John Wilson was born in Barwick, Ontario on July 7, 1921, the youngest son of Edward Wilson (born in Beechburg, Ontario) and Rose Biddeson (nee Standish, born in Liverpool, England) Wilson. John had two brothers: Edward Standish (born 1905) and Walter William (born 1914) along with four sisters: Grace Mabel Priscilla (born 1904); Dorothy May (born 1908); Mary Ellen Nellie (born 1910) and Ruby Pearl Irene (born 1912, died only 3 months later). On July 3, 1941 in Fort Frances, Ontario, John would marry Ellen Ottilia Wilson, of Athabaska, Alberta. The couple would have a son together and later reside at 500 Confederation Street, Sarnia.

John, recording his occupation as a truck driver, enlisted in the Canadian Army. He became a member of the 48th Highlanders of Canada R.C.I.C., with the rank of Private. On December 21, 1944, John Wilson would lose his life while fighting in Italy, during the Italian Campaign. John would later be officially listed as, Overseas casualty, killed in action, in the field (Italy). Twenty-three year old John Wilson is buried in Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy, Grave V.G.12. On John Wilson’s headstone are inscribed the words, For ever remembered by wife and son.

SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, L, 2C, 2D