Hamilton, Ontario
Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Jack McFarland served with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry in the Second World War. During the Dieppe Raid, he was wounded and taken Prisoner of War. Following the war, he continued to serve in the Reserve Army (Militia) until his retirement in 1976. Since then, he has shown remarkable devotion and dedication in sharing his wartime experiences and honouring the service and sacrifice of his comrades. Mr. McFarland continues to serve on the Hamilton Council of Veterans which he chaired for ten years and he is also the vice-chair of the City of Hamilton Veterans Committee. In 2002, he was appointed the Chair of the Dieppe Veterans Memorial Park Committee. On August 19, 2003, Lieutenant-Governor James Bartleman unveiled the Memorial Park which is dedicated to the 197 members of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry who made the ultimate sacrifice at Dieppe. Mr. McFarland continues to supervise the upkeep and maintenance of the Park and he conducts tours for visiting school groups. He can be found in classrooms during Veterans’ Week talking to students about his own experiences. He also continues to be actively involved with the Prisoner of War Association of Canada - European Theatre. Mr. McFarland was recently presented with the French Legion of Honour in recognition of his exemplary service in the liberation of France and Europe.