Harry Crerar

Full Name: Henry Duncan Graham Crerar
Profession: Canadian WWII General

Biography: General Henry Duncan Graham Crerar was a senior officer of the Canadian Army and the country's senior field commander in World War II. He enrolled at the Royal Military College of Canada and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Non-Permanent Active Militia in 1909.

He served in the First World War, rising to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and receiving recognition for his services. After the war, he remained in the military, attending prestigious staff colleges and occupying various staff positions.

In World War II, Crerar was appointed General Officer Commanding the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division in 1941. Becoming lieutenant-general, he led I Canadian Corps in the Italian Campaign. He returned to the UK in 1944 to command the First Canadian Army, which included British and Polish troops.

Under his leadership, the army engaged in notable campaigns in Northwestern Europe, including Operation Veritable. Crerar became the first Canadian officer to be promoted to full general in the field in 1944.

Following World War II, Crerar retired in 1946 and faded from public attention until his death in 1965. He received various honors for his military service, including the Companion of Honour, the Distinguished Service Order, and recognition from the United States, Netherlands, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Belgium, and France.

Crerar married Marion Verschoyle Cronyn and had a daughter, Margaret, among other children. He worked in both business and engineering before the World Wars. After retirement, he engaged in diplomatic missions and served on corporate boards.

Born: April 28, 1888
Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: April 1, 1965 (aged 76)