Lieutenant-Colonel Don Mackenzie
48th Highlanders of Canada

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 12 April 1945 … Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie, realizing that this was the turning point of the battle, went forward fearlessly in the face of heavy enemy fire to make a personal reconnaissance in preparation for the second phase of the attack. His plan of attack, based on the information he gained, was eminently successful, and his unsurpassed leadership and daring resulted in the complete rout of the enemy.

 (D.S.C. citation, 27 Sept 1945)

Born in Kincardine, Ontario on 9 July 1914, Donald Alexander Mackenzie was a bank clerk and member of the 48th Highlanders since 1935. He was regimental transport officer during the battalion’s brief service in France in June 1940. He was soon promoted to captain then major and served as an aide to Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery in early 1942. He returned to Canada later that year for a staff officer course before being posted back to England for instructional duties in July 1943.

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