D-Day, June 6, 1944 – the invasion of continental Europe at Normandy has been researched and reviewed often. The ‘Infantrymen’ were just kids. Most never appreciated the danger and assumed if someone was going to died – it would not be them.
They were just like the young guys seen today at the Mall – in a Bar or at a Rider game. Not much has changed. They sought adventure – hoped for the best and did what was expected of them – fight and die, if necessary.
These are two typical ‘kids’ of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade (RCIC) hamming it up aboard their Landing Craft (Light) at Southampton, England on June 4, 1944. They were ready for the invasion of France – not a care in the world.
On the left, Private Art Robertson, Nova Scotia Highlanders, holding a Bren-gun. His buddy Kenny Mardon, Highland Light Infantry of Canada holds a Sten Gun. They are ‘horsing around.’ Each carried a Lee Enfield 303 when they landed at 11:00, June 6, 1944. They were able to land on Juno Beach without firing a shot. They moved inland.
Things changed. On June 8, 1944 at 0500 Kenny Mardon and his unit, the Highland Light Infantry from Waterloo County, Ontario, readied themselves for an attack on the small Normandy village of Burton. They were assisted by Tanks from the Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment.
They attacked the 25th SS Panzergrenadier Regiment, a radical NAZI Hitler Youth Regiment.
The short, bloody battle cost the Highland Light Infantry 262 casualties, of which 62 died on the battlefield and several died of wounds later. Eleven of the 15 Sherbrooke tanks were knocked out.
Private Kenneth Mardon (right), # D/139018, age 19, 9th Infantry Brigade, 1st Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry of Canada, was wounded and evacuated to England.
He died of his wounds July 12, 1944 and is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, UK; 52 D 10.
His Platoon Sergeant in the Highland Light Infantry, Sergeant Herbert ‘Bert’ Edward Francis of Galt, Ontario, was wounded in the same battle and died the next day. He is also buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey.
There is no record of his buddy Art Robertson. It is assumed he survived the war.
