Lieutenant-Colonel Fred Wigle
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada

Colonel Wigle had only been with the Battalion two and a half months, but in that short period of time had taken the Argylls through some of the bitterest fighting of the war. He had distinguished himself through his coolness, courage and methodical, hard work. In the ten weeks he spent as C.O. of the Argylls he had been awarded the Order of the British Empire and the Distinguished service Order, a rare honour, indeed, over such a short period of time. Every member of the unit was deeply shocked at the news of the death.

(War diary, 14 Apr 1945)

Born on 11 July 1913 in Hamilton, Ontario, Frederick Ernest Wigle was graduate of McGill University, a football player, coach and a sales executive. He grandfather, Colonel Ernest Wigle had commanded the 18th Battalion during the First World War. Wigle volunteered with the Canadian Armoured Corps in May 1941 and was commissioned in the 6th Duke of Connaught’s Royal Canadian Hussars. He went overseas as captain and staff officer in the 5th Armoured Division in November 1941. Following promotions and staff postings in England, he joined the 4th Armoured Division as chief of staff in August 1944 during the Normandy campaign.

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