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Canadian Virtual War Memorial

John Wannamaker

In memory of:

Private John Wannamaker

October 18, 1944

Military Service


Service Number:

B/134480

Age:

20

Force:

Army

Unit:

Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, R.C.I.C.

Additional Information


Son of Charles and Ada Wannamaker, of Trenton, Ontario.

Commemorated on Page 471 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.

Burial Information


Cemetery:
Grave Reference:

VII. A. 10.

Location:

Adegem Canadian War Cemetery is located midway between Brugge (17 km) and Gent (26 km) on the N9 which connects the two towns. From Brugge, Adegem is approached via Sijsele and Maldegem. On reaching Adegem, the cemetery is located on the Prins Boudewijn Laan, on the right-hand side of the N9. In the last week of September 1944, the Allies held the city of Antwerp, but the Germans held both shores of the Scheldt estuary, so that the port of Antwerp could not be used. The task of clearing the southern shore of the estuary was allotted to the 3rd Canadian Division, aided by the 4th Canadian Armoured Division and the 52nd Division. Their operations lasted from October until the beginning of November 1944. By 3rd November the Germans had been cleared from the north-west corner of Belgium and the south shore of the Scheldt was free. There had been fierce fighting for two weeks for the crossing of the Leopold Canal. The majority of the men buried at Adegem died during the operations for the clearance of the south bank of the Scheldt; but many Canadians who lost their lives elsewhere in Belgium were also brought here for burial.

Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Digital Collection

Send us your images

  • Newspaper clipping– From the Toronto Star November 1944. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
  • Newspaper clipping– From the Toronto Star November 1944. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
  • Photo of John Wannamaker– Largest photograph i have of John
  • Photo of John Wannamaker– John (left) and an unknown friend
  • Photo of John Wannamaker– John and an unknown female
  • Photo of John Wannamaker– JOHNS MEMORIAL CROSS AND BADGE.
ORIGINAL BOX SENT OT HIS MOTHER
  • Other– Document accompanying the Memorial Cross
  • Other– JOHNS DOGTAGS
  • Newspaper clipping– Johns mother believed he survived the KIA notice and actually served further into Holland. She saved multiple clippings of his regiment and its movement. Records still show he died in France October 18th, 1944
  • Newspaper clipping– one of many clippings saved by Johns mother following his death october 18th 1944
  • Other– The locket carried by his mother John on left and Ada Wannamaker on right
  • Newspaper clipping– in the Toronto star following his death
  • Letter– Advising Johns mother the body had been exhumed and moved to another cemetery
  • Letter– another letter advising Johns body was moved again to its final resting place
  • Photo of John Wannamaker– photograph of the final resting place before permanent grave marker placed
  • Photo of John Wannamaker– In memory of the Fathers, Husbands and Sons of the Oshawa Branch of the Silver Cross Women of Canada. Image from their book titled Book of Remembrance which is held at the Oshawa Public Library.

Submitted for the project, Operation: Picture Me.
  • Entrance– Photo submitted by Marg Liessens
  • Cross of Sacrifice– Photo submitted by Marg Liessens
  • Grave marker– Photo submitted by Marg Liessens

Learn more about the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

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