Canadian Military History
Volume 22 Issue 3 Article 6
2013
Husky’s Price A Window on 21 Lives Lost in Sicily
Matthew Douglass
Alexander Fitzgerald-Black
Maryanne Lewell
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Recommended Citation Matthew Douglass, Alexander Fitzgerald-Black, and Maryanne Lewell "Husky’s Price A Window on 21 Lives Lost in Sicily." Canadian Military History 22, 3 (2013)
This Feature is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars Commons @ Laurier. It has been accepted for inclusion in Canadian Military History by an authorized editor of Scholars Commons @ Laurier. For more information, please contact [email protected]. et al.: Husky’s Price A Window on 21 Lives Lost in Sicily
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Matthew Douglass, Alexander Fitzgerald-Black and Maryanne Lewell
his article is a collection of soldiers killed during the First and short biographies of Canadian Abstract: The 38-day campaign in Second World Wars. The exercise T Sicily resulted in 562 Canadian servicemen killed in action during the reveals much about the human life deaths: an average of 15 per day. Allied invasion of Sicily in July and This article considers the cost of reflected in each white headstone August 1943. Together they constitute the campaign by examining a cross in Commonwealth War Graves a series of snapshots representing section of those who died while Cemeteries. These biographies offer the Canadian experience during fighting to liberate the island. The a glimpse into the lives of men who sample of 21 mini-biographies Operation Husky. The campaign represents soldiers from across volunteered to go to war and of the lasted 38 days and resulted in 562 Canada lost by each military unit and cost of their choice to friends, family, Canadian deaths, an average of corps that suffered fatal casualties in and to Canada. The men described 15 per day. Certainly, some days Sicily. These biographies animate the here all have unique stories. For saw much higher totals than others names depicted on a small number example, Private Wilbert Boulton of the stones found in the Agira but at no point were Canada’s cemetery in Sicily, Italy. Although only died on 23 July 1943. His father asked soldiers, sailors, and aircrew free a sample of the men who sacrificed that his son’s pay be deposited into an from danger. The stories of these 21 everything in Operation Husky, these account for Wilbert’s younger sister, men are intended to represent all portraits acknowledge the sacrifice to whom he was strongly attached. Canadians killed in Sicily, one for made by all. The personal lives of average soldiers each day commemorated during are not typically part of the story this year’s Operation Husky 2013 campaign in Sicily: the impact of the of Canada’s historic battles and march between 10 and 30 July. The island’s rugged terrain on the soldier. campaigns in the Second World War. men featured in this article represent Rocky hilltops were transformed In some cases, the evidence available each Canadian military unit and into enemy fortresses linked by in published accounts and military corps that suffered fatal losses in difficult roads and mule tracks. The records enabled us to identify the Sicily, including those lesser-known indiscriminate nature of artillery and time, place and cause of death with branches of the Canadian Armed mortar fire in those hills sometimes certainty. In all other cases we explain Forces. The dead commemorated resulted in so-called friendly fire probable causes based on where the originate from across Canada and injury and death. Summer time heat man and his unit were on the day are reflective of Canada’s population; could likewise be deadly to exhausted he died. This research was assisted much as it is now the Canada of 1943 men without sufficient water or cover by undergraduate history students contained a rich mixture of new from the sun. Sicily’s mountainous at the University of New Brunswick immigrants and established families. interior frequently interfered with participating in the Lest-We-Forget These biographies illustrate an radio communication, increasing the program sponsored by Library and important aspect of the Canadian fog of war and the cost in lives. Archives Canada and first founded by Preparing these soldier Blake Seward, an Ontario high school biographies was not a new task teacher. We hope these profiles will Left: Agira Canadian War Cemetery. for us. We have each previously encourage a discussion of the benefits researched the stories of Canadian and costs of Canada’s battle for Sicily. https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/6© Canadian Military History, Volume 22, Number 3, Summer 2013, pp.70-87. 71 2 et al.: Husky’s Price A Window on 21 Lives Lost in Sicily
In the early morning hours of 10 thin screen of Italian coastal defence Alvin and Elizabeth. The family July 1943 Canadian troops landed on units the Canadians met on D-Day hailed from St. Jacobs, Ontario. the southwest shore of the Pachino were meant to delay and disorganize Roland was also survived by his wife, peninsula in the southeastern corner the invasion force as it came ashore Mrs. Edith Thoms, who he married of Sicily. The assault troops of 1st and warn counterattack forces of the only three days prior to enlisting. Canadian Infantry Division were landing location. Roland was born in 1915, and by assigned several key missions The Canadians accomplished 1940, he had established himself as a that day, beyond getting ashore their D-Day mission at a cost of seven shoemaker in St. Jacobs. He practiced and clearing the beach defences. killed and 25 wounded. One of the this profession for just over a decade First, they were to capture Italian first men killed was Private Roland before enlisting on 2 July 1940 in coastal defence artillery batteries William Thoms. He was one of three Kitchener, Ontario. Private Thoms within range of the landing beach members of the Royal Canadian completed infantry training at Camp to protect the invasion fleet. Royal Regiment killed during their attack Borden, and proceeded overseas to Navy warships bombarded and on a pair of Italian shore batteries join the RCR in the fall of 1941. He temporarily suppressed enemy and Pachino airfield.1 The airfield was embarked for Sicily with the Royal heavy guns during the assault, but surrounded by a defensive pillbox Canadian Regiment in mid-June 1943 it was up to the infantry to capture and bunker network. Private Roland and lays there still.2 or destroy those gun batteries. The William Thoms was killed when the The fighting troops were not second task was to secure enemy Royal Canadian Regiment mopped the only ones in harm’s way as airfields in the invasion area to deny up pillboxes on the high ground the example of Corporal Thomas their use to the enemy and free them beyond the airfield. McEwan of the Royal Canadian Army for Allied aircraft. Finally, the assault Roland hailed from a family of Medical Corps reminds us. Thomas troops needed to consolidate their seven. He left behind two brothers, McEwan was born on 23 September positions ashore in order to meet one of whom also served overseas, 1901 in Hamilton, Scotland to Jessie expected Axis counterattacks. The two sisters and his mother and father, and John McEwan. By 1939 Thomas
Canadian troops land in Sicily, 19 July 1943. Library and Archives Canada PA 141664 141664 Canada PA Library and Archives
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Canadian casualties evacuated in Sicily.
