Montreal-born James Campbell Clouston recognized for efforts at Dunkirk
MONTREAL — The Montreal-born Second World War hero whose efforts at Dunkirk in 1940 saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers was recognized in his hometown on Thursday.
Parks Canada unveiled a plaque in honour of Cmdr. James Campbell Clouston, who oversaw the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of British and other Allied troops from northern France as German forces encircled them.
Clouston’s exploits were portrayed in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster movie, “Dunkirk,” released earlier this year — even if his name wasn’t uttered in film.
One of the main characters, a Royal Navy officer played by Kenneth Branagh, was inspired in part by Clouston’s role as pier master during the Dunkirk evacuation.