A/Sgt. Sydney Stanley Chandler MM.
Canadian Army 1st Btn. Royal Highland Regiment Black Watch
from:Oshawa, Ontario
Sydney Chandler married my maternal grandmother in the 1950s after the death of her then husband Douglas Lawerence (who I believe served in the same unit) My Uncle had a photocopy of the the award letter.
On 26th of February 1945 during the initial phase of the assault South of Calgar, Germany Sgt Chandlar (then a Corporal) was in charge of a section of the First Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada. His company's objective was a key position on the escarpment South of the town of Calgar. Early in the attack this company came under very heavy fire, the company commander was wounded and Sergeant Chandler's platoon commander killed. This Non-commissioned Officer immediately took command of the platoon, reorganised it and maintained the assault to the objective, there co-ordinating the consolidation in spite of heavy shell and mortar fire. Again on 28th February 1945 this Non Commissioned Officer took command of his platoon when its Commander was wounded during a wood clearing operation in the Hochwald Forest. The platoon was held up by well dug in snipers and a machine gun nest and subjected to intense shell and mortar fire. Realizing the gravity of the situation Sergeant Chandler quickly organized his platoon and with one section rushed and knocked out this enemy position. On the objective this Non-commissioned Officer by his own example so inspired his men that when it appeared that valuable ground would have to be abandoned under extreme pressure repeated counter beaten off and the position held. Sgt Chandler by his good judgement, leadership and cool indifference to danger throughout this whole operation contributed very materially to the success of his company's task and his conduct was an inspiration to all ranks.
He was awarded an immediate Military Medal. I no longer know the whereabouts of the certificate and some photographs as he was moved to a home and items were removed by person unknown.
