Our Heroes

Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Tennant, CM, ED, CD was born on June 27, 1913, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He attended school in St. Rose du Lac before moving to Alberta and completing his education in Lethbridge. His lifelong commitment to military service began with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets in 1925, followed by enlistment in the South Alberta Regiment in 1929.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Mark enlisted in the 20th Anti-Aircraft Battery before transferring to The Calgary Highlanders as a private on September 6, 1939. He rose quickly through the ranks, earning an officer’s commission and promotion to captain in June 1942. Known as “The Green Hornet,” he developed a reputation for anticipating the enemy’s actions and undertaking dangerous assignments.

When the Highlanders arrived in France in July 1944, Mark served with Support Company, specializing in reconnaissance. Under enemy fire, he directed artillery, transported ammunition and helped evacuate wounded soldiers. Promoted to major that August, he was severely wounded in October during fighting to secure access to the South Beveland Peninsula. On hearing of his injuries, his commanding officer described him as “worth three men to us.”

Wounded three times during the war and Mentioned in Despatches three times, Mark remained determined to serve alongside his regiment. After months in hospital, he persuaded medical authorities to allow him to return to the Highlanders rather than be sent home. In 1945, he commanded “D” Company during operations at Doetinchem and Groningen, contributing to the liberation of the Netherlands.

His service continued after the war. He became the regiment’s training officer, then second-in-command in 1948, and commanded the battalion from 1953 to 1956. He retired from military service in 1962 and later returned as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel from 1977 to 1981.

Mark also helped shape his community beyond the military. He founded North Hill Auto Body Works and served Calgary as an alderman for twelve years. In June 1950, he married Joyce Jalland, his partner for the remainder of his life. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1981.

In May 1995, marking fifty years since the liberation of the Netherlands, Doetinchem named a park “Mark Tennant Plantsoen – A Canadian Liberator” in his honour.

At his final public appearance as a Calgary Highlander, Mark laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day, proudly wearing his regimental Glengarry. He was later laid to rest with full military honours, his casket carried by serving non-commissioned officers of the regiment he had served for decades.

His memorial banner honours a Canadian soldier, liberator and community leader whose service left a lasting mark in Calgary and overseas.

Lest We Forget.