Authors: MCpl Switser & Hldr Arcuri
James Ducharme was born in 1922 in The Pas, Manitoba, to Pascal and Virginia Ducharme. Raised during the hardships of the Great Depression, James developed a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility from a young age. At just 14, he left school to work as a farm hand—an early sign of the commitment and perseverance that would later define his service in the Canadian Army.
On January 9, 1943, at the age of 21, James officially enlisted in the Canadian Army, answering the call to serve his country in a time of great global turmoil. He completed his basic training on August 15, 1943 and was assigned to A Company in the 48th Highlanders of Canada. Just eleven days later, on August 26, he was deployed to the United Kingdom. There, he continued to advance military training alongside thousands of other Allied troops.
On February 19, 1944, James landed in Italy as part of the ongoing Allied campaign against Axis forces. The Italian Campaign was one of the most grueling theaters of war, with soldiers facing harsh terrain, well-entrenched enemies, and extreme weather conditions. James served in Italy until August 11, 1944, taking part in critical operations that helped weaken the German hold in southern Europe.
The following day, on August 12, 1944, James and his unit were redeployed to Northwest Europe, where the final chapters of the war would be written. Through the fall and winter, he fought in the relentless advance to liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation.The 48th participated in Operation CANNONSHOT, a major offensive in April 1945 that saw Canadian forces cross the IJssel River in a daring effort to reach and liberate Apeldoorn.
Tragically, on April 15, 1945 —just weeks before the end of the war in Europe, Private James Ducharme, part of A Coy, was advancing and clearing enemy resistances. Along the way he was killed in action. He died alongside three of his fellow soldiers during the critical stages of the operation. He was 23 years old when he gave his life to help his brothers in the 48th Highlanders of Canada, aiding in the vital effort to secure the riverbank and canal.
Private Ducharme is at rest in the Holten Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands, in grave II.B.15. His name is inscribed on page 510 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance, a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice. His story is also preserved at the 48th Highlanders Museum in Toronto, where his memory is honored among those who served with distinction.
NOK: Son of Pascal and Virginia Ducharme, of The Pas, Manitoba.