Don W Thompson

1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp (CVSM), 1939-45 War Medal

The Fort Garry Horse

18 December 1915 – 28 September 2004

Don Thompson was born 18 December 1915 to William and Dorothy Thompson in Morden, Manitoba. They lived on the farm at 22 – 2 – 6 adjacent to what is now Stanley Park. Don farmed with his Dad until enlisting in the Army, The Fort Garry Horse, in 1941. The Fort Garry Horse is an Armoured Regiment and initial training was done in Borden, Ontario on the American 6 Ton M1917 Machines that had been built in 1918 and kept in storage at Rock Island Arsenal in the USA. As a driver/mechanic Don received this training before being shipped to England.

In England the Regiment continued training on the American M3 Lee and British Valentine tanks and also the Canadian developed Ram tank and in 1943 were issued the American Sherman tank, far superior to anything they had trained with. The Fort Garry Horse became part of the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade which was given a role as the vanguard in the coming invasion of Normandy: the Garry’s and the 1st Hussars, another armoured regiment, were the only Canadian armoured regiments selected to use the top secret “Duplex Drive” swimming Sherman tanks.

The Garry’s were among the first armour to land in Normandy on “D-Day” 06 June 1944. The regiment went on to distinguish itself in the allied advance through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. The regiment ended the war in the German city of Oldenburg, accepting the surrender of German troops in the area, May 1945 and later moving to Doetinchem in Holland where it remained until returning to Canada in November 1945.

While in England Don met Marion Hartley and they were married 09 October 1944. Don came home and was discharged in January 1946 and went back to the farm. Approximately 5 months later, Marion the war bride, followed and arrived 02 July 1946. They initially lived with Don’s parents. Don and Marion had 3 sons, Eric (Joanne), Dave (Evelyn) and Dale (Audrey). Don farmed a half section 16 – 2 – 6 and remained on that farm until he retired and moved to Morden in the spring of 1974. Marion was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary, served as President and was given a Lifetime Membership for her dedicated service. Don lived in his home at 236 12th Street and passed away in his residence 28 September 2004 at age 88.

Information supplied by son Eric and The Fort Garry Horse Regimental records.