Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sapper (Combat Engineer)

Unit:

16th Field Company, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
In Holland on 7 February 1945, Sapper Alexander McCullagh was a member of a sapper party accompanying the assault wave of 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade during their amphibious attack on Zandpol dyke. His duty was to act as runner between the Platoon Officer working behind the leading infantry and the wireless set located at the leading ramp. Due to the presence of Schu mines on the slopes of the dyke the only route possible was along the exposed road on top of the dyke. Once the enemy had been cleared off the dyke this road was subjected to heavy concentrations of mortar fire and continually swept by their machine gun fire. It was not practical in the dark to move the wireless jeep forward along the dyke road.
For several hours Sapper McCullagh carried back and forth along this fire-swept road messages containing information about the condition of roads inside the polder. This information proved to be of utmost value to the Brigade Commander, enabling him to determine the type and number of vehicles he could despatch to support his attack. Sapper McCullagh performed this hazardous task with utter disregard of personal danger, displaying a high sense of responsibility and unflinching devotion to duty. His action and conduct was a source of inspiration and confidence to his officer and men alike and contributed materially to the success of the attack.