Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

76 Battery, 17th Canadian Field Regiment RCA, 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

January 24th, 1946

Recommendation:
Lieutenant Stone is command post officer in the 76 Canadian Field Battery and has been through the campaigns in Italy and Holland with the 17 Canadian Field Regiment.
During the advance on Lake Comaccio in January 1945 Lieutenant Stone was acting as gun position officer when due to recent heavy rains his dug in command post was flooded with water and the staff was forced to work from a vehicle. During this period the gun position was subjected to heavy shelling but showing great devotion to duty Lieutenant Stone continued working in his vehicle and kept the guns firing. So close had been the shell splinters that many holes were counted in the tarpaulin of the vehicle where splinters had penetrated.
On the night of 16/17 April 1945 the 17 Canadian Field Regiment was deployed three hundred yards North of the village of Otterloo (Holland) on the main axis of the 5 Canadian Armoured Division At 0030 hours 17 April the enemy attacked with 800 men on a brigade front which took in the area of Lieutenant Stone’s battery. In spite of constant machine gun fire and mortar bombs falling in the area of the command post, Lieutenant Stone personally manned the wireless to regimental headquarters passing back valuable information as it was relayed from the troop positions. The battery deployed on his right suddenly called for supporting artillery fire which Lieutenant Stone answered by engaging the enemy with fire from the third battery. In order to be effective it had to fall within 100 yards of his own command post but without considering the danger, he brought down this fire with telling effect. Lieutenant Stone did not withdraw from his post until the enemy entered his command post and the wireless was knocked out of action. Not to be cut done Lieutenant Stone obtained another wireless set, established a new command post and with a small group of men and small arms defended the position until an opportunity was afforded to rejoin regimental headquarters.
Lieutenant Stone’s coolness and absolute devotion to duty was an inspiring example to all ranks and the determination and gallant efforts displayed in fighting his guns under the worst possible conditions is worthy of the highest praise.