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Biography
Private James “Jimmy” Anthony Duggan was born on May 31, 1915, in Upper South River to John and Sarah “Sadie” Duggan. James, along with his brother Walter, moved to Ontario, where he worked in mining in Pickle Crow.
Jimmy enlisted during the Second World War on February 14, 1940, and departed Halifax on December 13, 1940, for overseas service. He arrived in Gourock, Scotland, on December 26, 1940, before being stationed in England.
While in England, Jimmy met Rhoda Winifred Kennedy. The couple married on April 20, 1942, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Brighton. In the months following their marriage, Jimmy was absent without leave on several occasions in order to visit Rhoda.
On August 18, 1942, Jimmy embarked from England for France with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada to take part in the raid on Dieppe.
He was reported missing in action on August 19, 1942. According to soldiers from his infantry who were questioned by his wife, Jimmy was last seen assisting an injured soldier toward the shore, but the boats were ordered to leave before he could reach them. It was not until May 21, 1943, that his father received confirmation that Jimmy had been killed on August 19, 1942, during the Battle of Dieppe.
Jimmy was buried in Grave 48 at Des Vertus Cemetery, Hautot-sur-Mer, France. A memorial cross was issued to both his mother and wife.
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