Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

No.7 Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Canada, 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
Lieutenant Berry commanded No. 9 Platoon of “A” Company the Royal Regiment of Canada on the night of 30/31 October 1944. The battalion’s task was to seize the causeway between South Beveland and Walcheren in southern Holland. His platoon was to lead the way north along the sea dyke to the “A” Company objective on the eastern end of the causeway.
The approach was most difficult due to darkness, anti-personnel mines and barbed wire, and the platoon’s advance was seriously impeded by well directed and continuous machine gun fire from a concrete emplacement in the dyke.
Lieutenant Berry’s platoon was eventually pinned down by the fire from the machine gun emplacement and by heavy shell fire. Without hesitation, this officer crawled forward alone and cleaned out the pillbox with hand grenades, despite the fierce enemy machine gun and shell fire. He then returned to lead his men forward. Inspired by his action the platoon swept forward, cleaned out the remaining concrete shelters, overran two 75 mm gun positions and carried on to their objective.
Lieutenant Berry’s courage, daring and skill were an inspiration to his men. He was in a large measure responsible for the success of the battalion attack in which some two hundred prisoners and several guns were taken and ground essential to the success of the brigade plan was secured.