Canadian Virtual War Memorial

27

Army

Royal Regiment of Canada, R.C.I.C.

Mention in Despatches - Infantry (Royal Regiment of Canada, awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 9 February 1946 "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe." This began as a recommendation for a Victoria Cross. 'Lieutenant Wedd commanded a platoon of the Royal Regiment of Canada in the first wave of the assault on Blue Beach during the Dieppe operation, 19 August 1942. Despite heavy frontal and flanking fire, this officer crossed the beach to the sea wall where he led the remnants of his platoon to a comparatively sheltered spot to reorganize. He found that only about the equivalent of one section of his platoon remained and were pinned down and unable to advance by heavy fire from both flanks, and in particular from a pill box on top of the sea wall which was firing at a range of a few yards. Unable to discover any means of outflanking this strong point, Lieutenant Wedd directed the laying of a Bangalore torpedo which blew a large gap in the wire on top of the sea wall through which he led the remnants of his platoon in a direct assault across the open beach on the pill box. Though hit by several bullets he forced his way close enough to throw a grenade through the weapon slit, killing or wounding the defenders. Having succeeded in his effort, he fell dead in front of the pill box, where his body was found at the close of the action. He displayed courage and skill of the very highest order in putting this strong point out of action after receiving mortal wounds at point blank range. His courage and selfless devotion to duty were an inspiration to all ranks. Croix de Guerre avec Etoile d'Argent (France)(posthumous) - Infantry (Royal Regiment of Canada) - awarded as per CARO/6854 dated 25 November 1946. 'For gallantry of the highest order; Lieutenant Wedd gave his life at Dieppe in August 1942 when he advanced under intense fire through many obstacles to put a pill box out of action.'

November 23, 1914
Invermere, British Columbia

December 17, 1940
Toronto, Ontario