During the night of 23/24 Dec 1943 the 48th Highlanders of Canada made a night attack on the tactically important ridge southwest of Ortona MR315143 to M305163. “A” Company commanded by Major Clarke was the lead company during the attack. The presence of the enemy in considerable strength in the area and wide observation possible from the ridge prevented reconnaissance by daylight of the enemy positions and of the best avenues attack. Major Clarke, however, without reconnaissance and on a dark night led his men with such skill and daring that they reached the enemy positions undetected, completely surprised the enemy and seized the position, capturing 19 prisoners. This feat enabled the Battalion to reach its objective without a single casualty. Major Clarke led his company with outstanding skill and efficiency. His courage and determination under fire were of the highest order. His skilfully executed surprise of the enemy and his able handling of the company in the attack and after contributed directly to the expulsion of the enemy from the strongly defended area west of Ortona and and enabled the Battalion to advance to a position threatening the enemy’s only lie of withdrawal from the town. CG 19 – 6/5/44 page 1881