D. Hugh Gillis

Full Name:

Duncan Hugh 
 
Gillis

Date of Birth:

August, 
11, 
1917

Place of Birth:

Pinevale, Antigonish County

Antigonish District:

St. Andrews

Service Rank or Number:

Date of Enlistment:

January, 
, 
1940

Location of Enlistment:

Theatres of Service:

Europe, Far East

Conflicts:

Second World War, Korean War
Date of Retirement of Discharge:
January, 
, 
1945

Location of Retirement of Discharge:

England

Rank on Retirement or Discharge:

Lieutenant Colonel

Biography

Duncan Hugh Gillis was born August 11th, 1918, in Pinevale to John J. and Catherine A.  Gillis.

He attended St. Francis Xavier University, where in 1938 he trained with the Canadian Artillery Cadet Corps, participating in weekly drills with 18-pounder guns at the Antigonish Armoury.

In 1941, Hugh enlisted in the Canadian Army. After completing training in England, he was deployed to the Mediterranean Theatre, serving with Canadian artillery units during the campaigns in Sicily and Italy. Throughout the Second World War, he also served in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Near the end of the war, he was transferred from frontline service to headquarters, where he worked in operational planning and administration. After falling ill, he was hospitalized in Belgium and later in England, where he recovered as the war ended. By the end of his service, he had attained the rank of Major and was discharged in England in 1945 after successfully appealing to remain overseas to pursue further studies.

Following the war, Hugh earned a Doctorate in Political Science from the University of London before returning to Antigonish, where he became the first Professor of Political Science at St. Francis Xavier University. In 1950, he re-enlisted in the Canadian Army and served during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Hugh went on to pursue careers in both academics and administration. He served as Director of the Coady International Institute, Vice President of St. Mary’s University, and held senior positions at Boston University, the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He also authored several books and was a candidate for the House of Commons in two federal elections.

Hugh married Celia Hamilton of England, and together they had three children. He retired to North Grant, where he remained until his passing on September 12th, 2013, at the age of 95.

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