Capt John Graham Wilkin, MC
Service & Leadership
Captain (Capt) John Graham “Jack” Wilkin, MC, served nearly five years with the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (Engineering) and its successor, the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. A mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, he was recruited in 1941 to help establish one of Canada’s first armoured division workshops. He served as a maintenance and recovery officer in Canada, England, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands during the Second World War. In 1944, as Officer Commanding 53 Light Aid Detachment, he supported the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) during the Italian Campaign. His teams repaired tanks, guns, and vehicles under fire, ensuring combat readiness in challenging conditions.
Legacy & Impact
On 20 December 1944 at the Fosso Munio crossing in Italy, Capt Wilkin risked his life to clear a blocked route under intense enemy fire, enabling Canadian tanks to reinforce a critical bridgehead. For his actions, he was awarded the Military Cross by King George VI at Buckingham Palace. After the war, Capt Wilkin remained on reserve status and later became a respected leader in the RCEME Association, helping grow national membership and preserving the Corps’ identity. He credited the military with shaping his character and sense of responsibility.
Awards & Recognition
- Military Cross (1944)
- Mentioned in Despatches (1946)
- Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
- War Medal 1939–1945
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