moved to Ontario while his mother and two sisters remained in Scotland. For 24 years McEwan made his living in horticulture. On 12 September 1939, just days after Canada’s declaration of war, Thomas enlisted in Hamilton,
Ontario with No.5 Field Ambulance, 193890 Canada PA Library and Archives Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. At the time he was working as a private gardener for Beverly Robinson in Toronto and hoped to return to his job after the war. His first order of military business before being shipped overseas in December was to request permission to marry. exercise to rehearse the roles of field ship anchored offshore including In November, Edith McEwan became dressing stations and field surgical Canadian, British, American soldiers his wife and his next of kin.3 units in the type of operation in as well as Italian nationals.7 Thomas Private McEwan and No.5 Field prospect.5 McEwan was reported as killed in Ambulance joined the Canadian action that same day, possibly during force which crossed the English Corporal McEwan and No.1 one of the enemy air raids that struck Channel to Brest in mid-June 1940 Canadian Field Dressing Station the landing areas in the early days of and was hurriedly recalled before landed in Sicily around noon on 10 the invasion.8 the French capitulated on 22 June. July 1943. Other field ambulance units Axis air forces inflicted a steady In 1941 he attended an advanced landed earlier and were attached to toll of Canadian casualties behind medical training course. In January the assaulting brigades in order to the front lines throughout Operation 1943, he was transferred to No.1 facilitate the removal of the wounded Husky, including Theodorus Canadian Field Dressing Station from the battlefield. McEwan’s field Benedictus Bonefacius Hendrickus and appointed acting lance corporal dressing station and British surgical Kroon. “Ted,” as he was widely shortly thereafter. In April, he was and transfusion units established known, was born on 1 December promoted to acting corporal after themselves in a farm building in the 1905 in Hillegon, Netherlands to completing a junior leadership 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade sector Johanna and George Peter Kroon. course. He returned to No.1 Canadian a kilometre from the beach. From Prior to immigrating to Canada, Field Dressing Station as it trained in here No.1 Canadian Field Dressing Kroon served as a signaller in the Scotland for the coming invasion.4 Station “continued throughout Royal Netherlands Navy. In Canada According to the official history of D-Day to form the nucleus of an he worked in construction and the Medical Corps: advanced surgical centre.”6 The then as a farm labourer in Granton, next day the unit moved to a more Ontario. Kroon volunteered to join The training included practice suitable site at the large manor farm the Canadian Army on 6 September landings from assault craft, a complex at Maucini, liberated the 1939, three days after Germany demonstration of operating-room previous day by the Royal Canadian invaded Poland. While in Canada, technique by one of the field Regiment. There it was joined by the Ted Kroon found a home with Mr. surgical units, lectures on combined Canadian divisional medical units George Ward in London, Ontario. operations, the packing of unit including No.1 Field Surgical Unit Upon leaving Canada, Ted left equipment on assault scales, and, for and No.1 Field Transfusion Unit. instructions for Mr. Ward to be drivers, a course in water-proofing Corporal Thomas McEwan’s unit was informed in the event of his death vehicles. The methods of setting up responsible for treating the wounded so that he might contact the Kroon an advanced surgical centre and a which began to trickle back to the family still living in Europe. This beach dressing station, using full beach. As of 1800 hours on 11 July, turned out to be a sensible decision tentage and equipment, were also 57 soldiers were evacuated from when German invaded and occupied studied. The culmination was a small the dressing station to a hospital the Netherlands in 1940.9 https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/6 73 4 et al.: Husky’s Price A Window on 21 Lives Lost in Sicily
Canadian troops en route to Sicily.
and supply depots near the beaches at Pachino.10 The Estates Branch of the Department of National Defence informed George Ward of Ted Kroon’s death. On the form returned to the Estates Branch, Ward indicated that Ted’s mother had passed away in Holland. He included these additional remarks: Library and Archives Canada PA 188912 Canada PA Library and Archives Addresses of deceased[’s] relatives given in form were such when I last heard of them in year of 1939 [sic]. I am trying to get in touch with them through the Canadian Red Cross. Sgt Kroon has made his home with me, G. Ward, for the past 10 years and has been treated like a son. Leaving me with power of attorney for his affairs here [sic]. All I want to do is see that his parents get what he left for them.11
It is not known if Mr. Ward was ever able to get into contact with Ted’s relatives in Holland. Three days into the campaign, 1st Canadian Infantry Division was given a rest: “on 13 July General Montgomery called a halt on the extreme left flank, directing that the Canadians should rest in the The Army recognized the value of commissioned officers’ course and Giarrantana area for a day and Kroon’s prior naval communications was confirmed in the rank of sergeant a half.”12 In the meantime Royal signals training and immediately in September. He returned to 1st Canadian Air Force squadrons assigned him to No.1 Company, Division’s Signals Company and continued to take the fight to the 1st Canadian Infantry Divisional embarked for the Mediterranean in enemy over Sicily. In May 1943, Signals. He accompanied the division June 1943. The unit landed in Sicily on Nos.420, 424, and 425 Squadrons to Aldershot, England in December 10 July and helped establish Major- were sent from England to assist in 1939. In April 1940, he completed General Guy Simonds’ divisional the Allied air offensive as No.331 training as an army signals operator headquarters. Kroon’s Signals Wing. Based in Tunisia, the wing after which his maturity and Company was especially important joined American and British aircrews experience brought rapid promotion. in coordinating the Canadian inland in operations designed to achieve air The Canadian Army made use of advance as the division’s forward superiority over Sicily as the invasion those, like Kroon, who had prior units pressed units 20 kilometres drew near. Following the landings, military experience enabling them inland within the first two days of aerodromes remained a prime target to grow rapidly in the early years the invasion. Sergeant Kroon was while interdiction strikes on Axis of the war. By June 1942, Kroon killed on 12 July 1943, most likely logistical centres such as harbours was appointed acting sergeant. during the series of German air raid and rail yards rated a close second.13 That summer he attended a non- back at 1st Canadian Division’s base On 13 July, Messina’s railroad and
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dock yards, vital for the movement Flying Officer Davidson was the Not all Canadian aircrew flew in of Axis forces to and from Sicily, ranking member of his crew.15 Canadian Squadrons. James Jonathan were struck in an attack described Born on 28 March 1917, William Kunz was one among the over 60 as “concentrated and accurate.” Davidson worked a number of percent of RCAF personnel who The Straits of Messina were heavily seasonal jobs between his hometown served in the mixed Commonwealth defended by anti-aircraft guns. of High Bluff, Manitoba and crews that formed most RAF Out of the two dozen Canadian Winnipeg. On 13 February 1941, he squadrons. Like many other rural aircraft participating in that raid one volunteered at the Royal Canadian Air Canadians, James left a small town Wellington bomber from No.424 Force recruiting station in Winnipeg. in the early 1940s to join the military, Squadron failed to return.14 William joined in the hope that his most likely hoping to have a thrilling Flying Officer William Cameron wartime training would result in experience. Kunz was born in Davidson was the navigator and a permanent air force career or Molewood, Saskatchewan on 6 April one of five crewmen aboard his employment in commercial aviation. 1920, to Russian immigrants. Upon Wellington Mark X when it was hit by His files also suggest that he hoped graduating high school, he worked enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed and was recommended to be trained on his father’s farm for two years into the mountainous region two as a pilot but was sent to navigation before moving to Sandwith, where miles north of Messina. Identification school instead after he received some he began work as a clerk in 1939. was difficult at first because the flying instruction. In January 1942 he After a year, he “left [his] position aircraft’s bomb load exploded in the was awarded his air observer badge to support the British struggle for crash, scattering the aircraft and its and was commissioned as a pilot freedom against dictatorship and for crew. However, investigators later officer a month later. By spring 1943, that reason only.” On 11 July 1941, found a piece of the plane marked Flying Officer Davidson completed he became a member of the RCAF. HE 963, the identifier for Davidson’s his advanced and operational Kunz was not selected to be a pilot Wellington. Other crew members training and joined No.424 Squadron, as he would have liked, which was included the pilot, Pilot Officer R.F. which was soon to be sent to the made exceedingly obvious on his Mang, wireless operator/air gunner Mediterranean. William Cameron application.17 Sergeant J.P.M. Garland, bombardier Davidson left behind his parents, After 13 months of training in Sergeant D. Campbell and air gunner Lucy Mary Metcalf and William Canada, Kunz embarked for Britain. Fight Sergeant R.E. Vanderbeck. Lewis Davidson.16 He became a member of No.296
A 331 Wing Wellington departs from its Tunisian base for a mission over Sicily. Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Centre PL 18308 Canadian Forces
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The Cross of Sacrifice in Agira Canadian War Cemetery.
