Uploaded June 2008 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Anders Frederik Emil Victor Schau Lassen VC, MC & Two Bars (22 September, 1920 - 9 April, 1945) is a Danish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
After numerous dangerous missions behind enemy lines in british service as a commando soldier he was 24 years old, and a temporary major in the General List, commanding a squadron of the Special Boat Service*. when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On 9 April 1945 at Lake Comacchio, Italy, on Operation Roast, 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 major landing.
In the face of overwhelming enemy numbers he fulfilled his mission, three enemy positions being wiped out, and when he then was mortally wounded he refused to be evacuated so that the withdrawal should not be impeded and his men's lives endangered.
* which was formed from the Special Boat Squadron of No. 1 SAS- Special Air Service Regiment during the Second World War.
This is to make a living memory of a countryman of whom we can be nothing but very proud.
Carl Vendler
Anders Frederik Emil Victor Schau Lassen VC, MC & Two Bars (22 September, 1920 - 9 April, 1945) is a Danish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
After numerous dangerous missions behind enemy lines in british service as a commando soldier he was 24 years old, and a temporary major in the General List, commanding a squadron of the Special Boat Service*. when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On 9 April 1945 at Lake Comacchio, Italy, on Operation Roast, 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 major landing.
In the face of overwhelming enemy numbers he fulfilled his mission, three enemy positions being wiped out, and when he then was mortally wounded he refused to be evacuated so that the withdrawal should not be impeded and his men's lives endangered.
* which was formed from the Special Boat Squadron of No. 1 SAS- Special Air Service Regiment during the Second World War.
This is to make a living memory of a countryman of whom we can be nothing but very proud.
Carl Vendler
