Wiarton’s claims to fame include being the gateway to the Bruce Peninsula and the home of the world’s only albino weather prognosticator (aka groundhog Wiarton Willie). Travelling through town to either attraction, you are likely to pass the Soldiers Memorial, on the east side of Berford St (Hwy 6) between George and William.
The limestone memorial was erected in 1922 “to perpetuate the memory of our honoured dead and those who carried on in the Great War – 1914-1918 – from the Town of Wiarton.” A soldier stands atop the centre shaft. The 29 WW1 names are listed on the front of the two side shafts, including four who died “since returning.” Battles are listed on each side. A later addition lists locals killed in WW2 and planters mark the Korean War and UN peacekeeping. The original monument was erected by J.S. Cook & Son of Wiarton.
Nursing Sister Kate Wilson-Simmie, whose WW1 memoirs were published as Lights Out, is buried in nearby Wiarton’s Bayview Cemetery.
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