Mr. Don “Tuffy” MacDougall

Mr. MacDougall was born near Harriston, Ontario, in 1923. He was eager to join the Armed Forces, but was turned down three times because of his age. Mr. MacDougall returned home to work in a dairy but was finally accepted into the army in 1941. Once overseas in England, he was trained as an anti-aircraft gunner. He landed in France one week after D-Day and attained the rank of Sergeant while on the battlefield. Mr. Macdougall served in several battles across Northern Europe. He was married in England, and returned home to Harriston after the war ended.

War, Conflict or Mission: Second World War
Location/Theatre: Europe
Campaign: Post D-Day
Branch: Army
Units/Ship: 100th Battery
Military Rank: Sergeant
Occupation: Anti-Aircraft Gunner

Mr. MacDougall describes the impact of death and Dutch respect for Canada’s soldiers

Mr. MacDougall describes the bombing of Caen

Mr. MacDougall describes disobeying a direct order but being vindicated by his Major

Mr. MacDougall describes the crew’s responsibilities on an Ack-Ack gun

Mr. MacDougall describes approaching the English Channel and reaching France

Mr. MacDougall describes a touching reunion with a former school teacher

Mr. MacDougall describes the informality of his field promotion to Sergeant

Mr. MacDougall discusses the consequences of insubordination