During the First Canadian Army's drive north from the Rhine, the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division's advance was blocked by the Twenthe Canal over which all bridges had been blown by the retreating enemy in an endeavour to delay the advance. In the evening of 2 April 1945, the Fourth Canadian Infantry Brigade made an assault across the canal. The 2nd Canadian Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, commanded by Major Nelson, was in support of the brigade. Their task was to establish rafts to get the light support weapons across initially, then to build a larger raft for tanks and finally a pontoon bridge to carry the full divisional advance into the bridgehead. The enemy subjected the rafting sites to heavy machine gun and artillery fire, but due to Major Nelson's cool courage, the rafts were completed and the light support weapons of the leading battalion were got across in three hours.
Despite the intense and accurate shelling and machine gun fire, the heavy raft was completed and continued to operate, although hit by shell fire several times. Work was commenced on the Bailey pontoon bridge on the 3rd of April. Shortly after this work was commenced, the enemy brought down heavy observed shell fire. Major Nelson, fully realizing the importance of the bridge, organized the work to take full advantage of the short periods that his men were able to stay on the site. Major Nelson's fearless leadership inspired his men throughout this time and despite the trying circumstances, the bridge was completed early the following morning. All heavy equipment of the brigade and its supporting arms was taken into the bridgehead and the enemy's resistance rapidly collapsed.
That an almost impossible task was carried to completion was due to Major Nelson's leadership and skilful organization. His personal example of courage and devotion to duty under most hazardous circumstances is worthy of the highest praise and in the best traditions of the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers.