Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

11 Canadian Army Field Regiment, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

December 22nd, 1945

"In every battle in which the 11 Canadian Army Field Regiment has been engaged, Sergeant Richard James Johnston has been sergeant of the Regimental Survey Party and in this capacity he has invariably discharged his duties in a highly meritorious manner.

On several occasions the Survey Party has deployed in advance of the leading Infantry and frequently has been subjected to heavy fire. Under no circumstances has Sergeant Johnston allowed the speed or accuracy of his parties’ observations and computations to be impaired by any action.

When the Regiment first came into action in HOLLAND on 30 March 45 under command of 49 (West Riding) Infantry Division for the clearing of the Island before ARNHEM and later for the assault on the city and again in subsequent operations such as the advance of 1 Canadian Infantry Division from ZUTPHEN to AMERSFOORT, and with 5 Canadian Infantry Division for the attack on LEER, and finally with 1 Polish Armoured Division in the pursuit from the River LEDA towards WILHELMSHAVEN, Sergeant Johnston has carried out his responsibilities both well and skilfully.

His courage and steadiness in the many difficulties throughout all of these operations contributed largely to the reliability of the data produced by the Survey Party and in turn to the accurate shooting of the Regiment."

Royal decree no. 2, dd. 8-12-1945