Beasley in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Acting Sergeant John Rennie, G.C. 1919-1943
"Jock" Rennie was awarded the George Cross posthumously in May 1944 for an instinctive, selfless act of heroism. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, he came to Ontario with his family as a child and grew up in Kirchener. Rennie enlisted in The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's) at Hamilton in July 1940, and went overseas with them to England in the summer of 1943. On October 29, 1943, he was supervising a grenade-throwing exercise near Riddlesworth when a live grenade fell back into the trench. Rennie pushed one of his men aside and tried to throw the grenade clear. At that moment it exploded. His body shielded others from harm, but he died of his injuries.
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Foundation series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1944.
Location. 43° 15.691′ N, 79° 52.009′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in Beasley. Marker is on James Street North, 0.1 kilometers north of Cannon Street East, on the right when traveling north. The marker is at the Lt. Col. John Weir Foote Armoury. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 James Street North, Hamilton ON L8R 2L1, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Lieutenant-Colonel John Weir Foote, VC CD Armoury (here, next to this marker); Lieutenant Charles Davidson Dunbar, D.C.M. (a few steps from this marker); John Weir Foote Armoury/ Le Manège Militaire John Weir Foote Armoury (within shouting distance of this marker); The North Drill Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Christ’s Church Cathedral / La Cathédrale de l’Eglise du Christ (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Stewart Memorial Church (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Hamilton CN Station / La gare du CN de Hamilton (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 20, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.