Forbes, John

Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:: August 13th, 1917 (Toronto/Ontario, Canada)
Date of death:: June 11th, 1944 (Le Mesnil-Patry, France)
Buried on:: Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: VII. Row: H. Grave: 2.
Service number:: B/63618
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

John Forbes was born to Thomas and Annie Forbes, who had married in England in 1899. Raised in a large family at 109 Lappin Avenue, Toronto, John grew up alongside several siblings, including Harold, William, and Hlady, and maintained close ties with his parents throughout his life. He attended school for at least two years at the high school level and spoke and read English fluently. Though he did not pursue university education, he trained as a colour mixer and worked as a wallpaper salesman for Sun Tested Wallpaper Company prior to his enlistment.

John enlisted in the Canadian Active Service Force on June 11, 1940, at age 22, joining the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. His attestation papers reflect a strong sense of duty and allegiance to His Majesty, and he was medically cleared for service with a Category A rating. He was promoted steadily through the ranks, reaching Company Sergeant Major by 1944. His occupational history form, completed during service, shows that he was employed at the time of enlistment and intended to return to his civilian occupation after discharge. He had four to seven years of experience in his trade and expressed a clear preference to resume his role in the wallpaper business.

On April 12, 1941, John married Vera Forbes, who resided at 1 Royce Avenue, Toronto. The couple had no children. John supported his wife regularly and maintained life insurance through the London Life Insurance Company, naming Vera as his beneficiary. His estate included a $100 Victory Loan Bond held in England and personal belongings left with Mrs. Marie Bishender in Bournemouth, England.

John was murdered by German forces on June 11, 1944, in France, during the Normandy campaign. He was initially buried near Le Mesnil-Patry and later reinterred with full military honours at Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.

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