Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

C Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1944

Recommendation:
On the night of 15-16 October 1944, Major Pigott was in command of "C" Company of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry during their attack on important enemy positions in the area of Woenddrecht in southwestern Holland.
He has successfully mopped up and had consolidated his company position in rear of "A" Company by 7 o'clock on the morning of the 16th.
At 10 o'clock, the "A" Company position was heavily counter-attacked by infantry supported by two self-propelled guns. As most of the officers of "A" Company were wounded, Major Pigott immediately assumed command of both "A" Company and "C" Company.
In the face of heavy fire from machine guns, mortars and two self-propelled guns firing at close range, he organized the two companies in a strong defensive position in the "C" Company area. At 1030 o'clock the counter-attack has pressed to within 100 yards of Major Pigott's own company headquarters. At this juncture Major Pigott directed and brought down medium artillery fire on the enemy to his immediate front. One enemy self-propelled gun was knocked out and the other was forced to withdraw some 300 yards.
At this point Major Pigott was wounded by fire from the gun which was still in action. Despite his wound, and with no regard for his own personal safety, he proceeded across 100 yards of open ground, under heavy machine gun and shell fire, and personally directed an anti-tank gun forward into a position from which it was able to destroy the self-propelled gun. The enemy were then forced to withdraw.
Throughout the whole encounter Major Pigott moved from one platoon to another under constant fire, encouraging his men and directing their fire. He was personally responsible for beating off a fierce enemy counter-attack which threatened the whole battalion position, and was an inspiration and example to all ranks.
His gallant action not only successfully held this important position, but so weakened the enemy line that an immediate further advance of the division was made possible.

The Canada Gazette dated 30 December 1944.