Thomas “Tom” Borton served during World War II as part of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, and was killed in action on May 23, 1944, while fighting in Italy.
Before the war, Borton worked at the Palmerston Creamery, beginning his employment shortly after he finished his education. He was married to Thelma Jean Kirkpatrick, whom he met during his training for the armed forces.
Borton was mentioned in the Palmerston Observer as being “very popular with the young folk of the town”, and also as a “creditable hockey player”. Borton was buried at the Cassino War Cemetary in Cassino, Italy, and a memorial service was held in his honor at Knox Church in Palmerston on June 25, 1944. He was survived by his wife, Thelma Jean Kirkpatrick, his parents, Roy and Lillian Borton, his brothers Jack, Douglas, and Clarence, and his sister Shirley.
You can view Thomas Borton’s page on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission here.
References
- “Tom Borton Lost on Italian Front.” The Palmerston Observer [Palmerston] 8 Jun 1944: 1. Print
- “Pte. Tom Borton.” The Palmerston Observer [Palmerston] 15 Jun 1944: 1. Print.
- “Funeral Picture.” The Palmerston Observer [Palmerston] 6 July 1944: 4. Print.
