On the landings of D-Day, along with the troops were the Chaplains – the forgotten Heroes.
Prior to Operation OVERLORD, chaplains were instructed to prepare their soldiers for combat by “furthering the comfort and general welfare of the men”. They also received explicit instructions on conducting mass burials. They also offered sacraments, spiritual comfort, provided solace in the fear of being wounded or killed and performed last rites, while often being on the battlefield in the midst of intense fighting.
Walter Leslie Brown (an honorary captain padre attached to the 27thCanadian Armored Regiment, also known as the Sherbrooke Fusiliers), was the first Canadian Chaplain to step foot on Juno Beach on D-Day. He was killed the following day on route to a field hospital to deliver medical supplies. Walter was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, a War Medal, a Defense Medal, and the France-Germany Star. His remains are buried in Beny-sur-Mer, France in grave 9, plot 8.