Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

"D" Company, 1st Battalion The Canadian Scottish Regiment, 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

December 21st, 1944

Recommendation:
On 15 August 1944 during this Battalion’s attack on Hill 168 (nr Falaise, Calvados) this officer distinguished himself by his courage and leadership under heavy fire.
In his capacity as Company Commander of “D” Company the leading left flank Company Major Lawrence Henderson led his men in the attack. The advance was made over very difficult rolling country which was a maze of almost insurmountable hedgerows, behind each of which lurked machine guns and Tiger tanks, well dug in. With his Company sadly depleted and held up Major Henderson finding himself out of touch with his Commanding Officer as his wireless set had been destroyed and realizing that he had to make the best of it having absolutely no regard for his own personal safety, gathered the remnants of his Company together, and pushed forward amid devastating enemy fire.
With his one remaining officer and less than half his original Company Major Henderson destroyed the enemy position and held the ground without which his unit could not have attained its success on Hill 168 and facilitated the Brigade breakthrough to Falaise.


Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 December, 1944.