大象传媒

The following story appears courtesy of and with thanks to Ronald Parker and Father
Major Maurice Albert Parker:

On the morning of December 19th, the West Brigade was fighting a desperate battle to avoid separation from the East Brigade. The Japanese had captured Mount Butler on their rush into the West Brigade zone of defense. The Winnipeg Grenadiers were taking incessant punishment from the heights of Mount Butler and their very survival depended on retaking the high ground.

Early that morning, "A" Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers were given the herculean task of retaking Jardine's Lookout, then to push on and retake Mount Butler. The Japanese were well dug in, and a formidable force for a Company sized unit to take on.

The Grenadiers commenced their attack facing almost impossible odds. In the din of battle ,"A" Company was separated into two sections of two platoons each. They lost contact with each other. One section, under the leadership a 20-year old 2nd/Lt. Charles French, fought their way up Jardine's Lookout and cleared the top with bayonets, driving the Japanese back, but with such heavy losses that the section was reduced to just 65 men. With extraordinary courage and tenacity the remaining Grenadiers pushed on and attacked Mount Butler.

Continued....
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