Perth Regiment, R.C.I.C.

James Kenneth McCLURE was born on May 15, 1920, in Norville, Ontario. Growing up as the eldest of three boys, he faced early challenges, with his father, William Alexander, passing away when James was only 15 months old. Raised by his mother, Edna, in Sarnia, Ontario, James had two brothers: Donald Leonard, who was later killed in Sicily in 1943, and John William Alex. He also had a half-brother, Edward Leland Ivinson, who served with the U.S. Navy.

James’s early education took him to Grade 8, with a brief period in Grade 9. Although he had high scholastic potential, he left school due to a lack of interest in studies. Afterward, he spent five years farming, eventually managing a 200-acre farm for two years. In search of better financial prospects, he worked as a deckhand on a Great Lakes freight boat with Canada Steamship Lines, with plans to return to farming someday.

On January 13, 1942, James enlisted in the Canadian Army in London, Ontario. Initially joining as part of the Royal Canadian Artillery, he underwent basic training and later advanced training in artillery and anti-aircraft operations. He served in several postings, including the 22nd Anti-Aircraft Regiment, before being reallocated to the Canadian Infantry Corps for further training. By mid-1944, James was eager to go overseas, expressing a willingness to serve and no hesitation about the emotional hardships that lay ahead. He was described as stocky and good-humored, with a straightforward outlook and satisfactory social skills, and he was seen as capable of taking on non-technical specialist roles in the infantry.

In July 1944, James was posted to the Perth Regiment, and his journey took him from Canada to the United Kingdom and then to the battlefields of Italy. By that time, James had already experienced personal loss with the death of his younger brother Donald in the Sicilian campaign. Despite this, he remained focused and driven in his service, showcasing his willingness and positive attitude.

During his time in Italy, James faced the harsh realities of combat. On December 13, 1944, at the age of 24, he was killed in action.at the Naviglio Canal at Villa Prati, Bagnacavallo His sacrifice left an indelible mark on his family. His wife, Norma Louise Gehm, originally from Wilcox, Saskatchewan, was left widowed and would give birth to their daughter, Carol Louise, on February 13, 1945, two months after James’s death.

Private McClure’s memory is honored at the Villanova War Cemetery in Italy, where he rests in Plot VII A 10. His story is one of quiet determination and commitment, a young man from rural Ontario who, despite his modest ambitions and simple outlook, answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price. His family, particularly his wife and posthumous daughter, Carol, carry forward his legacy, remembering the sacrifices he made.

PTR. JAMES McCLURE - ARMY TRP. DONALD McCLURE - ARMY

Two brothers far away, but so close…. This short bio is about the two McClure brothers who both served in the Canadian Army overseas and fought and died in Italy. Trooper Donald Leonard “Don” McClure enlisted on 15 June 1942 in London, Ontario. He was born on 23 March 1921 in Sarnia, Ontario. After his basic training he went overseas to England with the Three Rivers Regiment. In June 1943 they embarked for the Mediterranean and Don landed on the Pachino beaches on Sicily on 10 July 1943.  Don was wounded in action on 30 July 1943 near Regalbuto. He was part of A-Squadron of the Three Rivers Regiment. Their Sherman came under heavy mortar and 88mm fire killing the driver, Trooper Norman Wright. Don was transferred to a field hospital near Leonforte with a mortar wound which perforated his lower abdomen. He died the same day and was initially buried near Leonforte and later reburied at Agira Canadian War Cemetery. Private James Kenneth “Jim” McClure enlisted on 13 January 1942 in London, Ontario. He was born on 15 May 1920 in Norval, Ontario. He went overseas to England in June 1944 and from there he embarked for the Mediterranean with the Perth Regiment. Here he was killed in action near the Naviglio Canal on 13 December 1944. He was buried at Villanova Canadian War Cemetery.  Both Jim and Don were married and expected to become fathers. Jim was married to Norma Louise Gehm and after his death their daughter Carol was born.  Don was married to Ethel Mamie McClure and together they had one son.  Their father passed away in 1921 and their mother remarried. They had one younger brother, John (called Jack) and one half brother. Their half brother served in the US Navy. John passed away in 2003.