Authors: MCpl van Overdijk & Cpl Bartlett
Berton Charles Gunter was born on 20 May 1918, in Toronto, Ontario, to Robert and Ethel Gunter. Raised in a close and loving family with two brothers, Keith and Donald, and a sister, Margaret, Berton’s life was grounded in community, faith, and service. He attended Victoria Public School and later Jarvis Collegiate. For reference, J.C. is located just 1500 metres from Moss Park Armoury, the current home of the 48th Highlanders. He was an active member of St. Andrew’s Church, the regimental church of the 48th. He enjoyed swimming, indoor bowling, and tennis. Prior to the war, he served two years in the sea cadets and worked a variety of jobs, including carpenter, boat mechanic, grocery clerk, and photographic printer, reflecting his resilience and strong work ethic.
The three Gunter brothers would all answer Canada’s call during the Second World War. Keith served in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC), Donald in the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, and Berton himself in both the RCASC and the 48th Highlanders of Canada. On 06 Sept 1939, just days after the outbreak of war, Berton enlisted in the RCASC and by 1940 was serving as a dispatch rider in England. Shortly after arriving in Sicily with the RCASC to take part in the Sicily/Italy campaigns in 1943, Berton transferred to the 48th Highlanders of Canada. With aspirations of becoming a medical clerk, he completed the regimental instructors course on stretcher-bearing. Over the course of his military career, he was awarded the Italy Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal, Wartime Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp—testaments to his unwavering commitment and sacrifice.
On 12 Apr 1945, just weeks before the end of the war in Europe, Berton was serving as the personal driver to Lieutenant-Colonel MacKenzie, commanding officer of the 48th Highlanders. Under warm spring skies, the battalion launched a crossing over the Ijssel River as part of an advance toward the town of Twello. At 0400 hours, troops assembled and boarded Buffalo amphibious vehicles, launching the assault under a thunderous artillery barrage. Despite delays in the arrival of supporting tanks, “Able” and “Baker” Companies pressed forward through intense resistance, including concentrated machine-gun and self-propelled gunfire, reaching their objectives by mid-afternoon.
As Tactical Headquarters was being repositioned closer to the front, Lt.-Col. MacKenzie and Private Gunter, advancing forward in a command vehicle, were fatally struck by enemy artillery. Reports suggest Private Gunter was killed immediately. While the CO was able to dismount the vehicle shortly before succumbing to his injuries, a devastating loss to the battalion. The 48th Highlanders continued the advance under the leadership of the DCO now CO (unbeknownst to most until after the battle) Major Counsell, securing Twello by nightfall and capturing over 75 PWs. The operation was a military success, though it came at the highest single day cost in the battalion’s final weeks of war. Nine highlanders’ that day, including Berton and the CO.
In his personal life, Berton was engaged to Miss Lillian Buchanan of Danforth Avenue. According to his obituary in The Toronto Star dated 21 Apr 1945, he planned to marry her during his next rotation home on leave, a dream tragically cut short. At the time of his death, one of the items he carried was a gold ring with the engraving “Bert love Lil 1939”. A lasting testament and symbol of love never lost and a life together that might have been.
Private Gunter was initially buried in Zutphen and later reinterred on 01 Nov 1946, at the Holten Canadian Military Cemetery, Plot 11, Row F, Grave 11. His headstone bears the touching inscription: “IN GOD’S KEEPING WE ARE SAFE – AND THEY”. Private Berton Charles Gunter’s story is one of profound service, courage, and love. At just 27 years old, he gave his life for his country, his comrades, and for the hope of a better world. His legacy lives on in the freedoms we enjoy today and in the hearts of those who remember. He will forever be honoured as a devoted son, brother, fiancé, and a proud Highlander. Berton and every other Highlander buried in Holten will be remembered as being as our regimental motto states: “Dileas Gu Brath”, faithful forever.
Cpl. Gunter, who had been Lt. Col. Mackenzie’s driver for several months was killed when his jeep hit a mine as he was taking Captain Harold McCutcheon forward to take command of Charlie Company during Operation Cannonshot, whose goal was the liberation of Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.
NOK: Son of Robert N. and Ethel V. Gunter, of Toronto, Ontario.