Graham, John Wheeler

Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:: January 11th, 1921 (Winnipeg/Manitoba, Canada)
Date of death:: June 8th, 1944 (France)
Mentioned on:: Commonwealth Memorial of the Missing Bayeux
Service number:: H/40925
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

John Wheeler Graham was of St. Vital, Manitoba, where he lived with his parents, John and Alice Graham. His early life was rooted in farming, and by the time he left school, he was working on his father's farm, a profession he continued until his enlistment. He was fluent in English and had a modest education, completing up to the 10th grade.

On June 20, 1940, at the age of 19, Graham enlisted in the Canadian Active Service Force in Winnipeg. He joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles as a riflemanI. His enlistment papers describe him as single, with no children, and his next of kin listed as his mother, Alice Graham. He was a member of the United Church and had no prior military service before joining the army.

Graham underwent a thorough medical examination upon enlistment, which found him fit for Category A service. He stood 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighed 150 pounds, and had green eyes. His health was generally good, with no significant medical issues reported. He received various vaccinations and inoculations during his service, including tetanus and typhoid.

Throughout his military career, Graham served in Canada, England, and eventually in the Western European theatre. He trained at Camp Shilo and Debert, Nova Scotia, before being deployed overseas. His service record includes participation in small arms range courses and specialized training.

Tragically, Rifleman John Wheeler Graham was reported missing in action on June 8, 1944, during the Normandy campaign. It was later confirmed that he had died while a prisoner of war in Western Europe. His remains were never recovered, and he is commemorated at the Bayeux Memorial in France.

Following his death, his mother received official condolences from the Canadian government, along with his medals and a war service gratuity. His estate was managed by the Director of Estates, and his personal effects were inventoried and recorded.

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