Gurney, Robert Joseph

Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:: June 20th, 1921 (Totternhoe/Bedfordshire, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: June 9th, 1944 (France)
Buried on:: Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: IV. Row: G. Grave: 4.
Service number:: L/27981
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Robert Joseph Gurney was born in Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, England. He later immigrated to Canada and settled with his family in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, where he worked as a labourer. On June 23, 1940, at the age of 19, he enlisted in the Canadian Active Service Force at Prince Albert, joining the Regina Rifle Regiment as a rifleman. His attestation papers record him as single, Anglican, and fluent in English, with a Grade 9 education.

Gurney’s early military training took him from Prince Albert to Dundurn Camp and then to Debert Military Camp in Nova Scotia. He embarked for overseas service in August 1941, disembarking in the United Kingdom in early September. Over the next two years, he underwent further training and served in various units, including the 3rd Canadian Division Infantry Reinforcement Unit (3 C.D.I.R.U.). He qualified as a Class III driver for both wheeled and tracked vehicles and was awarded a Good Conduct Badge in January 1943. His service record also notes several periods of leave and minor disciplinary actions, including brief absences without leave.

In June 1944, Gurney was granted permission to marry Miss Constance Margaret Southwood, a British citizen. That same month, he embarked for France as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. He disembarked in France on June 6, 1944—D-Day—alongside his regiment, which was part of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division.

Tragically, Rifleman Robert Joseph Gurney was murdered by German forces on June 9, 1944, just three days after landing in Normandy. He was 22 years old. His death was recorded by the 21st Army Group, and he was buried in France. His pay and benefits were assigned to his mother, Jessie May Gurney, and his next of kin was listed as his father, Thomas Gurney, both residing at 454 10th Street East in Prince Albert.

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