Capt John Graham "Jack" Wilkin, MC
Captain John Graham “Jack” Wilkin, MC, was among the early officers of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) and exemplified the Corps' ideals of technical excellence, courageous leadership, and operational reliability. His wartime contributions spanned multiple theatres and left an enduring mark on RCEME’s development in its formative years.
Born in Paris, Ontario, on March 25, 1919, Wilkin graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto in 1941, just as the war effort escalated. Motivated by a deep sense of duty, he entered military service through the Canadian Officers Training Corps and was initially assigned to train as a tank commander at Camp Borden.
It was there that two former university professors, now senior officers, recruited him into the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (Engineering) to help establish a newly formed armoured division workshop—an early step in what would become the RCEME framework.
RCEME Service and the Italian Campaign
Wilkin would go on to serve nearly five years with the RCOC(E) and RCEME, including 10 months in Canada, 24 in England, and 25 months on active operations in Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. His engineering background, leadership ability, and calm under pressure positioned him as an essential part of Canadian armoured support operations.
By 1944, Wilkin had become Officer Commanding of the 53rd Light Aid Detachment, attached to the 2nd Canadian Armoured Regiment (Lord Strathcona’s Horse). In this capacity, he led mobile workshops and recovery teams responsible for repairing and maintaining tanks, artillery, and support vehicles under combat conditions.
His defining moment came on 20 December 1944, during the battle at the Fosso Munio river crossing in Italy. Under intense enemy fire—including mortars, artillery, and machine guns—Wilkin went forward on foot to assess a damaged crossing. Finding the bridge misaligned, he directed engineer corrections and later risked his life to clear a bogged-down tank that blocked the route. Dragging recovery cables on foot, he worked with his men under sustained fire to winch the vehicle clear, enabling armoured support to cross and reinforce the Perth Regiment’s bridgehead.
For his conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership under fire, Captain Wilkin was awarded the Military Cross, presented personally by King George VI at Buckingham Palace in November 1945. He was also mentioned in dispatches for distinguished service in the London Gazette in January 1946.
Wilkin’s calm professionalism under pressure reflected the essential—but often unsung—role of RCEME detachments in maintaining battlefield momentum. His actions at Fosso Munio stand as a textbook example of how technical officers can directly influence tactical success.
Postwar Influence and Continued Service
Following his release from active service in January 1946, Wilkin remained on reserve status while transitioning to civilian life. Though his professional career shifted to Ontario Hydro, where he eventually held senior leadership roles, he remained closely involved with the RCEME community.
Over 18 years, Wilkin served in leadership roles within the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Association, including Vice Chairman, Chairman of the Toronto Chapter, and National Recruiting Officer. Under his stewardship, national membership grew from 225 to 365, reflecting his continued commitment to supporting veterans and fostering RCEME identity beyond active duty.
He remained proud of his Corps affiliation throughout his life, regularly attending events, mentoring young members, and preserving the RCEME legacy.
A Legacy of Service
Jack Wilkin passed away with the quiet assurance of a life spent in faithful service—on the battlefield, in industry, and within his community. Though modest in his self-assessment, his story reflects the qualities that define the RCEME tradition: courage, ingenuity, resilience, and leadership under fire.
In his own words: “The military phase of my life was interesting and challenging. It forced me to accept responsibility and accountability, and to grow up in a hurry. It was a strong influence on the moulding of my character.”
Captain Wilkin’s life stands as a testament to RCEME’s enduring motto: Arte et Marte – By Skill and by Fighting.