| The 2nd Canadian Division had been
given the task of breaking through the strongly fortified
Hochwald Forest defence line which covered Zanten, the last
German bastion west of the Rhine protecting the vital Wesel
Bridge escape route.
The Essex Scottish Regiment was ordered to breach the defence
line north-east of Udem and to clear the northern half of the
forest, through which the balance of the brigade would pass.
At 0715 hours on 1st March 1945, the attack was
launched, but due to the softness of the ground it was found
impossible to support the attack by tanks as had been planned.
Across approximately 500 yards of flat open country, in the
face of intense enemy fire, Major Tilston personally led his
company in the attack, keeping dangerously close to our own
bursting shells in order to get the maximum cover from the
barrage. Though wounded in the head he continued to lead his men
forward, through a belt of wire ten feet in depth to the enemy
trenches shouting orders and encouragement and using his Sten
gun with great effect. When the platoon on the left came under
heavy fire from an enemy machine-gun post, he dashed forward
personally and silenced it with a grenade; he was first to reach
the enemy position and took the first prisoner.
Determined to maintain the momentum of the attack he ordered
the reserve platoon to map up these positions and with
outstanding gallantry, pressed on with his main force to the
second line of enemy defences which were on the edge of the
woods.
As he approached the woods he was severely wounded in the hip
and fell to the ground. Shouting to his men to carry on without
him and urging them to get into the woods, he struggled to his
feet and rejoined them as they reached the trenches of their
objective. Here an elaborate system of underground dugouts and
trenches was manned in considerable strength and vicious
hand-to-hand fighting followed. Despite his wounds, Major
Tilston's unyielding will to close with the enemy was a
magnificent inspiration to his men as he led them in
systematically clearing the trenches of the fiercely resisting
enemy. In this fighting, two German company headquarters were
overrun and many casualties were inflicted on the fanatical
defenders.
Such had been the grimness of the fighting and so savage the
enemy resistance that the company was now reduced to only 26
men, one quarter of its original strength. Before consolidation
could be completed the enemy counter-attacked repeatedly,
supported by a hail of mortar and machine-gun fire from the open
flank. Major Tilston moved in the open from platoon to platoon
quickly organizing their defence and directing fire against the
advancing enemy. The enemy attacks penetrated so close to the
positions that grenades were thrown into the trenches held by
his troops, but this officer by personal contact, unshakable
confidence and unquenchable enthusiasm so inspired his men that
they held firm against great odds.
When the supply of ammunition became a serious problem he
repeatedly crossed the bullet-swept ground to the company on his
right flank to carry grenades, rifle and Bren ammunition to his
troops and replaced a damaged wireless set to re-establish
communications with battalion headquarters. He made at least six
of these hazardous trips, each time crossing a road which was
dominated by intense fire from numerous, well-sited enemy
machine-gun posts.
On his last trip he was wounded for the third time, this time
in the leg. He was found in a shell crater beside the road.
Although very seriously wounded and barely conscious, he would
not submit to medical attention until he had given complete
instructions as to the defence plan, had emphasized the absolute
necessity of holding the position, and had ordered his one
remaining officer to take over.
By his calm courage, gallant conduct and total disregard for
his own safety, he fired his men with grim determination and
their firm stand enabled the regiment to accomplish its object
of furnishing the brigade with a solid base through which to
launch further successful attacks to clear the forest thus
enabling the division to accomplish its task. |
Salle High
School, the Ontario College of Pharmacy and the University of Toronto.
Prior to his enlistment in 1940 he was sales manager of a drug
manufacturing company. He enlisted as a private but because of his age,
education and experience, he was quickly promoted to sergeant and then
to officer. The wounds received in the action described in the citation
necessitated the amputation of both legs, but exactly one year later
from the date of his injuries he returned to work for his former company
in the capacity of vice-president in charge of sales. He later became
president and then chairman of the board for that company. In 1963 he
became Honorary Colonel of his old regiment which had been renamed the
Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment. He resided in Toronto, Ontario until his death
on the 23rd of September 1992.
