Chamberland, Louis

Louis Chamberland was born on March 21, 1924 in Zenon Park, Saskatchewan to Mr. and Mrs. George Chamberland. When he was four years old, his mother passed away and his father could not care for him. Louis was adopted as a little boy by Armand and Olianna Genereux, who did not have any children of their own. In 1935 the Genereuxs moved to Picture Butte, where Mr. Genereux had a farming operation and grocery store. At time of enlistment, Louis was single and employed as a truck driver. On January 9, 1943, Louis Chamberland enlisted for service in the Canadian Army at Trail, British Columbia. He spent the next five months training at bases in Vancouver, Vernon and Calgary. On July 22, 1943, Private Chamberland arrived in the United Kingdom, where he remained until embarking for the Mediterranean Theatre in October of that year. He landed in Italy on November 9, 1943 and was taken on strength by the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Private Chamberland fought with the Seaforths at Ortona in December 1943, and on through the Liri Valley in early 1944. On May 23, 1944, the Seaforths were engaged in heavy combat at the Hitler Line. They had taken their positions when the Germans launched a massive counterattack. By the end of the day, only eight Seaforths were left standing, 158 were injured and 52 were killed, including Private Chamberland. He was placed in a temporary grave near where he fell and later reinterred at Cassino War Cemetery. For his wartime service, Private Chamberland was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp. His mother, Olianna received the Memorial Cross in honour of her son