Brockville family uncovers new details about fallen Second World War hero

His name is engraved at the Bayeux Memorial, honouring Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave

As Canadians pause to remember today (Nov. 11), one Brockville family will honour the life and sacrifice of Signalman Sidney Patrick Larocque, a local soldier killed in France during the Second World War.

Larocque, born in Brockville, died on August 26, 1944, just weeks before his 25th birthday. His image appears on a downtown Remembrance Day banner recognizing local heroes.

For decades, the family knew little about his final days, believing his truck was bombed by a German dive-bomber. This September, nephew Bob Larocque and his wife Jane travelled to Normandy to learn more.

Using online research tools, they discovered Sidney served in a forward communications group under General Bernard Montgomery, taking part in the pivotal Falaise Pocket battle before being killed near Bernay.

His name is engraved at the Bayeux Memorial, honouring Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave. The Larocque family continues to preserve his memory for future generations.

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