Lieutenant-Colonel Jim Counsell
48th Highlanders of Canada

Let us not forget the men we left behind in Sicily, in Italy and Holland … Had it not been for them, you would not be giving us this great reception. Their courage and sacrifice has let us come home, just as they have preserved our wonderful civilization for us.

(Counsell quoted in Kim Beatte, Dileas: History of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, 1929-1956, 782)

Born in Niagara, Ontario on 7 July 1904, James Ronald O’Dell Counsell went overseas as a reinforcement officer in 1940 and became adjutant for the 48th Highlanders in England. He would be one of the few officers to serve with the battalion throughout the campaign, from the invasion of Sicily in July 1943 to the final hard fighting in Northwest Europe in spring 1945.

As a company commander, he received the Distinguished Service Order for “his prompt decision and aggressive action” at the Hitler Line in May 1944:

On approaching their position two lead platoons came under fire from at least 25 automatic weapons sited on high ground to their front and left. From this fire, one of the platoon commander and five NCOs soon became casualties. At this stage Major Counsell went forward moving in full view of the enemy and with complete disregard to the withering machine gun and mortar fire, he reorganized the leaderless platoon. Then he quickly ordered forward the reserve platoon and led his company to the face of the hill. During this time contact with the supporting tanks was lost so Major Counsell approached them himself, still under heavy fire, and arranged for their further support onto the objective.

(D.S.O. citation, 30 Sept 1944)

In March 1945, the battalion redeployed to the Netherlands. On 8 April, Counsell became second-in-command after Major G.E.B. Renison was appointed to command the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment. Four days later, he found himself in command of the 48th Highlanders following the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Don Mackenzie.

In gratitude for Canadian liberation of the country, the Dutch government awarded Counsell the Bronze Lion of the Netherlands. He remained in command for the rest of the war and led the battalion home for demobilization in October 1945. When he dismissed the men in Toronto for the final time, he called on everyone to remember the sacrifice of all those who did not make it back.

Counsell died in Toronto on 16 November 1964.