Brogden, Signalman (Acting Corporal) Thomas Henry

Service Highlights

  • Born June 25, 1915 in Hamilton, Ontario.
  • Enlisted in September 1943.
  • Rank: Acting Corporal
  • Served with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in Europe during the Second World War.
  • Promoted to Acting Corporal during his service.
  • Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for meritorious service. The award was announced in the London Gazette on January 6, 1945.
  • Discharged in September 1945.
  • Volunteer member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 236, St. Marys.
  • Commemorated by family through the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program.

A Life and Service Remembered

Thomas Henry Brogden, served overseas during the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, the branch responsible for maintaining the communications that kept Allied units connected across the battlefield. At this time, we have not located a public service summary so details of his service movements aren’t confirmed. We do know that in his work he played a quiet but essential role in the coordination of operations across Europe.

After the war, Brogden returned to Ontario and became closely connected with the community of St. Marys. He served as the first business manager of St. Marys Hospital, helping guide the administration of local health care during the important years following the war.

He also remained connected with fellow veterans through the Royal Canadian Legion, where he volunteered as a member of Branch 236. Like many veterans of his generation, his service continued long after the war through his contributions to the community and support of remembrance.

Thomas Henry Brogden passed away on December 13, 1963. His service and memory are honoured through the St. Marys Legion banner program and through the efforts to preserve the stories of local veterans.

Major Battles and Operations

  • Northwest Europe Campaign, 1944–1945
  • Liberation of Western Europe
  • Allied advance through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands
  • Final operations into Germany

Learn More

Military Service Recognition Book
https://on.legion.ca/remembrance/military-service-recognition-book/msrb/

London Gazette announcement of the British Empire Medal
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36867/supplement/113/data.pdf

British Orders to Canadians reference document
https://www.blatherwick.net/documents/British%20Orders%20to%20Canadians/09%20-%20BEM%20British%20Empire%20Medal.pdf