Andrew George Latta McNaughton was born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan (formerly of the Northwest Territories) in 1887. Demonstrating an interest in science at an early age, he attended McGill University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in physics and engineering.
In 1909, McNaughton enlisted in the Militia and in 1914 he joined the 4th Battery of the Canadian Expeditionary Corps. His scientific background and leadership skills led to a series of rapid promotions. In under 20 years, McNaughton received six promotions, rising from the rank of Lieutenant to Major-General. By 1944, Andrew McNaughton was a Canadian General.
What separated McNaughton from his peers was his ability to apply the knowledge he gained in his formal education to his work in the field. McNaughton aided in the development of several new techniques in weaponry and detection; he was responsible for the development of the discarding sabot projectile, flash spotting and a precursor to radar called sound ranging.
General McNaughton's successful military career was compromised during the Second World War, when he approved the disastrous operation in Dieppe, France. The influence of critics and the General's ongoing health concerns led to McNaughton's resignation from his position in 1943.
McNaughton Road was named in his honour on May 16, 1944. It is located on property that was acquired by War Time Housing Limited and was the first of many developments during the war years built to help house the influx of workers required in Welland for the war effort.