In Memory of
FRANK HENRY GRANITE
Trooper, D/71062
Three Rivers Regiment, R.C.A.C.
12th Army Tank Regt.
who died 29 age
on 24 July 1943
Remembered with honour
AGIRA WAR CEMETERY, SICILY
AGIRA WAR CEMETERY, SICILY
Born on the 25th Feb 1914, Montréal, Montreal Region, Quebec, Canada;
Son of Nicholas and Catherine Ryan Crinita, of Montreal, Province of Quebec;
Enlisted on the 26th of October 1939 in LaSalle, Québec
Commonwealth War Graves Commission, 2009-08-05
Frank served in A-Squadron of the TRR and were advancing through Nissoria. They were ahead of the infantry (Royal Canadian Regiment) and about 1 mile east of Nissoria they came under heavy artillery fire. The 4th tank in the row was knocked out blocking the road for the other tanks. The leading troop then knocked out four 88mm guns before they suffered their first casualties.The battle started at 16.20 hrs and extremely heavy but inaccurate high explosives, mortar, 88mm and machine guns. The tanks did not withdraw and continued to return fire. Four tanks were knocked out and four men were killed including Trooper Frank Granite.
The tank ahead of that from Major Pearson was hit and the driver and co driver were killed. Thr rest of the crew was able to get out of the tank, but were shot on by German snipers. One member of the crew, Trooper Granite, had his leg shot off. Major Pearson drew his tank alongside the injured men and got out to give first aid and morphine. Snipers using machine guns shot him in the hip and thigh. Two of the wounded men who were able to walk were shepherded back to the Major's tank and under cover of one of the other tanks to a Regimental Aid Post (RAP).
Frank Granite buried near the RAP east of Leonforte. He was later reburied at Agira.
Frank lived in Montréal with his parents. His father passed away in 1941. He had one brother and one sister who also lived in Montréal.
Jimbo Jimmy, 2024-12-08
Information courtesy of the 