Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Captain

Unit:

1st Battalion The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On the night of 27 September 1944 Lieutenant E.J. Reid, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada led a fighting patrol across the Antwerp-Turnhout Canal to determine the enemy strength in Fort de Schooten. This information was necessary of the canal.
The patrol crossed in reconnaissance boats, fought it’s way through the enemy lines and, despite frequent skirmishes, remained there four hours obtaining the required information. It then returned to the point of re-crossing where it encountered a considerable force of enemy and was pinned down by rifle and machine gun fire. Telling his patrol to start for the canal when he opened fire, Lieutenant Reid, without any regard for his own life, rushed the nearest enemy position firing his sten gun and finally silenced it with a grenade. He then turned to the next position and advanced firing, keeping the enemy engaged while his patrol crossed the canal. After finishing his ammunition and throwing his remaining grenades Lieutenant Reid dove into the canal and reached safety.
Lieutenant Reid’s inspiring leadership and superb courage saved the patrol and the important information obtained was thereby returned to the battalion.