Beatrice (Dede) May Gunter was bornin 1924. Beatrice served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1943 to 1945. After Beatrice’s retirement from the Air Force, she worked with the Air Force Cadets in Rivers, Manitoba.
Early Life
Beatrice (Dede) May Gunter was born on September 2nd, 1924 to Vernon and Beatrice Gunter. She grew up alongside nine siblings, Verna, Mervyn, Blair, Jack, Gerry, Bertha, Elma, Ruth, and Wade. Incredibly, the notion for siblings to enlist in the war effort together was not uncommon, as can be seen by other members of the Dufferin Gang, and the Langlois Family.
Beatrice was an attentive student, attending Victoria School for grades 1-6, Central School for grades 7 and 8, and Devonshire Collegiate for grades 9-11.
Military Career
Beatrice enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force on February 22nd, 1943, until December 12th, 1945. She began her career in Ottawa as an officer training recruits on the parade square. Beatrice was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for her service.
Kenneth G. Howard, in Stories of Selkirk’s Pioneers and Their Heritage, recounts her experiences there as a training officer:
“When she attempted to begin the training drill the trainees laughed at her, refusing to obey her commands. She dismissed the parade, returned to her barracks where she slept much of the day then called them out at midnight. Bringing them to attention she said, “I don’t know about you guys but I’ve had a very good rest and we’ll stay here until you do as I ask.” And they did.”
As second in command at the Airforce Base in Cold Lake, Alberta, Beatrice was met with resistance from her peers once more. Two airmen entered her office and announced their refusal to work for her and requested a transfer. She calmly gave them the form and informed them, “Well, yes, I guess you could have a transfer but the second in command has to sign it and she’s not going to.” Her wit and unflinching self-confidence earned her respect, and she continued to be successful throughout her 23 years of Air Force service.
Following the war Beatrice remained with the Air Force for the duration of her career serving in many cities within the country and overseas. She rose to Major over the next few years. In 1953, Beatrice left Canada for a station in Metz, France. A year later she returned from France for a posting in Trenton, Ontario after a brief stop over in Selkirk to visit her mother, Bertha Gunter. In 1955, she enjoyed another home visit from her station in Clinton, Ontario for Christmas.
Post Military Career
After Beatrice’s retirement from the Air Force on May 6th, 1976, she worked with the Air Force Cadets in Rivers, Manitoba. Outside of the military Beatrice was very devoted to her family during her retired years. She was ambitious in life, always striving to learn new skills and complete tasks. She was very caring and involved with the people closest to her.
On August 10, 1997, Beatrice Gunter passed away at the Selkirk and District General Hospital. She is buried at the Little Britain Church Cemetery in St. Andrews.
Beatrice Gunter Collection
Click on images to enlarge
Beatrice Gunter, 1943-1945, Krewiak Family
Sources
Blue and Gold Report, Fort Garry Horse
Selkirk’s Pioneers and Their Heritage, Kenneth G. Howard
Selkirk Enterprise 1953, 1954, 1955
Winnipeg Free Press, 1997
