• Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:

March 27th, 1921 (Malahide/Ontario, Canada)

Date of death:

June 11th, 1944

Buried on:

Canadian War Cemetery Bretteville-sur-Laize
Plot: XXIII. Row: G. Grave: 6.

Service number:

B/25464

Nationality:

Canadian

George Alonzo Benner grew up in a rural setting in Elgin County and was the second of three children. His father passed away when George was just four years old, leaving his mother to raise the family in a modest household.

George attended school in Elgin County and completed several grades, though he did not pursue higher education. He was described as having a broken home but maintained a stable and ambitious character. His hobbies included photography, radio, mechanics, and music—he played the mouth organ and enjoyed team sports like baseball and rugby.

Before enlisting, George worked as a service station attendant and farm laborer, earning approximately $26 per week. He had mechanical aptitude and experience with vehicles such as farm tractors and light trucks. His employers included Speedy Auto Wash in Toronto and various farms in Elgin County.

George enlisted in the Canadian Active Service Force on February 13, 1941, in Toronto, Ontario, at the age of 19. He was assigned to the Royal Canadian Engineers (R.C.E.), specifically the 6th Field Company, and held the rank of Sapper.

His military training included basic and advanced engineering instruction, and he qualified as a Plumber "C". He served in various units across Canada and the United Kingdom, including postings in Petawawa and North Bay. His service record shows multiple hospitalizations for minor ailments and a few disciplinary infractions, such as brief absences without leave.

George embarked for overseas duty on September 18, 1941, disembarking in the United Kingdom. He served in the Western European Theatre of War, participating in operations leading up to and during the Normandy campaign.

On June 7, 1944, George was reported missing in action during the early days of the D-Day invasion. It was later confirmed that he had been captured and murdered by enemy forces while a prisoner of war—an act classified as a war crime.

George left a last will dated January 4, 1944, bequeathing his entire estate to his mother, May Elsie Benner. She received his War Service Gratuity totaling $659.47, along with his campaign medals. His mother was also the recipient of his assigned pay and dependents’ allowance during his service.

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• Photo 1: Operation Picture Me
• - Service record(s)

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