On the 2nd of April 1945, 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade with 2nd Canadian Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, in support had made an assault crossing of the Twenthe Canal. The crossing was made at Almen west of Lochem in Holland. On the morning of the 3rd of April, 2 Canadian Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, received instructions to build a floating Bailey bridge over the canal so that the troops already across could be maintained and the advance continue.
Corporal Albert Thomas Mould was placed in charge of the bridge construction. Work commenced at 0, 600 hours on the 3rd of April under scattered enemy artillery fire. By noon the fire had become intense and extremely accurate, and work had to cease. Three times during the day Corporal Mould got his men on the job and in each instance they were driven to cover by the intensity of the enemy fire.
At midnight he again rallied his tired men and under heavy shell fire commenced work. The shelling continued at intervals all night, but in spite of this the bridge was completed by 0910 on the 4th of April. Corporal Mould remained on the job all night, encouraging the men by his own example and a great deal of the credit for the completion of this hazardous job was due to his energy and persistence.
This bridge was the first crossing made over the Twenthe Canal and its construction permitted the entire 2 Canadian Infantry Division, 3 Canadian Infantry Division and supporting arms to cross which ultimately resulted in cutting off the west of Holland.
By his example and personal courage Corporal Mould contributed greatly to the success of this operation. His bravery and devotion to duty will always remain an inspiration and a constant source of pride to his men and his actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers.