Blair Gunter

Blair Harold Gunter was born in 1916. Blair enlisted with the Fort Garry Horse Armoured Regiment and served in the C Squadron as a radio operator and a tank gunner. During battle he was struck in the hip by a bullet. Fortunately, he was treated for his injuries. Following the war, Blair found employment with the Town of Selkirk for the next 29 years.

Early Life

Harold Blair Gunter was born November 29, 1916 and was the eldest of five Gunter siblings, Jack, Beatrice, Elma, and Gerry, who served in the war effort. Before enlisting Blair, worked as a crane operator working on one of Selkirk’s staple landmarks, the Selkirk Lift Bridge.

Military Career

Blair enlisted with the Fort Garry Horse Armoured Regiment and served in the C Squadron as a radio operator and a tank gunner. Hoping to keep him and his brothers together during the war he joined first and brought them onto the same squadron.

Black and white photo of a man in military uniform. He is wearing a hat and looks directly at the camera — Blair Gunter,1942-1945, B. Gunter Family

Bill and Harold Little, two other Dufferin Gang members and Blair landed in France on June 6, 1944 – D-Day. During the battle on Juno Beach, he was struck in the hip by a bullet. Fortunately, he escaped to safety where he was treated for his injuries. Shortly afterwards he was sent home to Selkirk.

Post Military Career

Following the war, Blair found employment with the Town of Selkirk for the next 29 years. He was active in the community, serving as President of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada, Unit No. 151, as well President and Secretary of the Selkirk Branch of Canadian Union of Public Employees.