Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Canada) (Canadian Army)
Date Of Birth:
01/05/1922
Died:
10/08/1944 (Killed in Action)
Age:
22
Summary
Robert James Ferguson was the eldest son of Robert and Margaret Ferguson. He was born on 1st May 1922 in Donemana, near Strabane. Robert was the oldest of six children, four boys and two girls. Robert was brought up in Killycurragh, outside Cookstown. When he was six years old the family emigrated to Canada. Prior to enlistment, Bertie Ferguson was employed with the Dunlop Rubber Company. Lance Corporal Robert James Ferguson was serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's), R.C.I.C., when he was killed on 10th August 1944.
Further Information
Robert James Ferguson was the son of Robert and Margaret Ferguson.
Robert was born on 1st May 1922 in Donemana, near Strabane. Robert was the oldest of six children, four boys and two girls.
His father was a creamery manager.
Robert was brought up in Killycurragh, outside Cookstown, by his aunts and uncles until the family emigrated to Canada in 1928 when he was six years old.
Robert was educated at Bruce Public School and then at Roden Commercial School.
Bertie, as he came known, was a member of the United Church of Canada and of Cameron L.O.L. No 613 of Toronto.
His father died in 1937.
Prior to enlistment, Bertie Ferguson was employed with the Dunlop Rubber Company in Canada.
After enlisting, Robert James Ferguson proceeded overseas in September 1942. He spent two years training in England.
Lance Corporal Ferguson spent his final leave visiting his aunt and two uncles at Killycurragh, Cookstown.
Lance Corporal Robert James Ferguson was serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's), R.C.I.C., when he was killed on 10th August 1944.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 28th October 1944: Reported Missing
FERGUSON – Missing since 16th August, Private Bertie Ferguson, Canadian Forces, eldest son of the late Bob Ferguson and of Mrs Ferguson, of 457 Ashdale Avenue, Toronto, Canada, and grandson of the late Robert Ferguson, of Killycurragh, Cookstown.
It was some months before his death was confirmed.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 17th February 1945: Corporal R J Ferguson Reported Killed
Toronto papers to hand report that Corporal R J Ferguson, who was reported missing on 10th August, is now reported officially as killed on that date. He was the eldest son of Mrs Margaret Ferguson and the late Robert Ferguson and grandson of the late Robert Ferguson, of Killycurragh. He was born in Donemana, where his late father was creamery manager, but was brought up in Killycurragh until the family emigrated to Canada. He was then only six years of age. Educated at Bruce Public School and Roden Commercial School, he was employed by the Dunlop Rubber Company prior to enlistment in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and went overseas in September 1942. After two years training in England, he spent his leave visiting his aunt, Mrs Ferguson, and two uncles, who are residing on the old homestead. Another uncle is in Killyman Creamery and a fourth lives at Dunmore. This gallant young soldier was a member of the United Church of Canada and of Cameron L.O.L. No. 303 of Toronto.
At the time of his death, his mother was living at 457 Ashdale Avenue, Toronto.
Two of Robert’s brothers, William and Victor, also served during World War Two.
Lance Corporal Robert James Ferguson is buried in Bretteville-Sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery near Caen in France. His inscription reads: IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR SON "BERT" HIS DUTY WELL DONE. MOTHER
The CWGC record Lance Corporal Robert James Ferguson as the son of Robert Ferguson, and of Margaret Ferguson, of Toronto, Ontario.