was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on 20 January 1921. At the time of his enlistment, his family had moved to Vancouver, BC. Sabblut remained in Winnipeg where he worked as a shipper for a film distributor. His younger brother, Wilfred Sabblut also served in the Canadian Army Overseas. His personnel files state that Sabblut completed Grade 9 and was fluent in both English and Library and Archives Canada e008300296 Library and Archives “Jewish.” On 3 June 1942, he enlisted with the Winnipeg Light Infantry before being transferred to the Saskatoon Light Infantry. Despite its name his unit was chosen to become a heavy weapons support group equipped with medium machine guns, mortars and light anti-aircraft guns. By 12 February 1943, Private Sabblut was in the United Kingdom and a few months later, was aboard the ship Arundel Castle, bound for Sicily.19 Private Sabblut was killed 15 July at Grammichele. The Saskatoon Light Infantry’s history, compiled Squadron RAF attached to the British Bridge. Few of the men dropped by Lieutenant-Colonel D.E. Walker, 1st Airborne Division after five made their landing zones and there DSO, ED, describes that day as months of further training. Kunz were many casualties, yet they the first day of action for the No.1 served as the navigator aboard a tug were able to capture the bridge. Infantry Support Group (SLI), where aircraft that towed engine-less gliders Three days later 1st Airborne was “the MMG’s [Medium Machine Guns] carrying air assault troops, supplies ordered to capture the Primosole went in. Casualties were one killed, and heavy weapons to reinforce Bridge. On the night of 13-14 July four wounded and three carriers paratroopers.18 1st Parachute Brigade dropped on knocked out.”20 The Saskatoon During the invasion of Sicily, to the battlefield accompanied by machine gun detachment was British 1st Airborne Division’s 1st (Airlanding) Anti-Tank Battery, operating in support of the Hastings glider troops were delivered to Royal Artillery, arriving by glider. and Prince Edward Regiment. the battlefield by Nos.295 and 296 The bridge was captured but again at Farley Mowat immortalized the Squadrons RAF and the 51st Troop a high cost. Eleven planes were shot small battle at Grammichele in his Carrier Wing of the US Army Air down; including Kunz’s glider tug. history of the Hastings and Prince Forces. Operation Husky, which While the cost was regrettable, early Edward Regiment (Hasty Ps) and included US 82nd Airborne Division Allied airborne experiments in the his memoirs of the Italian campaign to the west, marked the first large- Mediterranean provided a number And No Birds Sang. Mowat vividly scale Allied use of airborne forces of lessons put to use in Normandy describes a successful Canadian attack during the Second World War. On in June 1944. against a German delaying force the night of 9-10 July elements of On 14-15 July, 1st Canadian covering the enemy’s withdrawal. 1st Airborne Division were tasked Division resumed its drive inland, The Germans opened fire with heavy with securing the Ponte Grande always at a price. Aaron Sabblut guns and mortars first. Once the
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shooting began, the Hasty Ps quickly in Calgary before joining the Loyal the heights overlooking the road. converged on Grammichele; ‘A’ Edmonton Regiment in March. Due to the nature of the terrain, the Company provided cover fire, while He was transferred overseas and Three Rivers Regiment tanks could ‘B’ Company attacked the German disembarked in England on 11 June, not raise their guns to target German 20 mm and 88 mm guns and then and spent a couple of months with the positions and thus the battle was followed the Three Rivers Regiment 1st Canadian Infantry Reinforcement fought mainly by three companies Sherman tanks into the village Unit, before rejoining the Loyal of infantry with mortars in support and threatened the only avenue Eddies overseas battalion in August until self-propelled guns arrived to of escape for the Germans.21 The 1942.25 After training with his new shell German positions later in the action at Grammichele lasted about regimental family for nearly a year, day. In spite of these difficulties the three hours, and was over by noon. Huff and his battalion embarked Edmonton Regiment managed to Private Aaron Sabblut’s carrier was for the Mediterranean and landed secure the high ground overlooking struck by a German shell in the first in Sicily on 10 July as part of 2nd Piazza Armerina at a cost of 27 minutes of battle. He was 22 years Canadian Infantry Brigade. By 15 casualties, six of whom, including old when he died and one of three July, 1st Canadian Division began Private Andrew Huff, were killed.28 Canadians killed that morning.22 The a northwesterly drive towards the The Germans abandoned Piazza Canadian drive inland continued that centre of the island to cut off enemy Armerina that night and fell back to afternoon. forces in western Sicily.26 The Loyal another natural defensive position Andrew Huff was born on 1 Edmonton Regiment teamed up south of Valguarnera. Meanwhile, January 1919 in Altario, Alberta to his with a squadron of Three Rivers the Germans continued attempting parents Louis and Mary Huff. As one Regiment tanks to form the divisional to slow the Allied advance with air of ten children, Andrew left school vanguard advancing towards Piazza attacks along the coast on base areas at age 15 after completing Grade 6 Armerina and Enna on 16 July. Three and supply dumps. to devote his time to working the miles south of Piazza Armerina, Edward John Lawlor was born 160-acre family farm in Hazeldine, the battalion encountered its first to Rose and James Lawlor on 17 Alberta. He was employed regularly Germans – a battalion of 15th Panzer September 1913. The family was after finishing school. He laboured for Grenadier Division – at around rather large as Edward had two eight years, working at the farm and mid-day.27 The enemy fired machine brothers and three sisters. Three at a lumber camp in Hinton, Alberta. guns, mortars and artillery down additional siblings passed away as As an unmarried man, Andrew was onto the Canadian positions from children. Like so many Canadians of called up for one month of militia training with the Saskatchewan Light Horse in June 1940 as part of the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA), passed that year to provide manpower for home defence.23 On 7 January 1942, Andrew volunteered for overseas service at Edmonton in hopes that his tractor and truck driving experience would land him a job with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. He had ambitions to
