World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, he served as a Major in the Special Boat Air Service Regiment, British Commandos. On an operation April 9, 1945, at Lake Comacchio, Italy, Major Lassen was ordered to take a patrol and raid the north shore of the lake, causing as many casualties and as much confusion as possible to give the impression of a forced landing. In the face of overwhelming enemy numbers he fulfilled his mission, three positions being wiped out and when he was mortally wounded he refused to be evacuated so that the withdrawal should not be impeded and his men's lives being endangered. For most prestigious gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on September 4, 1945.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, he served as a Major in the Special Boat Air Service Regiment, British Commandos. On an operation April 9, 1945, at Lake Comacchio, Italy, Major Lassen was ordered to take a patrol and raid the north shore of the lake, causing as many casualties and as much confusion as possible to give the impression of a forced landing. In the face of overwhelming enemy numbers he fulfilled his mission, three positions being wiped out and when he was mortally wounded he refused to be evacuated so that the withdrawal should not be impeded and his men's lives being endangered. For most prestigious gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on September 4, 1945.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Advertisement
See more Lassen memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
