On the night of 10/11 December 1944, the 48th Highlanders of Canada made an assault crossing of the LAMONE RIVER at MR 413348. The river has dikes up to 30 feet high, sloping to the water at approximately 45 degrees; and with the enemy solidly dug in along the top of the dyke and in the fields behind, presented a formidable obstacle.
“A” Company was leading in this assault, and Captain William Glenn ANGUS commanded the leading platoon. The moment the platoon appeared over our bank with they assault boats, a withering fire was brought down on them from MG posts and point blank range across the river. Rallying his men, this officer quickly had the boats launched and on their way across. He was among the first to land, and personally led his platoon, storming up the 30 foot dyke into the thick of the enemy positions. So inspiring was his leadership and so determined the assault that the platoon had very soon accomplished its initial task, which was to clear the enemy bank for a length of 300 yards. In doing this, 9 enemy MG posts were routed, thus freeing the crossing point of aimed small arms fire for the remainder of the Battalion.
Leaving part of his platoon to hold this area, Captain ANGUS then immediately organized a fighting patrol to seek out and destroy further enemy. With complete disregard for his own safety he struck into an area known to b mined; he soon found the enemy, who resisted his intrusion vigorously with small with small arms fire, rifle and hand grenades. In spite of this opposition and in the lead throughout, this gallant and determined officer charged and captured 3 further enemy positions, each a section in strength, personally killing 3 Germans.
Throughout this action Captain ANGUS displayed a most inspiring courage and a matchless initiative and determination. His action, over and above the terms of his orders in, exploiting into enemy territory, ensured the successful crossing and subsequent exploitation of the remainder of the Battalion. His aggressive spirit resulted in the capture by himself and his platoon of 40 of the enemy in this operation and the killing of a number of others.
GRANTED AN IMMEDIATE MC (GOC Eight Army) 22-Jun-45