Claude Myron Nickerson North Nova Scotia's - Canadian Forces | Gallery

Claude Myron Nickerson North Nova Scotia's

Mr and Mrs Thomas Nickerson also lost two sons. Claude Myron killed in action on 13 December 1943 and Edsel James killed in action in Italy on 17 September 1944. The following letter was written by Major Arthur Smith who conducted the funeral services for Claude: " Let me say how sorry I am. It is grief to you but I hope it may be softened by the great sense of pride you may have in your boy who did not hesitate to risk his life for what he knew to be good and true. He was brought to our field ambulance December 13th very badly wounded and passed away shortly afterwards, quietly and peacefully without suffering. We buried him the next day with two others from the same regiment in a little British cemetery at a place called Fessicia. His grave is marked like all the others, with the cross bearing his name and unit. There are more than 50 of our boys buried there. Eventaully the remains of our Canadian boys who have laid down their lives in Italy will be collected and placed in one central cemetery. Everything was done for your boy and that he recieved every attention, and in death he was accorded the highest honor our circumstances permit - a soldier's burial- no honor is too high for such as he. May you be comforted in the recollection that no one ever dies in vain. Least of all a soldier of Canada, who served and died for this great cause to which we are all committed.


This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://ww2incolor.com/gallery/canadian-forces/47099/claude-myron-nickerson-north-nova-scotia's

Claude was from Woods Harbor, Nova Scotia, and was a member of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. “Woods Harbor, Nov.25 …In playing its part in the war, this Shelburne County settlement of hardy fisherman and farmers has given Hitler something to worry about.
Its contribution in manpower is perhaps unequalled by any community of its size in the Dominion. Out of a population of 914 souls, 74 men- almost everyone eligible for service - are in the fighting forces and still more are waiting to be accepted.
NINE GROUPS OF BROTHERS
Included in those in uniform are nine groups of brothers, headed by the seven Gorehams - Osborne, Harold, Sylvester, Vincent, Wordlow, Leslie and Ernest -representing all three services. They are the sons of Everett Goreham. Still an eighth, Everett Jr. has voluntereed and waiting his call from the Royal Canadian Navy.
And while the community’s youth is away fighting for freedom the remaining villagers are doing their utmost to build up their proud record.
Several men have left their jobs to serve in war industries. The women folk are giving every spare moment to provide contributions to the Red Cross which will find their way to service men and war sufferers. The school children have made creditable showing in the purchase of war savings stamps and, like their elders, in donations to the Queens Fund. Regular functions are held by young people’s unions,lodges, and other organizations in Woods Harbor to assure a continuous flow of support to the cause.
And every resident is standing behind the men who have gone forth from the community in uniform. Boxes of comforts are being sent regularly to all parts of the world where they are standing on guard for democracy…”