Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Royal Canadian Army Service Corps

Awarded on:

July 21st, 1945

On the 4th of February 1945, the waters of a canalized river running through Eindhoven, Holland were at flood level, very swiftly flowing and were carrying much debris. On the morning of this day, a carrier belonging to 147 (Essex Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery crashed through the railing into the river, at a place where the road runs close beside it. One member of the crew was thrown clear and was rescued by members of his own unit. The other two members were pinned beneath the carrier which came to rest upside down on the bed of the river, in approximately twelve feet of water.
Captain Thomas Francis Chandler, RCASC of 65 Canadian Tank Transporter Company happened upon this scene very shortly after the accident occurred, and since no efforts were being made by any of the several people present to effect rescue, he immediately took vigorous control. He obtained a towing chain and ordered an RAF recovery lorry to be backed up to the bank of the river, meanwhile divesting himself of his boots and outer clothing. Captain Chandler then seized the chain and dived into the frigid and extremely dangerous waters of the river. After some time, he succeeded in making fast the cable to the submerged carrier, so that it could be raised and the occupants released. Captain Chandler was numbed with cold and completely exhausted by his struggle with the swift current and had to be given assistance to reach shore.
The bravery shown by Captain Chandler in the attempt to rescue military personnel was most conspicuous, and his act is evidence of this officer's complete disregard of self and high conception of duty.

Medal Presented at the University of Toronto on 24 May 1946.

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)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)