On the night of 2nd October 1944 Lance-Sergeant Gunness was detailed to make a reconnaissance of the Antwerp and Turnhout Canal north of Antwerp with a view to constructing a bridge in that sector. The site finally chosen had been heavily mined and booby-trapped by the enemy who were at that time holding positions only 200 yards back from the opposite bank.

New types of charges hitherto unknown to Canadian engineers were found and the task of neutralizing them was extremely hazardous, made the more difficult that no light could be used to determine the type of mechanism. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance-Sergeant Gunness skilfully neutralized the charges without casualties to the party under his command and cleared the site in readiness for the bridging operation.

Not only would an accidental explosion have caused death and injury to his men, but would have also given away our intentions to the enemy of bridging at that location. The outstanding skill, courage and leadership shown by this Non-Commissioned Officer in carrying out to completion a most hazardous task is worthy of the highest praise.

Note: See also MM to Lance-Sergeant Robert Cecil Burn.