Robert Sydney Chamberlain was born in St Thomas and grew up here. He joined the Elgin Regiment before the WWII and after war broke out in 1939 he transferred to The Perth Regiment for officer training.

On November of 1943 The Perth Regiment landed in Italy to take part in the Italian campaign.

Lieutenant R S Chamberlain was awarded the Military Cross on May 6, 1944, for exceptional gallantry during the Italian Campaign of the Second World War.

In January 1944, during a critical assault across the Arielli River near Ortona in Italy, Lieutenant Chamberlain led the advance platoon under intense enemy fire. When cut off from his company, he continued forward with a small group of men, successfully silencing multiple machine-gun positions and securing his objective.

His courage, initiative, and steady leadership in the face of fierce resistance exemplified the finest traditions of Canadian infantry officers. The award of the Military Cross recognized not only his bravery but also his pivotal role in the Allied advance through some of Italy’s most bitterly contested ground.

Lt Chamberlain was promoted to Major before wars end and came home to St Thomas and joined the Elgin Regiment where was well known by his nickname “Bomber”. After retiring from active Militia duty, he later was appointed as the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Elgin Regiment and served from 1981 to 1996.

Captain Jack Jennings, a Canadian officer serving in the elite First Special Service Force, was awarded the Military Cross on January 6, 1944, for gallantry in action during operations in Italy.

Known for his calm leadership and unwavering resolve, Captain Jennings distinguished himself during a series of intense engagements against German forces in rugged terrain. His courage under fire, ability to inspire his men, and refusal to yield ground contributed directly to the success of Allied advances during the Italian Campaign.

The Military Cross recognized his outstanding devotion to duty in the face of the enemy—hallmarks of the First Special Service Force, also known as the Devil’s Brigade, a unique Canadian-American unit whose legacy remains legendary.

Captain Jennings’ award is a lasting tribute to the bravery and professionalism of Canadian soldiers serving in combined operations during the Second World War.

Captain Jennings was also posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honour the United States Congress can bestow at a ceremony in Washington DC in 2015

Capt Jennings was severely injured during the war, but came back to St Thomas and ran a successful waste business.

Sgt Maj Edward (Ted) Higginbottom was born outside of Aylmer and raised on a farm.

He joined the Elgin Regiment before the war and later transferred to the Special Canadian Parachute Division and later to the First Special Force later known as The Devils Brigade, a combined Special Operations Force of about 1800 men, half American and half Canadian.

Sgt Maj Ted Higginbottom passed away in 1986 and was was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honour the United States Congress can bestow at a ceremony in Washington DC in 2015.

When Ted Higginbottom returned home he was confined to a wheelchair, but attended University at Western an earned a degree in accounting. He worked at Andersons Department store for many years and was very active working with paraplegics.

Ted Higginbottom was a true hero, both fighting for his country and his work in the community after returning home with severe disabilities.

F/O Atkinson Commenced flying in 1944. Throughout his service he has displayed outstanding skill, courage and devotion to duty.

One event in April of 1945 on a combined raid his plane was hit and although badly wounded, he continued his attack and managed to bring his badly damaged aircraft back to base.

His enthusiasm and resolution never faulted and by his fine fighting spirit he set an inspiring example to others of his Squadron.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in September of 1945.

F/O John Atkinson grew up at 35 Stanley St, St Thomas.

F/L Medcalfe was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for great gallantry in the performance of his duties in the Royal Air Force on September 1945.

F/L Medcalfe completed a large number attacks in support of Army operations in the face of intense antiaircraft fire. On a later operation he led eight attacks on shipping destroying many enemy barges and ships.

He is a fine leader whose courage and devotion to duty have always been outstanding.

F/L Medcalfe grew up at 50 Scott St. St Thomas.

F/L Swartz was awarded the Distinguished Fly Cross for great gallantry in the performance of his duties.

He completed many successful operations during which he always displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.

F/L Swartz grew up in West Lorne

F/S Crabe was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for conspicuous gallantry in the performance of his duties in March of 1945

He was a gunner on a bomber on a night in Feb on 1945 when after leaving their target his plane was hit, sustained severe damage and badly wounded the rear gunner. With little regard for his own safety he rescued the wounded gunner at great personal risk.

F/S Crabe’s brave and determined bid to save his co-gunner was worthy of the greatest praise.

F/S Crabe grew up in Fingal .