Aubrey Cosens

One fearless soldier. One burning tank. One extraordinary charge that shattered a heavily defended enemy stronghold. In the final months of the Second World War, Sergeant Aubrey Cosens displayed a level of courage and leadership that earned him the Victoria Cross, Canada's highest award for gallantry.

Sergeant Aubrey Cosens VC (21 May 1921 to 26 February 1945) was a Canadian soldier of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for bravery in the face of the enemy in the British and Commonwealth honours system. His remarkable heroism during the assault on Mooshof, near Uedem, Germany, in February 1945 became one of the most celebrated acts of gallantry performed by a Canadian soldier during the Second World War.

Born in Lachine, Quebec, Cosens was raised in Falda, Alberta, before later moving to Porquis Junction, Ontario. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1940, volunteering for overseas service with The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. After extensive training in Canada and Britain, he landed in Normandy following the Allied invasion of Northwest Europe and fought through some of the most difficult campaigns of the war.

During the night of 25 and 26 February 1945, Sergeant Cosens took part in the attack on the strongly defended hamlet of Mooshof. When his platoon commander was killed and many of his comrades became casualties under intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire, Cosens immediately assumed command. Exposing himself to heavy fire, he directed a supporting tank into position before ordering it to ram the enemy-held farmhouse. As the tank smashed through the building, Cosens charged forward almost alone, killing or capturing the surviving defenders and clearing a succession of fortified positions. His determined assault resulted in the destruction of numerous enemy strongpoints, the capture of more than twenty German soldiers and the successful completion of the attack. Tragically, while returning to report the success of the operation, he was killed by a German sniper.

For his extraordinary courage, inspiring leadership and complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Cosens was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, with the award announced in the London Gazette on 8 May 1945. His official citation praised his outstanding initiative and gallantry, describing an action that played a decisive role in securing the objective despite overwhelming opposition.

Alongside the Victoria Cross, Cosens' wartime service earned him the 1939–1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas Clasp, and the War Medal 1939–1945. His Victoria Cross is preserved today in the collection of the Canadian War Museum, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn about his remarkable sacrifice.

Although he was only 23 years old when he was killed in action, Sergeant Aubrey Cosens left behind a legacy of exceptional courage, leadership and devotion to duty. His actions during the final advance into Germany remain one of the finest examples of Canadian battlefield heroism, and his name continues to be honoured among the greatest recipients of the Victoria Cross.