This officer’s service with the RCOC with the Canadian Army (Overseas) has been outstanding and of the highest order. His employment with the township of Yorkton was such that he might well have remained in Canada. However, he enlisted and came overseas at the beginning of the war in command of a field park. This he ably mobilized and got into operating order. From this, he was given the task of starting the MT depot at Borden. It was on the foundations that he laid, and the organization that he put in, that enabled this depot to handle the tremendous number of vehicles and parts that it is handling today. A few months after he got the preliminary organization of this depot done, he was switched to mobilise and organize the No. 1 Canadian Ordnance Reinforcement Unit. According to the extrRCEME shortage of personnel, he was asked to start this unit with seven officers and a handful of men. In addition to the ordinary functions of a holding unit, he has organized a comprehensive training establishment for technical and non-technical tradesmen. It is indeed a surprising achievement that in spite of a lack of personnel and specifically trained instructors, he has turned out of his training establishment in less than 15 months, no less than 4,052 qualified tradesmen, many of which are highly skilled technical tradesmen. In addition to this, he has carried out the trade testing of 662 technical tradesmen and sent into the field after preliminary regimental training and re-equipping where necessary, some 4,500 reinforcements.

Canada Gazette Extra Issue No. 1, Volume 77, dated 1 January 1943.

Major Birss has been second-in-command of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of 5 Canadian Armoured Division since 11 March 1944. During this time, he has shown outstanding initiative, enthusiasm, and interest in his work. For two periods of four and five weeks respectively, he has carried out the duties of the Commander, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in an exemplary fashion. In the first period, a divisional refit it was carried out and all equipment adequately checked and serviced in preparation for the battle of the Hitler Line. In the second period, under the direction of Major Birss, a number of tanks equivalent to the divisional tank strength were repaired by the formation workshops and returned to the fighting regiments. The outstanding work carried out by the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of 5 Canadian Armoured Division reflects on the qualities of this officer which are worthy of higher recognition.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 31 May 1945, No. 37101, page 2741, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5625, both dated 28 April 1945.

The battle of the Gothic line, crossing the river Foglia, the capture of Rimini, and the forcing of the Marecchia imposed a heavy strain on the tanks, guns, lorries, and other mechanical equipment within the Corps. The heavy fighting and strongly developed defences inflicted many casualties. Colonel Joseph William Bishop, Deputy Director Electrical Engineers, 1st Canadian Corps had made sound plans for the recovery and repair of this vast quantity of materiel and its early return to operational use. The clever sighting and skilful employment of the RCEME and RRCEME resources at his disposal resulted in his careful plans being implemented, and the mobility and striking force of the Corps was maintained at a high standard. The rapid output of repaired vehicles and equipment reflected the thoughtful study and clear perception with which Colonel Bishop posted his highly skilled artisans and craftsmen. During the battle of the Liri Valley, Colonel Bishop had successfully directed the operations of his service and had intelligently applied valuable lessons from those operations in the development of the repair and recovery organization to its present height of efficiency. Colonel Bishop has exemplified the spirit of service and professional pride that has contributed greatly to the high regard in which his service is held by the remainder of the Corps.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 31 May 1945, No. 37101, page 2741, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5625, both dated 28 April 1945.

This officer was responsible for the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineer planning for Operation Husky and for the exhaustive task of inspecting, repairing modifying and waterproofing the equipment of Force “X”. This work, which involved a measure of pioneering, was efficiently completed within the limited time available mainly owing to the efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Bradford in organizing and supervising his workshops, at the same time preparing them for the assault. The planning of Lieutenant Colonel Bradford proved entirely sound, with the result that during the Sicilian campaign, the limited Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineer resources that shipping permitted were so organized as to meet the divisional requirements, the routes of supply being clear at all times, and assisting the remainder of the Corps as well. Vehicle and equipment casualties thus recovered by the aggressive direction of Lieutenant Colonel Bradford were repaired in an exceptionally short time. The fitters, trained under his direction, contributed greatly to the mobility of the division by the initiative and improvisation they used in returning our own and enemy equipment to the battle. The tireless energy, ceaseless devotion to duty, determination and skill with which Lieutenant Colonel Bradford directed the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineer services of 1 Canadian Infantry Division was an inspiring example to all ranks under his command, resulting in the high standard they achieved.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 2 May 1944, No. 36497, page 2043, and Canada Gazette dated 29 April 1944 and CARO/4430 dated 3 May 1944, “for gallant and distinguished services in Sicily.”