become a machinist after the war. He 162142 Canada PA Library and Archives also hoped that his brother Albert, who was serving with the infantry, could be transferred to the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps so that they could serve together.24 This was not to be. In February 1942 Private Huff attended the Canadian Infantry Training Centre
Canadian soldiers in Sicily. https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/6 77 8 et al.: Husky’s Price A Window on 21 Lives Lost in Sicily
that era he left school after Grade 7 based.31 Edward Lawlor succumbed his father’s farm with some ambitions to seek employment. He worked as to his wounds on 17 July 1943 at 1st to become a mechanic, presumably a garage mechanic in Charlottetown, Canadian Field Dressing Station. Base to better assist the needs of the farm Prince Edward Island before the war. and support troops were never out upon his discharge following the Edward’s enrollment papers indicate of harm’s way even as the advance war. Just after the fall of France, on that he hoped to return to work as pressed deeper into central Sicily. 22 June 1940, Walter volunteered for a mechanic in the postwar period. During their advance towards service with the Carleton and York Since his father died in 1940 Edward Valguarnera, the Carleton and Regiment. Through the early winter had been supporting his mother with York Regiment of the 3rd Canadian of 1941, Private MacDonald was in $40 per month and he continued this Infantry Brigade came under mortar and out of military hospitals with support after he enlisted on 11 April and machine gun fire from several an unspecified illness. This was not 1942 in Charlottetown. By the time hills surrounding the Portello uncommon in improvised training of his death his mother had passed Grottacalda crossroad. The fight for camps established during the first away. Edward’s sister, Priscilla the southernmost hill was the first years of the war. On 2 April 1941, his Lawlor was left to look after his for the Carleton and Yorks from father passed away while Walter was affairs after his death.29 New Brunswick earning it the name still training in Canada. Not long after The Royal Canadian Ordnance “Beginner’s Hill.” That night 1st he travelled overseas and was posted Corps30 was responsible for procuring Canadian Division prepared a major to his regiment in Great Britain. In supplies and maintaining the encircling attack on the crossroads July, he travelled with them to Sicily. equipment necessary to keep the and Valguarnera supported by Walter was wounded at Beginners Canadian army in the field. Ordnance artillery. The battle continued through Hill and evacuated to the 2nd Field Corps soldiers worked closely with the night and into the morning. On 18 Dressing Station. He succumbed to the Royal Canadian Army Service July the Carleton and Yorks captured his wounds the next day on 18 July Corps that delivered stores and men their final objective on Hill 276.32 1943.34 to the front, although their roles When it was over the regiment Much of 1st Canadian Division often overlapped. Edward’s skill controlled the high ground along the took part in the battle for Valguarnera and experience as a mechanic was road that leads north eastward from on 17-18 July as the Canadians regarded as useful for equipment Highway No.117 to Valguarnera. continued their drive through the maintenance. In August 1942, he Around the same time the West centre of Sicily. The Germans took up embarked at Halifax for the United Nova Scotia Regiment moved to a strong natural defensive position six Kingdom where he joined the No.1 trap the Germans from the west. As miles southwest of the town. During Canadian Base Ordnance Depot. a result the Germans were forced to the night 3rd Canadian Infantry By October, Edward completed the abandon their positions on Monte Brigade attacked those defences. storeman technician course and Della Forma opening the Canadian At the same time the Hastings and in December he was posted to the path deeper into Sicily. During Prince Edward Regiment and the 32nd Light Aid Detachment, a unit the action the Carleton and York rest of 1st Canadian Brigade struck responsible for minor repairs to Regiment captured 45 prisoners. off in a bold night-time cross-country vehicles and weapons in the field. In They lost eleven officers and men march towards Valguarnera and March 1943 Edward was transferred killed with a further 35 all ranks encircled the enemy from the east. to the 2nd Light Anti-Aircraft wounded.33 Among the dead was Farley Mowat described the action: Regiment workshops. Workshop Walter Gordon MacDonald. “Without prior reconnaissance, and detachments with each fighting unit Walter was born 20 November in complete darkness, the Regiment were responsible for spare parts and 1920. He hailed from Sunnybrae, was to cross ten miles of trackless more major repairs. Lawlor’s unit New Brunswick, just outside of mountain terrain, debouch upon a serviced the 40 mm anti-aircraft guns Moncton. Walter was the second strongly defended town and force and trucks of the divisional anti- of five children. He had an older the enemy’s withdrawal from his aircraft artillery regiment. He was sister, Mrs. H. Wallace, who had positions to the south.” Due to wounded on 14 July, probably in a moved from the family homestead, distance, timing, and terrain, 1st German air attack on the divisional Mrs. Ruby MacPherson, Eleanor, Brigade operated without tank or headquarters area near Pachino Margaret, and Roy lived with their artillery support.35 which batteries from 2nd Light Anti- mother, Ruby in Moncton. Wallace During the difficult night march Aircraft Regiment, Royal Canadian left school at the age of ten, after he across rugged countryside radios Artillery were tasked to protect and finished grade three. For the following failed and some of the troops became where the regiment’s workshop was nine years he worked as a labourer on separated from their companies.
