Major Rowland Horsey
Carleton and York Regiment

Major Horsey during this period constantly exposed himself to this fire, moving continuously from position to position, advising, encouraging and cheering on the defence. His coolness and cheerfulness sustained and inspired all ranks in the face of the most determined onslaughts.

(D.S.O. citation, 17 Apr 1945)

Born on 12 March 1913 in Victoria, British Columbia, Rowland McDonald Horsey enlisted with the Canadian Scottish Regiment in September 1939 and went overseas as a lieutenant two years later. Promoted to captain he was attached to the Carleton and York Regiment as a reinforcement officer at Ortona. He rose to major and company commander at the Hitler Line by May 1944.

For his actions at the Lamone River and Canale Naviglio on 10-13 December 1944, he earned the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership of “D” Company. Following a barrage, as the troops advanced under heavy machine gun fire:

The company hesitated, and the advantage gained by the artillery fire might well have been lost. But Major Horsey rallied his men by his words and presence, and himself led them over the steep bank in a determined assault. Sweeping into the enemy’s positions, they routed him in disorder.

When Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Ensor volunteered for the Pacific theatre in June 1945, command of the Carleton and Yorks passed to Horsey, who led the regiment home to New Brunswick in October. He then proceeded to his own home in British Columbia.

He rose to lieutenant-colonel in the militia and retired from BC Hydro in 1978. He died on 12 April 2004 in North Vancouver.