Booth, Walter James

Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:: April 11th, 1921 (Glasnevin/Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date of death:: June 8th, 1944 (France)
Buried on:: Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: XIII. Row: F. Grave: 2.
Service number:: L/104452
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Walter James Booth was the son of Robert Booth and May Booth, and grew up in the rural community of Ritchie, Saskatchewan. Raised on a farm, Walter was part of a large family that included several siblings: brothers Ray and Donald, and sisters Elsie Neild and Dot M. Rac. His upbringing in a farming environment shaped his early life and work ethic.

Walter left school at the age of 14, having completed Grade 8. He did not pursue university education or formal trade apprenticeship, but he was fluent in English and had basic literacy skills. Prior to his enlistment, Walter worked as a farm laborer for his father, gaining six years of experience in agricultural work. He expressed interest in carpentry and had some training in that field through military trades programs.

Walter enlisted in the Canadian Army on January 16, 1943, at Regina, Saskatchewan. He joined the 12th District Depot of the Canadian Active Service Force (C.A.S.F.) and was assigned Regimental Number L-104452. His initial training included infantry duties and trades instruction as a carpenter.

He served in various training centers across Saskatchewan, including Regina, Maple Creek, and Shilo, before being transferred overseas. On March 7, 1944, Walter embarked for the United Kingdom, where he joined the 1st Battalion of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, a distinguished unit of the Canadian Army.

Walter James Booth was deployed to France as part of the Allied campaign following the D-Day landings. Tragically, he was murdered by Waffen-SS soldiers on June 8, 1944. He was only 23 years old.

Walter left a will dated March 25, 1944, in which he bequeathed his entire estate to his mother, May Booth. His personal effects were carefully inventoried and returned to his family. The Canadian government issued a War Service Gratuity and other benefits to his mother as the sole beneficiary.

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