. B74759 Jack Sharpe attested in Toronto with the 48th Highlanders, 2nd Battalion on 01 July 1940 and sailed to England on 5 October 1941, disembarking on 19 Oct and joining the 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders in England on 26 December 41. He was promoted A/L/Cpl on 19 Oct 1942, although reverted to Private at his own request on 12 May 43.
On 28 June 1943 , Sharpe embarked with the battalion on HM Troopship Derbyshire in Gourock Scotland and sailed to Sicily for the landings at Pachino on 09 July. He was written in the Casualty book kept by Padre H/Capt East as wounded 22 Jul 43, calf, shoulder and back when the battalion was ambushed on the road as they advanced towards Nissoria following the capture of the town of Assoro, The battalion was advancing towards a crossroads east of Leonforte where Highway 117 came down from Nicosia. Here, at the crossroads, the lead companies were ambushed. By the time the battalion had cleared out the ambushing forces the battalion had suffered many casualties. The total casualties from 20 to 23 July were 13 killed and 44 wounded.
Pte Sharpe rejoined the battalion and was taken on strength from the 48th Highrs X-4 list on 23 January 1944. The X-4 list is soldiers in theatre who belong to the battalion and are available as reinforcements. At that time from January 1944 through April the battalion was at the Arielli River location, defending the line and sending aggressive patrols into German lines to determine their strength and positions and discourage German patrols. He was struck off strength to the 48th Highrs X-3 list to hospital effective 28 February 1944.
(research needed for ongoing service)
NOK: Edith Sharpe (nee Morgan), 3 Division Street, Oakville, Ontario.