• Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:

September 27th, 1922 (Kenora/Ontario, Canada)

Date of death:

June 8th, 1944 (France)

Buried on:

Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: XIII. Row: H. Grave: 6.

Service number:

H/103409

Nationality:

Canadian

Ernest William Bradley was the son of Walter and Maude Bradley and grew up in a large family with several siblings. His father was a war pensioner and physically disabled, and Ernest contributed to the household from a young age. He left school at age 15 after completing Grade 9 to help support his family.

Although Ernest did not pursue higher education, he received six weeks of training in sheet metal work and riveting at the Canadian Car and Foundry school. His occupational history included various semi-skilled jobs such as:
- Labourer on bridge repair gangs
- Chaser at Canadian Car and Foundry
- Rodman on survey crews
- Painter, assisting his father He also expressed interest in motor mechanics and hoped to pursue trade training in that field.

Ernest enlisted in the Canadian Army on November 17, 1942, at Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was assigned Regimental Number H103409 and joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. His military aptitude tests indicated above-average learning ability, mechanical aptitude, and proficiency in arithmetic and vocabulary. He was described as a clean-cut, reliable individual with potential for leadership and training as a Non-Commissioned Officer (N.C.O.).

He underwent basic training at various Canadian military facilities, including Portage la Prairie and Shilo, and was granted permission to marry during his service.

On June 30, 1943, Ernest married Laura Martha McNabb in Kenora, Ontario. The couple had no children. Ernest was known for his athleticism and love of outdoor activities such as hockey, skiing, canoeing, and swimming. He enjoyed reading fiction and was socially active, though reserved in demeanor.

Ernest was deployed overseas in August 1943 and disembarked in France on June 6, 1944, as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Tragically, he was murdered by Waffen-SS soldiers on June 8, 1944, just two days after landing. He was initially reported missing, but later officially presumed dead.

His widow received a photograph of the grave and confirmation of its location.

Ernest left a will dated September 28, 1943, in which he bequeathed his entire estate to his wife, Laura Martha Bradley. His personal effects included photographs, membership cards, and newspaper clippings. The Canadian government awarded his widow a War Service Gratuity, campaign medals and Memorial Cross (to both her and his mother)

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