10/05/2022
🇨🇦 WWII uncovered: Lieutenant Jimmy Doohan from D-Day to Star Trek
Lt. James Montgomery “Jimmy” Doohan, of Vancouver British Columbia, served with the 14th Field Artillery Regiment of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. Doohan landed on Juno Beach, D-Day, and led his men ashore after taking out two German snipers. The group went through a maze of anti-tank mines finally settling in a defensive position for the night. Later in the evening a Canadian sentry mistaked Jimmy for the enemy and Doohan was hit six times resulting in the loss of his finger and a near fatal shot that was halted by his cigarette case. Luck with on his side.
"Doohan recovered from his wounds and became part of the Air Observation Pilot Course 40 with 11 other Canadian artillery officers. Jimmy was taught how to fly a Taylorcraft Auster Mark IV plane. He was later dubbed the “craziest pilot in the Canadian air force” after flying between two telephone poles in 1945 just to prove that he could." Jimmy never flew in combat but retained his title all the same.
After the war Jimmy Doohan returned to Canada with plans of furthering his education. Ironically, his distaste for a local radio drama led him to the career as the well-known character of "Scotty" on the popular science fiction show Star Trek.
James Montgomery Doohan passed away on July 20, 2005 at the age of 85. Lest We Forget.
🎨Colorization sourced by Colourised PIECE of JAKE Used with permission of the artist
WWII uncovered ©️ Original description and photo sourced by the Library and Archives of Canada and worldwarwings
