The Official History of Ronald Wright's Battalion, the 23rd, has this to say about the day that he was killed in Italy:
Lieutenant Don Foote's patrol from 17 Platoon, which went out at 7.15 a.m. next day to discover whether or not Poggioforto was still occupied, was by no means so fortunate. Apparently expecting that the enemy would be falling back as he had done on the slopes above the Sangro, Foote led his daylight patrol forward with more resolution than care and ran into an ambush. The Germans saw the patrol approaching, held their fire until it was cut off by Spandaus on both flanks and then pinned it down, forcing the leaders to surrender. Private Fastier was shot through the neck. Examined by two German soldiers, he was left for dead and later made his way back to the battalion, where he reported the fate of the patrol — 1 killed, 2 wounded, and 5, including Foote, missing believed prisoner of war. The enemy was obviously making a firm stand on the line of the Ortona road.
ROLL OF HONOUR
WRIGHT — Killed in action, December 8. 1943, Private Ronald Bruce Wright, beloved husband of Myra Ellen Wright. Fairlie and Waimate, and dearly loved only son of J. R. I. and F. E. Wright, of Morven. -Timaru Herald, 4/1/1944.
IN MEMORIAM.
WRIGHT — In loving memory of Ronald Bruce Wright, killed in action in Italy, December 8, 1943. —Inserted by his cousins Joan and Thelma. -Press, 8/12/1944.
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