Donald Ross McNaughton

1939-1945 Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp and Dieppe Bar, 1939 -1945 War Medal

Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders

WW II

Donald Ross McNaughton was born 5 September 1918 to Neil and Bertha (Sandercock) McNaughton. He was the 4th of 7 children and his siblings were Thomas, Coll, Vera, William (known as Gordon), Margaret and Irene. The family lived in the Opawaka School District, which is in the Rural Municipality of Thompson, southwest of present day Miami, Manitoba. The family eventually moved to the Edgar Sandercock farm, one mile north of Morden, Manitoba.

Don’s brother, William, a Warrant Officer 2nd Class (WO2) was also with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Their brother Coll, was a Sapper with the Royal Canadian Engineers and was awarded the Military Medal for “Skill and Bravery.”

Don signed his Attestation Paper on 27 March 1940 at Winnipeg and became a member of The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. He received his basic training at Shilo, Manitoba and infantry training at Winnipeg. Upon completion he was sent to Halifax and departed for the United Kingdom (UK) 09 April 1941.

Private McNaughton was assigned to the Cameron’s of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division and was quickly considered “fully qualified on all infantry weapons and general infantry work.” He also held “Special qualifications on 3rd mortor & A.A. & Carriers.” Pte. McNaughton was promoted to Acting Corporal effective 01 December 1941 and full Corporal on 18 January 1942. His Military Character and Power of Leadership were considered “Very Good” and on 25 Mar 1942 was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

The Cameron’s were well trained and for this reason were selected for “Operation Jubilee.” On the night of 18-19 August 1942, “Operation Jubilee”, also known as the Dieppe Raid, was implemented. The objective, to test the German defences. A quick in and out was planned but the surprise element was lost in the early part of the raid and severe loses were suffered by the British, Americans and in particular the Canadians who made up the majority of the invasion force.

Of the 4,963 Canadians involved in the raid, only 2,210 Canadians were withdrawn. The invasion force was involved in a short battle, which lasted approximately 10 hours, and suffered heavy losses. There were 3,367 casualties, 916 killed and 2,753 prisoners of war. The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders were landed at Pourville and managed to penetrate 3 kilometers inland before ordered to withdraw. Sergeant McNaughton was one of the fortunate, who were evacuated.

Sergeant McNaughton applied for a commission in September of 1942 and was deemed suitable for officer training and commissioning 10 November. He is listed in the “Nominal Roll of Candidates Selected to Attend Officer Training Courses in Canada Commencing 22 January 1943.” Upon completion of training he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant (Lt.) 21 May 1943 and returned to his regiment in the UK. Lt. McNaughton filled several roles, 2nd in Command of a Training Company, as Acting Captain, Commander of a Rifle Company until 10 May 1945 when he was appointed, as a Captain, Adjutant of the 5th Infantry Training Regiment. As the Adjutant, Captain McNaughton would have been the principal Administration Staff Officer to the Commander of the Regiment. These Officers were generally selected because the Commander had faith in their experience, knowledge and ability. Other than the Dieppe Raid, Capt. McNaughton served his time in Canada and the UK.

After the war Don and his brother Coll bought the Dennison farm at Dunston and farmed it together. After a few years Coll decided to move back to British Columbia. Don continued to farm on his own. Don had married Verna Lorraine Monaghan on 21 December 1939, just 3 months prior to his enlistment. They lived on the Dunston farm, near Morden, and over the years they had 3 children, Gail, Sharon and Donald, better known as Butch. Verna was a Morden girl and she remained in Morden, throughout Don’s Service.

Captain Donald Ross McNaughton passed away, accidentally, 05 March 1965 at Mahatta, British Columbia. He is buried at Hillside Cemetery, Morden, Manitoba.

Information from Library and Archives Canada, Queen’s Own Cameroon Highlanders history, and family.