Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Captain

Unit:

RCA (4 Canadian Field Regiment), Attached to "D" Company, The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (RCA (4 Canadian Field Regiment), Attached to "D" Company, The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry)

Awarded on:

May 12th, 1945

Citation:
"On the morning of 26 February 1945, Captain Edwards was acting as Forward Observation Officer with "D" Company of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. At that time, this battalion was holding a section of the front line which was vital to the success of a divisional attack scheduled to commence at 0430 hours.

Shortly after midnight the company was heavily attacked by two companies of paratroops supported by tanks. The enemy infiltrated through the company position and attempted to destroy company headquarters by setting fire to the buildings with the intention of driving personnel into the open and destroying them by fire from his infantry and tanks. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Edwards remained at his post throughout this period of intense and concentrated fire and coolly directed artillery fire on the advancing enemy with devastating effect. Later, when company headquarters was directly attacked, Captain Edwards seized a rifle and assisted in repulsing the enemy, accounting for several of them himself.

The engagement lasted over four hours, and during all phases of this critical action, the courage and resource displayed by Captain Edwards were of the highest order and an inspiration to all ranks. By his masterful control of artillery and his splendid example in battle, this officer made a direct contribution to the defence of a position which was essential to the divisional battle and through which a successful attack was subsequently launched according to plan."