On October 15, 1944, near Cesena on the Adriatic side of Italy and advancing north from Rimini as the brigade and Canadians chased the Germans during the rainy fall season, Sgt Male was part of a 4-man patrol under Lt. Rex Johnston. They were ambushed by the Germans and three were captured. Sergeant Male, a stalwart, respected by his fellow Highlanders and mentioned for his actions in Sicily, was killed. He is buried in the Cesena Cemetery.