Lieutenant Colonel Campbell proceeded overseas with No.1 Army Field Workshop in 1940, since when, due to his ability, energy, and unfailing devotion to his duty, he has been posted to several staff appointments of ever-increasing responsibility. His loyalty, cheerfulness and untiring application to the work in hand have set an example, which always produced the best efforts from those subordinate to him. As Assistant Director of Mechanical Engineering at Canadian Military Headquarters from May 1943 until January 1945, he rendered invaluable service in the administration of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the United Kingdom, and in the supervision of 1 Canadian Base Workshop during those months of intensive activity in which the First Canadian Army prepared for and carried out the invasion of Europe. Lieutenant Colonel Campbell assumed the duties of Deputy Director Mechanical Engineering, Canadian Military Headquarters in early September 1945 during the difficult period of closing down the base workshop and all Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer facilities in the United Kingdom, and carried out his duties in his characteristically efficient manner.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 4 June 1946, No. 37599, page 2824, and Canada Gazette dated 15 June 1946 and CARO/6632 dated 17 June 1946.

During the period from 1 September 1944 to 31 December 1944, Lieutenant Colonel HG Conn, as CREME, 1 Canadian Corps Troops, by his outstanding administrative ability and persistent efforts, directed the RCEME units of Corps Troops so that a maximum number of equipment casualties were repaired and made available for operational purposes. During this same period, Lieutenant Colonel Conn, in addition to his normal commitments, had up to four British third echelon workshops under command, and the coordination of their work was successfully carried out and demanded efforts far beyond the usual requirements. In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Conn, during this period organized and directed several special technical programs, the most important being the emergency conversion of tanks for bridge laying purposes. The completion of the latter program ahead of schedule undoubtedly hastened the advance of armoured vehicles across the many water obstacles on this front.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 11 September 1945, No. 37262, page 4557, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5849, both dated 7 July 1945.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander DeMaio has been Commander, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 1 Canadian Division, since the end of November 1943. During the period of his command, the morale and standard of service rendered by his organization have been of the highest order. In the battle of the Gothic line, a tremendous strain was imposed on the transport of the division by the dusty, narrow, steep roads over which operations were conducted. Lieutenant Colonel DeMaio personally supervised the organization and siting of forward recovery posts. It is a credit to the standard of maintenance and the efficiency of recovery services achieved under this officer’s direction that operations were never held up by mechanical breakdowns. The same standard was maintained during subsequent battles, leading to the fall of Rimini and the crossing of the Savio River. In spite of the great distances involved and the difficulties of maintenance, Lieutenant Colonel DeMaio, by careful planning and leapfrogging of the advanced detachments of the gun and workshops, ensure that no gun or vehicle became lost to the division through lack of repair facilities. He was on the road day and night supervising the work of his RCEME road patrols and by his unfailing good humour kept morale at the highest pitch. His men repaired and returned equipment to the field in times well under the average. In the advanced to the Senio River, wrote facilities were so poor that workshops had to be left as far as 80 miles in the rear. Yet so successful was Lieutenant Colonel DeMaio’s planning, and particularly the rotational system of overhaul he had introduced in the case of the guns, that once again his services kept the division’s equipment in fighting condition throughout. The most important contribution of RCEME services, however, was the production of the “Olafson” light infantry assault bridge. This bridge, produced by RCEME from within the divisional resources, was a vital factor in the crossings of the Lamone River and the Canale Naviglio. Throughout the period covered by this citation, the organization headed by Lieutenant Colonel DeMaio gave a service that was second to none. By the standard he set for maintenance, this officer was largely responsible for ensuring that the division was ready for action. By his energy and drive in action, he ensured that the rules were kept clear and vehicles kept rolling, thereby maintaining the impetus of the attack. His engineering skill and his ability as a commander had been of inestimable value to the division.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 11 September 1945, No. 37262, page 4557, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5849, both dated 7 July 1945.

