Mr. Tomlin was born in Clinton, Ontario, in 1923. His family moved to Harriston when he was very young. Once he was old enough he worked in a box factory earning $7/week for 60 hours of labour. Despite having had rheumatic fever, which made it impossible for him to walk at a marching pace, Mr. Tomlin was accepted by the army, where he trained as a field gunner. He later switched to infantry, joining the Hard Light Infantry, 9th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division. Mr. Tomlin’s service saw him in several combats in Northern Europe, often engaging the enemy at very close quarters.
War, Conflict or Mission: Second World War Location/Theatre: Europe Campaign: Battle of the Scheldt Branch: Army Units/Ship: Highland Light Infantry Military Rank: Private Occupation: Gunner
Mr. Tomlin talks about the very dangerous act of house clearing
Mr. Tomlin reflects on the emotional struggles he faced after the war
Mr. Tomlin describes two personal events where humanity won out over conflict
Mr. Tomlin describes the happy, poignant and bitter aspects of returning home after the war
Mr. Tomlin describes the capture of ‘Little Tobruk,’ a German gun position in the Scheldt
Mr. Tomlin describes a near tragedy resulting from poor reconnaissance
Mr. Tomlin describes the devastating results of close combat at Udem
Mr. Tomlin gives a glimpse of the efficiency and personalities in a wartime hospital setting
Mr. Tomlin describes the noise during heavy artillery action
Mr. Tomlin talks about desperation and valour in combat situations
Mr. Tomlin discusses his enlistment and a reprieve on the parade square
