Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance-Corporal

Unit:

No.11 Platoon, "B" Company, The Calgary Highlanders, 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

April 5th, 1945

Recommendation:
On 1 November 1944 The Calgary Highlanders were assigned the task of establishing a bridgehead immediately across the causeway on Walchern Island. After “D” Company had established themselves at the end of the causeway “B” Company was ordered to proceed through them and to consolidate at the west end of the causeway.
No.11 Platoon with Lance Corporal Wolfe in charge of the 2 inch mortar progressed about four hundred yards south along the flooded bank and consolidated. A sudden increase in enemy fire particularly at the end of the causeway indicated a counter attack. In order to tighten the defences it was decided to move 11 Platoon further back. The enemy fire of small arms, mortar and 20mm was increasing and very effective. It became necessary to move in short bound, and to hold each successive position.
Lance Corporal Wolfe with great courage and under withering fire succeeded in holding several points firing upon the enemy and delaying them. Several times it appeared as if No.11 Platoon would be wiped out but the mortar fire brought down by this NCO restored the situation. The protection given by Lance Corporal Wolfe with his 2 inch mortar enabled the platoon to take up more effective positions.
When the Platoon was in a position to bring effective fire upon the enemy they noticed Lance Corporal Wolfe coming towards them in the midst of heavy enemy fire helping a wounded NCO back. The enemy fire became extremely heavy and Lance Corporal Wolfe stopped, set up his mortar and attempted to neutralize this withering fire which was being brought to bear on himself and his Platoon.
Throughout the whole operation Lance Corporal Wolfe showed remarkable coolness and complete this regard for his personal safety. His gallant action made possible the effective repositioning of his Company and was an inspiration to all who were with him.


Supplement to the London Gazette, 5 April, 1945.