Wilfred served in Italy. A interview with Pte. Duphette appeared in the “Maple Leaf” the newspaper of the Canadian Army. At the time Wilfred was with the Army in Italy, in June the Canadians were fighting their way along the Liri Valley.

The reference to Wilfred, which appeared in the Maple Leaf read as follows

WITH THE CANADIAN TROOPS IN ITALY – Contrary to the popular opinion that the fighting troops wage war without food or rest, Canada’s infantrymen take time out to eat in the heat of battle.

They don’t hold up an attack because it’s lunch time, but they are fed in relays so they relieve one another. In this fashion they manage to get thre three full meals a day. Pte. W. H. Duphette (Pain Court) a typical infantry company cook who has been with this Western Ontario battalionthrough all it’s battles see to that.

EAT TO FIGHT – “They can’t fight if they don’t eat, and they get three square meals a day, no matter how tough the going is.” He said as he served supper to his company, as they drove on from captured Pontecorvo. (part of the German defensive positions in the “Hitler Line” – JRH.) “There’ll be no seconds tonight,” he told the men. “The trouble is you don’t know how many you’ll have for a meal. Somethimes some aren’t able to eat, but we always have it ready,” he grinned.

In the Hitler Line attack, Pte. Duphette, with his primitive field kitchen equipment, was close behind the attacking troops. He cooked the meals with machinegun bullets and motar shells flying in all directions. CQMS (Company Quarter-Master Sargeant) W. C. Davie of London, ON. a grey headed veteran who has been with the outfit since 1939 is responsible for bringing up the rations.

“See that fellow over there,” said to Duphette pointing to an eating soldier. “My brother just came up a little while ago as a reinforcement, but we haven’t had time for a reunion party”. The brother Noah Duphette also from Pain Court feels the same way about it, for he just arrived for the Liri Valley attacks, and hasn’t got around yet to “compare notes,” with his cook brother.

CDN 21/06/44.

A total of 26 nationalities represented in the Allied forces in Italy. A total of 92,757 Canadians of all ranks servered in this theatre of conflict, and more than 25% would become casualties. The final toll includes 5,764 dead, 19,486 wounded and 1,004 captured. – [ “The D-Day Dodgers – The Canadians in Italy 1943 – 45.”  By Daniel G. Dancocks.(JRH).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources	PHOTO available in “Sesquicentennial Anniv. 1802 – 1952” booklet found at C-K Museum, Chatham., St. Peter’s Parish, Index of Overseas Deaths, East Tilbury Twsp. – Roll of Honour
Supplemental Information	Son of Mr. and Mrs. Vital Duphette of Pain Court, Dover Twsp. Kent Co., ON., brother of Hector and Noah. Wilfred served in Italy. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead, Grave/Memorial Reference: V. F. 38. Cemetery: SALERNO WAR CEMETERY.

---

Notice something wrong with this record? Or, do you have something to add? Report it using our online form.