A powerful new book, Gertrude Canning: A Wren for 99 Days – Unravelling the Mystery of the Murder of the Donegal Wren in Inveraray, Scotland in 1942, has been released, shedding new light on one of Scotland’s most haunting unsolved murders.
It is a deeply personal and heart-breaking account of the life and tragic death of Gertrude, a young 20-year-old from Ballindrait, Lifford, who was murdered in Scotland during World War II while serving as a member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service or ‘The Wrens’ as they were more commonly known.
Gertrude had been attacked and shot on June 30th 1942. Her body was discovered in a ditch near a secret wartime military base in the Scottish village.
To this day, no one has ever been brought to justice for her murder, making it one of Scotland’s oldest unsolved cold cases.
More than 80 years later, Liam, a native of Ballindrait who now lives in Strabane, meticulously re-examines this tragic case in his book and presents a deeply personal and thoroughly researched account that questions the original police investigation’s findings.
Liam at a memorial stone for Gertrude Canning in Inverary.
“This book is both an investigation and a tribute,” says Liam Canning. “Gertrude may have been forgotten by the justice system, but she is not forgotten by her family. It not only revisits a historical injustice but also celebrates the enduring spirit of a young woman whose story still connects people across generations through memory, love, and justice even today.”
“Gertrude may have been forgotten by the justice system but she will not be forgotten by her family,” Liam said.
Liam – working on writing the book
Liam’s work is a culmination of extensive research, Freedom of Information requests and discussions with the Scottish Police (now Police Scotland) Services.
“Carrying out the research for my book to unravel exactly what happened to my Aunt Gertrude and to uncover the circumstances associated with her murder and the police investigations that followed has been a journey of discovery …..not only for myself, but also for the wider Canning Family network,” he said.
“I would also like to put on record that myself and the other Canning Family members will be forever eternally grateful to the members of the Inveraray Royal British Legion Branch (Scotland) and the wider Inveraray Community for their help and support down the years since I first visited Inveraray back in 2010.”
Gertrude is buried in the Old Ballybogan Graveyard near Lifford, Co. Donegal.
Gertrude Canning’s grave in Lifford
“Gertrude Canning: A Wren for 99 Days” will formally be launched in Co. Donegal on Wednesday 30th of July at 7.00 pm. at the Donegal County Museum, 2 High Road, Letterkenny. Copies will be available to purchase on the night or online from www.gertrudecanning.com
Liam’s book “A Wren for 99 Days” can also be purchased from the Bookmark Bookshop in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre.
Cover of Gertrude Canning: A Wren for 99 Days – Unravelling the Mystery of the Murder of the Donegal Wren in Inveraray, Scotland in 1942
