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Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Robert Downes

In memory of:

Private Robert Downes

August 6, 1943

Military Service


Service Number:

B/74294

Age:

22

Force:

Army

Unit:

48th Highlanders of Canada

Additional Information


Son of William and Margaret Downes, of Toronto, Ontario.

Commemorated on Page 154 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:

C, E, 329.

Location:

Agira Canadian War Cemetery lies in the Commune of Agira, Province of Enna, in the centre of Sicily. From the autostrada A19, Catania-Palermo, take the exit to Catenanuova. Follow signposts to Regalbuto, then pass Regalbuto, going in the direction of Agira. The Cemetery is then signposted about 12 kilometres from Regalbuto. On 10 July 1943, following the successful conclusion of the north African campaign in mid May, a combined allied force of 160,000 Commonwealth and American troops invaded Sicily as a prelude to the assault on mainland Italy. The Italians, who would shortly make peace with the Allies and re-enter the war on their side, offered little determined resistance but German opposition was vigorous and stubborn. The campaign in Sicily came to an end on 17 August when the two allied forces came together at Messina, but failed to cut off the retreating Axis lines. Agira was taken by the 1st Canadian Division of 28 July and the site for the war cemetery was chosen in September for the burial of all Canadians who had been killed in the Sicily campaign. Agira Canadian War Cemetery contains 491 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War.

Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Digital Collection

Send us your images

  • Badge– In memory of the members of the 48th Highlanders of Canada who went to war and did not come home. Submitted on behalf of the 48th Highlanders Museum, 73 Simcoe St. Toronto, ON M5J 1W9 Submitted for the project Operation: Picture Me.
  • Newspaper clipping– From the Toronto Star 1943. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
  • Newspaper clipping– From the Toronto Telegram 1943. Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
  • Headstone of Robert Downes
  • Entrance
  • Agira Canadian War Cemetery
  • Agira Canadian War Cemetery
  • View of Mt. Enna
  • Photo of Robert Downes– Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me.

Learn more about the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

To learn more please visit our help page. If you have questions or comments regarding the information contained in this registry, email or call us. For inquiries regarding the names and information found in the RCMP Honour Roll, please email the RCMP.

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