Aubrey Cosens

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Photo by Geoff Winnington-Ball - Jul 2000
Enlarge
Photo by Geoff Winnington-Ball - Jul 2000

Aubrey Cosens, VC, (May 21, 1921 - February 26, 1945) was a Canadian (born in Latchford, Ontario) recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Contents

[edit] Details

He was 23 years old, and a sergeant in The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, Canadian Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On the night of 25/26 February 1945 at Mooshof, the Netherlands, Sergeant Cosens assumed command of the four survivors of his platoon whom he placed in position to give him covering fire and then, running forward alone to a tank, took up an exposed position in front of the turret and directed its fire. When a further counter-attack had been repulsed and, on his orders, the tank had rammed some farm buildings, he went in alone, killing several of the defenders and taking the rest prisoners. He then dealt similarly with the occupants of two more buildings, but was shot by a sniper when he went to report back to superior officers.

[edit] Further information

Grave/memorial at Buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands. Plot VIII. row H. Grave 2. Headstone.

[edit] The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum in Toronto.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.