In November 2008, 6 SJHS students participated in a national student tour to the battlefields of Ortona, Italy to participate in ceremonies of remembrance.
Click here to see a photo gallery of the trip to Ortona and Rome
Click here to see samples of the soldier research projects created by students Laura and Eli, remembering Lt. John J. Weatherhead and Maj. Winston C. Johnson
There were 1400 students from PEI, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC. We were the only representatives from New Brunswick!
The students had researched former SJHS student soldiers before we left, and we were able to visit those graves in the Moro River Cemetery. SJHS had seven former students buried in the Moro River Cemetery who were killed in the battle for Ortona.
Leaving a poppy cross at John Weatherhead's grave at Moro River Cemetery.
It was a moving ceremony, during which one of our students read the Act of Remembrance to represent all the students there. It was quite a sight to see 1400 students, each standing by a grave at Moro River, all remembering the sacrifices made by soldiers not much older than the students are now.
After these ceremonies, all students and accompanying adults walked from Moro River Cemetery into the town of Ortona, a distance of a few (rather hilly!) kilometers. The residents of Ortona cheered as the students walked by, waving and making the Canadian students feel extremely welcome.
We also visited Monte Cassino Cemetery. One of our students had pictures that his grandfather had taken during his service in the war at Cassino. It was fascinating to compare the pictures from 1944-45 with the terrain where we stood – and watch as Brandon realized he was walking in his grandfather’s footsteps!
At Cassino War Cemetery, Italy
We were also able to visit some of the sights of Rome in the week we spent in Italy including a special mass arranged in St Peter’s Basilica.
It was a memorable educational experience for the students to understand
and appreciate the events of the Second World War in a different context, by seeing the continued effects of the war in the Ortona area. A huge thank you to the alumni and especially to former SJHS principal Mr. Knibb for your support of our school’s participation on this tour!
We remember the following attendees and alumni of Saint John High School who are buried at the Moro River Cemetery in Ortona, Italy:
John A. Barker. Son of William F. and Alberta L. Barker of 303 Rockland Road, Saint John, NB. Gunner, Royal Canadian Artillery. Died December 14, 1943.
Douglas Murray Campbell. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Colin M. Campbell of Simms Street, Saint John , NB. Gunner, Royal Canadian Artillery. Died December 15, 1943. Age 18.
John C. Dickie. Son of Jack and Grace Dickie of 55 Victoria Street, Saint John, NB. Lance Corporal, Carleton and York Regiment. Died December 18, 1943.
Winston Case Johnson. Son of Dr. Brougham and Mrs. Louise Johnson of 9 Olive Street, Saint John. Major, Carleton and York Regiment. Died December 29, 1943. Age 31.
Elliott Gray Maxwell. Son of Charles H. and Florence N. Maxwell of 223 Pitt Street, Saint John, NB. Captain, Carleton and York Regiment. Died December 15, 1943. Age 24.
Harold Fenwick Parker. Son of Fenwick W. and Anna May Parker of 319 City Road, Saint John, NB. Husband of Lillian Elizabeth Parker of 227 St. James Street. Major, 4th Dragoon Guards “Princess Louise’s”, Royal Canadian Artillery Corps. Died November 4, 1943. Age 33.
John Joseph Weatherhead. Son of Arthur T. and Josephine H. Weatherhead of 201 Duke Street, Saint John, NB. Lieutenant, Carleton and York Regiment. Died December 15, 1943. Age 23.
We are grateful to Mr. Mac Somerville and Mr. Dennis Knibb for information on the former SJHS students killed at Ortona, also contained in the We Will Remember Them booklet.
SJHS Remembers 