Donegal man believes he has uncovered the truth about aunt's murder in Scotland

John Canning is a retired Social worker who worked in Learning Disability and Physical Disability with the Western Health and Social Services Trust in Northern Ireland

placeholder image — John Canning is a retired Social worker who worked in Learning Disability and Physical Disability with the Western Health and Social Services Trust in Northern Ireland

Liam Canning, a Ballindrait native now living in Strabane, has spent years working on the publication on his aunt Gertrude, who was just 20 years old when she was murdered in Inveraray, Scotland, on June 30, 1942

A book about a Donegal woman who was murdered in Scotland is about to be launched.

Liam Canning, a Ballindrait native now living in Strabane, has spent years working on the publication on his aunt Gertrude. She was just 20 years old when she was murdered in Inveraray, Scotland, on June 30, 1942. She is buried at the now defunct Ballybogan Old Graveyard, near Lifford.

‘Gertrude Canning: A Wren for 99 Days’ tells the story of her final days and the aftermath of her passing, having served as a member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service or The Wrens, as they were more commonly known.

Eighty-three years on from the incident that saw his aunt be the victim of a sexually motivated crime, brutalised and then thrown in a ditch, her nephew believes he has uncovered the truth at last.

This book is a culmination of extensive research, Freedom of Information requests and discussions with the Scottish Police - now Police Scotland - Services.

The Donegal launch of the book will take place on Wednesday, July 30, at the Donegal County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny, starting at 7pm.

Liam began researching Gertrude’s story upon learning of her murder 15 years ago and this led him on a journey of discovery that culminated in a commemoration event being held by the Royal British Legion – Inveraray Branch in Inveraray in June 2012 - where a Memorial Stone was unveiled at North Cromalt Woods Stone - the location she was murdered - followed by a Bench dedicated to her memory being placed close to the Inveraray War Memorial on Front Green, Inveraray in Gertrude’s honour.

From that point onward, he embarked on an extensive research journey, which has now resulted in the book being written.

“Researching 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,” Liam says.

“For me, writing this book, whilst at times has been challenging, but it has also been a labour of love and I am delighted that I have completed it. This book is more than just an investigation, it is a tribute to my aunt and will ensure that her memory will not be forgotten despite the decades that have past.

“Gertrude may have been forgotten by the justice system but she will not be forgotten by her family. I would also like to put on record that I 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”.

Author John Canning is 68 years of age and a retired Social worker with over 30 years of experience in the fields of Learning Disability and Physical Disability with the Western Health and Social Services Trust in Northern Ireland.