Renecker, Private Walter

Service Highlights

Service Number: B74550
Born September 23, 1911 in Ontario.
Son of John William Renecker and Annie Catherine Renecker of Sebringville, Ontario.
Brother of Florence Katherine Bald, Edward Andrew Renecker, Alfred John Renecker, Ralph Otto Renecker, and Edna Margaret Herold.
Served with the 48th Highlanders of Canada during the Second World War.
Part of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division,
Killed in action on December 10, 1944 during the Lamone River Crossing in northern Italy.
Buried at Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy (Grave Reference V.C.8).
Commemorated through the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program.

A Life and Service Remembered

Walter Renecker was born in 1911 and grew up in the Sebringville area of Perth County, part of a local family whose roots were firmly planted in the community. When the world was again at war, he answered the call to serve and joined the 48th Highlanders of Canada, one of the country’s distinguished infantry regiments.

As a member of the 48th Highlanders, Renecker became part of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division, a formation that fought through some of the hardest campaigns faced by Canadian troops in the Second World War. His service would have taken him through the Mediterranean theatre as Canadian forces pushed through Sicily and Italy in brutal fighting against determined German resistance.

Walter’s life was cut short on December 10, 1944, during the Lamone River Crossing in northern Italy. This battle formed part of the difficult winter campaign as Canadian troops fought through strongly defended river lines in terrible weather and hazardous terrain. He was 33 years old.

Today, Walter Renecker rests in Ravenna War Cemetery in Italy, far from the Perth County community he called home. His sacrifice is remembered not only through official military memorials, but also through the St. Marys Legion banner program and the continued efforts of family and community to ensure his story is never forgotten.