Veteran Roland Leigh MacDougal

Roland Leigh MacDougal was born in Tyne Valley, P.E.I. on April 9th 1922.  Roland enlisted in the army on April 16th, 1941, when he was just 19 years old.  He became part of the Prince Edward Island Light Horse 11th Infantry.  He was trained at Camp Borden, a major training center located in Ontario, after which he was shipped overseas.

Roland worked driving a supply truck transporting food and other supplies to the front lines.  He was also became known as somewhat of an unofficial mechanic among the men, as he was known as the one to call if any vehicle was in need of repair.

Throughout his five years spent overseas he was stationed in various places such as Italy, Belgium, Scotland, France, and Holland.  His longest stay, however, was in Italy where he served for roughly two years.  In his five years in war, Roland took part in the Italian Campaign and the Liberation of Holland.

Roland met his wife, Isabella “Ella” Tennant, while he was on leave in Dundee, Scotland at a local skating rink.  Ella lived in Dundee with her family and was only 18 years old when she met Roland, who was 23 years old at the time.  The two were married about a year later on November 14th, 1945.  Today, Ella would be considered a “War Bride”, which is a term used in reference to wartime marriages between soldiers and foreigners.  Before Roland and Ella could return to Prince Edward Island, Roland worked various jobs in England as he patiently waited until he was given permission to return home in March of 1946.  Ella, however, did not travel to Prince Edward Island with Roland until a few months later, as her and many other war brides anxiously awaited their turns for passage to Canada.  Together, the two lived in Tyne Valley, the village where Roland was brought up, and raised four boys, Gordon, Garry, David, and Ian.

Roland’s dedication and remarkable effort as a supply truck driver earned him the Italian Star, Voluntary Service Medal, France-Germany Star, Defense Medal, and a Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.

Roland died September 4th, 1990 due to health complications and is buried in the Tyne Valley Presbyterian Cemetery.  He served as a great honor to his country and will always be remembered by his family and friends.