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Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Wilfred Alious McLean

In memory of:

Private Wilfred Alious McLean

December 31, 1943

Military Service


Service Number:

F/89031

Force:

Army

Unit:

Carleton and York Regiment, R.C.I.C.

Additional Information


Commemorated on Page 192 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:

VI. B. 13.

Location:

By the winter of 1943, the German armies in Italy were defending a line stretching from the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Naples, to the Adriatic Sea south of Ortona. The Allies prepared to break through this line to capture Rome. For its part, the 1st Canadian Infantry Division was to cross the Moro River and take Ortona. In January 1944 the Canadian Corps selected this site, intending that it would contain the graves of those who died during the Ortona battle and in the fighting in the weeks before and after it. Today, there are 1,615 graves in the cemetery, of which over 50 are unidentified and 1,375 are Canadian.

The Moro River Canadian War Cemetery lies in the locality of San Donato in the Commune of Ortona, Province of Chieti, and is sited on high ground near the sea just east of the main Adriatic coast road (SS16). The cemetery can be reached from Rome on the autostrada A25 (Rome-Pescara) by branching on the autostrada A14 and leaving it at Ortona. The approach road to the cemetery from the main road passes under an arch forming part of the little church of San Donato. The cemetery is permanently open and may be visited anytime.

Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Digital Collection

Send us your images

  • Photo of Wilfred Alious McLean– Wilfred came from a large and  loving Family in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and was on leave at home in 1942 when this picture was taken. He was recalled to base early by the Army.
There was a great deal of sadness with the Family when he left and was shipped overseas. He never came home again.
He lied about his age and joined the army at age 16 years old.
He was a member of the Carleton and York Regiment, R.C.I.C.
Wilfred  died on Dec 31 1943 in the Battle of Ortona, Italy when he was 18 years old.
  • Grave marker– Photo: Kent Caldwell

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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