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Nevertheless the Hasty Ps and the for service at Picton, Ontario on 24 While the Three Rivers Regiment rest of 1st Brigade managed to cut September 1939. Frederick sailed for landed with the Canadian assault the road between the main German Glasgow, Scotland in January 1940 troops and advanced into the positions and Valguarnera forcing with the Hasty Ps and the rest of 1st centre of Sicily with 1st Canadian the Germans to abandon their natural Division. Punchard was a member of Infantry Division, the remainder of defences after leaving many dead the unit when it was sent across the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade, and wounded behind them. The English Channel to Brest, France on including the Ontario Regiment and Hasty Ps suffered four killed, 15 12-13 June before being ordered to re- the Calgary Regiment, disembarked wounded, and three captured.36 On embark for England late on 14 June.38 Syracuse on 13 July. They spent the 19 July, the regiment returned to By September 1942, Punchard was next week near Cassibile before they the valley to recover its dead and appointed acting lance-corporal. By moved into reserve behind British wounded.37 Among those found was December, he was an acting corporal. 13th Corps on the Catania plain. Corporal Frederick Ernest Punchard. In February, he briefly reverted to Like every soldier on the island, the Although he was officially reported lance-corporal at his own request tankers “experienced the worst of the killed in action on 19 July, it is not before being re-appointed acting torrid Sicilian summer…there was clear whether he died during the corporal in May. Such requests were no escape from the intense sun, and battle the day before or during the frequent among men reluctant to the steel of the tank turrets and hills early morning afterwards, alone in leave their friends because promotion became so hot that it was painful to the rocky hills south of Valguarnera. often meant reassignment to another touch.”40 Since the unit had not yet Frederick Punchard was born in platoon. Eventually he accepted been given a task they did have a England on 22 June 1918 to Agnes promotion. When he was killed short respite from the oppressive Alice and Herbert Punchard prior he was serving as a rifle section sunshine: a Mediterranean swim. to migrating to Eastern Ontario. It commander. Corporal Frederick Unfortunately, on 19 July, the day is possible this move was related Punchard left behind ten siblings, before the brigade was to be sent to the death of Herbert in 1930. including six sisters and four brothers north towards Catania, Trooper Frederick worked as a farmer before (two of whom also served overseas) Maurice Stoleson Fitch of the Calgary the war. At age 21 he volunteered as well as his mother, Agnes.39 Tank Regiment was caught by an
Soldiers of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry march through the streets of Valguarnera, Sicily. Library and Archives Canada PA 163671 Canada PA Library and Archives
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undertow 25 to 30 yards from the (wheeled) driver before proceeding to the beach stretched in excess of 250 shore and he drowned. His body overseas. Trooper Fitch arrived in kilometres in nightmarish driving was recovered the next day. The the United Kingdom in late July 1942. conditions up harrowingly steep hill Calgary Tank Regiment suffered its In August, he was taken on strength sides cut by countless switchback first casualty before officially coming with the 14th Army Tank (Calgary) bends and blind corners. Infernally into action.41 Wartime creates deep Regiment. In October, he qualified hot days and dusty roads resulted in bonds with regiments as well as as a driver operator class “c” and visibility measured in meters, traffic great pressures and fears. Accidental in May as a gunner operator “c” congestion which left the convoys deaths remained an ever present indicating that he was now qualified highly vulnerable to enemy air threat in war as in peace, although as a tanker. On 23 June 1943 Trooper attack, and sharply winding roads the loss of a brother in arms is always Fitch embarked from the UK for Sicily on mountainous terrain meant that keenly felt. with his companions in the Calgary it could take up to 12 hours to travel Maurice Stoleson Fitch was born Regiment.42 30 kilometres. Canadian Service on 22 May 1923 in Central Butte, By the time the Canadian Corps troops developed a system of Saskatchewan to Inga and Earl W. spearhead drove on to Leonforte and “continuous running” where relief Fitch. He left school after Grade Assoro deep in the centre of Sicily, the drivers were stationed along the 10 to work on a family farm in Royal Canadian Army Service Corps route to take over from men finishing Quill Lake, Saskatchewan. On 13 strained men and machines to keep a 12-hour run. Ordnance Corps November 1941, Maurice travelled the supply lines open. Between 14 maintenance crews freed up drivers to Saskatoon and enrolled in the and 22 July, the campaign combined who normally performed their own Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. “furious action with rapid movement routine maintenance so that vehicles His father also enlisted during the when transport was at a premium. were refuelled, cleaned, patched war and served in London, Ontario The RCASC units were continually if necessary, and back on the road as a lance-corporal with the Royal on the move, keeping their Supply, within an hour. The preciously small Canadian Engineers. He completed Ammunition, and Petrol Points close number of trucks remained on the his basic army and armoured training up to the fighting troops.”43 By 21 July road 23 hours a day. Royal Canadian in Canada and qualified as a class III the round-trip distance from the front Army Service Corps endurance was
Left: Lance Corporal Howard Blinn of the West Nova Scotia Regiment was killed on 22 July 1943. Right: Maryanne Lewell participated in the 2012 version of the Can-Am tour and presented on her great uncle, J. Howard Blinn. Photos supplied by Maryanne supplied by Lewell Photos
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The best time to visit the Agira cemetery is in the long light of the late afternoon.
nothing short of impressive: the February 1942, he volunteered for The daring push left a ten kilometre intense pace and conditions resulted overseas service in Camrose, Alberta. long right flank, exposed to powerful in only two accidents by 21 July.44 He was assigned to Service Corps enemy forces facing British troops on Private William Klein of 1st reinforcement pool no doubt due the Catania Plain. It fell to the eastern Canadian Infantry Brigade Company, to his driving experience. After his Canadian units of 3rd Canadian Royal Canadian Army Service Corps initial training Private Klein qualified Infantry Brigade to protect the open was listed as “killed about” 21 July as a Class III Driver (wheeled) and flank and locate enemy units lurking 1943. William Klein died during then made his way overseas in June in the open and rolling grain fields the advance across the Dittaino 1942. In the UK he served with south of Agira. On the night of 21 Valley, overlooked by the towering 1st Canadian Infantry Division’s July, the West Nova Scotia Regiment mountaintop towns of Leonforte Ammunition Company. In 1943, marched under cover of darkness and Assoro. From there German the Service Corps re-organized to to the tiny hamlet of Libertina, observers called down shellfire on form one mixed ammunition, fuel occupying it before dawn on 22 July. anything that moved in the valley and supply transport company for The regiment dug in on the hill south below. RCASC drivers were just each infantry brigade. William was of town from which they commanded as exposed as infantry or armour transferred to 1st Canadian Infantry the Dittaino River and the east–west in the Dittaino Valley illustrating Brigade Company, RCASC and road that runs along it. The next day how supply lines and battlefields embarked with them bound for Sicily German artillery observers contested sometimes become intertwined. in June 1943. Throughout his time West Nova ownership of the town William was born 18 July 1918 overseas he sent his wages back to with a heavy barrage. Their long in Champion, Alberta to Jacob and Alberta to support his family. William range 170 mm heavy guns threw Anna Marie Klein. He left school after was driving ammunition forward in shells so large that “their blast dug Grade 5 to work as a farm labourer preparation for 1st Brigade’s famous holes three feet deep in the hard- in Cluny, Alberta. In the years before attack on the heights at Assoro when baked earth.” Most of the regiment the war he learned to drive trucks and he was killed on or about 21 July was well dug in when the shelling tractors. He came from a large family 1943.45 began but seven were caught in the with two brothers and three sisters. The exposed Dittaino Valley open. Four men were killed including Private Klein’s military life began floor was a dangerous place in the Lance-Corporal Joseph Howard on 22 November 1940 when he was summer of 1943. On 21-22 July, most Blinn.46 called up for one month of training of 1st Canadian Infantry Division Howard Blinn was born on 4 with 22nd Battery, Royal Canadian penetrated across to the north side of July 1914 in Grosses Coques, Clare Artillery as part of the National the valley and was locked in difficult Township in Digby County along Resources Mobilization Act. On 19 battles for Assoro and Leonforte. Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy coast.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/6 81 12 et al.: Husky’s Price A Window on 21 Lives Lost in Sicily
