Lt-Col. A.J. Hay

Lieutenant-Colonel Art Hay
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada
Algonquin Regiment

I knew when we landed in Normandy last July that I had with me the “fightingest” outfit in the Canadian Army and you have exceeded all my expectations. Though, to my bitter regret, I was not able to be with you after the middle of August last year, my thoughts and heart at least went with you.

(Hay, Teepee Tabloid, 19 Jul 1945, 2)

Born on 8 April 1909 in Killarney, Manitoba, Arthur John Hay was a Hamilton salesman and adjutant for Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s). In September 1941, the battalion was dispatched for garrison duty in Jamacia, where Hay acted as instructor at the island’s tactical school. In May 1943, the A&S Highlanders were recalled to Canada in preparation of overseas service. As First World War veteran Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Sinclair was overage, Hay led the battalion to the United Kingdom in August 1943.

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