Brigadier John Rockingham
Royal Hamilton Light Infantry
9th Infantry Brigade

During the action, Lieutenant Colonel Rockingham completely embodied the qualities of the infantry commander. He showed great coolness, good judgement, determination and ability as a leader. His dash and offensive eagerness infected the whole battalion and contributed in no small degree to the success attained.

(D.S.O. citation, 2 Aug 1944)

Born on 24 August 1911 in Sydney, Australia, John Meredith Rockingham grew up in Canada, Barbados, England, and Australia before permanently settling in British Columbia in 1930. Commissioned for several years with the Canadian Scottish Regiment, he mobilized for overseas service in 1940. Two years later he transferred to the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, which had sustained heavy losses in the Dieppe Raid of 19 August 1942. He became second-in-command and succeeded Lieutenant-Colonel J.J. Hurley in April 1943.

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