224883 WO. John Robert Osborn VC.Royal Canadian Infantry Corps Winnipeg Grenadiers from:Manitoba, Canada (d.19th Dec 1941) John Osborn is commemorated on the Sai Wan Memorial in Hong Kong.
He was the son of John Robert and Harriet Sussana Osborn and husband of Margaret Elizabeth Osborn of St Vital, Manitoba, Canada.
His citation was published in the London Gazette: "At Hong Kong, on 19th December, 1941, a company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers became divided in an attack on Mount Butler. A part of the company led by C.S.M. Osborn captured the hill at bayonet point, but after three hours owing to the superior numbers of the enemy the position became untenable. C.S.M. Osborn and a small group covered the withdrawal and when their turn came to fall back he single-handed engaged the enemy, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to cover their retirement. Later the Company was cut off and completely surrounded. Several enemy grenades were thrown which C.S.M. Osborn picked up and threw back. When one landed in a position where it was impossible to pick it up, he threw himself upon it and was instantly killed. His self-sacrifice undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. C.S.M. Osborn was an inspiring example to all throughout the defence, and in his death he displayed the highest qualities of heroism and self-sacrifice."
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