Lieutenant R.H. Douglas Memorial Cross

This memorial is dedicated to the memory of Lieutenant Robert Hugh Douglas.

Robert Hugh Douglas was born in London ON on 19 January 1922. The only son of Major A.R. Douglas, KC and Mrs. Douglas, he completed his education at Ridley College, in St. Catharines ON, and the University of Western Ontario. A member of the Canadian Fusiliers, he proceeded overseas in April 1943. Upon arrival in England, he was transferred to the Royal Canadian Regiment, serving with them in England, Sicily and Italy. As a member of the RCR, he took part in the Moro River Campaign, which raged on from 4 to 26 December 1943.

The 1st Canadian Infantry Division was to cross the Moro River and capture Ortona. The attack encountered fierce resistance from the Germans and had particular difficulties in an area called “The Gully”, close to Casa Berardi. On 18 December after a lengthy artillery barrage, the RCR moved in to attack “The Gully”. However, the Germans had returned to their positions and their devastating machine gun fire held off the RCR. In C Company alone, every platoon commander was either killed or wounded. It was during this attack that Lieutenant Robert Hugh Douglas would be wounded and die of his injuries, on 19 December 1943. He is buried at the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery.