Penetanguishene Legion renamed to honour local Second World War hero

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 68 in Penetanguishene has changed its name to honour local Second World War hero Alfred Burke Thompson, CTV News reported. Thompson left his home town shortly before the war broke out to volunteer as a pilot for the Royal Air Force, despite being only around 20 years old at the time. Just days after the conflict began, his aircraft was shot down over enemy territory. [1]

Following the downing of his plane, Thompson became a prisoner of war and spent years in captivity before eventually returning home to Penetanguishene. A century after his military service began, the local legion branch he joined after the war chose to formally adopt his name to recognize his bravery and dedication to his community. [1]

During a ceremony held in September, the veteran's son, A.B. Thompson III, unfurled a flag carrying his father's name, CTV News reported. He described the event as one of the most humbling experiences of his life. Branch president Pat White stated that spearheading the initiative to honour Thompson stood as one of the most important achievements of his presidency. [1]

Before his military deployment, Thompson had worked within Ontario's legal and political systems, Wikipedia records. He served as a barrister and solicitor before being elected as a Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing Simcoe Centre from 1898 to 1902 and again from 1905 to 1919. He later represented Simcoe East in the House of Commons of Canada from 1925 to 1935. [1][2]