Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

Highland Light Infantry of Canada, 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

March 22nd, 1945

"Lieutenant Edward McLeish, Platoon Commander of II platoon, Highland Light Infantry of Canada at CAP GRIS NEZ on 29 September 1944, showed extraordinary courage and determination.

On the 29 September 1944, The Highland Light Infantry of Canada were ordered to capture the four large 'Cross Channel' guns on CAP GRIS NEZ.

II Platoon under command Lieutenant Edward McLeish was given the task of taking out No. 3 gun. This 16 inch gun had a 360 degree traverse. It was enclosed in a concrete emplacement constructed in tiers. An iron mail net was draped over the front of this massive cement structure. A heavy machine gun was mounted under the barrel. The emplacement was mutually supported by other gun positions.

The determination, resourcefulness and example of Lieutenant McLeish under concentrated shell fire, carried his platoon very rapidly through the initial deep minefields - then through thick wire entanglements, which surrounded the gun position.

When the platoon reached the gun position, the Germans threw grenades out of the slits. They filled the gun with cordite and fired at the platoon. While the gun was rotating, enemy machine gun fire sprayed the immediate area. Three men were wounded one killed.

Although the turret continued to revolve, Lieutenant McLeish seized the initiative, ordering his men to jump on to the gun platform. This officer tried to force a surrender by throwing grenades into the apertures of the turret. Continuous fire was brought against him from mutually supporting gun positions.

Eventually Lieutenant McLeish succeeded in placing a No. 75 grenade under the metal cover of the turret. When the grenade exploded, the gun no longer was able to rotate. This officer continued to exhort his men who closed in on the large emplacement. They attempted to force a way into the encasement, firing at close range into the slits and throwing grenades through gaps between the concrete and the gun.

The enemy, although in an apparently impregnable position, were forced to surrender by the determination and aggressive spirit of the men.

The vigor, audacity and supreme courage of this officer had an inspiring effect on his men at the critical moment enabling the platoon to capture their objective which greatly influenced the final capture of CAP GRIS NEZ."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)