• Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:

March 21st, 1908 (Elphinstone/Manitoba, Canada)

Date of death:

June 8th, 1944 (France)

Buried on:

Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: XIV. Row: B. Grave: 3.

Service number:

H/40697

Nationality:

Canadian

William David Thomas was a Presbyterian by faith. He worked as a labourer before enlisting in the Canadian Active Service Force in 1940. He joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and was assigned the regimental number H-40697. At the time of his enlistment, he was living in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Thomas married Anne Thomas, who resided at 67 Netherhill Road in Paisley, Scotland. He had no children, and his father had passed away prior to his enlistment. His mother, Mary Thomas, remained in Elphinstone and was listed as one of his next of kin.

After completing his training, Thomas embarked from Halifax for overseas service. He was deployed to Europe as part of the Allied efforts during World War II. His unit participated in the Normandy Campaign following the D-Day landings in June 1944.

On June 8, 1944, just two days after the initial landings, Rifleman William David Thomas was killed in action in France. He was initially reported missing, but later confirmed to have been murdered by Waffen-SS soldiers.

His estate was settled through the Department of National Defence, and his widow received war gratuity payments and other benefits. Thomas had left a will, designating Anne as the beneficiary of his estate. His death was officially acknowledged by Canadian military authorities, and letters of condolence were sent to his family, including one from Major-General H.F.G. Letson. Memorial Crosses were issued to both his widow and his mother in recognition of his sacrifice.

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