"At Hong Kong on the morning of 19th December 1941 a Company of the
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 Company Sergeant-Major
Osborn captured the hill at the point of the bayonet and held it for
three hours when, owing to the superior numbers of the enemy and to fire
from an unprotected flank, the position became untenable. Company
Sergeant-Major Osborn and a small group covered the withdrawal and when
their turn came to fall back, Osborn single-handed engaged the enemy
while the remainder successfully rejoined the Company. Company
Sergeant-Major Osborn had to run the gauntlet of heavy rifle and machine
gun fire. With no consideration for 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 to
within grenade throwing distance of the slight depression which the
Company was holding. Several enemy grenades were thrown which Company
Sergeant-Major Osborn picked up and threw back. The enemy threw a
grenade which landed in a position where it was impossible to pick it up
and return it in time. Shouting a warning to his comrades this gallant
Warrant Officer threw himself on the grenade which exploded killing him
instantly. His self-sacrifice undoubtedly saved the lives of many
others.
Company Sergeant-Major 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 self-sacrifice."
From CSM Osborn's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 29 March 1946.
May you be at peace,
Brian
A Heritage Minute of Osborn's actions.
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