Melfa Crescent is dedicated to the Canadian troops who fought in the Battle for the Melfa River crossing. Melfa Crescent is located in the Carleton Heights – Rideau View neighbourhood of Ottawa. This area was developed in the mid-late 1940’s to house returning Second World War veterans and their families. Many streets in the area are named for famous battles and a nearby church was named to memorialize all Second World War veterans.
The Battle for the Melfa River crossing began in the early hours of May 24, 1944 when the British Columbia Dragoons passed through a gap in the HITLER LINE, advancing beyond to establish a firm base through which the Lord Strathcona Horse (RC), reinforced with a company from the Westminster Regiment, would pass with the objective of seizing a crossing on the Melfa River. Using a less obvious route, the Strathcona’s quickly covered the distance to the river and soon found themselves in the rear of the enemy covering the near bank. The action developed into a series of bitter duals between Panther and Sherman tanks and by the end of the afternoon the Germans had withdrawn across the river. However, the Germans had brought up reinforcements and the battle raged on back and forth across the river until nightfall.
As the battle continued, the recce troop along with A Company Westminster Regiment, managed to cross the river and establish a bridgehead. The forming and holding of a bridgehead across the river was vital to the whole 1st Canadian Corps operation. For five hours the company maintained its position in the face of superior enemy fire and attack until the remaining companies and supporting weapons were able to reinforce them.
Early in the action, the company commander, Major John Mahony was wounded in the head and twice in the leg, but refused medical aid and continued to direct the defence of the bridgehead. Through his actions, the bridgehead remained intact and the advance through the Liri Valley was able to continue. For his exemplary leadership and courage in this action, Major Mahony was awarded the Victoria Cross.
