Field of Crosses

6 days ago

𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐖
Age: 22 – F/S RCAF
Date of Death: 27/05/1945

John William Anderson was born in Calgary, Alberta on 2 March 1923, the son of John Carl and Marguerite M. Anderson, of Champion, Alberta. He had one brother and three sisters. John was active in sports, swimming and softball and worked as a farmer and a motor mechanic.

John’s initial military service began when he enlisted in the Canadian Armoured Corps on 7 December 1942, service number M105270. He achieved the rank of Trooper, Tank Driver Class III, training at Camp Borden, Ontario and later in Calgary, Alberta.

A year later, on 10 December 1943, John transferred /enlisted in Calgary with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), service number R278908, and trained as an Air Gunner. John was stationed at Salbani, Bengal in British India and flew with the 356 Royal Air Force (RAF) Squadron, a long-range bomber unit. Their mission was to attack Japanese bases in Burma, Sumatra and Malaya and to drop sea mines.

On 27 May 1945, John’s aircraft failed to return from an operational attack on Moulmein, Burma. The aircraft, a Consolidated Liberator Mk.VI, # KG831 was hit by anti-aircraft fire at 7,000 feet. The plane crashed in the sea, approximately 400 yards from shore and exploded on impact. All 9 aircrew were lost. John was 22 years old.

Flight Sergeant John W Anderson is inscribed on the Singapore Memorial in Singapore.

Each year during the Eleven Days of Remembrance, the Field of Crosses in Calgary, Alberta commemorates Flight Sergeant John William Anderson.

www.fieldofcrosses.com/

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Field of Crosses

2 weeks ago

81 years ago today, on June 6, 1944, Canadian soldiers came ashore at Juno Beach as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Known as Operation Overlord, it marked the beginning of the campaign to liberate Western Europe from Nazi occupation during the Second World War.

Stormy weather on June 5 delayed the invasion, even with many units already embarked and at sea. Conditions were not expected to improve significantly, but Allied meteorologists predicted a narrow window of opportunity on June 6.

Approximately 14,000 Canadian troops were among the 156,000 Allied soldiers who landed in Normandy on D-Day. They were supported by nearly 110 Royal Canadian Navy vessels and 15 Royal Canadian Air Force squadrons. Canadians were tasked with capturing a 9.7 kilometre stretch of coastline known as Juno Beach.

Despite facing strong resistance, Canadian forces advanced further inland on D-Day than any other Allied troops. By nightfall, they had secured their objectives and helped establish a vital bridgehead for the continued advance into occupied France.

Today, we honour the courage, sacrifice and determination of those Canadians and all allies who served on D-Day and throughout the Normandy campaign.

We remember.

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Field of Crosses

1 month ago

May 8th is the official day to celebrate Victory Europe Day (VE Day), the day the Allied forces accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany in 1945, thus ending World War II in Europe. This year, 2025 commemorates the 80th Anniversary. ... See MoreSee Less

Field of Crosses

1 month ago

The Field of Crosses is honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of donations from the Valour on the Green golf tournament. Veterans interested in participating can contact Rhonda Burry at 403-866-0127 or rhondaburry20@gmail.com for details and registration.

A heartfelt thank you to Rhonda Burry for her dedication to recognizing veterans and their service.The Field of Crosses joins Valour on the Green to bridge past and present—crosses on the green, players on the course, united in remembrance and camaraderie."

My first visit to the Field of Crosses left a lasting mark on me. Driving past the thousands of white crosses that stretch along Memorial Drive and then standing among them, each bearing the name of a fallen Canadian was profoundly moving.

Each cross represents not just a life lost, but a story: a family, a sacrifice, a legacy. The Field of Crosses is more than a memorial; it is a solemn tribute to those who served and fell. It is a place that embodies both remembrance and gratitude.

As I walked among the crosses, I was struck by more than just the display itself. Seeing Veterans, families, friends, active military, police, firefighters, community leaders, many volunteers, and people from all walks of life and ages we were all there, paying our respects. Some sought out a loved one or a comrade they once served with and shared a quiet moment. Others may not have known the names, yet we all came out to show our respect. Honouring those who served is instinctive, necessary, wholehearted, and right. The Field of Crosses is a sacred space where we can all come together, united by our duty to remember.

A Veteran who means a great deal to me came up with the idea of placing a cross from the Field of Crosses at each hole marker. It is a small gesture that would speak volumes. I believe the Field of Crosses is a perfect fit for Valour on the Green, as it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the full meaning of Valour seen in the crosses on the green that will quietly represent those who paid the ultimate price for our peace and freedom.

I am truly honoured to have the Field of Crosses present at Valour on the Green.

www.fieldofcrosses.com/

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