Brigadier J. Edwin Ganong
48th Highlanders of Canada
4th Infantry Brigade

After we broke through Falaise, about D-plus 70, the Canadian soldier showed extraordinary fortitude and endurance. Troops seldom could be relieved; but they stood up under the most violent strain the war had produced. No matter how much training a man has, he is a novice until he is under fire. But the Canadians quickly became veterans. They were wonderful.

(Ganong quoted in Windsor Star, 22 Dec 1944, 9)

Born on 30 Dec 1903 in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, James Edwin Ganong Jr. was a Toronto lawyer who had attended the Royal Military College and Osgoode Hall. He was adjutant in the 48th Highlanders on mobilization and served as a company commander during the aborted Second British Expeditionary Force to France in June 1940. In March 1942, although he had already been promoted to the Canadian Corps headquarters staff, Ganong reverted to replace Lieutenant-Colonel Bill Hendrie.

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