The citation in the London Gazette of 1st April, 1946 : At Hong Kong, on 19th December, 1941, a company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers became divided in an attack on Mount Butler. A part of the company led by C.S.M. Osborn captured the hill at bayonet point, but after three hours owing to the superior numbers of the enemy the position became untenable. C.S.M. Osborn and a small group covered the withdrawal and when their turn came to fall back he single-handed engaged the enemy, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to cover their retirement. Later the Company was cut off and completely surrounded. Several enemy grenades were thrown which C.S.M. Osborn picked up and threw back. When one landed in a position where it was impossible to pick it up, he threw himself upon it and was instantly killed. His self-sacrifice undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. C.S.M. Osborn was an inspiring example to all throughout the defence, and in his death he displayed the highest qualities of heroism and self-sacrifice.

Additional Information

Born: January 2, 1899

Foulden, Norfolk, United Kingdom Enlistment: September 4, 1939

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Son of John Robert and Harriet Sussana Osborn. Husband of Margaret Elizabeth Osborn, of St. Vital, Manitoba. He served in the First World War as a seaman in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and saw action at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. At the end of the war he moved to Saskatchewan where he farmed for two years at Wapella. He then worked with the maintenance division of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Manitoba where he married and had five children. He joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers in 1933 and was called to active duty on the 3rd of September 1939. At forty-two years of age he was the second oldest VC recipient in the Second World War. There is no known grave but his name appears on the Sai Wan Memorial in Hong Kong. His medal is on display at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

Commemorated on Page 40 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page.

John Robert Osborn is a recipient of the Victoria Cross.

Complete list of Canadian Victoria Cross Recipients