Thompson, John Allen

Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:: May 1st, 1914 (Regina/Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date of death:: June 8th, 1944 (France)
Buried on:: Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: XIII. Row: F. Grave: 14.
Service number:: L/103385
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Before his enlistment, John Allen Thompson resided in the Carman Block in Regina and worked as a stereotyper for the Leader Post newspaper, a position he held for six years. He completed nine years of schooling but did not matriculate, and spoke English fluently. Thompson was married to Doris Elizabeth Thompson and had one daughter, Sharon Patricia, who was 11 months old at the time of his enlistment.

Thompson enlisted in the Canadian Army on December 7, 1942, joining the 12th District Depot in Regina. He had previously served in the Regina Rifle Regiment (Reserve) from 1940 until his enlistment. Upon joining the active forces, he was assigned regimental number L-103385 and began his service as a private. He was later appointed Acting Lance Corporal on April 29, 1943, and received increased pay due to his qualifications. His training included infantry specialization, and he was transferred to various training centers, including the A15 Canadian Infantry Training Centre in Shilo, Manitoba.

During his military career, Thompson was granted furlough and qualified for additional pay allowances. He served with the Winnipeg Rifles and was deployed overseas during World War II

Tragically, Rifleman John Allen Thompson was killed in action on August 6, 1944, during the campaign in France. It was later confirmed that his death was through field execution by Waffen-SS soldiers. He was initially buried near the site of his death but was later reinterred with honor at the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery in France. His widow, Doris, and his mother, Elizabeth Thompson, both received Memorial Crosses in recognition of his sacrifice.

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