Douglas A. Thompson enlisted at Military District 4 (Active Force) in Quebec (date not recorded) and was given the service number D138615. He did not give his correct date of birth (07 March 1925) as he was underage, 17 years old. After sailing to the UK where he was placed on the 48th Highlanders X-4 list (soldiers available for reinforcement), he was sent to Italy and was taken on strength by the 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders on 30 May 1944. The battalion had just moved from the Adriatic Coast across Italy to the base of the Liri Valley south of Monte Cassino. Pte Thompson participated in the advance up the Liri Valley and the successful solo breaching by the 48th Highlanders of the Hitler Line on 22/23 May, the first breaching by the Canadian Army.
Following rest, the battalion moved back to the Adriatic coast on 17 August to begin the attack on the Gothic Line on the 26th. Pte Thompson was wounded on 16 September (Mortar, right forearm) in an area north of the Marano River, overlooked by a German observation post code named Kestrel. He was sent to hospital, back from the lines. He was released from hospital on 10 October and returned to the battalion on 18 October as the battalion was chasing the Germans through the mud of Lombardy, north of Rimini. Pte Thompson continued with the battalion for the crossing of the Lamone River in December 44. He was promoted A/Cpl on 25 December.
On 12 March 1945, the battalion and the 1st Canadian Division left Italy, travelled across France to Belgium and Germany, in preparation for their task of the final liberation of Holland. On 26 March Thompson was promoted to Corporal. On 13 April, the second day of Operation Cannonshot, the liberation of Apeldoorn, Cpl Thompson was wounded and sent to hospital. On 27 May, with the war in Europe over, Cpl Thompson volunteered to serve in the Pacific theatre. He returned to the 48th Highlanders on 5 June and on 21 June was transferred from the 48th to CFE Company. (Service records required for balance of service). Douglas Thompson died on 10 August 1980, age 55.
NOK: mother – Mrs. Mary Thompson, East Angus, RR#1, Sherbrooke, Quebec.
