ELDRIDGE, WILLIAM "GARNETT" - Sgt. William Garnett Eldridge D.C.M., of Caithness died unexpectedly at his residence on Feb. 7, 1994.
    He is survived by his wife, Ethel P. (Turner) Eldridge; four daughters - Nancy Dewar of Moncton, Helen Akerley of Moncton, Lynn Seeley of St. Stephen and Gwendolyn Barry of St. Stephen; three sons - Hugh of Caithness, James of St. Stephen and Clyde of Calais; one sister - Leona Waite of Beaver Harbour; 23 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one nephew - Dale Wright of Pennfield; two nieces - Jane Sabean of Fredericton and Judy MacLeod of Hamilton, Ont. He was predeceased one sister - Esther Wright and one grandson - Donald Breau.
    He served overseas in World War II for three years and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery. He was an outdoors man, enjoying hunting and fishing with his wife and sons. He worked for Connors Bros. for 27 years, retiring in 1984.
    The funeral service was held at the St. George Funeral Home, Feb. 10 with interment in the St. George Rural Cemetery. Pallbearers were Kenneth Murray, Billy Murray, Kenneth Stewart, Jack Eldridge, Dale Shaw and Ried Kierstead. As requested by the family, remembrances were sent to the Beaver Harbour United Baptist Church and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Legion Service was held Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the funeral home.

Award of D.C.M. to Soldier Cited

 BEAVER HARBOUR - Sgt. G.W. Eldridge Led Platoon in Successful Assault on Strong Position


    Following is the citation covering the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to Sgt. Garnett William Eldridge, Canadian Infantry Corps., of St. George.

    After the initial crossing of the Twente Canal on 3 April 1945 by the Royal Regiment of Canada in assault boats, there was  large area between "A" and "D" companies still in the possession of the enemy. Sergeant Eldridge was commanding Number 18 Platoon, and was ordered to move forward to try to contact "A" Company. He moved his platoon as far as a railway crossing; where they came under a deadly hail of enemy machine-gun fire that was soon thickened by the devastating explosions of many bazooka and mortar bombs. He quickly located the enemy position on a high feature.

    Realizing that unless the enemy position was cleaned out our situation on this side of the canal would become untenable, Sergeant Eldridge hastily conceived a plan to destroy the enemy. While no concern for his personal safety he ran from section to section, outlining his plan and encouraging the men by his example and words.

    When the platoon was ready, he sprang up and led his men over the open fire-swept ground to the very muzzles of the enemy machine-guns and bazookas, spraying the enemy positions with burst after burst from his Sten gun. Though outnumbered in both men and weapons he pressed forward to practically hand-to-hand grips with the enemy, who wavered before this courage and determination and withdrew, leaving many casualties behind.

    The position was soon consolidated, but the enemy reformed and mounted continuous counter-attacks with heavy mortar and artillery support. These counter-attacks had to be beaten off by small-arms fire as Battalion support weapons had not had time to cross the canal at this early stage and there were no communications to bring down artillery fire. In spite of these disadvantages, Sergeant  Eldridge directed the fire of this platoon with great coolness and succeeded in repelling every enemy attack with heavy losses.

    After approximately two hours another Company crossed the canal and the whole bridgehead was firmly consolidated. Throughout this entire action the courage, resourcefulness and fine leadership of Sergeant Eldridge was an inspiration to this men and was largely instrumental in the successful establishment of the bridgehead across the Twente Canal.

    This action is characteristic of the conduct of Sergeant Eldridge who has served with distinction in every battle in which his Battalion took part since landing in Normandy in July, 1944, with the exception of a period of two weeks when hospitalized because of wounds. His magnificent courage and devotion to duty have been inspiring example to all who have served with him.