72nd Regiment Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Sergeant Douglas McNaught Johnstone, Seaforth Regimental No. 43 in full scarlets with feather bonnet and swagger stick on 13 November, 1910. NOTE: On November 24, 1910, Authorization was obtained for the formation of a Highland Regiment in Vancouver.On Rear: "MJR D.M. JOHNSTONE / CADETS / FRONT". From the Regimental Association Newsletter May 1976 for more details (attached). "The smartly turned-out Seaforth on the front page? Who but Colour Sergeant Doug Johnstone, Regimental No. 43? At the time the photograph was taken. Which was Sunday, Nov. 13, 1910? Elsewhere in this issue a recent press account reveals what he has been up to since then. An outstanding Seaforth, and the vary epitome of what a soldier should be. Congratulations Doug on your ninetieth." Major Douglas McNaught Johnstone was 90 years of age on May 16 [in 1976]. A life Span of nearly a century, the experience of two world wars and a severe depression is a feat in itself; but Major Johnstone is further credited with a distinguished military career consisting of 42 years of service replete with medals and other decorations. Major Johnstone's list of honors seems almost inexhaustible. In the First War, he won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous acts of gallantry, a decoration then rated next highest to the Victoria Cross. His other awards include the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal 1914- 1920 and the Allied Victory Medal decorated with the Oak Leaf which indicates the Major was mentioned in Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig's despatches. [Attached] Also to Johnstone 's credit are the Canadian Volunteer service Medal, the War Medal 1939- 1945, the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal, the Efficiency Decoration (ED) awarded for twenty years of commissioned Service and finally the Colonial Auxiliary Service Long Service Medal awarded for twenty years in the ranks. Born in Dalton, Scotland, May 16, 1886, Major Johnstone was four years of age when he came to Vancouver with his parents. Initially the family had planned to settle in New Zealand but arriving in Vancouver, they decided to remain. In 1902, he began his non- permanent active military record as a Cadet with the Sixth DCOR in Vancouver, and from there to the 6th DCOR Reg't a year later. In 1910 he switched his affections to the newly forming Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and today is one of the very few surviving original members and 4 years 72nd Regiment (1910) [as regimental number 43]. On the outbreak of war in August 1914 the [72nd] Highlanders were amalgamated with other militia units to become the 16th Battalion, The Canadian Scottish and before the year was out found themselves part of the 1st Canadian Division and headed for service overseas. He was one of the first volunteers and enlisted as 29049 sergeant in the 16th (Canadian Scottish) Battalion, CEF on 23 September 1914 at Valcartier, Quebec. Johnstone went to France on France on 9 February 1915 and stayed there until 25 October 1918. He was promoted to R.Q.M.S. on 22 June 1916. He was awarded the DCM on 1 January 1918. From 26 October 1918 until 2 June 1919 he served in Reserve Battalions until his return to Canada. He was Struck from Strength from the CEF on 15 June 1919. [CEF Service file attached]. Discharged in 1919, having reached the rank oi Regimental Quarter Master sergeant, Johnstone rejoined the [72nd] Highlanders in 1921. Commissioned in 1928, and promoted to Captain in 1929, Johnstone became a major ten years later. Mobilized once again into active service in 1939, he served as Quarter Master the at the Number Eleven [BC] District Depot throughout the Second World War. Following his discharge from the Armed Forces in 1949, Major Johnstone participated actively for some years in Civil Defence.