Aubrey Cosens
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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.
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[edit] Details
Cosens 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 near Uedem, in Germany, 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 Casa Loma,Toronto.
