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Burnett, Donald James

Date of birth:
April 16th, 1919 (Oromocto/New Brunswick, Canada)
Date of death:
June 7th, 1944 (France)
Buried on:
Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: XIII. Row: H. Grave: 7.
Service number:
G/32757
Nationality:
Canadian

Biography

Donald James Burnett was the son of Maud Alice Gereau, who resided in Fredericton Junction, Sunbury County, New Brunswick. Donald was single at the time of enlistment and listed his mother as his next of kin.

Burnett completed public school and had some high school education. He did not attend university and had no formal apprenticeship, though he was fluent in English and had basic reading skills.

Before joining the military, Donald worked as a laborer. He was employed at the time of enlistment and had no dependents. His occupational history suggests he had experience in manual labor and was not affiliated with any trade union or professional society.

Donald enlisted in the Canadian Active Service Force on July 20, 1940, at Oromocto, New Brunswick. He served in various capacities, including training and deployment overseas. His unit was involved in the Normandy campaign following the D-Day landings.

Private Burnett was reported missing in action on June 7, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy near Putot-en-Bessin, France. Eyewitness accounts confirmed he was manning his gun in a slit trench when his position was overrun by enemy tanks and infantry. He was later officially declared killed in action. Later, it was confirmed that he was executed by Waffen-SS soldiers on the orders of SS Lt. Col. Wilhelm Mohnke in a field just north of the Caen-Fontenary Road.

His remains were exhumed and reburied with honor at the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in France. A temporary cross marked his grave, later replaced by a permanent headstone. His mother received a Memorial Cross and his campaign medals.

Donald left a will naming his mother as sole beneficiary. She received his war service gratuity and estate, including personal effects and financial entitlements.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Overseas" clasp
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (1939-1947)

Sources