During the past three months, Lieutenant Colonel Dunlop has shown outstanding ability in the efficient and aggressive manner in which he has carried out his duties as CREME, 2 Canadian Corps Troops. In February, when spare parts for “A” and “B” vehicles were not readily obtainable, this officer collected and organized from 100 to 200 German civilians to dismantle and strip unserviceable vehicles to make available the necessary parts to maintain serviceable equipments. Over a period of two weeks, he was able to provide spares to permit the repair of over 400 vehicles vitally required by the divisions in their operations. Following the crossing of the Rhine in the advance through Northwest Holland and Northeast Germany, he worked night and day to maintain personal liaison with all divisions, and carry out reconnaissance to ensure that second and third line workshops and recovery facilities were well forward in support of all formations. By a clear appreciation of the problems involved, sound forward planning, and skilful control of his units, he ensured that all divisions and corps troops had available, at maximum effectiveness, the complete facilities of the Corps Troops RCEME. Throughout the campaign in Northwest Europe, this officer has amply demonstrated his exceptional ability to organize and maintain a high level of efficiency any RCEME unit he has commanded. By his aggressiveness, initiative, high sense of responsibility, and cheerfulness, he has set an example to all ranks and has ensured the maintenance of maximum efficiency in his units when working under continual pressure, and he has thereby made a marked contribution to the successful operation of the RCEME services in this Corps.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 11 October 1945, No. 37302, page 4996, and Canada Gazette and CARO/6074, both dated 22 September 1945

During the period that 2 Canadian Advanced Base Workshop has been established in Antwerp, continuous disruption and interference have been experienced due to enemy action. This notwithstanding, the production has been continually increased in all departments, due almost entirely to the splendid leadership and example of Lieutenant Colonel Fox. Many operationally vital commitments have been discharged during the past three months, including the designing and putting into production at short notice of the pole carrying trailers for the recent Rhine bridging operations. The trailers in question have been giving complete satisfaction, and the design, workmanship, and speed of manufacture have received the highest praise. A priority task was the repair of amphibious tanks and personnel carriers for Walcheren and the recent Rhine crossings. This has been carried out, always working against time, in an exemplary manner. Over 100 transporters were converted to load carriers to a design formulated by 2 Canadian Advanced Base Workshop under the personal direction of Lieutenant Colonel Fox. These proved satisfactory and the design has been universally adopted in the theatre. The splendid devotion to duty and example given at all times by Lieutenant Colonel Fox was instrumental in the workshop maintaining production during the most difficult times.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 11 October 1945, No. 37302, page 4997, and Canada Gazette and CARO/6074, both dated 22 September 1945.

This officer’s services have been outstanding. In the early part of the war, he made a notable contribution to the development of Canadian military training. Later, he was returned to duty with his Corps (Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) and was given his present appointment of Director of Mechanical Engineering, Branch of the Master-General of Ordnance. His initiative and hard work have contributed in large measure to the satisfactory development and organization of his Corps. He is a very capable, efficient and conscientious technical officer, and it is considered that his services are worthy of special recognition.

Second Supplement to the London Gazette of 28 December 1945, No. 37408, page 135, and Canada Gazette dated 5 January 1946 and CARO/6309 dated 7 January 1946.

