C101873 Rifleman Awrey Henry Renwick was born on 29 Jan 1923 in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, the son of Frederick William Renwick and Mary Harriet Nicholson. He had five older sisters and four brothers, the youngest of whom, John James, was serving in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps.

Renwick left school at age 17.

He was living in Brockville, Ontario and working as a machinist apprentice at Smart’s Foundry, when he enlisted in Ottawa on 12 November 1942. Renwick trained at Camp Borden before being posted to the UK as a reinforcement for the 1st Battalion, The Queen’s Own Rifles, to which he reported for duty on 5 April 1943. He continued to train with the Regiment until D-Day.

Rifleman Renwick landed safely with D Company (second wave) on Juno Beach, D-Day, 5 June 1944. However, he was killed in action on 11 June aged 21, during the battle for the village of Le Mesnil Patry.

He is buried in Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, grave reference III. F. 7.