presence of the enemy have always been an example and an inspiration to all.