| Rank | Private |
| Service # | A/104477 |
| Unit # | Algonquin Regiment, RCIC |
| Resident | Kent Co. |
Rank: Private, Service No: A/104477. Regiment: Algonquin Regiment, R.C.I.C.
Born 14 July, 1922 the son of Mr. and Mrs Johnstone Chippewa of Mersea Twsp, Kent Co. and Wheatley, Kent. Donald was a member of the Caldwell First Nations and he was fluent in both English and Pottawatomi languages. He was working on the farm of Harvey Wilkinson in Mersea Township prior to his enlistment.
When Donald enlisted with the Algonquin Regiment, his listed reason for enlisting was that it was “his duty”. The Algonquin Regiment was part of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division, was heavily involved in the fighting to close the Falaise Gap during the breakout from Normany in 1944. The efforts of the Canadian and Polish troops to steal the gap and capture a large number of German soldiers and their equipment came at a hefty price.
Two Algonquin rifle companies that were riding on the Sherman tanks of the B.C. Regiment were cut off in an ambush in the Quesney Wood after a terrible fight. There were only 79 infantry men that survived, but some of them were wounded or reported to be missing in action. At that time, Pte. Chippewa was listed as one of those that were missing in action.
Mrs. Dodge, a cousin of Donald’s, received the following communication from Colonel C. L. Laurin, the Director of records for the Adjutant General:
“In reply to your letter dated 15th September, 1944, I deeply regret to inform you that your cousin, Private Donald Wellington Chippawa, has been officially reported killed in action in France on the 10th August, 1944. He was originally reported missing on the same day, but subsequent communications advised that he had been killed. This would indicate that either his body had been discovered or his grave located.
Date of Death: 10/08/1944, in France.
Donald was honoured back in his community with a memorial service at the Baptist Church with a bugler and flag ceremony and his name was added to the honour roll for the Second Great War.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | CWGC, WJ (16-06-2010) |
| Supplemental Information | Born 14 July, 1922 the son of Mr. and Mrs Johnstone Chippewa of Wheatley, Kent Co., ON. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead, Grave/Memorial Reference: IX. F. 12. Cemetery: BRETTEVILLE-SUR-LAIZE CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY. |
| Birthplace | Kent County |
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