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Bennett, James Vernon

Nationality:
Canadian (1931-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
company Sergeant-Major
Awarded on:
December 22nd, 1945
CSM Bennett was platoon Sgt of the Scout Platoon of “C” Coy of the Lake Sup R(Mot) during all the fighting in Holland. In the action at WOUWSCHE HIL EAST of BERGEN OP ZOOM, CSM Bennett was ordered to make a night attack on an enemy position which was holding up the advance. Tracer and incendiary ammunition from his own fire lit the surrounding area and made the attack more difficult. The light, on several accessions, revealed teller mines on the road directly in the path of the advancing troops. Appreciating the difficult situation and that the attack must go in, CSM Bennett took over a browning .50 and after attending to the safety of his men proceeded forward and blew up the mines by shooting at them with his weapon. The advance then continued. This action on the part of CSM Bennett, not only maintained the momentum of the attack but opened the road for the armour which followed, allowing the column to later cut the main enemy line of retreat. This quick clear thinking and daring leadership was exemplary and materially aided the clearing of the enemy from that sector of Holland.

Royal decree no. 2, dd. 8-12-1945
Bronzen Kruis (BK)

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