Major Anders Lassen VC MC (2 bars)

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 30/04/2016 16:14:36

Major Lassen who is remembered on our Victoria Cross page, was, at the time of his death, attached 2 Special Service Brigade. He had previously been attached to the SBS and SAS where he was awarded the Military Cross three (3) times. This video I found is a good tribute to a brave man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZOAi2ordW4

This is the transcript of the public announcement in London Gazettes of his award of the Victoria Cross:

War Office, September, 1945.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:

Major Anders Frederik Emil Victor Schau LASSEN, M.C. (234907)

In Italy, on the night of 8th/9th April, 1945, Major Lassen was ordered to take out a patrol of one officer and seventeen other ranks to raid the north shore of Lake Comacchio. His tasks were to cause as many casualties and as much confusion as possible, to give the impression of a major landing, and to capture prisoners. No previous reconnaissance was possible, and the party found itself on a narrow road flanked on both sides by water. Preceded by two scouts, Major Lassen led his men along the road towards the town. They were challenged after approximately 500 yards from a position on the side of the road. An attempt to allay suspicion by answering that they were fishermen returning home failed, for when moving forward again to overpower the sentry, machine gun fire started from the position, and also from two other blockhouses to the rear. Major Lassen himself then attacked with grenades, and annihilated the first position containing four Germans and two machine guns. Ignoring the hail of bullets sweeping fire across the road from three enemy positions, an additional one having come into action from 300 yards down the road, he raced forward to engage the second position under covering fire from the remainder of the force. Throwing in more grenades he silenced this position which was then overrun by his patrol. Two enemy were killed, two captured and two more machine guns silenced. By this time the force had suffered casualties and its fire power was very considerably reduced. Still under a heavy cone of fire Major Lassen rallied and reorganised his force and brought his fire to bear on the third position. Moving forward himself he flung in more grenades which produced a cry of " Kamerad ". He then went forward to within three or four yards of the position to order the enemy outside, and to take their surrender. Whilst shouting to them to come out he was hit by a burst of spandau fire from the left of the position and he fell mortally wounded, but even whilst falling he flung a grenade, wounding some of the occupants, and enabling his patrol to dash in and capture this final position. Major Lassen refused to be evacuated as he said it would impede the withdrawal and endanger further lives, and as ammunition was nearly exhausted the force had to withdraw. By his magnificent leadership and complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Lassen had, in the face of overwhelming superiority, achieved his objects. Three positions were wiped out, accounting for six machine guns, killing eight and wounding others of the enemy, and two prisoners were taken. The high sense of devotion to duty and the esteem in which he was held by the men he led, added to his own magnificent courage, enabled Major Lassen to carry out all the tasks he had been set.

In Memory of Major Anders Frederik Emil V. Schau Lassen VC, MC and 2 Bars
234907, Special Boat Service, S.A.S. Regiment, A.A.C.
who died age 24 on 09 April 1945
Remembered with honour at ARGENTA GAP WAR CEMETERY

When will his Glory Fade............Incredible Man..........along with all the others that made the Supreme Sacrifice for King , Country and Freedom.

He had a cold hatred for the Germans .He use to like to sneak up on sentries with the fighting knife,, Glad he was on our side

Very interesting,

What is about his MC and 2 bars, where did he win those? Any information's are welcome!

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 30/04/2016 12:58:39

I believe Anders Lassen was awarded his first Military Cross for his part in Operation Postmaster which was an SOE/Maid of Honour Force operation after they seized an Italian cargo ship and a German tug in a Spanish port. I cannot find any official reference to it in London Gazettes but then Spain was a neutral country at the time......

He clearly had the Military Cross as the bar to it and 2nd bar are in London Gazettes. Both are recorded there but in a late post war 1946 entry and after his death. The dates for the actions shown are 27th September 1943 and 15th February 1944 respectively. A link to the London Gazettes page is below:

War Office, 21st February, 1946. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field:

Bar to the Military Cross Captain (temporary) Anders Frederik Emil Victor Schau LASSEN, M.C. (234907), General List (to be dated 27th September, 1943).

Second Bar to the Military Cross Captain (temporary) Anders Frederik Emil Victor Schau LASSEN, M.C. (234907), General List (since killed in action) (to be dated 15th February, 1944)

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37476/page/1048/data.pdf