Comment posted A Wren for a Wren at 70th anniversary of Gertrude Canning’s murder by jim burns.
a very moving story and sad end to such a young life,R.I.P Gertrude,from a family friend of Joe…
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On behalf of the family and my Mother Gertrude, who was named after WREN Gertrude Canning, I would like to thank the Royal British Legion of Inverarary for their kindness and dedication to look after the memorial.
We will all remember this weekend for the rest of our lives and now Inverarary has been transformed for our family from a place where a dreadful and evil thing took place to the haven of peace and tranquility that it should be.
We salute you Gertrude, the Royal British Legion and people of Iverarary.
James Flynn
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James I totally agree. It was a fantastic tribute to the Aunt I never knew. Hats off to Liam, Helen Joe and Thomas for all the hard work in making it all possible. Hats off also to all those good folk associated with the Royal British Legion (Inverary Branch) and also the town folk of Inverary. It truly was a weekend to remember and I for one will surely return to that beautiful place.
Wan`nt it also great to see all those members of the `clan` Canning ,young and old gathered in the same town. The craic was mighty good was it not.
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Many thanks for your article and beautiful photographs. I am part of the Canning clan. I live in Australia and couldn’t make it on the day. Your article really gave me a sense of what the day was like.
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a very moving story and sad end to such a young life,R.I.P Gertrude,from a family friend of Joe…
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Thanks to all involved without whos help it wouldnt have been possible,i wont name names you all know who you are and for that i will be forever grateful.Tears of sadness were shared ,no doubt about that and when the cermonials were over i can truthfully tell you we had another FAMOUS Canning party in the Argylle Hotel tae the “wee small hours of the mornin”.
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A poem specially written by Joe Canning for the occasion.
OUR GERTY
Listen to me one and all ,and a tale I’ll tell to you,
of a bonny, bonny,Irish lass in the year of ’42.
Away she went to exile,to build a better life.
With dreams of, husband, children.To someday become a wife.
The world would be her oyster,as friends she made each day,
But,clouds of war would call her,and slow her on her way.
“Join the WRENS,and free a man,to fight in battles far”,
The posters on the wall would say,and so she went to war.
She would serve in Inveraray,see the beauty of Loch Fyne,
To presidents,Kings and leaders,she would serve the finest wines.
But,Ireland was never far,and letters she would send,
“Just can’t wait to see you all, to be back home again.
But alas,’midst highland beauty,in the splendour of Argyll,
A cruel and evil devil,would steal that Irish smile.
She is gone but not forgotten,laid to rest at home,
With a loving father,sister,and beside her loving mum.
The bonny lass from Donegal, the girl who hoped to marry,
Will always have a special place,in lovely INVERARAY
In memory of Gertrude Canning,Birdstown,Ballindrait,Lifford,Co. Donegal.
Died June 30th 1942, Craighdu wood,Inveraray Scotland…..R.I. P.
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I feel most humble and proud to accept on behalf of my aunt Gertie the service medal she did not live to receive personally .My aunts description of Inverary as “so beautiful even a artist could not catch it” cannott be elaborated upon. It is indeed a most beautiful place with the most delightful people .The commeration ceremony was a hugh sucess,a day i shall remember forever .My sincere gratitude to THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ,and everyone concerned . We are linked for evermore .Without you we could not have done it . THANK YOU .
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I have found long lost relatives through this lovely memorial to Gertrude Canning. I am at this moment corresponding with Liam to establish the relationship I was told the story of Gertude by my mother, and for over fifty years have never been able to forget her. I am so proud to be a member of the Canning family who like myself were never able to forget Gertrude. They have replaced memories of a young girls brutal murder with love and peace. You were nor ever will be forgotten, I have past the story over to my children.
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This is another warm positive of the many positives the Canning family have made of the tragedy of Gertrude’s murder. Thank you for recording it here.
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