Netherlands – The Order of Orange-Nassau

The Order of Orange-Nassau is awarded for longstanding meritorious service to society, the State or the Royal House. The first five of the six classes are: Knight Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. Recipients of an award in the sixth class become members of the Order.

Grand Cross of the Order of Orange Nassau with Swords

General Henry Duncan Graham Crerar CH CB DSO
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.
Brigadier (Acting Major-General) Albert Bruce Matthews CBE DSO ED
Major-General Matthews has distinguished himself by the outstanding manner in which he has commanded 2 Canadian Infantry Division during operations in Holland. As a result of his sound tactical judgement and efficient forward planning, complete and rapid success was achieved by his division in all engagements. To maintain adequate control of the battle he constantly positioned his tactical headquarters well forward, thereby ensuring that every opportunity to exploit success was seized immediately and vigorously pursued. The skilful and aggressive manner in which he has directed the operations of the division has been a marked contribution to the liberation of Holland.

Officer of the Order of Orange Nassau with Swords

Lieutenant-Colonel (Master Gunner) Hartley Ernest Chater OBE MSM
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.
Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Wyld Cormack OBE ED
Lieutenant-Colonel Cormack commanded the 8 Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment throughout the campaign in the Netherlands with great skill and distinction. He and his unit have consistently carried out all tasks which they have been assigned in such a manner as to win the confidence and admiration of the division, Their work during operations under the able leadership and Lieutenant-Colonel Cormack has been outstanding both in their role as an Anti-Aircraft Regiment and in assisting in road construction and protecting the lines of communication. It has been the personal example of this officer’s initiative, drive and leadership which has inspired his regiment. From November 1944 to January 1945 Lieutenant-Colonel Cormack organized and was personally responsible for the air defence of the general areas of Breda, Tilburg and s’Hertogenbosch. He was also Garrison Commander of Tilburg and worked tirelessly to organize the defence when the enemy threatened to cross the Maas River in December 1944. Throughout, Lieutenant-Colonel Cormack’s continual enthusiasm and unfailing devotion to duty have contributed greatly to the standard of efficiency reached by his unit thereby assisting materially in the successful conclusion of the war and the liberation of the Netherlands.
Lieutenant-Colonel (Acting Colonel) Harold Seaman Griffin
Lieutenant-Colonel Harold Seaman Griffin commanded 14 Canadian Field Regiment during the Operation SWITCHBACK by 3 Canadian Infantry Division in Holland to clear the south bank of the Scheldt in October and November 1944. Due to the nature of the topography, higher authority found it necessary to introduce novel fire plans to support the infantry attack. This officer so coordinated and controlled his unit contribution to the Divisional Fire Plan as to bring down upon the Germans the maximum destruction and thus enabled the infantry to advance. The energy, ability and courage of Lieutenant-Colonel Griffin in the Scheldt operation aided materially in the task of 3 Canadian Infantry Division in the liberation of Holland.
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Phineas Rothschild
Lieutenant-Colonel Rothschild landed in Normandy on “D” Day as Brigade Major of 2 Canadian Armoured Brigade and continued in that appointment with conspicuous success and gallantry until he was wounded in July 1944. On his return to the theatre, in August 1944, he became General Staff Officer I, Headquarters 2 Canadian Corps and served as such continuously until the end of the war.
His duties in this latter appointment were to control and coordinate the work of the General Staff Branch at the Headquarters. These duties he performed with high efficiency and marked success, developing and maintaining in the branch a notable spirit of willingness and cheerful cooperation. Because of the high calibre of leadership and judgement given by Lieutenant-Colonel Rothschild, the General Staff Branch contributed most importantly to the successful operations of 2 Canadian Corps in Holland
Major Thomas Hastings Frederick Tomey
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.
Major Henry Ward
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.

