• Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:

November 19th, 1917 (Toronto/Ontario, Canada)

Date of death:

June 8th, 1944 (France)

Buried on:

Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: XIII. Row: F. Grave: 4.

Service number:

E/21962

Nationality:

Canadian

William Beresford was raised in a large family in Arvida, Quebec, alongside several siblings. His upbringing was modest, and he attended Arvida Intermediate School, completing one year of high school before entering the workforce.

Before enlisting, William worked as a welder foreman at the Aluminum Company of Canada in Arvida, Quebec. He was skilled in electric and acetylene welding, and his mechanical aptitude was noted in his occupational history. He earned approximately $50 per week, and his work involved handling various vehicles including farm tractors, light trucks, and automobiles

William was described as cheerful, cooperative, and ambitious, with interests in photography, radio, mechanics, and music. He was fluent in English and French, and enjoyed team sports such as baseball and rugby.

William enlisted in the Canadian Active Service Force on July 17, 1940, in Quebec. He was assigned to the 94th Anti-Tank Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, and later served with the 3rd Anti-Tank Regiment. His military career was marked by steady promotions, eventually reaching the rank of Lance Sergeant.

He underwent specialized training as an artificer and was classified under Group A trades pay. His service included postings in Canada and the United Kingdom, and he embarked for overseas duty on October 5, 1941, arriving in Liverpool, England shortly thereafter.

During the Normandy campaign, William was reported missing in action on June 8, 1944, in France. Subsequent investigations revealed that he had been captured by German forces and was wounded in the knee. Despite efforts by fellow prisoners to carry him on a stretcher, German troops denied the request and shot him in a field just north of the Caen-Fontenary Road while he was incapacitated—a confirmed war crime. The execution was ordered by SS Lt. Col. Wilhelm Mohnke.

Eyewitness accounts from fellow soldiers and liberated prisoners of war corroborated the circumstances of his death. His remains were later interred at the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in France.

William left a last will dated August 1, 1940, bequeathing his entire estate to his mother, Mrs. Margaret Beresford. She received his War Service Gratuity of $729.91, along with campaign medals and the Memorial Cross.

His personal effects included a damaged wristwatch and a tin box.

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• - Service record(s)

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