Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

12th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On 6 June 1944 during the invasion of Normandy, Major Goldie, 12 Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery acted as a Forward Observation Officer for the shipborne guns of his regiment, directing their fire onto the enemy's beach defences. This necessitated his small craft being in the forefront of the invading fleet to within range of the enemy's small arms weapons. Under very difficult conditions of poor visibility, rough sea and enemy gun fire, he effectively neutralized their defences, thus enabling the 6 Canadian Armoured Regiment and the Royal Winnipeg Rifles to get ashore with comparatively light casualties. On landing he assumed the duties of Second-in-Command and deployed the regiment on the immediate beaches affording continuous support to the infantry. Major Goldie has continued since D Day to reconnoitre and deploy the regiment in every position it has occupied, most frequently under heavy fire and deployed well forward. Of the especially difficult ground of Calais and the south bank of the Scheldt his work and leadership have been of the highest order. His cool judgement, personal courage and continued devotion to duty have been reflected in the quick and accurate response of the guns both by day and night for five months, which has inspired the troops of the 7 Canadian Infantry Brigade with complete confidence in their guns.