Colombian Volunteers in the Canadian Armed Forces

Rifleman James Clinton Wheeler.

By Cap. Rey GARCIA-SALAS.- Throughout the First and Second World Wars, volunteers from various Latin American countries, including Colombia, made significant contributions to the Canadian military. These individuals, driven by a sense of duty and the desire to support the Allied cause, donned the Canadian military uniform and served with distinction. This article highlights the remarkable efforts and sacrifices of Colombian volunteers in the Canadian Armed Forces during these global conflicts.

First World War Contributions

Sapper Peter Puyo. One notable Colombian volunteer in the First World War was Private Peter Puyo. Born in Bogotá on June 29, 1899, Puyo enlisted in the Canadian Engineers on July 2, 1918, in Toronto. At the time, he was an auto mechanic by trade, a skill that proved invaluable during the war. His mother, Mrs. Mary Puyo, resided in Bogotá, Colombia. After enlisting, Puyo served in England, where he contributed to the war effort through his technical skills and support roles. He was demobilized in Toronto on October 10, 1919.

The Canadian Expeditionary Force

Private Peter Puyo was part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), the military force fielded by Canada during the First World War. The CEF played a crucial role in the Allied war effort, and its contributions were significant in various theaters of the war.

The CEF was established in response to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Initially, Canada pledged to send 25,000 men to support the British forces, but this number quickly grew as the war progressed. By the end of the conflict, over 630,000 Canadians had enlisted, with approximately 424,000 serving overseas.

The Canadian Corps was the primary combat element of the CEF, composed of four divisions by early 1917. These divisions were supported by various other units, including the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, forestry and railway units, and numerous medical hospitals.

The Canadian Corps was initially commanded by British Lieutenant-General Sir E.A.H. Alderson and later by British Lieutenant-General Sir Julian Byng. In June 1917, command was transferred to Canadian Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie, who is widely regarded as one of the most capable generals of the war. Under Currie’s leadership, the Canadian Corps became a highly effective and cohesive fighting force.

The CEF played a pivotal role in several key battles on the Western Front. Notable among these were the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917 and the Battle of Passchendaele later that year. The Canadian Corps’ success at Vimy Ridge, in particular, is often cited as a defining moment in Canadian military history, showcasing the Corps’ tactical innovation and combat effectiveness.

In addition to its combat achievements, the CEF’s various support units, such as the Canadian Engineers, played essential roles in ensuring the operational success of the Allied forces. These units were responsible for constructing and maintaining infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and communication lines, as well as providing technical expertise in areas such as mechanics and engineering.

Second World War Contributions

Rifleman James Clinton Wheeler

Another distinguished Colombian volunteer was Rifleman James Clinton Wheeler, born on November 14, 1923, in El Centro, Infantas, Municipio de Barrancabermeja, Santander, Colombia. Wheeler moved to Toronto with his family in 1930. He attended Whitney and Forest Hill Public schools and later studied at McGill University. In July 1943, Wheeler enlisted in the Canadian Army and, after completing his training, was sent overseas in October 1944.

Wheeler joined The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, a regiment with a long and storied history, having served in every significant conflict involving Canadian forces since its formation in 1860. On November 10, 1944, Wheeler was taken on strength with The Queen’s Own Rifles. He saw action during Operation Blockbuster, the final phase of the larger Operation Veritable. This operation, conducted from late February to early March 1945, was crucial in advancing Allied forces into Germany. Unfortunately, Wheeler was killed in action, possibly by a sniper, on February 26, 1945, during this critical operation. He was later reburied in the Nijmegen Canadian Military Cemetery in the Netherlands.

The contributions of Colombian volunteers to the Canadian Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars are a testament to the shared values and strong bonds between Latin America and Canada. These individuals’ dedication, bravery, and sacrifices exemplify the collaborative spirit that has historically defined the relationship between these regions.

While their numbers may not have been large, the impact of Colombian volunteers was significant. Their stories serve as reminders of the diverse backgrounds and global unity that characterized the Allied efforts during these tumultuous times. The legacy of these volunteers continues to be honored and remembered, highlighting the important role that Latin American communities have played in shaping the course of history.

The contributions of Colombian volunteers in the Canadian Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars are a proud chapter in the shared history of Latin America and Canada. From the engineering expertise of Sapper Peter Puyo to the heroic sacrifice of Rifleman James Clinton Wheeler, these individuals embodied the spirit of international cooperation and commitment to defending shared values. Their service and sacrifice are enduring reminders of the strong and lasting bond between Colombia and Canada, a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.

Acknowledgement: I would like to thank historian Steven Dieterfor the support on this article.

The Latin American Soldiers in Canada Committee’s mission is to publicize the names and stories of Canadian-Latinos who were part of the Canadian Armed Forces.