An Unusual Canadian CWGC Headstone Inscription

Thursday's presentation by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission was on Personal Inscriptions.

The standard for inscriptions was up to 66 characters, less than a tweet. There was a charge per character although it was rarely collected. For Canadians, the government paid.

Several unusual inscriptions were mentioned with the sole Canadian one being on the gravestone of David Ronald Hardy. Interred at the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, he died of wounds on 12 August 1944, age 21. 

Many burials in the cemetery were from death during the later stages of the battle of Normandy, the capture of Caen and the thrust southwards to close the Falaise Gap, and thus seal off the German divisions fighting desperately to escape being trapped west of the Seine. 

His inscription reads

"Dave knew, and died because,

The love of money is the root of all evil"

I. Tim. VI. 10

The assessment of his character on enlistment as recorded in his service file, found on Ancestry, may hint at the motivation for this unusual inscription.

"Big, strong-looking chap (5’ 10", 189 lbs) Of very superior intelligence, is alert and co-operative. Plays rugby & was swimming instructor at school. Has 2 brothers overseas. Has widely diversified interests including model boat & airplane building and studying history & the classics. Appears to be a serious-minded lad, interested in learning and very ambitious to get ahead. His habits are moderate and stability seems excellent. Should be watched as potential officer material."