Sgt. Aubrey Cosens, V.C

Aubrey Cosens was born in Latchford on May 21^st 1921, the only son to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cosens.  Shortly afterwards his family moved near Porquis Junction and this is where Aubrey Cosens remained until he left school at 17 and went to work as a section hand on the Temiskaming and northern Ontario Railway.

A year after taking this job, the Second World War broke out and Aubrey attempted to
join the RCAF and was rejected because he was considered too young.  

In 1940 he joined The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada and later transferred
to The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, and was in August 1944, part of the D-day reinforcements in Normandy, France. 

Early on February 26^th 1945, his unit attacked enemy forces at Mooshot , Germany which was a strategic position vial to the success of future military operations.

His platoon suffered heavy casualties and Cosens assumed command.  Supported by a tank, he led another attack against three enemy strong points, which he captured and took a number of prisoners single-handed. While on his way to report this victory to his commander, Aubrey was killed by an enemy sniper at the age of 23.

For his outstanding gallantry, initiative and determined leadership, Sgt. Aubrey Cosens was posthumously awarded our Country’s and Commonwealth’s highest declaration for valour:  “The Victoria Cross”.

Only 16 Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross in the Second World War.