WO2 Osborn, VC. - Battle for Hong Kong,

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H-6008 Warrant Officer Class II (Company Sergeant Major) John Osborn, 1 Battalion, The Winnipeg Grenadiers



Canada Gazette dated 6 April 1946 (No. 14, Vol. 80, p. 2066) and CARO/6522 dated 18 April 1946

At Hong Kong on the morning of December 19,1941 a Company of Winnipeg Grenadiers to which Company Sergeant Major Osborn belonged became divided during an attack on Mount Butler, a hill rising steeply above sea level. A part of the Company led by CSM Osborn captured the hill at the point of the bayonet and held it for three hours when, owing to superior numbers of the enemy and fire from an unprotected flank, the position became unattainable. CSM Osborn single-handedly engaged the enemy while the remainder successfully rejoined the Company. CSM Osborn had to run the gauntlet of heavy rile and machine-gun fire with no consideration of his own safety. He assisted and directed stragglers to the new Company position, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to cover their retirement. Whenever danger threatened, he was there to encourage his men.

During the afternoon the Company was cut off from the Battalion and completely surrounded by the enemy who were able to approach within grenade throwing distance of the slight depression which the Company was holding. Several enemy grenades were thrown which CSM Osborn picked up and threw back. The enemy threw a grenade which landed in a position where it was impossible to pick up and return in time. Shouting a warning to his comrades, this gallant Warrant Officer threw himself on the grenade which exploded and killed him instantly. His self-sacrifice undoubtedly saved the lives of many others.

CSM Osborn was an inspiring example to all throughout the defense which he assisted so magnificently in maintaining against an overwhelming enemy force for over eight-and-a-half hours and in his death he displayed the highest quality of heroism and sacrifice.

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