Valour in the Victory Campaign:
The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division Gallantry Decorations, 1945

Major John Wilson Powell, MC DSO

(Photo Credit: Veterans Affairs; Crown Copyright)

For this attack to succeed, the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade would have to capture the village of Keppeln, the key to the area. This mission was assigned to the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, which attacked at 0930 hours. The advancing troops, however, were soon pinned down by heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire, some distance from their objective. Seeing this critical attack in serious trouble, the Brigade commander called an emergency meeting with the commanding officer of the 6th Canadian Armoured Regiment (1st Hussars). It seemed obvious that tanks would be required to help the infantry move forward. However, for tanks to advance down an open slope of 1800 yards without cover, completely open to enemy fire, and with at least 10 German self-propelled guns sheltered in the village, such a task seemed suicidal.

(Photo Credit: National Archives of Canada, PA-192247)

Major J.W. Powell MC was asked if his 'C' Squadron could do it. He replied "I don't think it's on, sir, but we'll do our best and will at least cause a diversion to enable the infantry to get forward." Powell loaded a platoon of infantry onto the tops of his tanks and, at 1320 hours, charged down the road a full speed with their guns blazing.

It at first looked like the attack would be a failure as tank after tank bogged down, blew up on mines or was hit by enemy self-propelled gun fire. Throughout this advance, Major Powell was firing and directing the attack and not once did he pause or hesitate.

Four tanks managed to reach the outskirts of the village where the infantry dismounted and began clearing the buildings. While one tank managed to sweep through the town itself, Major Powell's and another tank bogged down in shell holes and the fourth tank was destroyed. Major Powell refused to evacuate his tank, although it was a sitting target, and continued to direct the battle by wireless, insisting that the attack be pressed home. While another tank troop was being sent to reinforce the Canadians who had managed to enter the village, Major Powell fought off many enemy infantry who tried to close in to destroy him. Fifteen Germans were subsequently found dead beside his tank.

Three hours later, a recovery tank managed to arrive and pull out the bogged-down tank. Major Powell immediately proceeded into the village to support the hard-pressed infantry, seeking out and destroying the enemy wherever they could be found. As dusk drew down, enemy dead littered the streets. Four enemy armoured vehicles had been destroyed and three more were so badly damaged that they were abandoned by their crews a few hundred yards away.

The speed and daring of the tank charge resulted directly in the successful completion of this operation. As a result of his courage this day, Major John Wilson Powell MC was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.