Our Heroes

A. James Nicol Wright was born on July 7, 1923, in Rossland, British Columbia. He was the son of Scottish immigrant parents Isabella and James Alexander Wright.

According to family history, James initially trained as a pilot and hoped to serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Recurring sinus infections prevented him from continuing along that path, but they did not diminish his determination to serve. He subsequently joined the Canadian Army and became a Private with the Canadian Scottish Regiment, Royal Canadian Infantry Corps. His service number was K/69879.

The Canadian Scottish Regiment landed in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, as part of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. In the days that followed, the regiment faced fierce fighting as Canadian forces worked to defend and expand the newly established beachhead.

James was killed in action on June 9, 1944—only three days after the D-Day landings and less than one month before his twenty-first birthday. He was just 20 years old.

James is buried at Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in Normandy, France, in grave VIII. D. 7. He is also commemorated at Putot-en-Bessin, where members of the Canadian Scottish Regiment fought during the difficult battles of June 8 and 9, 1944.

Although his life was tragically cut short, James’s determination, courage and sacrifice remain part of Canada’s enduring story of service and remembrance. Through this memorial, we honour a young man who placed service before self and gave his life during the opening days of the campaign to liberate Europe.

Lest we forget.