Lieutenant-Colonel Des Crofton
Canadian Scottish Regiment

Lieutenant-Colonel Crofton remained seriously wounded in this exposed position for twelve hours when he was finally evacuated by our Medical Officer. Throughout these actions in Holland Lieutenant-Colonel Crofton’s fearless leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all ranks and in no small measure influenced the tide of battle. His splendid part in the liberation of Holland was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Canadian Army and of the Regiment he so faithfully commanded.

(Bronze Lion citation, 22 Dec 1945)

Born on 10 July 1905 in Ganges, British Columbia, Desmond Gerald Crofton was a sportsman and tennis player. Commissioned with the Canadian Scottish Regiment since the late 1920s, he went overseas as a platoon leader in August 1941. He commanded “C” Company in the D-Day landings and became second-in-command during the Normandy campaign. At the end of August, he succeeded Lieutenant-Colonel R.M. Lendrum on his transfer to command the Royal Regiment of Canada.

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