Remembering Today 26/2/45 Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, VC, 1st Bn Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, R.C.I.C.

Discussion in 'Canadian' started by Pieter F, Feb 26, 2012.

  1. Pieter F

    Pieter F Very Senior Member

    COSENS, AUBREY
    Rank:Sergeant
    Service No:B/46495
    Date of Death:26/02/1945
    Age:24
    Regiment/Service:Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, R.C.I.C., 1st Bn.
    Awards:V C
    Grave ReferenceVIII. H. 2.
    Cemetery: GROESBEEK CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY
    Additional Information:
    Son of Charles E. and Yvonne Cosens, of Latchford, Ontario.

    The citation in the London Gazette of 18 May 1945:
    In Holland, on the night 25/26th February, 1945 the 1st Battalion The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada attacked the hamlet of Mooshof. Sergeant Cosens' platoon, with tanks in support, had as their objective enemy strong-points in three farm-buildings. They were twice beaten back and were then fiercely counterattacked. Their casualties were heavy, including the platoon commander killed. Sergeant Cosens assumed command of the few survivors of the platoon, and placed them so as to give him covering fire while he crossed open ground to the one remaining tank and directed its fire. After a further counter-attack had been repulsed, Sergeant Cosens ordered the tank to attack the three farm-buildings, the remaining men of his platoon following in close support. He himself entered the three buildings in turn, alone, and killed or captured all the occupants. Immediately afterwards he was shot by a sniper, and died almost instantly. His outstanding gallantry, initiative and determined leadership resulted in the capture of a position which was vital to the success of the future operations of the Brigade.

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    Source: VAC

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    Source: VAC

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    Source: VAC

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    Picture: Pieter Schlebaum
     
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  2. La-de-da-Gunner Graham

    La-de-da-Gunner Graham Senior Member

    A brave man remembered.

    Keith
     
  3. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    Sgt. Aubrey Cosens RIP.:poppy:
     
  4. 17thDYRCH

    17thDYRCH Senior Member

    Pieter,
    Thank you for posting.

    :poppy: RIP Sgt Aubrey Cosens :poppy:

    Lest We Forget
     
  5. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    75 Years

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  6. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    UK, Victoria Cross Medals, 1857-2007
    Name: Aubrey Cosens
    Birth Date: 21 May 1921
    Birth Place: Latchford, Ontario, Canada
    Death Date: 26 Feb 1945
    Death Place: At Mooshof, Holland
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    TD
     
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  7. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    From 2016

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  8. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

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