Porquis Junction in Iroquois Falls in Cochrane District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, V.C.

1921-1945

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2022

1. Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, V.C. Marker

Inscription.
Born in Latchford and raised near Porquis Junction, Cosens enlisted in the Argyle and Sutherland Regiment, Canadian Active Service Force, in 1940 and transferred to the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada in 1944. Early on February 26, 1945, his unit attacked German forces at Mooshof, Holland, a strategic position vital to the success of future operations. His platoon suffered heavy casualties and Cosens assumed command. Supported by a tank, he led another attack against three enemy strong points, which he captured single-handed. He later was killed by a sniper. For his "outstanding gallantry, initiative and determined leadership," he was posthumously awarded the Commonwealth's highest decoration for valour, the Victoria Cross.

Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust, and the Victoria Cross and George Cross Recipients series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is February 26, 1945.

Location. 48° 42.13′ N, 80° 47.383′ W.

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Marker is in Iroquois Falls, Ontario, in Cochrane District. It is in Porquis Junction. It is on Trans-Canada Highway (Provincial Highway 11) one kilometer south of Provincial Highway 67, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located in a pull-out on the east side of the Trans-Canada Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7392 Ontario Highway 11, Iroquois Falls ON P0N 1E0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northeastern Ontario

and specifically in Northern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 13 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Founding of Iroquois Falls / La fondation d'Iroquois Falls (approx. 10.5 kilometers away); Iroquois Falls (approx. 10.5 kilometers away); Iroquois Falls Public School (approx.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2022

2. Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, V.C. Marker

(looking west • Trans-Canada Highway/Ontario Highway 11 in background)

10.9 kilometers away); The Historic Shay 70 Locomotive (approx. 11 kilometers away); Frank Harris Anson Memorial (approx. 11 kilometers away); The Historic Gibbens and Davis Boats (approx. 11.1 kilometers away); Frederick House (approx. 12.8 kilometers away).

More about this marker. Both sides of this marker have the same inscription.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Aubrey Cosens (Find A Grave).

Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Berg en Dal Municipality, Gelderland, Netherlands.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Latchford, Ontario, Canada, he served as a Sergeant in the 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Rifles, Canada. On February 25-26, 1945, Sergeant Cosens’ platoon twice attacked German strong points located in three farm buildings at Mooshof, Germany. Just after the action, Sergeant Cosens was shot by an enemy sniper and killed. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on May 22, 1945.

(Submitted on March 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Sergeant Aubrey Cosens.

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The citation in the London Gazette of 18th May, 1945, gives the following details: In Holland, on the night 25/26th February, 1945 the 1st Battalion The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada attacked the hamlet of Mooshof. Sergeant Cosens' platoon, with tanks in support, had as their objective enemy strong-points in three farm-buildings. They were twice beaten back and were then fiercely counterattacked. Their casualties were heavy, including the platoon commander killed. Sergeant Cosens assumed command of the few survivors of the platoon, and placed them so as to give him covering fire while he crossed open ground to the one remaining tank and directed its fire. After a further counter-attack had been repulsed, Sergeant Cosens ordered the tank to attack the three farm-buildings, the remaining men of his platoon following in close support. He himself entered the three buildings in turn, alone, and killed or captured all the occupants. Immediately afterwards he was shot by a sniper, and died almost instantly. His outstanding gallantry, initiative and determined leadership resulted in the capture of a position which was vital to the success of the future operations of the Brigade.

(Submitted on March 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 190 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 11, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.