M y grandmother, Ann Place, (nee Schan) had 7 brothers and one sister volunteer for WWII.

W idow Maria Schan lived in Lethbridge, Alberta and had 7 sons - James, Jack, John, Leonard, Nick, Leo, Joe and one daughter Dorothy enlist in the Canadian Army, more than any other family in Canada. I think that they served for the South Alberta regiment, Calgary Highlanders, Canadian Women's Army Corps (Dorothy), and Regina Regiment. One son died overseas - Sapper Jim Schan, age 26, from Nobleford, while serving with the Royal Canadian Engineers.

H ere's a news clipping on Leo:

"On October 27, 1944, Leo Schan was operating an armoured bulldozer in support of 34 Tank Brigade. The tanks were held up by an antitank ditch and demolished causeway two hundred yards west of Warberg. The enemy were in position on the far side of the bridge and directed considerable spandau fire on anyone approaching the ditch. Leo Schan took his bulldozer forward and commenced filling the damage causeway. Every time his machine tipped forward he was directly exposed to the enemy fire. Bullets whistled round inside his cabin. Disregarding this, he worked for two hours and made a causeway suitable for tanks. He was wounded in the leg, while outside his machine, deciding how best to tackle his job. He refused to go back, however, and completed his task, enabling the tanks to cross and clear the enemy. He then handed over to his mate and returned, hobbling to tank brigades headquarters, escorting a bunch of German prisoners of war. The success of the operation was ensured by the fearless courage and devotion to the duty of Leo Schan."

L eo Schan is the only surviving member that served in the war (only brother left) and is now living in Port Alberni, BC. He was decorated with the Military Medal at Buckingham Palace.

H ere's a news article about Leo:

"Leo Schan is one of the famous fighting Schan brothers. A noted boxer before going overseas, he resided in Grassy Lake, Fort Kipp, and Lethbridge prior to enlisting. He was wounded in Belgium"

I bring this to your attention because I am proud of the Schan family's efforts to serve Canada and feel that some public acknowledgement of the Schan's family contributions would be an inspiring story in the history of Canada. Especially ironic, is the fact that the Schans are of German descent (originally spelled Schaan). We Canadians could use more Heroes.

T he Fighting Schan Memorial