Brigadier General J. Neil Gordon, DSO, CD was born at Toronto, Ontario and was educated in Toronto schools and at Upper Canada College where he rose to Commanding Officer of the Cadet Corps which was affiliated with the Queen’s Own Rifles.
On 4 September 1939 Neil Gordon joined the Queen’s Own Rifles to serve in Second World War. He first obtained combat experience in North Africa and Italy while on loan to the 1st Battalion North Lancashire Regiment who were badly in need of reinforcements.
Following his return to the Queen’s Own Rifles, in June 1944, on D-Day, Gordon led D Company in landing at Bernieres sur Mer (where they were almost wiped out) and in the attack a few days later, at Le Mesnil Patry, where he received multiple wounds. He returned to lead C Company in Operation Wellhit, the action which resulted in the capture of Boulogne, in mid September.
In October 1944, Gordon was named Deputy Commanding Officer of the North Shore Regiment and later became its Commanding Officer. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for distinguished services in action against the enemy.
During the postwar period, Brigadier General Gordon served as Commanding Officer (1952-1954) and later Honorary Colonel of the Queen’s Own Rifles (1987-1989).
He passed away in October 1995 and was survived by his wife Jean and their five children.
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum and Archive 
Brian,
Thank you for your reply.
I have quite at bit of military history information for his biography but I’m trying to get some information about his family. Is his wife Jean still alive? Is it possible to reach any of his children?
Thank you for your help.
Bruce Morton
Cell 705-828-5566
email hbrucemorton@outlook.com
LikeLike
un de mes bons souvenirs vivaces, jim gordon neil, inconsciemment, m’a donné le sésame du généralat : la constance, le mérite, la loyauté
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brigadier General J. Neil Gordon, DSO, CD was the honorary Colonel when he passed the RSM Sword to me when I became RSM in Feb 22, 1987..Remember him well as Honorary and seeing him in Normandy.
IPP
CWO (ret’d) former RSM Brian Budden, CD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Brian,
I am interested in getting more information about James Neil Gordon. I write books and biographies of soldiers that served with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment. Currently I’m working on a biography of James Neil Gordon and would appreciate any information that you could provide.
Respectfully,
Bruce Morton
hbrucemorton@outlook.com
Cell 705-828-5566
LikeLike
Bruce I’m not aware of any other information we have about Neil Gordon beyond what is on this profile page or objects related to him in our collection:
https://qormuseum.catalogaccess.com/people/294
Major John Stephens, CD (Ret’d)
Director and Archivist
LikeLike
Hi Bruce,
I meet Gen Gordon at many QOR celebrations such as QOR Anniversary’s, D-Day events. I was honoured when he was Honourary Colonel of the QOR when he presented me with the RSM Sword when I took over as RSM. I did here from other Veteran QOR Senior NCO’s he had a nickname “Skin” Gordon. They said from his bow legs as he was a very tall man. When I was RSM in 1989 had the privilege to assist with the 45th Anniversary in Normandy with him. He was very nice to talk too and friendly. I know his wife Jean was very big in the IODE – Imperial Order Daughters Empire.
Gordon, James Neil | The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum and Archive (qormuseum.org)
You may want to try the QOR Regimental History – First 100 Years 1860-1960.
Also Charlie Martin Book – Battle Diary.
Hope this helps you out.
Brian Budden
LikeLike