Michael Lovett Tucker was born and raised in Parsboro, Nova Scotia. After completing high school, he attended McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. He graduated with a degree in science in 1928 and found work as an engineer in Montreal. He married in 1928 and had a son and two daughters.
Michael had served in the Canadian Officers Training Corps (COTC) at McGill. COTC was a university officer training program established in 1912 that ran in most of Canada's universities until 1968. It was set up to develop the leadership abilities to students and give them an opportunity to take part in military life at university. It became compulsory during the Second World War. Michael was Struck Off Strength of the McGill COTC Contingent in 1940 and was soon sent overseas to join the 1st Field Company stationed in Aldershot.
Michael, now commanding the 23rd Field Company, arrived in France as part of 2nd Corps Troops Engineers in July 1944.The company immediately turned its attention to cleaning the rubble in Caen. Next, they built 150-foot triple double class 40 Bailey bridge over the Orne River. The 23rd named the new bridge after Captain G. G. Reynolds, killed two days before in Vaucelles. Once Caen was cleared and the Falaise Gap closed, the Canadian Army made a dash to the Seine. On 27 August, the 23rd Field Company was called up on to operate stormboats in a hasty crossing of the Seine using newly introduced stormboats, a vessel with which their proficiency would prove central to their success at Arnhem. By the end of August, the company was on the banks of the Seine where Major Tucker led both the 5th and 23rd Field companies in building a 570-foot floating Bailey bridge, one of the first, over the river.
The story of the Arnhem Evacuation is better told else, but among the many lessons learned came from the many engine failures the troops experienced. as a result, Major Tucker directed an all out effort to developing ways to waterproof outboard motors. The effort was successful and the motors caused considerably less trouble on later operations.
The war ended in May 1944 and RCE units started moving back to England to dismantle their camps and prepare for the trip home. At the end of August, however, a detachment of the 23rd Field Company under Major Tucker was given a rather different assignment; it went back to the Netherlands to re-enact the company's part in the Arnhem evacuation for filming. The company was officially disbanded at the end of September and returned to Canada.
After returning home to Montreal, Michael left the Active Service Force and was transferred to the Canadian Army (MIlitia). He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 1946 and given the assignment of HQ 4 District Engineers, a newly organized reserve formation based on wartime units in the area.
In addition to the DSO described below, Major Tucker was also awarded the Bronze Lion (Holland). The citation reads, "This officer served as Officer Commanding 23 Canadian Field Company during the campaign in Northwest Europe. His efficiency, drive and enthusiasm made important contributions to every operation in which his unit took part. He organized and conducted the evacuation of the majority of the survivors of 1 British Airborne Division from their bridgehead on the north bank of the River Neder Nijn. On the night [of] 25/26 September 1944 his company evacuated 2,600 men by stormboat. This task had been considered hopeless, but by his inspired leadership and courage, the 23 Canadian Field Company were able to complete, successfully, this difficult and hazardous operation."
Michael Lovett Tucker died at Mount Sinai Hospital in Ste. Agathe on 19 January 1981 and the age of 74 years. Besides his wife and three children, he was survived by nine grandchildren. He is buried in the Cimetière Mont-Royal, Outremont, Montreal, Quebec,.
Major Tucker has commanded 23rd Canadian Field Company Royal Canadian Engineers since its arrival in the North West European theatre. His company has been responsible for numerous special assault rafting and stormboat operations in support of various divisions and Corps. In all these operations Major Tucker's personal initiative, drive and gallantry have been an inspiration to those about him and in large measure responsible for their success. One example was the successful evacuation of remnants of 1 British Airborne Division across the River Lek on Operation Market Garden. Major Tucker was solely responsible for the organization of this phase of the operation which was carried out by his company. His organizing ability and contempt for danger whilst exposed to the heaviest concentration of fire was a magnificent example to all those present. He continue his efforts to evacuate the survivors of the division ever after daylight until ordered to retire by the senior officer present. Major Tucker has at all times displayed leadership and a capacity for organization far above the average. His most conspicuous gallantry in the field on numerous occasions throughout the campaign has been a source of encouragement to all those under his command.
Note 1: Major Tucker's D.S.O. citation erroneously states his name as Michael Ashton Tucker. His true name was Michael Lovett Tucker.
Note 2: Tucker, Michael Lovett, Major - Bronze Lion (Holland) - Engineers - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 22 December 1945 and CARO/6291 dated 24 December 1945.
This officer served as Officer Commanding 23 Canadian Field Company during the campaign in Northwest Europe. His efficiency, drive and enthusiasm made important contributions to every operation in which his unit took part. He organized and conducted the evacuation of the majority of the survivors of 1 British Airborne Division from their bridgehead on the north bank of the River Neder Nijn. On the night [of] 25/26 September 1944 his company evacuated 2,600 men by stormboat. This task had been considered hopeless, but by his inspired leadership and courage, the 23 Canadian Field Company were able to complete, successfully, this difficult and hazardous operation.
Note: Major Tucker's D.S.O. citation erroneously states his name as Michael Ashton Tucker. His true name was Michael Lovett Tucker.