During the night 12/13 April 1945, 14 Canadian Field Company was supporting the 49 (West Riding) British Infantry Division in its assault crossing of the River Ijssel. The company's task was to bring two Class 40 rafts into position at Westervoort and to operate a ferry service.
/p>Corporal ( Lance-Sergeant) Simpson was in charge of the advance party which reached Westervoort prior to the arrival of the remainder of the company. Leading his section of men from cover in the town, Corporal ( Lance-Sergeant) Simpson swept the approach road of mines and carried out a reconnaissance of the near bank under heavy enemy mortar and shell fire. In spite of continuous and unexpected difficulties during the night, Corporal ( Lance-Sergeant) Simpson continued to lead his men both by example and direction.
Early in the morning fresh troops were brought in to relieve those parties fatigued by the night's operations. Corporal ( Lance-Sergeant) Simpson, however, continued with his work of preparing the landing site. After having worked continuously in an exposed position under enemy fire for 13 hours, it was discovered at noon of the 13 April 1945 that Corporal ( Lance-Sergeant) Simpson had continued his work in spite of his back which had been injured by the heavy work during the night's operations.
It was through Corporal ( Lance-Sergeant) Simpson's zeal, initiative and splendid example that the task was completed in the earliest possible time and tanks required for the support of the assaulting troops were ferried across the River Ijssel into the town of Arnhem.