This officer was taken on strength of the Canadian Army in July 1940. He first served with the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps as Officer Commanding the Central Mechanized Depot. The new development of the Canadian Armoured Corps necessitated considerable experimental work on the armoured fighting vehicles. Lieutenant Colonel Jobson’s direction in these matters was outstanding. As his work became known, it was plain that his services were required by the Canadian Army as a whole, and he therefore transferred to the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps. Here again his initiative and technical ability earned him [an] enviable reputation. In order that he might see service overseas, he volunteered to accept command of 4 Canadian Armoured Brigade Workshop. Both in Canada and overseas he established a standard for vehicle maintenance which was rarely equalled. From 4 Canadian Armoured Brigade he was transferred to the appointment of Deputy Assistant Director Mechanical Engineers 2 Canadian Armoured Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Jobson’s work with this formation necessitated recovery of vehicles in the fighting zone, and it was through his daring and resourcefulness that many tanks were recovered and repaired in a very brief time. Undoubtedly, his efforts contributed a great deal towards the fighting efficiency of 2 Canadian Armoured Brigade. This officer served with this formation throughout the hostilities. Upon the formation of the Canadian Army Occupational Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Jobson was appointed Commander Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and charged with the organization of divisional Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Realizing that the Canadian force would have to be independent in many matters, he organized the workshops on such a basis that they were able to carry out repairs far beyond normal commitments. In addition, he obtained certain highly specialized equipments, the skilful use of which considerably decreased the number of vehicles off the road for repairs. This officer has been most conscientious and energetic in the carrying out of all duties assigned to him. His reliability has established the fact that no task is too difficult for his branch of the service. All the officers and men under his command have been imbued with this spirit. His lengthy meritorious service and performance beyond the line of duty are certainly deserving of special consideration.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 4 June 1946, No. 37599, page 2824, and Canada Gazette dated 15 June 1946 and CARO/6632 dated 17 June 1946.

This officer has been CREME, First Canadian Army Troops, for the past two years. He has made an outstanding contribution in the formation and training of all RCEME units in First Canadian Army Troops. Since the arrival of the First Canadian Army in the Northwest Europe theater, his untiring efforts and outstanding administrative ability have been largely responsible for the Canadian Army Troops third line RCEME units producing a vast amount of repaired equipments, with particular emphasis on tank production during the period from 1 August to 1 October 1944, when it was vitally important to have the maximum amount of armour available at all times.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 17 April 1945, No. 37038, page 2063, and Canada Gazette dated 17 March 1945 and CARO/5466 dated 19 March 1945.

This officer, during the campaign in Northwest Europe, has successively been officer commanding of a Armoured Troops Workshop, Commander, RRCEME of First Canadian Army Troops, and Assistant Director Mechanical Engineering at Headquarters, First Canadian Army. In all these appointments, he has demonstrated outstanding qualities of judgment and organizational ability. During the past three months, many emergency commitments developed, and were all met by workshops under his direct supervision. In the period from 1 February to 30 April 1945, the speedy overhaul of armoured personnel carriers and servicing of armoured fighting vehicle equipment had very high priority. It was largely due to this officer’s intelligent planning, energetic supervision, and ability to keep all personnel working at a high pitch that enabled this vital work to be completed within the time limits set by operations. At all times, he has demonstrated qualities and performances beyond the normal requirement of the appointments that he held.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 11 October 1945, No. 37302, page 4997, and Canada Gazette and CARO/6074, both dated 22 September 1945.

This officer has been responsible for the organization, training, and development of the RCEME service within 2 Canadian Corps since its inception. His enthusiasm and initiative have been largely responsible for the efficiency of the service. He has been untiring in his efforts during the planning stage for the move to France, and after the Corps assumed an operational role. In this latter period, an additional load was thrown upon his service in providing instructors and facilities for waterproofing vehicles, and largely as a result of this organization and close supervision, very few vehicles of this Corps were lost by drowning. Since the landing, this officer has spared no pains to ensure the continuance of a very high standard of maintenance throughout the Corps.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 30 January 1945, No. 36917, page 675, and Canada Gazette dated 23 December 1944 and CARO/5235 dated 3 January 1945.

