Gerald (Gerry) Gunter was born in 1920 and enlisted with the “C” Squadron Fort Garry Horse along with his brothers Blair and Jack. He received the Canadian Efficiency Medal in 1944 and when he returned home he and Jean Taggart were married in 1946.
Early Life
Gerald (Gerry) Gunter was born on January 30th, 1920 and grew up with nine siblings, four of which, Jack, Blair, Beatrice, and Elma also served in the Second World War. His father died when he was ten years old causing the older siblings to take on the care of the family in support of their mother. The family was close-knit, and Gerry had a happy early life. He was a friendly and outgoing person who enjoyed time with his friends and family.
Gerry attended Northward School and did well, completing Grade 10. After he graduated, he worked on a farm in Cypress River, Manitoba where he met his future wife, Jean Taggart.
Military Career
Gerry enlisted on February 11th, 1941 with the 10th Canadian Armoured Regiment Fort Garry Horse C Squadron. Gerry and his two brothers joined the Army together along with their friends, Harold and Bill Little from Dufferin Avenue. The brothers wanted to serve together, Blair joined first, then Jack, and Gerry followed. Their oldest brother, Mervyn remained in Selkirk to support their mother and younger siblings.
Gerry served on D-Day on June 12th, 1944 in Normandy with the Tank Division. He was well decorated for his bravery earning the France and Germany Star, 1939 -1945 Star, the Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, and War Medal 1939-1945. Additionally, he received the Canadian Efficiency Medal in 1944 which was awarded to soldiers for completing twelves years of service in the Canadian militia or the Royal Canadian Air Force Auxiliary and Reserve. He was also stopped once by the Queen of England to answer some questions. This “brush with royalty” was a proud moment and memory of the war.
Post Military Career
When the war ended, Gerry returned from overseas. He and Jean were married on September 24th, 1946. Together they had four children, Wendy, Beverley, Wayne, and Donna.
The couple enjoyed their retirement in Selkirk. Gerry was a member of the Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans Unit 151 in Selkirk. At the age of 62, Gerry Gunter passed away suddenly from a heart attack on January 13th, 1982. He is buried in the Little Britain Church Cemetery.
Gerry Gunter Collection
Click on images to enlarge
Gerry Gunter, 1942-1945, Gunter Family
Sources
Winnipeg Free Press, 1944
Winnipeg Tribune, 1945
The Glenboro Gazette, 1982
Gunter Family
Canadian Efficiency Medal, Government of Canada
Jean Gunter Obituary, Gilbart Funeral Home
