At first light on 1 Jan 44 “A” Company, The 48th Highlanders of Canada was ordered to clear buildings on the right side of the Main Street of SAN THOMASSO (MR 297164).  L/Cpl Maxwell was commanding the leading section of the leading platoon.

As they approached the second house, L/Cpl Maxwell caught sight of a German behind a pile of bricks and put him out of action by throwing a grenade.  The section then came under fire from the next house and took cover in a ditch from which they saw three Germans with a machine gun withdrawing to the neighbouring valley.  L/Cpl Maxwell accounted for all three with his TSMG.  He then detected a machine4 gun in an upper storey window of a house, opened fire on with his TSMG and silenced it.

After this he moved round the building and shot two more Germans and then proceeded with his section to clear the building, taking two prisoners and wounding one German.  Another platoon then took the lead.

In this most difficult and dangerous type of fighting, L/Cpl Maxwell showed the greatest courage and determination.  He led his platoon with outstanding skill and set an inspiring standard bravery to his comrades.