• Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:

February 7th, 1919 (Davidson/Pennsylvania, United States)

Date of death:

June 8th, 1944 (France)

Buried on:

Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: XIV. Row: B. Grave: 5.

Nationality:

Canadian

Frank Ostir was born in Davidson, Pennsylvania, USA. Though American by birth, he later made his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where he lived at 111 Lusted Street. He was Roman Catholic and spoke English and Ukrainian fluently. Before enlisting, he worked as a driver mechanic and had no university or technical degrees, having completed public schooling.

On November 17, 1941, Frank enlisted in the Canadian Army at Winnipeg, joining the Winnipeg Rifles with the regimental number H-42014. He trained at the A15 Infantry Advanced Training Centre and served both in Canada and overseas.

Tragically, Frank Ostir was killed in action on June 8, 1944, in France during the Second World War. His death was officially recognized by the Canadian Army, and his family received condolences from Major-General H.F.G. Letson, the Adjutant-General. Initially buried in France, his remains were later exhumed and reinterred with honor at Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery.

Frank’s death was not only a personal loss but also part of a broader tragedy. Later investigations into war crimes suggested that he may have been among Canadian personnel murdered by German forces, a revelation that was shared with his father, Mike Ostir, to prepare him for possible public disclosures during post-war trials.

Following his death, Frank’s estate was processed by the Department of National Defence. His father received a war service gratuity based on Frank’s 775 days of qualifying service, including 183 days overseas. The gratuity included pay, allowances, and support for dependents. Frank left no will, and his personal effects were inventoried and forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

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

Helaas geen map gevonden.