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Object of the Month August 2024
Grave Marker Cross of J.M. Dicaire
This time, we present a poignant piece of history from our collection: the grave marker cross of Jean-Maurice Dicaire, a young Canadian soldier who gave his life during World War II. This cross originally marked the field grave of Jean-Maurice, who tragically lost his life in the fighting during the advance to South Beveland.
Jean-Maurice Dicaire, the youngest of thirteen children in the Dicaire family, grew up in Aylmer, Quebec. After moving to Hawkesbury in Ontario and later to Montreal, he decided at a young age to enlist in the Canadian Army. At just seventeen years old, he joined the Régiment de Maisonneuve, a unit that landed in France on July 7, 1944, and was involved in key battles including Falaise, Dunkirk, Antwerp, Turnhout, and the Battle of the Scheldt.
During the advance to South Beveland, Jean-Maurice was struck by a German mortar shell. He died from his injuries on October 29, 1944. Jean-Maurice was initially buried in a field grave, marked by the cross that is now part of our collection.
Reburial and Rediscovery
After the war, many of the field graves were reburied in official military cemeteries. While most soldiers rest elsewhere, Jean-Maurice remained at the public cemetery in Kloetinge. His grave became a monument to his sacrifice. The marker cross, which had long been forgotten, was discovered by a vigilant local at a trash container and donated to the Liberation Museum.
Unfortunately, the cross incorrectly displays Jean-Maurice’s name. On November 12, 1944, his family received a letter from Father G. Marchand, which provided an explanation of the circumstances surrounding his death. This letter is an important historical document that confirms the tragic events leading to the death of this young soldier.
A Moving Memento
The marker cross of Jean-Maurice Dicaire is not only a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II but also a symbol of the obscurity that sometimes shrouds even the most heroic deeds. This artifact serves as a poignant reminder of the personal stories behind the war, the young lives lost, and the ongoing tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.