McNaughton, Private 1st Class A. Lorne

Service Highlights

Born September 2, 1914 in Woodham, Ontario.
Enlisted in the Canadian Army on February 28, 1941.
Served with the 1st Hussars during the Second World War.
Served as a driver-mechanic.
Served in France and Holland during the war.
Married Elva Noreen McNicol on February 22, 1936.
Member of St. Marys Legion Branch 236 for more than 30 years.
Passed away October 22, 2001 in St. Marys, Ontario.
Buried at Kirkton Union Cemetery, Usborne Township, Huron County, Ontario.
Commemorated through the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program.

A Life and Service Remembered

Lorne A. McNaughton was born in Woodham, Ontario, in 1914, the son of Frank Ernest Grant McNaughton and Harriet Dawson. He built his life in the Huron and Perth county area and married Elva Noreen McNicol in 1936, several years before the Second World War would pull so many local men overseas.

In February 1941, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and joined the 1st Hussars. Serving as a driver-mechanic, he played the essential behind-the-scenes role of keeping armoured vehicles moving and serviceable under field conditions. His service took him through France and Holland, and he later joked that he kept his tank running with “spit, wire, tape and determination,” a line that says a great deal about the ingenuity and stubborn persistence needed in wartime. At this time, his service records are not publicly available, so the exact details of his wartime movements have not yet been confirmed.

After the war, McNaughton returned home to family life and remained connected to the veteran community. He and Elva raised their children in Ontario, and he stayed active with St. Marys Legion Branch 236 for more than thirty years.

Lorne A. McNaughton passed away in St. Marys on October 22, 2001, at the age of 87, and was laid to rest in Kirkton Union Cemetery. He is remembered for his service with the 1st Hussars, his devotion to family, and his long connection to the Legion and the local community.