Lieutenant Colonel Miller was in command of an armoured troops workshop from 24 October 1944 until the end of December 1944. During all of this time, his unit was located in an area in Antwerp, which was subjected to heavy and continuous enemy attack from the air. The buildings occupied by the unit received one direct hit, resulting in casualties, and many near misses. This officer by his resourcefulness and energy in overcoming all the material setbacks caused by enemy action, and by the manner in which, by personal example and intelligent handling, he maintained the morale of his unit at a high level, was directly responsible for the vitally important repair work upon which his unit was engaged going through to schedule.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 10 July 1945, No. 37172, page 3589, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5826, both dated 30 June 1945.

Major Noble was responsible for the mechanical fitness and waterproofing of all vehicles of 1 Canadian Army Tank Brigade for Operation HUSKY as well as carrying out the detailed Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineer planning. The waterproofing of all vehicles proved a tremendous task, particularly the electric welding and fitting of special adaptations to the Sherman M4A4 tank, this being the first time this tank had been so treated. Major Noble displayed outstanding drive, initiative and organizing ability in having the task completed in the limited time available; the skilfulness of the work is evidenced by the fact that all vehicles performed satisfactorily on landing. During the Sicilian campaign the workshops continued to function mist effectively under Major Noble’s capable supervision.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 2 May 1944, No. 36497, page 2043, and Canada Gazette dated 29 April 1944 and CARO/4430 dated 3 May 1944, “for gallant and distinguished services in Sicily.” Governor General’s Records (RG.7 Group 26 Volume 57, file I-190, dossier 4) has citation. He had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel before the award was approved.

No citations have been found.

Seventh Supplement to the London Gazette dated 31 December 1918, No. 31098, page 93.

This officer, who is 47 years of age, was commissioned as a lieutenant (Ordinance Mechanical Engineer, fourth class) on 5 January 1940, and arrived overseas on 9 February 1940. After fulfilling in a most satisfactory manner, the responsibilities of various field workshop posts, he was appointed DADOS (E) , Headquarters 2 Canadian Division, I 16 August 1941, where he rendered excellent service. He has been employed in the Q (AE) Sub-Branch in Canadian Military Headquarters since 28 August 1942 as DADOS (E) , DDME, and ADME respectively. In his present post, he is responsible for the main base repair and maintenance of equipment held by the Canadian Army Overseas, as well as the departmental operation of the RCEME section at Canadian Military Headquarters under his command. In both these capacities, he has displayed an outstanding degree of initiative and forethought, particularly in 1944 when the Canadian Force was being mobilized for the invasion of Northwest Europe. Even under especially trying circumstances, his cool judgment has always been of the highest order. He is one of the most competent and dependable officers in the RCEME and has made an invaluable contribution to the smooth functioning of the Royal Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. At all times he has shown enterprise, resourcefulness, and ingenuity far beyond that normally expected of his appointment.

Second Supplement to the London Gazette of 28 December 1945, No. 37408, page 135, and Canada Gazette dated 5 January 1946 and CARO/6309 dated 7 January 1946. Col Pope was twice recommended for the OBE. This is the earlier recommendation: Colonel Pope, who served overseas in the war 1914-1919, was commissioned in this war as Lieutenant on 5 January 1940, arriving overseas on 9 February 1940. The skill and administrative ability which distinguished him as an outstanding workshop officer resulted in his appointment as Deputy Assistant Director Ordnance Services (Equipment) at Headquarters 2 Canadian Division in August 1941 where his outstanding work and ability made him the logical officer to be employed as Deputy Assistant Director Ordnance Services (Equipment), Assistant Director Mechanical Engineers and Deputy Director Mechanical Engineers respectively in the Quartermaster General’s Branch (Army Equipment) Sub Branch at Canadian Military Headquarters. All his duties, not only those associated with his staff appointments, but all his relationships and tasks have been carried out with the greatest of diligence, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm and technical skill. Colonel Pope, while holding the appointments of Assistant Director Mechanical Engineers and Deputy Director Mechanical Engineers, has been responsible during the difficult period of operations for the main base repair and maintenance of the equipment held by the Canadian Army overseas and has shouldered a considerable portion of the responsibility for 3rd and 4th line repairs for the War Office in furtherance of the joint war effort. He has also been responsible for the departmental operation of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Section at Canadian Military Headquarters. He has made an invaluable contribution to the Canadian Army in operations by establishing and maintaining a high state of efficiency in the Canadian Base Workshops, and by his foresight, capable planning and sound analytical judgement on the many technical and production problems with which throughout that period the workshops were faced. In addition to his other duties, Colonel Pope has been Senior Advisor to the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers overseas with a strength of approximately five hundred and twenty officers and 16,000 other ranks, and by his efficient supervision of training, organization and administration, as well as sympathetic consideration of all personnel problems, he has rendered outstanding service to the Canadian Army overseas, and it is strongly recommended that his services be recognised.

