photo wearing dress tunic and glengarry
date of death 15 July 1943 Agira Cemetary
Lieutenant Edward Martin MacLachlan (age 23) was killed in action while serving with the 1st Division, 48th Highlander of Canada on July 15th, 1943. MacLachlan has the unfortunate distinction of being the first fatal casualty of the unit during the Second World War. It is stated that “The unit’s carriers were in advance of all other fighting units. The first carrier advancing from Grammiceli to Caltagirone was shot up and put out of action at a roadblock of concrete and stone. Lieutenant MacLachlan realizing that the Canadians were hitting their first real pocket of German opposition, went forward with his carrier, taking the place of the previous leader and now was the first man facing the enemy.” Knowing that the halting of the line here would greatly slow the advance of the entire column, and put all men behind him in greater peril, he quickly seized the situation checking for mines before ushering the carriers to advance. It was just then, while directly looking out for the safety of his men that a mine he had missed, detonated underneath his carrier. He died instantly and did not suffer. Stewart B. East, the units beloved Padre stated that the “quick decision and brave act of Eddie MacLachlan made it possible for the oncoming forces to advance quickly and take the city.”  Padre East constructed a simple wood cross and Eddie was buried near it not far from the location he gave his life.  Edward had two brothers in the service as well, Graham MacLachlan of the Royal Regiment of Canada, and Campbell MacLachlan of the RCNVR.