Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
In the two days fighting to capture Agira (Sicily) on 27/28 July 1943, the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada bore the brunt of the fighting.
Under the inspired leadership of Lieutenant-colonel Hoffmeister the Battalion fought its way forward against very heavy opposition.
The Battalion objective was to capture some high ground completely dominating the town. During the final battle for this objective communications were difficult. Lieutenant-colonel Hoffmeister, with complete disregard for his own safety, made his way from Company to Company and though under very heavy fire, personally directed the attack on the enemy position.
His coolness, determination, and personal bravery under fire were an inspiration to all ranks under his command.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
At first light on the morning 9 December 1943, 2 Cnd Inf Bde supported by 1 Cnd Armd Bde continued the advance through the Moro bridgehead in the face of determined enemy resistance. The battle continued throughout the period 9-12 December.
During this period Brig. Hoffmeister fought his brigade with skill and determination. In order so he was continuously well forward under heavy fire for extended periods. His personal example of coolness and courage under this fire was an inspiration to all [ … ] whom he came in contact and was a vital factor in the success of the operation.

This award was obtained in the form of an Bar to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major-General

Unit:

5th Canadian (Armoured) Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
Commanding an Armd Div which had never before been in action as a whole, he led it with the greatest determination and success. By his constant presence in the most forward areas, under shell and small arms fire, he inspired confidence and a fine offensive spirit in all; so that between the 24th and 30th May, it broke out of the Hitler line, forced the crossings of the Melfa and Liri rivers, captured three villages, destroyed very many tanks and SP guns took many prisoners and killed many enemy and advanced a total distance of 35 kilometers, driving the enemy before it.

This award was obtained in the form of a second Bar to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major-General

Unit:

5th Canadian (Armoured) Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
Under General Hoffmeister’s brilliant leadership 5 Cnd Armd Div effected the initial break in the Gothic Line and captured the key position of Montecchio. Its sustained action was one of the main contributing factors in the final breakthrough of the Gothic Line.
There is no doubt that these outstanding successes gained by 5 Canadian Armd Div have been due in large measure to the fine leadership., untiring energy and drive displayed by General Hoffmeister throughout the operations.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major-General

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major-General

Unit:

5th Canadian (Armoured) Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

December 8th, 1945

Recommendation:
On 14 April 1945, 5th Canadian Armoured Division was given the task of breaking out of the Arnhem bridgehead and thrusting to the Zuider Zee, a distance of 48 miles, cutting off the enemy opposing 1st Canadian Infantry Division at Apeldoorn. As a result of Major-General Hoffmeister’s organization, the division was removed from its concentration area to its forming up area, a distance of twelve miles across the River Rhine, and launched into the start of a successful attack in under sixteen hours.
From the beginning of the operation to its conclusion, the division displayed great capacity for manoeuvre, moving surely and powerfully forward without pause, a result of the outstanding leadership and clever control of the divisional commander.
Throughout the entire battle, which was carried out with two exposed flanks, Major-General Hoffmeister kept himself fully informed of the latest situation by personal liaison with the leading units. These visits to the leading units were carried out at great personal risks as pockets of enemy, which had been by-passed, were continually harassing movement on the routes in rear, causing a number of casualties.
To ensure the complete control of the battle, Major-General Hoffmeister kept his Headquarters well forward, to such an extent that at one time it was subject to intense small arms and mortar fire accompanied by an infantry attack for a period of over eight hours. During this small action, his headquarters itself captured over 100 prisoners and killed approximately 48 enemy who were infiltrating in and around the command group.
During the operation over 2000 prisoners were captured and an estimated 600 killed for total casualties of less than 250; an advance of 48 miles was made in constant contact with the enemy during a period of 72 hours; a large number of enemy vehicles and 184 enemy guns were destroyed or captured. This success was only a result of the inspiring leadership of Major-General Hoffmeister and the clear direction he gave as a result of his personal up-to-the-minute knowledge of the situation, obtained by audacious visits to the leading troops and aggressive positioning of his Headquarters.
This action relieved the pressure against 1st Canadian Infantry Division and ensured their success in the reduction of Apeldoorn and completed successfully the first phase of the operations of I Canadian Corps of clearing southwestern Holland of the enemy. This brilliant handling by Major-General Hoffmeister who has command 5th Canadian Armoured Division for over a year, follows a series of skilful actions by his division in the Central Mediterranean Theatre.

Royal Decree no. 2 of 8 December 1945.
Canadian Gazette of 22 December 1945.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major-General

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major-General

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Overseas" bar

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)