Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

"D" Company, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's), 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Armoured Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

October 11th, 1945

Recommendation:
On the afternoon of 21 April 1945, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada were ordered to cross the Aue River, about a mile and a half North of the Küsten Canal, and to establish a bridgehead. The bridgehead established, the unit was to push on and clear the small village of Osterscheps, a key position that guarded the approaches to the North and to Oldenburg. In spite of accurate and heavy shelling, “A” and “B” Coys crossed the river and established a firm bridgehead on the opposite bank. “D” Coy, commanded by Major Whiteside, then passed through and advancing Northward against stiff opposition, began clearing the town. The coy’s task was a most trying one since, with it’s total fighting personnel reduced to approximately 50 as the result of heavy casualties sustained in the bitter Küsten bridgehead fighting, it was impossible to leave men behind in the buildings once they had been cleared. Realizing this, the enemy began to infiltrate behind the coy’s advance, and finally launched a strong co-ordinated counter-attack from the North, the West, and the South. Although he had had no time to consolidate properly and had been cut off from the rest of the battalion, Major Whiteside directed his defensive fire so skillfully that the enemy’s initial attempt to overwhelm the position was frustrated. The enemy continued to attack fiercely, however, and, during one of these attacks, Major Whiteside was seriously wounded, a chip from a Schmeizer bullet entering his right eye, blinding him completely. Although handicapped in Such a critical way and suffering great pain, Major Whiteside refused to be evacuated as long as the situation remained critical. For five hours, from the time he had received his wound, he stayed with his men, giving his orders clearly and calmly. Only after contact had been made with another coy and the position had been thoroughly consolidated did he allow himself to be evacuated. The courage and complete disregard for personal safety displayed by this officer was a magnificent example to all ranks under his command. His resourceful and daring leadership undoubtedly resulted in the capture of the objective with severe loss to the enemy.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 11 October, 1945.