Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Matherson Sutherland
PERSONAL INFORMATION
MILITARY INFORMATION
- Major, 1st Infantry Brigade, Infantry (Army).
- Lieutenant-Colonel, 52nd Battalion, Infantry (Army).
- Lieutenant-Colonel (Army).
- Lieutenant-Colonel, 160th Battalion, Infantry (Army).
Distinguished Service Order (Bois-de-Vert)
Description: Lt.-Col. Donald Matheson Sutherland, W. Ontario R., attd. 52nd Bn., Can. Inf., Manitoba R.For conspicuous gallantry in action near Bois-de-Vert, 27/28th August, 1918, when he handled his battalion with great tactical ability. His personal courage and leadership were largely responsible for the success of the operations, at a time when casualities were severe and enemy opposition was most stubborn.
Date of award: 1919-02-01
Date of award: 1918-08-28
Source: London Gazette issue 31158 page 1614 (16 of 146)
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RESEARCH INFORMATION
Lt. Colonel Donald M. Sutherland took over command of the 160th Bruce Battalion May 23rd,1917 and remained in command until the breakup of the battalion in Feb. 1918. He was a member of the Oxford Rifles, a Canadian militia unit, from 1898 to 1904. He was also Honorary Colonel of Grey's Horse. He shipped overseas as officer in command of of "A" company, 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion, CEF; wounded at Ypres and on recovery organized the 71st Battalion in Canada. On arrival in Britain, the 71st Battalion was broken up and he reverted to the rank of Major and saw service with 52nd Battalion, in France, where he was wounded once more. Following the breakup of the 160th he returned to France as the commanding officer of the 52nd Battalion.
After WWI he served several terms as an Conservative MP, was Minister of Defence and Minister of National Health.
Lt.-Col. Donald Matheson Sutherland, W. Ontario R., attd. 52nd Bn., Can. Inf., Manitoba R.
For conspicuous gallantry in action near Bois-de-Vert, 27/28th August, 1918, when he handled his battalion with great tactical ability. His personal courage and leadership were largely responsible for the success of the operations, at a time when casualities were severe and enemy opposition was most stubborn.
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