Pte Harley Victor Downton 6-C-10
Harley was born on May 15 1924 in Hamilton Ontario as the son of Sidney Reginald and Helena May Downton (both English), of Hamilton. His brothers were Lennard Mortimer and Roger and sister Elinor Downton.
His profession was an aircraft mechanic and he was a member of the United Church.
He enlisted on April 15 1943 in Calgary and he went overseas to the UK on September 1 and thereafter to France for the D-Day landing on June 6 1944.
Harley died of wounds on Friday June 9 age 20 in the A Coy near Putot en Bessin and he was temporarily buried there and on January 18 1945 reburied in Bretteville S/Laize.
At his headstone: NOT DEAD BUT GONE BEFORE
His medals were: 1939-45 Star; France Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Medal; CVSM & Clasp.
His name is at the monument in Putot en Bessin.