Capt William G (Gus) Angus MC

Officer Commanding “D” Company

1st Battalion 48th Highlanders of Canada (CASF) 1944-1945

Capt Bill (Gus) Angus joined 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders of Canada in the field during the third week of October 1944 transferring in after 30 Reconnaissance (Essex) Regiment was disbanded as part of a Canadian Army reorganization.   He joined “A”Coy as a platoon commander and gallantly led his platoon across the LAMONE RIVER in December 1944 for which he was awarded the Military Cross (MC). The story of “Able Company’s Great Night” is told in the Regimental History (Dileas pp 699-708). Later in Holland he he took command of “D” Coy during the Battalion’s first action in North-West Europe – the capture of Devinter and led it as it captured HOVEN following the death of the Commanding Officer.  He commanded “Dog” Coy  cy during the battle to liberate APELDOORN.

Awards
Date
Award
Citation
11-Dec-44
Military Cross (MC)

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

NA
Unit(s)
48th First Bn (WW 2)
Service number
NA
Fate
Unknown
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