Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Les Fusiliers Mont Royal, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

November 28th, 1945

Sergeant Van Workum, a Dutch interpreter, reported for duty to Les Fusiliers Mont Royal in 28 November 1944 and faithfully served that battalion throughout the remainder of the campaign. His ability, courage, and disregard for enemy fire on many occasions has won for him the greatest admiration and friendship of all ranks in the battalion.
On 3 April 1945 a carrier patrol was ordered out to obtain information about the enemy defences on the outskirts of ZUTPHEN. This Non-commissioned Officer was in the lead carrier which, on rounding the corner, came under fire from well-concealed machine gun posts. The patrol immediately retaliated with light machine gun fire. Sergeant Van Workum, acting on his own initiative, made his way forward and shouted to the defenders that if they did not surrender, flame throwers would be used against them. The thirty-two defenders immediately surrendered, thus avoiding the risk of heavy casualties had an attack become necessary.

On 17 April 1945 the Commanding Officer, with this interpreter negotiated the surrender of the garrison of Groningen at the German headquarters in that city. It was due to the efficient translation by Sergeant Van Workum of the commanding officer's persuasive order, that the surrender was quickly effected. After the garrison surrendered, this Non-commissioned Officer was largely responsible for the orderly disarming of the prisoners of war and by his power of control was instrumental in preventing civilian demonstrators from mobbing the prisoners.

Sergeant Van Workum has on many occasions carried out tasks which were beyond the normal call of duty, and his devotion to duty, initiative, and unceasing efforts have been inestimable value to Les Fusiliers Mont Royal.