Born on 20 August 1919 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and killed in action on 15 July 1943 at the age of 23, the first 48th Highlander to be killed in action in WWII. Ed first served in the 2nd Battalion of the 48th Highlanders and officially enlisted on 22 December 1940 in Toronto.
During the assault to take the town of Caltagirone, Sicily. Lt MacLachlan, a former carrier officer, was given command of the carrier-borne recce party to feel out the road. After hitting a stone and cement barrier he signaled his platoon to hold back while he checked 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 with a whomping roar. His carrier was hurled into the air. Lt. MacLachlan was killed instantly. So was his Sask; L.I. driver. That evening at sunset, Lt. MacLachlan was buried by Padre East under a group of olive trees inside the stone gate near where he was killed. His Sask. L.I. driver was buried beside him.” “Eddie MacLachlan had a simple war philosophy, said Padre East. He just wanted to get this ugly job done and then go home.” Dileas page 241
Edward was held in high esteem by all who knew him. One of countless letters written to his mother states:” While at school and when we left school I always considered Ed one of my best and closest friends and had hoped that the friendship would carry on once again. However, that was not to be the case. I have lost a great friend in Ed. A finer son no man could wish to have. This news has hit me just as hard as if it were my own brother. I wish to god I could have been there. Most sincerely. Roger Ramsay”
Son of D. Campbell MacLachlan and Jean Agnes MacLachlan, of Toronto, Ontario.
