Vice Admiral Charles Morris Winton "Chuck" Thomas CMM CD (31 May 1936 – 30 September 2022) was a Canadian Forces officer who served as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.
Charles Thomas | |
|---|---|
| Born | 31 May 1936 Kelowna, British Columbia |
| Died | 30 September 2022 (aged 86) Victoria, British Columbia |
| Allegiance |  Canada |
| Service |  Royal Canadian Navy Maritime Command |
| Years of service | 1954–1991 |
| Rank |  Vice-Admiral |
| Commands | HMCS Fraser 4th Canadian Escort Squadron Maritime Command |
| Awards | Commander of the Order of Military Merit Canadian Forces' Decoration |
Career
editThomas joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1954.[1] He became Commanding Officer of the destroyer HMCS Fraser in 1971, Senior Staff Officer (Training) in 1973 and Senior Staff Officer (Combat Readiness) in 1973.[1] He went on to be Chief of Staff (Personnel & Training) in 1975, Commanding Officer of the 4th Canadian Escort Squadron in 1976 and Director Maritime Requirements (Sea) at the National Defence Headquarters in 1979.[1] After that he was Director General Maritime Doctrine and Operations in 1982, Chief of Maritime Doctrine and Operations in 1984 and Commander Maritime Command in 1987.[2] His last appointment was as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in 1989 before resigning over policy issues in 1991.[1] His resignation reflected his belief that the Canadian Government should have been reducing the network of 40 armed forces bases rather than just reducing the headcount.[3] General John de Chastelain, Chief of the Defence Staff, responded attacking Thomas' motives rather than responding to his concerns.[4]
Thomas died on 30 September 2022.[5]
Awards and decorations
editThomas's personal awards and decorations include the following:
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| Ribbon | Description | Notes |
| |
Order of Military Merit (CMM) |
|
| |
Canadian Forces' Decoration (CD) |
|
References
edit- ^ a b c d Charles Thomas The Nauticapedia
- ^ The Admirals: Canada's Senior Naval Leadership in the Twentieth Century edited by Michel Whitby, Toronto: Dundurn Press, 2006, p. 335
- ^ The admiral's call: close more bases Maclean's, May 13, 1991
- ^ A new era begins Esprit de Corps, 1 April 2009
- ^ "Obituary: Charles M. Thomas". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
- ^ "The Governor General of Canada List". Government of Canada. 11 June 2018.