Gosse, Silby

Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:: November 26th, 1923 (Blaketown/Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada)
Date of death:: June 7th, 1944 (Authie/Somme, France)
Buried on:: Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: II. Row: A. Grave: 7.
Service number:: F/97297
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

At the time of his enlistment, Silby Gosse resided at 25 Ling Street in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, and worked as a miner with two years of experience. He was single and identified as a member of the Church of England. His father, Mr. Roland Gosse, was listed as his next of kin, residing at the same address.

Silby enlisted in the Canadian Army on February 2, 1942, at Sydney, Nova Scotia, joining the West Nova Scotia Regiment. He was assigned regimental number F97297 and entered service as a private. His initial training took place at No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, followed by transfers through various training centers including No. 61 CABTC in Glasgow and A.14 ITC in Aldershot. During this period, he was hospitalized briefly in June 1942 and granted furlough in July. He was later transferred to the West Nova Scotia Regiment in August 1942.

His service record reflects a series of transfers and attachments, including a brief period of absence without leave in September 1942, for which he was penalized. He embarked for overseas service later that month, though his ship returned to Canada due to a mishap. He re-embarked and was taken on strength with the Canadian Army Overseas in October 1942.

Throughout 1943, Silby underwent various postings and training, including specialized weapons instruction. He was attached to the 3rd Battalion Greek Force and later transferred to multiple reinforcement and training units across the UK. His mother, Ethel Gosse, was noted as a dependent and assignee for his pay.

In early 1944, Silby was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. He continued to serve with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and embarked for France in June 1944. Tragically, Private Silby Gosse was murdered by German forcs on June 7, 1944, during the Normandy campaign, just one day after the D-Day landings. His death was recorded by the Allied Expeditionary Force and formally acknowledged in August 1944.

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