Lt. Edward M. MacLachlan, 1st Battalion – Medals

1) 1939-45 Star, 2) Italy Star, 3) Defence Medal, 4) Can. Volunteer Medal, 5) 1939-45 War Medal

Lieutenant Edward Martin MacLachlan (age 23) was killed July 15th, 1943, the 1st 48th Highlander officer or man to be killed in action. On the approach to Caltagirone, Sicily, he had been appointed carrier officer and the order was “Carriers in the lead” ahead of the Sherman tanks attached to the 48th Highlanders. [Lt. Phillip Frowde Seagram was the 1st 48th Officer killed overseas, during a German bombing of London in 1941 while serving as Aide de Camp to General MacNaughton.]

Dileas, the regimental history states: Lt. Eddie MacLachlan, a former carrier officer, was given command of the carrier-borne recce party to feel out the road. As he took a hair-pin turn, he ran into a cement and stone barrier. He signalled his carriers to hold back while he checked the position, especially for mines. He decided, too quickly, that the road was clear. As his carrier started on again it had to swing out to go around a wrecked German truck; he was waving his troop on when a mine exploded under him. Lt. MacLachlan was killed instantly. So was his Sask. L.I driver. That evening, at sunset, MacLachlan was buried by the unit’s beloved padre, Captain Stewart East, under a group of olive trees inside the stone gate where he was killed. His driver was buried beside him.”

Edward had two brothers in the service as well.   Captain Graham MacLachlan of the Royal Regiment of Canada, and Lt. Commander Campbell MacLachlan of the RCNVR.  Both survived the war.