Above: Agira Canadian War Cemetery as it appeared just after the war. Left: Agira cemetery today – it is one of the most spectacular commonwealth cemeteries. Mount Etna stands watch in the background. Photo by Norm Betts by Photo the Canadian mission of preventing German forces in western Sicily from moving east and facilitated a left hook against the strong German positions on the Catania Plain in the east. The next morning they were reinforced by the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. By early on 22 July Leonforte was the scene of bitter fighting as Howard’s father, Omer, was a sea Howard worked in a lumber mill the Germans clung tenaciously captain and shipbuilder: his mother, before the war. He volunteered with to the commanding road junction Marguerite, died in childbirth in the West Nova Scotia Regiment in there. That morning, the Patricia’s 1919. Howard was one of nine January 1940. He was promoted to reinforced their Loyal Edmonton children from Omer and Marguerite’s lance corporal while the unit trained Regiment comrades cut off and marriage; large families were very in Scotland in 1942. Howard was 29 fighting desperately in the houses and common in Clare. Omer had a second years old when he was killed. streets of Leonforte. The Patricias’ marriage, and three more children On 21 July, the Loyal Edmonton came to the rescue with a troop followed. Howard married Dorathée Regiment attacked the major highway of Sherman tanks from the Three Thibault in 1935, when he was 21 junction town of Leonforte which Rivers Regiment and a troop of New and she was 18. They had three boys: controlled Highway 121 from Enna Brunswick anti-tank guns, reaching Omer, Melburn, and William. Sadly in the west to Adrano and Catania the separated Loyal Eddie battalion baby William did not survive infancy. in the east. Its capture was central to headquarters in the town centre by
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0945 hours.47 From there the battle and was organized as an armoured His enrollment papers expressed no for the town and its adjacent heights reconnaissance regiment. After he desire to return to that job. Before the continued all day and into the night.48 joined the army Martin supported his war, Morley served with Toronto’s The fighting for control of Leonforte mother and father with $45 a month Royal Regiment of Canada. Morley and the high ground around it cost to help them cope with his father’s volunteered for overseas service on the Patricias 64 casualties. One of the disability. Martin’s father passed 21 November 1939 with the 48th dead was Wilbert Roy Boulton from away before he was sent to Sicily in Highlanders of Canada and travelled Morden, Manitoba. He was killed in 1943, but he remained in close contact with them to the United Kingdom in the early morning of 23 July 1943. with his mother Lucinda, brothers January 1940. Roy, as he was called by his Leo and Richard, and sisters Sadie, While posted in southeast family, was born 20 December Mary, Beatrice and Rita.51 England Morley met his bride-to-be. 1917. He attended school until he On 23 July, 1st Canadian Division Morley married Violet Rose Gordon Library and Archives Canada e008300297 Library and Archives was 14, leaving after he completed prepared to advance from Leonforte in June 1942 at Epsom in Surrey. Grade 8. He spent ten years working and Assoro eastwards towards Later that year in September Private on his father’s farm. In late 1940, Nissoria and Agira. That day, ‘A’ Gordon was promoted to corporal he registered with the National Squadron of the Princess Louise after four months of serving as acting Resources Mobilization Act and Dragoon Guards was ordered to corporal. On 14 June 1943 Corporal spent his 30 days training with the patrol ahead of the main force on Gordon sailed with the rest of the 101 (B) Training Camp at Brandon, the road to Nissoria and locate the 48th Highlanders, bound for Sicily.54 Manitoba from 20 November to 18 enemy. The role of reconnaissance Two weeks after landing in Sicily, December. However, it was not until troops is to seek out information that Corporal Gordon and his regiment 20 February 1942 that Roy enlisted can impose order on the chaos of joined in the battle for Nissoria and eventually found his way to the battle. Their mission required them Ridge. On 25 July, Toronto’s famous Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light to operate far out in front or on the Highlanders were ordered to capture Infantry in May 1942. On 31 July flanks, dangerously isolated from the terraced cliffs of Monte Nissoria 1942, Private Boulton arrived in the the rest of the division. Dragoon that dominated the commanding UK where he trained until it was time Guards patrols travelled only a few ridge where strong German positions to sail to Sicily. He left behind his kilometres before the enemy opened barred Highway 121 towards Agira. father Albert, mother Cora, brothers fire on them from the eastern heights A patrol to the cliffs confirmed that Albert and Gordon and sister Mavis. above Nissoria. The Guards backed Monte Nissoria was in German hands His father wrote to the Department up their armoured scout cars to good and heavily defended by entrenched of National Defence that he wished observation posts west of town. machine gun and mortar posts.55 to have his son’s money turned over They remained there through the That afternoon, the 48th Highlanders to his seven year old sister as “Roy night gathering information about made note of the enemy positions thought a great deal of her.”49 Boulton the enemy.52 The next day the battle before attacking up the ridge behind hoped to return to his family farm for Nissoria Ridge began. Trooper an artillery barrage.56 Highlander following his service but he now rests Davis was killed by a burst of friendly companies reached the crest to at the Canadian Military Cemetery machine gun fire on the fringe of the discover that Nissoria Ridge was at Agira.50 battle sometime during 24 July. His even more heavily defended than Martin Joseph Davis was born death offers a glimpse into the unique expected. After hours of vicious 10 November 1920 in North Onslow, daily risks taken by the divisional close-quarter action, the battalion Quebec on the north bank of the reconnaissance regiment.53 withdrew under cover of darkness.57 Ottawa River. Martin left school Morley Gordon was born 17 The survivors had to abandon their after Grade 6 and at the age 14, he September 1920 in Toronto, Ontario dead in order to carry back their became a clerk for the Great Atlantic to William and Unity Gordon. He wounded back to safety. In total, 11 & Pacific Tea Company in Ottawa. had two older half siblings, a sister members of the 48th Highlanders In July 1940, he volunteered to join Margaret and a brother Jack. After were killed and 40 were wounded. the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon completing the Grade 10, Morley Their sacrifice was not made in Guards a militia cavalry regiment left school at the age of 15. His first vain as they brought back detailed from Carleton Place, Ontario just job was as a landscaper but by the information about enemy defences across the river from Martin’s home time he joined the Canadian Army on the ridge that was used in the in west Quebec. The unit mobilized he was working as a drill machinist successful attack carried out the for overseas service in February 1941 for the Canadian Laundry Company. following day. One of the eleven
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A Canadian 25-pounder crew firing on Nissoria, Sicily.
