The 2013 Canadian Citizen’s Memorial Campaign in Sicily

In the spring of 2004, Bombardier Charles Hunter, an Original ’39er, sat at our supper table regaled us with stories of his experiences on the battlefields of Italy. Charles was a gunner with the 2^nd Field Artillery Regiment. He fired the famous 25 Pounder all throughout Italy. In particular, during one of our evenings together, Charles’ recounted a heroic battle involving the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment (Hasty Ps) of Belleville Ontario. The Battle of Assoro was an amazing story. My son Erik sat in rapt attention. As coincidence would have it, a week or so later, Erik’s grade 6 history teacher, Madame Pachis, invited him and his class to participate in the Historica Fair, a national history program for students from across Canada. Erik immediately chose the Battle of Assoro as his topic. Upon hearing of his selection, I was surprised and delighted. What a brilliant way to honour Charles and the veterans of this campaign. Erik’s enthusiasm quickly turned to concern as he struggled to find documentation. Though Farley Mowat, the famous Canadian author had himself been a Hasty P and had written of his experience at Assoro in his book “The Regiment”, his book was one of the few resources available. Fortunately, his uncle Andrew is a war buff and historian and was able to help him find more material.Without wanting to interfere (too much) in the project, I suggested that he consider different ways of presenting the information. We brainstormed. Erik decided on a combination of several approaches. He wrote and directed a brief video interview with Charles. He made a model of a 25 pdr which Charles had generously provided (I helped him paint it and prepare the diorama box). He blew up maps, made a presentation board and wrote his presentation in French. During this time as I sat and watched, I became completely engrossed in the Canadian campaign. What courage these men displayed, but there was so little coverage as compared to Normandy. Erik’s project was a fantastic success. His classmates voted his project as one of the best in the class. As a result of this vote, Erik’s project was presented at a regional history fair. His presentation at the fair was selected as one of 160 projects Canada wide and he was invited to present it at the 2006 National Historica Fair in Halifax. What an honour to be selected. Each of the projects was exceptional. Later that year, Erik decided to offer his project diorama to the 2^nd Field Artillery Regiment as a token for their museum. His offer was warmly received. Each of the officers of the Regiment with whom he met offered him praise and encouragement. LCol. Bourque, commanding officer of the Regiment, asked Erik to present his project to the officers. Erik beamed as he concluded his presentation and was presented with a plaque from the Regiment acknowledging his achievement. I have rarely seen such a smile on my son’s face. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of these soldiers; LCol. Bourque, Gratton, Aubé, Saint-Louis, de Kovachich, among others – what gentlemen.In 2006, our family took a tour of Italy. In Sicily, I stole away to visit Assoro and the Canadian war cemetery at Agira. My brother Andrew, had been there the year before with Charles and my mother and told me of his amazing experience. This short trip to Agira had a profound effect on me. Alone in the graveyard with more than 400 souls, I felt compelled to thank each one. I cried for more than two hours. What appeared from a distance during my son’s project to be such a glorious triumph hid the tremendous sacrifice of the young men who fought these horrible battles; 19 year olds, sons, fathers, brothers and husbands. I knew then, at that moment, that I had to go back and do more to honour these men. The 2013 Canadian Citizens’ Memorial Campaign in Sicily was born. Upon my return to Canada, I told my brother of my intentions. He signed up immediately and is leading the organization of our march.The two of us are leading the project. If others are unable to make the march, I’ll be proud to walk for them.­­­­ Erik tells me that he will be driving the truck…

Steve Gregory