At the request of the Master General of the Ordnance, Colonel GA Secord joined the Canadian Army on 17 October 1941. He was appointed the officer commanding of the newly formed Canadian Base Ordnance Workshop. As a result of his careful planning and diligent labour, the unit was brought up to strength and moved overseas in March 1942. It was the largest single Canadian unit ever to be formed in Canada, and the best and most completely equipped workshop ever to arrive in the United Kingdom. Under his direction it has grown in size from its original establishment of 1,704 all ranks to its present authorized establishment of 3,104 all ranks. The unit repairs all army equipment, ranging from watches, delicate fire control apparatus and radar, to heavy guns and tanks. It has been developed as an invaluable and integral part of the Canadian Army Overseas. Due to the quality and quantity of its production, it has earned a reputation of being one of the most efficient base workshops in England, and senior British army officers, who have visited the unit state that they have no workshop that can compare with it, particularly in regard to output per man hour. In preparing the Canadian Army to invade France, 1 Canadian Base Workshop waterproofed approximately 1,000 “A” and “B” vehicles as part of the assault force. The result of their work is indicated by a report received from DDME, First Canadian Army, dated 17 June 1944, which stated in part, “Brigadier Howard, DDME (Br) War Office states that a checker has reported that on his particular beach that the most satisfactory wading was done by Canadian units”, and it has been reported that “in marshalling areas, British drivers are being told to see Canadian vehicles as examples of technique of waterproofing”. The excellent quality of the waterproofing carried out in the base workshop reflects the greatest possible credit on Colonel Secord and contributed in no small measure to the success of the landing operations. An indication of the size of the unit and of the contribution it has made in keeping the Canadian Army mechanically fit is revealed by the fact that, during the past 12 months, it has repaired no less than 310,976 separate pieces of equipment, and its output is constantly increasing. During this period, Colonel Secord has exhibited the greatest qualities of leadership and enthusiasm among his officers and men, and the outstanding successes of the unit has been largely due to his qualities of industry, persistence, and foresight.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 1 January 1945, No. 36867, page 110, and Canada Gazette dated 1 January 1945 and CARO/5244 dated 5 January 1945.

This officer served over 35 years in the Canadian Army. He is a mechanical engineer of outstanding ability. During these years, he has made many contributions to mechanical development within the Canadian Army, especially in the automotive field. He kept fully abreast of scientific development and prepared to meet the emergencies as they arose. In the Pacific Command, he was Deputy Director of Mechanical Engineering, and was largely responsible for the development, organization and efficiency of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers services.

Canada Gazette dated 15 June 1946 and CARO/6632 dated 17 June 1946.

Lieutenant Colonel Egerton Millar Shields has been CRRCEME of this division during the period of training, preparation for combined operations, and the Battle of Normandy. The vast and new problem of waterproofing thousands of vehicles for salt water landings on several full-scale divisional exercises and for the operations was solved by the extraordinary persistence and ingenuity of Lieutenant Colonel Egerton Millar Shields, who infused into his officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men, an enthusiasm to do a craftsman’s job of work. The result was that less than one quarter of one percent of all the divisional vehicles landing on D-Day were drowned due to lack of correct waterproofing. Since that time, the mechanical efficiency of transport and equipment of this division has been maintained at a very high standard. This greatly assisted the division in obtaining its objectives, and was due in large measure to his untiring efforts.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 30 January 1945, No. 36917, page 675, and Canada Gazette dated 23 December 1944 and CARO/5235 dated 3 January 1945.

This officer has commanded 1 Canadian Armoured Brigade Workshop during operations from 11 may to 15 December 1944. He is now DADME of the brigade. During that period, the brigade was almost continually in action. At the Gari River, Trasimero, and the Hilde Line, quick recovery, repair, and return of tanks to units was essential to maintain the momentum of the attack. Long lines of communication made supply of sufficient new tanks impossible. In spite of constant moves and great difficulties in the obtaining of necessary parts and materials, this officer so organized his command that recovery, repair, and return of tanks to units were carried out with the greatest possible efficiency and speed. During the battle for Florence and the breakthrough in the Gothic line, the formation was in support of as many as three divisions at one time, thus forcing the maximum strain on workshop facilities. Despite this, coupled with extrRCEME weather conditions, poor communications, and dangerous roads, no unit of this brigade was at any time committed to battle under strength, due in large measure to the skill, persistence and devotion to duty of this officer. He has materially assisted in the successes of the brigade units in battle.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 31 May 1945, No. 37101, page 2742, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5625, both dated 28 April 1945. The history of 12 Canadian Armoured Regiment [Three Rivers Regiment] identifies him as being a decorated member of that unit, probably from earlier service attached to them.

Since arrival in this theatre, Lieutenant Colonel Thompson has given unremitting attention to the task in hand, and in the early stages of the campaign, organized to repair facilities within a few hours of the arrival of the workshop, which proved invaluable. The assistance given to preparation of “Kangaroos” prior to the breakthrough at Caen was operationally vital, and the commanding officer’s inspiration at this time was instrumental in keeping the men to such a high standard of performance over a long period. Latterly, the workshop, in addition to its normal role, has been acting as third line repair for Second British Army AGRA, 30 (British) Corps, and 12 (British) Corps. Certain artillery and tank repair programs have been completed in record time due to his energy and initiative. In many cases, the time limit for the job approached the impossible, but the commitments have been completed to schedule without exception. The splendid cooperation exhibited by 1 Canadian Advanced Base Workshop is entirely due to the policy of “the maximum effort to serve the cause” laid down and insisted upon by Lieutenant Colonel Thompson.

Supplement to the London Gazette of 24 January 1946, No. 37442, page 630, and Canada Gazette dated 15 December 1945 and CARO/6276 dated 18 December 1945.

Lieutenant Colonel Wright is 38 years of age. He was commissioned in the Non-Permanent Militia in April 1938 and in the Active Army in January 1940. From November 1940 to September 1942 he was Superintendent of the Small Arms Experimental and Proof Establishment at Valcartier Arsenal. He the attended the Military College of Science, since when he has been in the Equipment Development Section at Canadian Military Headquarters, and with the Director General of Artillery, Ministry of Supply. Recently he has been employed in the exploitation of enemy science and technology. During the difficult early periods of the war, this officer’s work was most valuable in expediting production, proof and delivery of badly needed arms from Canadian production. His fund of versatile suggestions has been an inspiration to weapon designers, and he has fostered and maintained the closest liaison between British and Canadian designers of weapons and equipment. Moreover, he has established similar close and beneficial relations with American designers. He has also contributed much to the technical knowledge by collating, editing and issuing probably the most concise and comprehensive series of technical reference books available today for use by designers in each of the arms of the service.

Second Supplement to the London Gazette of 28 December 1945, No. 37408, page 136, and Canada Gazette dated 5 January 1946 and CARO/6309 dated 7 January 1946.