Corporal Joseph John Edward Tompkin, H17546
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Royal Winnipeg Rifles
Corporal Tompkin is sponsored by the City of Winnipeg.
Corporal Tompkin était parrainé par City of Winnipeg.
I am proud to pay tribute to the memory of the 16 Winnipeg soldiers killed in action during the assault on the beachs of Normandy on June 6, 1944. These young men, representing a number of different regiments, gave their lives fighting for freedom. It is right and fitting to remember their sacrifice. I commend the Juno Beach Centre for its committment to creating a striking visual memorial during the 70th anniversary of D-Day. These markers remind us of each individual sacrifice, as well as the gravity of Canada’s loss.
– Mayor Sam Katz, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Joseph was born on 6 March 1921, Novra, MB to Joseph Lawrence and Lillian May Tompkin. He was the only son, but had 3 sisters: May, Lillian, and Elsie. At the time of his enlistment, he was working as a farm-hand in Swan River, Manitoba. He was 23 when he died and is buried in Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in Calvados, France.
This Tribute Profile contains available biographical information on one of the Canadians who died on Juno Beach on 6 June 1944. The profile also recognizes the individual or organization who generously sponsored this soldier, and includes a message of thanks and remembrance for their sacrifice. This information is available in the soldier’s native tongue and has been compiled by the Lest We Forget program and, in some cases, through the generosity of individuals connected with the soldiers. Due to the inconsistency of historical records and the sparse availability of first-hand witnesses, we know more about some than others. If you would like to contribute any material or help in our efforts to present the biographies in both French and English, please contact: jbca@junobeach.org.
–