Johnston, Ian Strachan

Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:: August 12th, 1908 (Toronto/Ontario, Canada)
Date of death:: 1984
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Ian Strachan Johnston attended Ridley College and Royal Military College, earning the highest military rank of any Ridley alumnus. He joined the 48th Highlanders in 1930 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1933.

With the outbreak of WWII, Johnston deployed overseas as Adjutant and Captain of the 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders. Rising to Lieutenant-Colonel, he led the battalion through Sicily and Italy, including fierce battles at Ortona and the Hitler Line. His leadership during the daring Christmas raid behind German lines at Ortona earned him the Distinguished Service Order.

In 1944, Johnston was promoted to Brigadier, commanding the 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade in Italy and later in Holland. He became Acting Major-General and led the 5th Canadian Armoured Division. He remained in Europe to serve as a judge in the war crimes trial of SS General Kurt Meyer.

Johnston retired as one of Canada’s most decorated officers.

Returning to Canada in 1946, he resumed his legal career, became a partner in a Toronto law firm, and held roles as Director of Maple Leaf Gardens, Commissioner of a national militia review, and Honourary Colonel of the 48th Highlanders.

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Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:: 48th Highlanders of Canada, Canadian Army
Awarded on:: March 11th, 1944

"On 13 Dec 1943 the 48th Highlanders of Canada under command of Lt Col IS Johnston were ordered to attack an objective immediately west of the area known as Ortona Crossroads (Italy) MR322148. The attack was made with the support of the entire Corps Artillery against an enemy defensive position, that had been fully prepared with weapons emplacements, defending buildings and a closely coordinated artillery and mortar fire plan. The 48th Highlanders of Canada captured their objective inspite of the determined resistance of the enemy, with whom lay all the advantages of ground and cover. As a result of the courage and initiative shown by their Commanding Officer/Lt Col IS Johnston by his coolness under direct fire and his determination personally to lead his men. the 48th Highlanders of Canada succeeded in penetrating the enemy positions to a depth of one thousand yards, this making possible the further planned destruction of the enemy. By his conduct throughout his action Lt Col IS Johnston more than upheld the highest tradition of the Canadian Infantry."

Chevalier de l' Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: December 9th, 1944

Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: December 9th, 1944

With palm

Canadian Efficiency Decoration (ED)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: 1944

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Brigadier
Unit:: 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, Canadian Army
Awarded on:: January 20th, 1945

"The 11 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group, commanded by Brig Johnston was given the task of breaching the heavily fortified Gothic Line. As a result of information gained by active patrolling on the Brigade front, Brig Johnston gained the initiative, and launching an attack on the night 30/31 August 1944, thirty-six hours ahead of schedule and before the enemy had time to complete the relief which was in progress. The battalion on the right reached its objective but the one on the left was held up by heavy fire from the Montecchio feature. Brig Johnston immediately regrouped his force and personally organized an attack on this from the rear. This bold thrust was successful and after hard fighting the Brigade had gained a firm position in the defences."

Awarded as bar on the ribbon of the first medal.