Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

3rd Canadian Anti-Tank Regiment, Corps Troops, II Canadian Corps, First Canadian Army, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

October 6th, 1945

Citation:
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

3rd Canadian Anti-Tank Regiment, Corps Troops, II Canadian Corps, First Canadian Army, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

November 10th, 1945

Citation:
"Sergeant Walter Arthur COCHRANE served with the 3rd Canadian Anti-Tank Regiment from the landing on the NORMANDY beaches to the final cessation of hostilities in GERMANY. In every action in which his battery was involved he acquitted himself in an exemplary fashion and was a constant source of inspiration, courage and recourcefulness to his men. On innumerable occasions this NCO has exhibited a degree of courage and coolness of a calibre which proved outstanding even when these attributed were considered commonplace.

On the evening of 3rd March 1945, on the outskirts of XANTEN, GERMANY, it was evicent that the enemy were preparing a counter attack against the high ground held by our troops. This ridge was vital to the enemy's further defence of the area and upon it were deployed anti-tank guns of the troop of which Sgt COCHRANE was troop sergeant. Enemy tanks were reported advancing against the position and our infantry were somewhat uneasy at facing a tank attack since they had had but little opportunity to consolidate the ground. An outpost suddenly sighted an enemy tank at a range of 300 yards and reported its position to this NCO. Since it was impossible to immediately engage this tank due to its hull-down position, Sgt Cochrane mounted one of his self-propelled anti-tank equipments and courageously manoeuvred it into a suitable location. At a range of less than 200 yards Sgt COCHRANE engaged the enemy equipment and by fearlessly exposing himself to obtain better vision, passed orders to the gun crew enabling them to knock-out the enemy tank in spite of the closing darkness.

Not only did this feat eliminate the immediate threat of an enemy counter attack but it encouraged our infantry to a marked extend and so lowered the morale of the opposing forces that they evacuated the vicinity immediately."