Corporal George Morasch
In the darkest hours of war, it is the courage of the people that carries a nation forward. While the Second World War raged across Europe and beyond, stories of heroism and patriotism emerged from every corner of Canada. This is the story of George Morasch, a Calgarian whose courage carried him across oceans, through fierce battles, and back home with a lifetime of memories.
Born on May 22, 1923, in Calgary, AB, George Morasch’s roots run deep in Calgary. At just 19 years old, in 1942 he enlisted in the Canadian Army, determined to serve his country in its hour of need. He joined the Calgary Highlanders, a Canadian Army infantry regiment, proudly carrying the spirit of his hometown with him.
George served as a Bren Gunner in D-Company of the Calgary Highlanders. He was deployed to England for training before serving in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. His first taste of battle came after a daring night crossing of the English Channel on July 6, 1944. Speaking in a 2016 interview, George recalled,
“The night crossing was an experience I shall never forget as long as I live.”
Only days later, the Calgary Highlanders were tasked with capturing Hill 67, a key position south of Caen, France.
“Suddenly, we were told to charge. ‘Take the hill at all costs.’”
Under relentless enemy fire, George pushed forward, bullets flying inches from him. After 46 hours of fierce combat and a German counterattack, the Highlanders secured the hill. The cost was devastating, only 13 soldiers from D-Company remained, George was among the few survivors. Thirty-one men were lost in just three days.
During the fighting for Hill 67, George was wounded and set to a British field hospital in Bayeux, France, where he spent 23 days recovering. Once healed, he served as an army clerk in Holland.
When victory in Europe was declared on May 8, 1945, the streets of the Netherlands erupted with joy, but for George, the celebrations were bittersweet.
“The tears were flowing for my buddies back in Normandy.”
Private George A. Morasch during the Second World War. (Credit: Veterans Canada)
Life After Service:
George retired from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a Corporal in February 1946. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the French Legion of Honour and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Returning to Calgary, George met the love of his life, Fern Minderlen. The couple got married on December 5, 1969, and shared 51 years of married life until Fern’s passing in October 2020. He fondly remembers her as a “beautiful gift”. In 1995, the couple visited Normandy, where George paid tribute to his fallen comrades. This journey, with Fern’s support, allowed him to open up about his wartime experiences.
Now 102 years old, George remains an active member of the Calgary Highlanders Association and The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 285. In 2025, in honour of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the end of the Second World War, George, along with a few other veterans, returned to the Netherlands as part of the Government of Canada delegation.
George and Fern at the Grand Highland Military Ball in Calgary, 2019. (Credit: Veterans Canada)
Main photo: Corporal (Ret’d) George Morasch, at age 100. (Credit: Veterans Canada)
References:
Canada, Veterans Affairs. “George Morasch – Veterans Affairs Canada,” April 24, 2025. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/george-morasch.
Griffiths, Kent – Curator of the Calgary Highlanders Museum. “Personal Communication”, April 30, 2025.