Private Alvin Cameron

Family Life:

Alvin was born on October 3, 1905, to Mary Ann (nee Atkinson) and John Cameron. He had three brothers, Dougal, John and Christie. Alvin left school at age 12 having completed Grade 6. He was engaged at the time of his death.

Alvin helped out on the family farm in Holland Township for twelve years but had been employed by Kennedy’s Iron and Steel Foundry in Owen Sound for six months before enlisting in 1942. He was working in the Sand Mill.

Alvin indicated to military authorities that he wished to return to farming after his war service. He expressed an interest in mixed farming.

Service History:

Private Cameron enlisted for military service at Owen Sound on August 31, 1942. He

Service History continued:

completed initial training at Toronto and Base Borden before being deployed overseas to the United Kingdom in March 1943.

Private Cameron was designated as a reinforcement for the Royal Canadian Regiment being attached to the No. 3 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit.

On May 21, 1943, Private Cameron was Taken-On-Strength by the RCR as part of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade attached to the 1st Canadian Infantry Division that had been chosen by military leadership to participate in Operation Husky, the Invasion of Sicily.

The RCR landed in Sicily, on July 10, 1943. Tragically, eleven days later on the 21st, Private Alvin Cameron was Killed-In-Action.

Decorations:

• Italy Star

• 1939-1945 Star

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal

• War Medal 1939-1945

Interesting Stories:

On July 21, 1943, the Commanding Officer of the RCRs had ordered “a fighting patrol the strength of a platoon” composed of volunteers from B Company “to probe the high ground between Leonforte and Assoro, and determine if the enemy was holding it in any strength.” Private Cameron who had been chosen for this patrol took the lead and “drew enemy fire” falling to the ground as he had been fatally wounded. One of the senior officers of the RCR, Captain Strome Galloway witnessed this heroic action. Private Alvin Cameron was eventually interred at Agira Canadian War Cemetery, Sicily.

Alvin’s family had written numerous letters to him as he was serving overseas during the Second World War. After his death, an unopened letter was returned to the family being stamped “Deceased.” To this day, the family has never opened the letter.