Anders Lassen
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Anders Frederik Emil Victor Schau Lassen VC, MC & Two Bars (22 September 1920 - 9 April 1945) was a Danish 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. He was the fourth Dane to receive this decoration.
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[edit] Details
He was 24 years old, and a temporary major in the General List, commanding a squadron of the Special Boat Service (Which was formed from the Special Boat Squadron of No. 1 Special Air Service Regiment) during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 9 April 1945 at Lake Comacchio, Italy, on Operation Roast, Major Lassen was ordered to take a patrol and raid the north shore of the lake, causing as many casualties and as much confusion as possible to give the impression of a major landing. In the face of overwhelming enemy numbers he fulfilled his mission, three positions being wiped out, and when he was mortally wounded he refused to be evacuated so that the withdrawal should not be impeded and his men's lives endangered. Corporal Hunter of the Royal Marines also received his VC in the same operation with his Commando.
[edit] Further information
Also received the King Christian X Memorial Medal, the Military Cross and two Bars, The Greek War Cross, The 1939-45 Star, The Africa Star, The Italy Star, The Defence Medal and The War Medal.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of Danish Resistance (Frihedsmuseet) in Copenhagen, Denmark.
[edit] References
- Anders Lassen VC, MC, of the SAS (Mike Langley, 1988)
- British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- List of Danish Victoria Cross recipients
- Kjaer Larsen homepage - Most complete reference on Anders Lassen in the World
- The Danish Victoria Cross holders
- Anders Lassen Fonden - The Danish Anders Lassen Foundation
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