Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Major

Unit:

"B" Company, The Lincoln and Welland Regiment, 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Armoured Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On 25 October 1944 two company’s of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment were placed under command of the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) to carry out an assault on Wouwsche Plantage. The two rifle company’s were to do the actual assault supported by fire from the motor company’s on their flanks. The attack began at 1330 hours and was immediately subjected to intense mortar fire and direct fire from SP guns at a range of about 500 yards. “B” Company led by Major McCutcheon suffered severe casualties and within a few minutes of the start of the assault the attack began to falter. Disregarding the intensity of the enemy fire Major McCutcheon rallied his men and personally led them forward through the enemy concentrations onto their first objective. By this time half the company had been wounded and the success of the attack lay in the balance. Major McCutcheon again encouraged and re-organized his forces and led the way into the town where they proceeded to mop up the enemy forces. By the end of the day it was found that over 100 enemy had been killed and 30 prisoners taken. There can be no doubt that the success of this operation was due to the great skill and daring leadership shown by this officer. His courage and complete disregard for personal safety was an example and an inspiration to all ranks of the battalion.