Faces of Moro River

On 6 December 1943, the Canadians crossed the Moro River attempting to capture the two towns of Villa Rogatti and San Leonardo. The Germans fiercely resisted but the Canadians succeeded in establishing a bridgehead.

The following week the Royal 22e Regiment and tanks of the Ontario Regiment launched an attack near Casa Berardi, where the Germans held their defensive positions. This attack, combined with assaults by the 48th Highlanders and the Royal Canadians finally pushed the enemy back. After two weeks, the Canadians were able to advance to Ortona. Ortona was taken after eight days of fierce fighting.

The fighting in December cost the 1st Canadian Division over 500 fatal casualties. December would be considered as "Bloody December" by Canadian forces because of the numerous casualties in and around the town.

MORO RIVER CANADIAN WAR CeMETERY

This project is our first on mainland Italy. We have already collected about 890 pictures of the 1563 soldiers buried in the cemetery, and our team is still searching for more.

Faces of Moro River Canadian War Cemetery

Private Léon Théberge

Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Born on 3 July 1922 in Morinville, Alberta and killed in action on 29 December 1943.
Button
Private Abe Bruinsma

Loyal Edmonton Regiment. Born on 30 September 1914 in Wommels, Friesland, The Netherlands and killed in action on 5 December 1943.
Button
James Ivan Rushton

Born on the 10th of August 1924 in Springhill, Nova Scotia. He served in the Active Militia with the 2nd Battalion North Nova Scotia Highlanders from 1941 until 1943. On the 15th of January 1943 he enlisted in Halifax and went overseas as a replacement. Ivan disembarked in Italy on the 1st of December 1943 and was added to the Loyal Edmonton Regiment on the 26th of December 1943.
Button
Private Robert Henry Barter

Royal Canadian Regiment. Born on 17 April 1923 in Cascaspedia, Québec and killed in action on 28 January 1944.
Button
Private Gerald Andrews

41st Canadian General Transport Company, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. Born on 29 April 1909 in Pembroke, Ontario and died of wounds on 29 February 1944.
Button
Private Donald Alfred Brooker

Carleton and York Regiment. Born on 24 January 1921 in Riverbank, New Brunswick and killed in action on 19 December 1943.
Button
Sergeant Robert Bruce Crouse

Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps. Born on 3 January 1907 in Oshawa, Ontario and killed in action on 28 December 1943.
Button
Corporal Arthur Gold

4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards (4th Recce). Born on 13 January 1916 in Toronto, Ontario and killed in action on 14 January 1944.
Button
Sergeant George Dunbar Graham

West Nova Scotia Regiment. Born on 1 July 1912 in Gaspereaux, Prince Edward Island and died of wounds received in action on 13 December 1943.
Button