Cpl Ardagh was part of a 5-man patrol at night to scout the defenses and crossings for the Biferno River in preparation for the crossing and attack on Torella, Italy. The patrol began forward from the position of the RCRs D Company at Oratino. ” Cpl. Ardagh tripped a wire of an “S” mine (Jumping Jack) which blew up with a flash. A phosphorous bomb Ardagh was carrying then exploded. likely killing him instantly. His Sgt. Major, the patrol leader, attempted to unfasten the Corporal’s equipment and was badly burned by the phosphorous and then was wounded as other mines exploded in swift succession.” Dileas – page 389

NOK: Son of Oscar Pryor Ardagh, M.B.E., and Rose Ardagh, of Toronto, Ontario.