• Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:

May 21st, 1910 (Brooklyn/New York, USA)

Date of death:

June 17th, 1944 (France)

Buried on:

Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: XI. Row: B. Grave: 4.

Service number:

B/43258

Nationality:

Canadian

Thomas Charles McLaughlin was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Michael Edward McLaughlin and Elizabeth Anna Luengene. Raised in Queen’s Village, Long Island, he spent his formative years in New York before relocating to Canada, where he would later enlist in the Canadian Army. By the time of his enlistment in Brantford, Ontario, on August 11, 1940, McLaughlin had already built a career as a salesman, with over a decade of experience on the road and in office settings. He was known for his articulate communication skills, having completed high school and pursued night courses in selling and advertising in New York City.

McLaughlin joined the Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles of Canada and quickly distinguished himself through both aptitude and leadership. Rising through the ranks, he became Company Sergeant Major (C.S.M.) of Battalion Headquarters Company. His military record reflects a series of promotions and instructional roles, including service as an “I” Sergeant and instructor at Gordon Head Officer Training Centre. He completed multiple courses in intelligence, fieldcraft, and instruction, earning high ratings and praise for his alertness, reliability, and superior learning ability. Despite being slightly over the age limit for officer candidacy, he was recommended for operational duty and considered suitable for nomination to the Officer Selection Advisory Committee (O.S.A.C.).

McLaughlin was married to Margaret Emily McLaughlin, with whom he had one son, Brian Le Ray McLaughlin. The family resided in Hamilton, Ontario, where Margaret remained during his service. Known for his clean-cut appearance and composed demeanor, McLaughlin enjoyed football, baseball, photography, music, and reading biographies and novels. He was fluent in English and maintained a stable, ambitious occupational history, with aspirations to continue in sales or possibly pursue a position in policing after the war.

Tragically, McLaughlin’s life was cut short during his military service. Following his death, the Department of National Defence initiated estate proceedings, confirming his intent to make Canada his permanent home and noting modest assets, including war savings certificates.

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• Photo 1: Operation Picture Me
• - Service record(s)

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