“We Will Remember Him”: Ridley Students Learn the Story of LCol Donald Mackenzie ’33

Ahead of Remembrance Day, Grade 11 history students had the extraordinary opportunity to hear from Lieutenant-Colonel Tyler Wentzell, CD, Commanding Officer of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, who shared the powerful story of Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Mackenzie ’33, a Ridleian who gave his life during the Second World War.  

Born in Kincardine, Ontario, Donald lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother alongside his brother Kenneth. He attended Ridley College, where he served as Cadet Corps Commander, before completing his studies in Owen Sound. Though he aspired to attend the Royal Military College, he instead pursued a career in banking in Toronto, while serving part-time with the 48th Highlanders of Canada. 

When war broke out in 1939, Donald was among the first to volunteer for overseas service. Conscription had not begun at this time, and still he answered the call. He quickly distinguished himself as a capable and courageous officer, leading transportation efforts during the chaotic early days of the war in France and later serving as the only Canadian officer on Field Marshal Montgomery’s staff — a rare and prestigious appointment. 

After returning to Canada briefly to help plan the defence of British Columbia against a feared Japanese invasion, Mackenzie rejoined the 48th Highlanders in Italy. His leadership was instrumental in several key battles, including the crossing of the Lamone River, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. 

In 1945, during the liberation of the Netherlands, Mackenzie was killed by enemy shelling shortly after leading his battalion across the IJssel River. He was just 30 years old. His daughter was two years old at the time of his death. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Wentzell emphasized the importance of remembering individual stories like Donald Mackenzie’s: 

“More than 10,000 Canadians were killed in the liberation of the Netherlands. This is just one. But they all have a story like this. Each one is a whole life, a whole future, a whole family.” 

Donald is buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery, and his name is etched beneath Ridley’s Memorial Arch. His story is a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice that shaped our history, and of the Ridleians who answered the call. 

We will remember him.  

Photo Credit: 48th Highlanders Museum