killed on 25 July was Violet Rose’s Millbank, New Brunswick, a village to the central Mediterranean. Ernest new husband Morley. that has since been incorporated into Glidden was evacuated to a Field On 25 July 1943, the 25-pounder the City of Miramichi. Ernest was Dressing Station after being badly guns of 3rd Field Regiment, Royal born on 17 March 1920 to Lewis and wounded on 25 July 25 and died the Canadian Artillery were hitched up Bridget Glidden. Ernest grew up with next day. He was initially buried in an to gun tractors and towed forward to five brothers, Elmer, Lewis, Charles, olive orchard south of Leonforte, but support the furious battle developing William and John, and three sisters, was later reinterred in the Canadian around Nissoria Ridge.58 Their new Mary, Clara and Frances. At 16 years Military Cemetery at Agira.63 gun positions came under counter- of age, Ernest left school, having Adrien Dumesnil of Rivière battery fire from heavy German 170 completed Grade 7. He worked on des Prairies, Quebec was born on 7 mm guns. The commanding officer’s the family farm and fishing boat for January 1912 to Henri and Emma carrier was shelled by observed fire five years until he volunteered for Dumesnil. Adrien worked as a from the time he left a planning the overseas service on 5 March 1941. His chauffeur and a carpenter, and was conference in Assoro to his return enrollment papers list that he had no married to Marie Anna. They had to the regimental headquarters. desire to return to the family business no children. He volunteered for the Shortly after his arrival, around 1515 after the war and wished to pursue Canadian Army at the nearby Royal hours, “literal hell broke out in the an education in motor mechanics Montreal Regiment Armouries and Regt’l [Regimental] gun area…”59 following his discharge.61 within days was transferred to the One shell landed in the centre of the Ernest was assigned to 3rd famous Royal 22e Régiment (“Van headquarters, followed by many Field Artillery Regiment.62 In March Doos”). He was quickly identified other shells in the surrounding 1942, he joined the regiment in the as leadership material. In October area. This shellfire killed two and United Kingdom as a replacement. 1941, Adrien was appointed acting wounded eleven others.60 Gunner Glidden trained with his corporal and then acting sergeant One of the wounded was new regiment for over a year and in February 1942. In April he was Gunner Ernest Patrick Glidden from sailed with them in mid-June 1943 temporarily assigned to the Fusiliers
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du St. Laurent. In September 1942 his name. Instead, it is carved on the William Charles Davies of the he was called back to the Royal 22e great marble Cassino Memorial to Royal Canadian Engineers was Régiment reinforcement pool and Canadian and Commonwealth war born 23 May 1913 in Winnipeg, dispatched overseas. Somehow dead from the Italian Campaign who Manitoba. He left school at age 15 he reverted back to the rank of have no known grave.68 after completing Grade 10 to work private, possibly in an effort to find By the night of 27 July, 1st as a mechanic and transport driver. an opening with the active service Canadian Division had defeated a From 1931-32, he served with the battalion. He joined the Royal 22e powerful German and Italian force militia artillery in Manitoba. He Régiment on 15 April 1943 in time barring the western approaches moved to Toronto and qualified as to participate in assault training for to Agira. The enemy rushed a 4th Class Stationery Engineer. He Operation Husky.64 reinforcements to stop the Canadians worked as a Steam Engineer for Private Dumesnil landed in Sicily on the last hills west of the ancient Canadian Breweries in Toronto for with the “Van Doos” and fought with mountaintop town. In the early hours the next 11 years until he volunteered them at Valguarnera. In late July the of 28 July, Vancouver’s Seaforth for the Canadian Army, four days Royal 22e Régiment and the rest of Highlanders of Canada fought their after Canada declared war on 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade was way onto those hills, code-named Germany. He hoped to return to aggressively patrolling in the Dittaino Grizzly, after a daring climb up the his job when the war was over.72 River valley supporting the rest of the precipitous southern end, which The Army sought to make use of Canadian Division in the Battle for broke the back of Axis defences William’s skills; he was assigned Agira. On 27 July the regiment was at Agira.69 Most enemy survivors to the Royal Canadian Engineers ordered to send strong patrols to the surrendered or retreated to the north 2nd Field Park Company which high ground commanding potential and east, although a few isolated was responsible for engineer heavy crossing sites over the Dittaino pockets held out for the rest of equipment and stores including River at Catenanuova where a major the day. The Battle for Agira was bulldozers and bridging. William’s Allied offensive was scheduled to expensive in lives on both sides; 438 age and experience quickly earned commence at the end of the month.65 Canadians were killed or wounded him promotion to lance corporal in That evening the Royal in five days of fighting.70 Among the January 1940. He and his company 22e Régiment discovered that dead was Private Allan Archibald travelled overseas to the United Catenanuova was heavily fortified.66 Livingstone. Kingdom in May 1940. Not long after The regiment succeeded in capturing Allan Livingstone was born on arriving William was promoted to Monte Santa Maria on the north bank 10 February 1918 in Vancouver, BC corporal and then lance-sergeant. He of the river as well as the towering to Archibald and Maude Livingstone. was appointed to acting sergeant on 5 Monte Scalpello commanding He had one full sister, Phyllis. Allan’s June 1943 in time to depart for Sicily.73 the southern bank. The Germans mother remarried after his father died In the pre-dawn hours of 28 desperately counterattacked to regain young and bore three more children. July 1943, sappers from 4th Field the high ground. “A” Company, A brother, Charles and two sisters, Company, Royal Canadian Engineers exposed on Monte Santa Maria, was Joyce and Beverly, were added to cleared mines from the approaches forced to withdraw back across the the family.71 At age 19 Allan moved to the dry Dittaino River and the river but not before inflicting serious to Penticton, on Okanagan Lake, to widened the mule path south of the losses on enemy. The rest of the take a job as a locomotive fireman Scalpello in preparation for a major regiment, along with the West Nova with the Canadian Pacific Railway. offensive at Catenanuova.74 They Scotia Regiment, held on at Monte In March 1940 he volunteered for were supported by bulldozers and Scalpello. Three days later this high the Canadian Army overseas. His road graders from Sergeant Davies’ ground served as the base for Eighth enrollment papers record that he 2nd Field Park Company.75 The Army’s great offensive that broke the wished to return to the railway after Germans tried to stop the Canadian back of Axis defences in Sicily.67 the war. Allan was assigned to the engineers’ work with artillery fire Some of “A” Company’s dead Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. He and secondary booby-traps attached could not be carried back from Monte was killed on the morning of 28 July to the mines. That morning, William Santa Maria. Adrien Dumesnil was on the mountain codenamed Grizzly, Davies was killed by an explosion. He listed as missing and presumed overlooking Agira. He was 26 years was 30 years old. He left behind his dead on 27 July. He was 34 years old. His final resting place is now on wife Jean Elizabeth, parents George old. His body was never found. No the other side of town at the Agira and Elizabeth, one brother and five marker or memorial on Sicily bears Canadian War Cemetery. sisters.76
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A Canadian Sherman in Regalbuto, Sicily.
