Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

12th Canadian Armoured Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment), 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

September 23rd, 1943

Recommendation:
On the morning of 5 August 1943, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade was in occupation of a bridgehead which had been formed across the River Troina (Sicily) during the previous night. A force consisting of 12 Cdn Tk Regt, less one sqn, one sqn 4 Cdn Recce Regt, Seaforth of C and some A Tk guns was placed under command of Lt-Col Booth, 12 Cdn Tk Regt, and was ordered to exploit forward through the bridgehead in the direction of Adrano.
Lt-Col Booth carried out the operation with dash and determination against strong enemy opposition. With complete disregard for the heavy enemy fire, he personally directed the action to such good effect that all enemy resistance was quickly destroyed and the west bank of River Simeto reached early enough in the afternoon to allow reconnaissance and preparation for the river crossing the same night.
It was largely due to the courage and dash displayed by Lt-Col Booth that the important bridgehead was secured over the River Simeto during the night.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 September, 1943.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

12th Canadian Armoured Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment), 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
Ref Map Italy 1/50,000 sheet 141-II Ortona.
During the week of street fighting that preceded the final capture of Ortona (MR 3316) on 29 December 1943 the 12th Cdn Armd Regt commanded by Lt.Col. E.L. Booth DSO was in support of the 2nd Cdn Inf. Brigade.
Two squadrons of the regt were fighting in close cooperation with the leading infantry in the streets of Ortona. The fighting was bitter and intense.
Disregarding the danger from sniping, shell and mortar fire, Lt.Col. Booth continually went forward for reconnaissance and to direct and encourage the squadron of his regt. He checked the plans for every operation of his squadrons and closely coordinated their attacks with those of the infantry. Intent upon the job in hand, Lt.Col. Booth made light of enemy fire and never allowed it to prevent his going where his presence was required. The Headquarters of one of his squadrons was under direct observation by the enemy and subject at all times to heavy machine gun fire. Yet he visited it without regard to personal risk, at times narrowly escaping bursts of fire directed at his vehicle while en route.
Throughout the fighting Lt.Col. Booth ‘d drive and determination inspired not only his own men but all with whom he came in contact to maintain a relentless pressure on the enemy in Ortona. His cheerfulness under fire and supreme confidence encouraged and fired them. His skill, experience and judgment in the coordination of combined infantry and tank assaults played a large part in the success of the difficult operations which resulted in the final expulsion of the enemy from Ortona.

This award was obtained in the form of an Bar to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.