Knight of the Order of Orange Nassau with Swords

Captain Joseph Ferdinald Louis-Philippe Laplante
Captain Louis Philippe Laplante, as Adjutant of the regiment, has rendered excellent service during the Dutch campaign, from November 1944 to March 1945. His devotion to duty, his ability, rapidity and precision in controlling fire at Regimental Headquarters have been highly commended. This officer’s cheerfulness has always been a considerable asset in maintaining the morale of this unit.
Captain Lyle Luke Leatherdale
Captain Leatherdale has served continuously as a Battery Captain with 8 Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. In December 1944 and January 1945 when the regiment was acting in an infantry role in the defence of Tilburg, Holland, Captain Leatherdale was responsible for maintaining the large reserves of ammunition required, not only for the unit but for all personnel under command at the time. This was a difficult task and this officer carried out his duties in an outstanding manner despite the fact the unit was acting as infantry and not in its usual anti-aircraft role for which the War Establishment was designed. Throughout all the fighting in Holland Captain Leatherdale showed exceptional drive and determination in accomplishing tasks necessary to keep his battery running efficiently. He never spared himself and willingly shouldered responsibilities beyond his normal duties and this coupled with his ability greatly aided the smooth operation of his battery during all the Netherlands actions.
Captain Sydney James Matthews
Captain Matthews has served with the 17 Canadian Field Regiment since 1940 as Quartermaster. Since April 1945, Captain Matthews has carried out his duties of Quartermaster with untiring devotion to duty. The very large quantities of ammunition required for the attack on Arnhem, 1 April 1945, was quickly delivered under Captain Matthews’ supervision in spite of heavy traffic problems and change of gun positions. Subsequently, during the rapid advance from Arnhem to Hardwewijk, 15 April to 19 April 1945, Captain Matthews spent long hours in personally getting supplies and ammunition up to the fast moving gunners. During the attacks on Delfzijl, 1 May 1945, the supply lines were again stretched to many miles but Captain Matthews, showing great skill from long experience, carried supplies forward to the fighting troops without delay.
For his actions in Holland Captain Matthews is highly commended for his skilful work in carrying out the many diversified duties behind the lines. All his efforts were concentrated in making every man and officer as comfortable as possible under adverse circumstances by supplying food, clothing and weapons of war at the right time and right place. His untiring faithfulness in doing his work well has gained the unwavering respect of all ranks.
Captain Reginald John Mawer
As liaison officer at Headquarters, 3 Canadian Infantry Division, Captain Reginald James Mawer was the main link between Headquarters 3 Canadian Infantry Division and the various brigade groups in the Scheldte pocket at Breskins in October 1944. During these operations Captain Mawer made the treacherous crossing to the far shore of the Scheldte twice daily to take forward the Division Commander’s orders and to bring back information from formations.
At all times Captain Mawer displayed great coolness and his ability to bring back accurate information at a time when no other means of communication existed was of major assistance to the Divisional Commander in making his plans, which materially assisted in the liberation of Holland.
Captain Arthur Kingsmill Pousette
Captain Arthur Kingsmill Poussette during operations in the Netherlands served as Adjutant of 13 Canadian Field Regiment until his appointment in November 1944 as Intelligence Officer Royal Artillery, 2 Canadian Infantry Division. Throughout the entire campaign this officer displayed exceptional devotion to duty and sought and discharged responsibilities far beyond those of his appointment. While employed as Intelligence Officer he acted on many occasions as Brigade Major and invariably carried out those duties in a thoroughly competent and conscientious manner. That the many complicated fire plans required for the support of 2 Canadian Infantry Division were always produced accurately and in good time was due largely to the efforts of Captain Poussette.
By his through knowledge of artillery fire control and technical matters he has been an invaluable asset to the staff of the Divisional Artillery and contributed very materially to the successful operations which finally resulted in the liberation of Holland.
Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Henry Tedman OBE
When 1 Canadian Corps was first detailed to be responsible for the capture, relief and rehabilitation of North West Holland, Lieutenant-Colonel Tedman, Assistant Quartermaster-General, 1 Canadian Corps, was assigned the task of coordinating the planning for the introduction of food, medical relief units, transport and other similar problems. This experienced staff officer immediately grasped the basic essentials of the previous planning and quickly adjusted them to meet the needs of the new operational plan for the capture of this area, and assessed the units and transport required for completion of the undertaking. Lieutenant-Colonel Tedman sat in on the original food talks at Achterveld and was the officer who went behind the enemy lines to arrange suitable off-loading points for the essential food convoys and arranged the details for the actual delivery and handover of these vital commodities to the Dutch organization.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tedman subsequently was responsible for all the detailed maintenance arrangements for the evacuation of 25 German Army from Holland, and the return of captured German stores to the Dutch officials, and for making available the necessary transport for the distribution of food and other commodities. The bright cheerfulness of Lieutenant-Colonel Tedman, his imagination, initiative, willingness to accept responsibility and the esteem in which he is held by all officers he comes in contact with is worthy of distinguished recognition.
Captain Sydney Blewett Williams
Captain Sydney Blewett Williams was adjutant of 7 Canadian Medium Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery from 29 June 1944 to 4 December 1944. During the campaign for the liberation of Holland, this officer carried out his duties at all time, with great coolness and courage. His perseverance and great devotion to duty were an example to all ranks. Despite working under adverse conditions, this officer efficiently controlled the many actions of the Regiment and was of great assistance to this Commanding Officer.
Colonel Tim R Young CD
Circumstances for this award are yet to be discovered.