Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On 14 December 1944, 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade was holding a bridgehead across the Canale Naviglio just north of Bagnacavallo (Map Reference 4939). This town was very strongly held by the Germans and gave them a commanding position, and it became essential to dominate and contain it in order that further operations might be undertaken. Accordingly, on the night 14/15 December 1944, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry were ordered to attack through the bridgehead and swing left towards Bagnacavallo and to take up a position just outside the town. So successful was the plan made by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Percy Clark, that in spite of heavy opposition, including tanks, all companies had reached their objectives by midnight. One of the enemy tanks was destroyed and its crew captured.
The position to be taken up by the battalion was within one thousand yards of Bagnacavallo, and entirely overlooked from its buildings. It was essential that consolidation and deployment of supporting arms be completed by first light. Lieutenant-Colonel Clark, in order personally to control this phase, moved his Headquarters to Map Reference 397391 in the midst of his battalion area, before the battle was over, and under heavy enemy fire. From here, he personally supervised the forward movement of the supporting arms, and by his drive and vigourous leadership had his battalion completely disposed by dawn that morning.
At one time, before consolidation was completed, the left forward company at Map Reference 395389 reported that the enemy were preparing a counter-attack with tanks and infantry. Lieutenant-Colonel Clark proceeded immediately, under heavy hell and small arms fire, to the company area, saw the position for himself, and personally called down artillery defensive fire tasks which he had previously arranged. As a result, the counter-attack was broken up before it had properly started, and the whole position was saved.
His presence, and the example of his disregard for his own safety, were a source of great confidence and inspiration to all ranks of the battalion. By his courage, sound planning and firm leadership, Lieutenant-Colonel Clark ensured the success of his battalion's attack and inspired it to hold firm in the teeth of this enemy bastion.