Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

"D" Company, Le Régiment de Maisonneuve, 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

April 5th, 1945

Recommendation:
On 2 November 1944, the Régiment de Maisonneuve were ordered to establish a bridgehead on Walcheren Island. The leading company under heavy enemy fire succeeded in crossing the causeway and taking up positions near the end of the causeway on the island. Their position was subjected to extremely heavy fire of all types and one 20 mm gun sited close by was particularly effective.
Private Carrière, a signaller in the leading company volunteered to stalk this gun and attempt to knock it out. Taking a PIAT and bombs he started out, crawling in a shallow ditch which was partly filled with mud and water. The ground between the company’s position and the site of this gun was completely open and flat and was continuously swept by fire from three directions. With complete disregard for his personal safety Private Carrière crawled for a distance of 400 yards, making the best possible use of the partial protection afforded by the ditch, until he reached a point from which he could bring fire from his PIAT to bear on the gun site. Further exposing himself to the hail of fire he coolly aimed and fired the PIAT. The gun position was knocked out and Private Carrière, although painfully wounded by the intense machine gun fire aimed at his fire position, returned to his company with his PIAT.
This soldier’s gallantry and cool determination in performing this dangerous task which was far beyond the normal course of his duty as a signaller, were an inspiration to all ranks of his company.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 5 April, 1945.