CSM Donald Thomas Whitfield

Rank and Name on Wall of Service: CSM Donald Thomas Whitfield
Service: Canadian Army, Lincoln & Welland Regiment
Years of Service: 1941-1946
Medals Received: MM, 1939-1945 Star, CVSM & Clasp, Defence Medal, France & Germany Star

In 1941 Don enlisted in the Royal Canadian Signal Core in Toronto. While in England, he was remustered into the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Don was awarded the MM as described in the following citation:

“Sergeant Whitfield joined the Lincoln and Welland Regiment in September 1944 as a private. For his outstanding service in the battle to seize Kappelsche Veer he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in January 1945. Since that time he continued to serve with great distinction and has been a splendid example to all ranks under his command. In the advance north of Friesoythe, Germany in April 1945, Sergeant Whitfield was in command of a platoon which had been reduced to fifty per cent of its normal strength. Despite this handicap the leadership he displayed enabled his small force to advance to their objective in the face of fanatical enemy opposition. On the night ½ May 1945 “A” Company made a night attack to cross the railway line south of Bad Zwischenahn. Sergeant Whitfield and ten other ranks formed the company advance guard with the task of seizing a road block one hundred yards beyond the track. As his force crossed the track it was engaged by enemy machine guns at very short range. Ordering his men to provide covering fire, he and two other ranks moved along the track and attacked the enemy position from the flank. This manoeuvre so surprised the enemy that the two machine guns were seized, six Germans were captured and the small force was able to capture its objective without loss. Through a long series of difficult operations Sergeant Whitfield has displayed gallantry and devotion to duty of the highest order. His bravery and complete disregard for personal safety have been a magnificent inspiration for all ranks in his battalion.”

The following is a quote from a speech Don gave on Remembrance Day 2009:

“It was September 1941 when I enlisted in the Canadian Army and the 31st March 1946 when I left. Four and half years in the army and thank God, only 9 months of combat action. At just 20 years old, I enlisted for adventure and travel. I had no clear idea of what war was all about. Towards the end of September 1944, after much training, most of it in England it was my turn to find out. Our regiment crossed the English Channel to France arriving in Normandy. Shortly thereafter in Belgium I experienced my first battle. The emotions were many. Fear, Anxiety and Sadness”

While in England, Don met Marie Louise Enticknap, marrying her in 1945. War bride, Marie Louise Whitfield arrived in Canada at Pier 21 on the RMS Aquatania. Don and Marie reunited at Union station, Toronto on July 1, 1946.