With the 48th Highlanders in Italy

When the 48th Highlanders of Canada, a Toronto Regiment, came out of action recently, C.Q.M.S. J.H. Jonassen, Oshawa, opened a salvage drive from the accumulated good of personal kit bags. Everything from skates to bicycle handle-bars made up the collection. (Canadian Army Overseas Photo)  P0531

Kitbags finally arrive at Carcaci, 6 August 1943

After coming out of battle at Carcaci as Adrano fell, outflanked at the foot of Mount Etna by the last action in Sicily for the Canadian 1st Division, the 48th finally saw their kitbags arrive. Here, at the Simeto River, CQMS J.H. Jonassen sorts kitbags against a company list. After fighting for a month in the heat and dirt without a change of uniform and using only well water, the regiment was ready to enjoy the refreshing river and clean clothes. Unfortunately, their stay was short as the orchards and gardens were home to the malarial mosquito. To their regret, they moved on to Militello, a hot, dusty and unforgiving piece of flatland, for nineteen days of rest.