On the night of 4/5 August 1944, immediately preceding the armoured drive of Canadian forces through the strong enemy positions at Caen, it was necessary to determine whether there were any new German minefields which would hinder the advance in its early stages. A reconnaissance party was therefore ordered to proceed forward of our advanced infantry positions in the vicinity of Beauvoir Farm between Verrieres and May-sur-Orne. In order that the reconnaissance could undertake its task without detection by an alert enemy, the party was limited to three Sappers, without infantry support, commanded by Corporal Hunter.
Corporal Hunter took his party forward on this difficult and dangerous mission at 2300 hours. When they reached a position in front of our own forward troops, the enemy laid down a mortar barrage which was followed by a local attack. The party came under heavy small arms and mortar fire but realizing the importance of the search for mines, Corporal Hunter continued his work in an exposed position, leading and encouraging his men in their task. With complete disregard of enemy fire, this Non-Commissioned Officer made a most through job and completed the reconnaissance in two hours. It was then definitely known that the armoured drive would not be held up by mines at the start line.