23 October 1944. An 18-year-old Miramichi soldier died in the Netherlands on this date. Harry James Gallant was the youngest Mirimachi soldier to perish during WWII. Harry James Gallant was born to James and Rachel Gallant of Loggieville on 22 December, 1925. Harry was working as a mechanic's helper at 35 Elementary Flying Training School, in Neepawa, MB, when he opted to travel to Winnipeg to enlist in the army on 12 May, 1943 (he lied about his age to enlist) . He was trained as an infantryman and arrived in the UK in February 1944; two months later he was posted to the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor).

Private Harry James Gallant arrived in France on 23 July, 1944. Between 20 October 1944 and 7 November (operation Suitcase), the 4th Canadian Armoured Division, plus units of the 1st (British) Corps, secured the north eastern flank of First Canadian Army. Those forces fought their way noth from Antwerp towards the estuary of the River Maas.

On 23 October the Lake Sups were part of an attack near Mariabaan; their advance to Wouwsche Plantage was contested by German armour that lay in wait guarding the narrow tracks that ran though extensive pine forest*. The 21st Canadian Armoured Regiment (Governor Generals Foot Guards) supported by elements of the Lake Superior Regiment were severely mauled by the enemy forces while advancing over open territory towards the wooded area of Wouwse Plantage. Harry was killed in that action. Eighteen-year-old Private Harry James Gallant was two months short of his 19th birthday at the time of his death. He was first buried in a field grave at the junction of Velodreef, Nolsebaan and Schelpheuvelstraat in Essen (Belgium) and then reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery of Bergen op Zoom.

*information and pictures kindly provided by Jason Wrigley (Harry James Gallant was his grand uncle) - original source: facebook group Miramichiers during times of war and conflict

** Picture of pine woods most likely taken at Huijbergsebaan direction Bergen op Zoom.