Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

No.18 Platoon, "D" Company, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment "Loyal Eddies", 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On 23 December 1943 during the bitter street fighting in the town of Ortona (MR 3316) No.18 Platoon “D” Coy The Loyal Edmonton Regiment was fighting its way down, the main street to the square in the centre of the city.
At the entrance to the square, in a building on the left, were three enemy machine gun posts, supported by two more machine gun posts on the right. All these were sited to cover the approaches to the square with cross fire.
Realising that the silencing of the enemy posts in the building on the left was essential to allow the advance of the platoon to continue, Pte. Rattray crawled with two others over a pile of rubble to the building. The whole way they were exposed to machine gun fire at 30 yards range and were harassed by snipers and grenades. On entering Pte. Rattray left his two comrades to mop up the first floor. He himself continued alone to the top floor and single handed captured 5 German paratroopers 3 machine guns, 4 rifles, 3 pistols and a large quantity of ammunition including grenades.
This gallant feat, executed with the greatest courage, skill and determination, enabled the Platoon to continue its advance and knock out the remaining two machine guns. As a result the Coy was able to mop up the area and gain its objective.