1975 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother –
Alta Wilkinson

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National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother Alta Wilkinson

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Mrs. Alta Wilkinson from Ottawa, Ontario, was the 1975 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother. During the national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa on November 11, 1975, she laid a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial on behalf of all mothers who have lost a child in military service to Canada.

On July 18, 1944, her son, Private Arthur Campbell Wilkinson, was killed while on duty near River Orne, France. He was 24 years old and serving with The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada.

Mrs. Wilkinson, née Campbell, was born on March 30, 1898 in New Richmond, Quebec. She married Curt Lorne Wilkinson and together they raised five children, including Arthur, Dorothy, Richard and David.

She published two books, Ottawa to Caen: Letters from Arthur Campbell Wilkinson, a collection of letters received from her son while serving overseas and Remembrance Association, Silver Cross Women of Canada. Mrs. Wilkinson was the National President of the Silver Cross Women of Canada. She faithfully attended the national Remembrance Day ceremony from 1975 through 1982; missing only one to attend a funeral.

Mrs. Wilkinson died in September of 1990.

List of National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mothers

(Information courtesy of the Royal Canadian Legion, Canadian War Museum and families of the National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mothers)