In December of 1939 ‘Duckie’ became engaged to Phyllis Ethel Jackson. Donald would enlist 26/07/1940 at Chatham to the 1^st Kent Regiment upon mobilization in the summer of 1940 he rose rapidly thru the ranks from private to Lieutenant before going overseas. While Don was training in London, Phyllis moved there to be closer to her husband. Donald would be stationed all across Canada, Kingston, Niagara, Nanaimo, New Westminister BC., Three Rivers PQ., Camp Borden, St. Johns PQ., Terrace BC. and Windsor NS.

At some point Donald and Phyllis found some time together as their first child Margo was born 1/02/1942 and Michael was born 15/11/1943.  By this time Phyllis was back in Chatham residing at the home of  Phyllis at 23 Dover St., Chatham, Ontario. Donald was shipped overseas 10/06/1942.

Lieut. Donald Dymond received his certificate at the Canadian Army Officers Training Centre at Three Rivers, PQ., in February 1943. CDN 6/03/43(P).    

While in England he joined the Algonquin Regt. Seeing service in France, Belgium and Germany. In May of 1945 he was promoted to the rank of Captain with the Algonquin’s, Captain had an exemplary war record, cut short only eight days short of VE-Day. He had never seen his son.  

Date of Death: 30/04/1945, in Germany. Age: 25

A Letter to Phyllis dated: – 3 May, 1945 from Major Lyle Mont

 “Don was in command of ‘C’ Company. He had just taken over the company which had suffered heavy casualties in the crossing of the Kusten Canal. At about midnight the company began , CCI-RHmoving into a new position – the area had been patrolled and found clear of the enemy. His first platoon had gone on ahead without contacting any enemy. Don with his two signallersbegan advancing with the second platoon. After proceeding a short distance they were challenged in German by what we found out later was a group of German officers and men who were making a reconnaissance and accidentally got in between Don and his leading platoon.

It was pretty dark, both sides opened fire and jumped for cover. The fighting lasted a few minutes only. Those of the Germans not hit were taken prisioner. Duing the exchange of fire Don was hit and died instantly. He did not suffer.

That night his men brought him out and we buried him with other of our men in a little temporary cemetery in the little German village of Edewecht about eight miles west of Oldenberg.

Later on he will be moved and buried in one of the Canadian War Cemeteries and you will be notified of this location.

The padre Captain Vallautique collected his personal things and they will be sent to you as soon as possible, with one exception. Pte. Jimmy Docet, who was Don’s batman and who was devoted to him has asked that he may keep his wrist watch. We feel you would not mind and I know Don would like it that way.”     

Captain. A49506. Regiment: Algonquin Regiment, R.C.I.C. 

Donald William Dymond appears on the stained glass window at Christ Church, Chatham along with Alfred James Down (M. Baker) @ canadianmilitaryhistory.ca).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

Christ Church Chatham – Roll of Honour, Index of Overseas Deaths, CDN (09-05-1945), ATNCB, CCI-RH, CCHR-V, CDN (22/04/15 article about Michael’s book of letters home.)

Supplemental Information

Born 11 December, 1919 at Bideford, North Devon, England, son of Robert William and Dorothy Minnie Dymond of 93 Lacroix St., Chatham, ON. The Dymond family immigrated to Canada, first settling in London, ON. and then moving to Chatham where a daughter Vera Kate was born. The family first lived on Adelaide St., then Thames St finally settling on Lacroix St. Memebrs of Christ Anglican Church in Chatham Don (aka Duckie) attended Central Public School graduating to Chatham Collegiate Institute (CCI) for two and a half years and then to Chatham Vocational School. Prior to enlisting Donald worked at the T. Eaton Co. store from October 1939 until January 1940 as a clerk. Then working as a type-setter at the Murcury Press in Chatham. Casualty Type: Commonwealth WarDead. Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. E. 10. Cemetery: HOLTEN CANADIAN WAR CEMETERYburied along with John H. Beaty, Harold Kenp, John Laurie and Lloyd Clark all of Chatham or Kent Co. Christ Church Chatham – Roll of Honour his name appears along with Alfred James Down on a stained glass window at Christ Church. Index of Overseas Deaths. CDN 9/05/45.

Age	25
Birthplace	Bideford, North Devon, England
Religion	Anglican

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