Donald Gilbert Stackhouse

At the time of enlistment, Stackhouse was employed in the Royal Canadian Mountain Police. He enlisted on February 2, 1940. In Regina, Saskatchewan, joining the 1st Provisional Company. He served in Canada from 28/2/1940 to 12/5/1940. He embarked for England on 13/5/1940 and arrived on 13/6/1940. Served in England from 16/6/1940 to 27/6/1943. Then, he embarked for Italy on 28/6/1943 and arrived on 28/6/1943. And served in Italy from 28/6/1943 to 31/371944. It is likely he enlisted due to serving his country.

Private D.G. Stackhouse’s military career shows a trajectory of steady involvement, starting with his service as a Lance Corporal in September 1940. His embarkation from leave on September 19, 1940, at No. 1 Command Depot marked the beginning of his documented movements. He returned from leave on October 10, 1940, and soon after, on October 25, 1940, was attached to the 3rd Field for duty. His service continued in this capacity, demonstrating his commitment to his unit and duties.

By September 3, 1941, Stackhouse was transferred to the Field Hospital Unit (F.H.U.), indicating a likely involvement with medical or logistical operations. A few days later, on September 7, 1941, he was transferred to the 1st Provisional Company. This transition hints at a change in his role within the military structure, moving possibly to a more specialized unit.

He had several casualties according to this record, there were several entries related to promotions, injuries, transfers, and hospitalizations. In March 1943, a one-day leave due to wounds was noted, followed by an injury in May 1943, with the soldier being admitted to a hospital on April 29. In July of the same year, a transfer was mentioned, though details are unclear. Additionally, in 1940, transfers and promotions were recorded, including one effective from March 1 and another for pay rations and discipline starting May 23. By 1941, several hospital transfers were noted, particularly to the 15th General Hospital due to injuries.

On May 31 1944, Italy, Stackhouse was killed in action.

Donald Gilbert Stackhouse died in Italy, killed in action.. He is memorialized at the Cassino War Cemetery in Italy. His grave reference is V. A. 19. The cemetery is located in the Commune of Cassino, Province of Frosinone, approximately 139 kilometers southeast of Rome, nestled in the valley of the River Liri, just below the Abbey of Monte Cassino.

Primary Source Documents : https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/2612975?Donald%20Gilbert%20Stackhouse 

Bibliography

Library and Archives Canada. (n.d.). Stackhouse, Donald Gilbert [Record ID: 33778]. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Home/Record?app=kia&IdNumber=33778&ecopy=44485_83024005506_0875-00330

Veterans Affairs Canada. (n.d.). Donald Gilbert Stackhouse [Canadian Virtual War Memorial]. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/2612975?Donald%20Gilbert%20Stackhouse

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- Ian A. McPhee, former student at GCI, 1937.