Catenanuova. The squadron’s initial position came under a heavy enemy mortar and artillery barrage. As the squadron shifted to a better position Canadian Army Photo 22660 Photo Canadian Army an 88 millimetre shell hit the cupola ring on Corporal Willoughby’s tank. He was killed instantly. The crew was able to manoeuvre the tank to cover and pull Willoughby’s body from the turret. Moments later they then came under intense mortar fire and took shelter alongside the road. Their now empty tank was hit by a mortar bomb that fell through an open hatch and exploded inside setting off the ammunition and blowing the turret completely off. None of the remaining crew was injured, and with the rest of their troop, they made their way to safety.78 Charles Willoughby was 26 when he died. He left behind his father, Thomas, his sister Lily and three brothers Thomas Jr., Alfred, George, and Albert. The latter two brothers also served during the war in the Canadian Army overseas. Corporal Charles Willoughby is now buried in the Canadian Military Cemetery Charles Willoughby was born panzers. Charles was promoted at Agira.79 4 October 1916 in Oshawa, Ontario. to acting corporal on 1 December The Sicily campaign raged on After completing school Charles 1942 after the regiment arrived in for two more weeks. Centuripe, moved to Beamsville, Ontario and England. He was confirmed in that Regalbuto, Adrano, the Troina worked as a chipper. In the 1930s, rank on 2 March. Charles served as and Salso rivers as well as Mount he joined the militia, first with the a Sherman tank crew commander in Revisotto and Mount Seggio all Lincoln and Welland Regiment the regiment’s “B” Squadron.77 became names familiar to Canadian and later the Niagara region’s 2nd Corporal Charles Willoughby veterans. Unfortunately this Dragoons. Like many Canadians, landed at Pachino on 10 July and collection of short biographies Charles volunteered for overseas survived a number of deadly includes no examples from the 170 service in the week after the fall of engagements throughout July 1943 some Canadians killed after 30 July France in June 1940. He was first while serving in the Three Rivers 1943. By no means does this indicate assigned to the Hastings and Prince Regiment. On 30 July 1943, during the that these men are less worthy of Edward Regiment as a signaller battle at Catenanuova, his squadron remembrance. Our purpose here is before being picked up by 12th covered a company of Royal Canadian to use the occasion of the Operation Canadian Army Tank Regiment (The Engineers building a crossing over Husky 2013 commemorative march Three Rivers Regiment). At the time the heavily-mined Dittaino River to cast a spotlight on a single life lived Canada’s fledgling armoured corps bed to open a route through to 3rd and lost during each of the 21 march needed recruits to fill out the new Canadian Infantry Brigade fighting days. These were men who lived, felt tank force readying to take on Hitler’s north of the river in and around dawn, loved and were loved, and
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now, for the most part lie on foreign 27. G.R. Stevens, A City Goes to War 56. LAC, RG 24, Vol.15296, 48th Highlanders (Brampton, Ontario: Charters Publishing of Canada war diary, 25 July 1943. soil, in Sicily. We hope that these brief Company Ltd., 1964), p.235. 57. Beattie, Dileas, pp.285-289. sketches of 21 ordinary men might 28. Nicholson, The Canadians in Italy, pp.93- 58. LAC, RG 24, Vol.14434, 3rd Field help Canadians understand what it 94. Regiment war diary, 25 July 1943. 29. LAC, RG 24, Vol.26328, Edward John 59. Ibid. cost to liberate Europe and build a Lawlor’s service file. 60. Ibid. better world. 30. An account of the RCOC’s overall role 61. LAC, RG 24, Vol.25969, Ernest Patrick in Operation Husky may be found in Glidden’s service file. William F. Rannie, ed., To the Thunderer 62. At that point, 3rd Field Regiment was His Arms: The Royal Canadian Ordnance mostly composed of western batteries. Notes Corps (Lincoln, Ontario: W.F. Rannie, 63. LAC, RG 24, Vol.25969 Ernest Patrick Publisher, 1984). Glidden’s service file. 31. LAC, RG 24, Vol.26328, Edward John 64. LAC, RG 24, Vol.30813, Adrien Dumesnil’s . 1 Library and Archives Canada [LAC], Lawlor’s service file. service file. Record Group [RG] 24, Vol.15209, Royal 32. LAC, RG 24, Vol.15050, Carleton and 65. LAC, RG 24, Vol.15238, Royal 22e Canadian Regiment war diary, 10 July York Regiment war diary, 18 July 1943; Régiment war diary, 27 July 1943. 1943. Robert Tooley, Invicta: The Carleton and 66. Ibid. 2. LAC, RG 24, Vol.27198, Roland William York Regiment in the Second World War 67. Ibid. Thom’s service file. (Fredericton: New Ireland Press, 1989), 68. Adrien Du Mesnil’s service file. 3. LAC, RG 24, Vol.26457, Thomas pp.126-130. 69. Reginald H. Roy, The Seaforth Highlanders McEwan’s service file. 33. Carleton and York Regiment war diary. of Canada, 1919-1965 (Vancouver: 4. Ibid. 34. LAC, RG 24, Vol.26450. Walter Gordon Evergreen Press, 1969), pp.180-189. 5. W.R. Feasby, ed., Official History of the MacDonald’s personnel file. 70. Nicholson, The Canadians in Italy, p.134. Canadian Medical Service, 1939-1945: Vol.I: 35. Mowat, The Regiment, p.75. 71. LAC, RG 24, Vol.26382, Allan Archibald Organization and Campaigns (Ottawa: 36. Ibid., 81. Livingstone’s service file. Queen’s Printer, 1956), p.131. 37. LAC, RG 24, Vol.15072, Hastings and 72. LAC, RG 24, Vol.25707, William Charles 6. Ibid., p.136. Prince Edward Regiment war diary, 19 Davies’ service file. 7. Ibid., p.137. July 1943. 73. Ibid. 8. G.W.L. Nicholson, Official History of the 38. Granatstein, Canada’s Army, p.185. 74. Nicholson, The Canadians in Italy, p.139. Canadian Army in the Second World War, 39. LAC, RG 24, Vol.26852, Frederick Ernest 75. J.B. Conacher, “Special Aspects of the Vol.II: The Canadians in Italy, 1943-1945 Punchard’s service file. Sicilian Campaign,” 4 May 1945 Canadian (Ottawa: Queen’s Printer and Controller 40. John Marteinson and Michael R. Military Headquarters Report No.136 of Stationary, 1956), p.72. McNorgan, The Royal Canadian Armoured
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