Rose Alice Louise Bernst

Rose Alice Louise Bernst

Rose Alice Louise Bernst

  • Date of Birth: April 17th, 1898 in London, England 
  • Date of Death: June 29th, 1994, in Thunder Bay, Canada
  • Accomplishments related to: Military and war service, National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother
  • Major affiliations: Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans Affairs Canada

Born in London, England, on April 17th, 1898, Rose Alice Louise Bernst spent her early years in England before immigrating to Canada. There she would marry Edward Emil Bernst in Fort William, Ontario, now Thunder Bay, before moving to Saskatchewan in 1916. They returned to Fort William in 1935 with their family of 8 children.

Every male member of the Bernst family served in the Canadian forces in some way, including active duty. Her husband served with the Forestry Corps in Scotland from 1942-1945. All seven sons also served throughout various military units, including the Lake Superior Motor Regiment. Hailed as “Rosie” the riveter, Rose herself also contributed to the war effort working at Can-Car in Fort William.

Tragically, Rose’s family suffered loss during the conflict. On August 29, 1941, her son, Private Clarence Robert Bernst, died from leukemia while serving with the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor). A few years later, one of her other sons, Able Seaman Ronald William Bernst, was killed at sea while on duty with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve.1 While not the only soldiers to have died during WWII, their loss was conveyed back home through moving death notices in the local papers.

Notices of Death for Rose Alice Louise Bernst's Two Sons

Notices of Death for Rose Alice Louise Bernst's Two Sons

In honour of her two sons that died while serving in the Canadian military, Rose Alice Louise Bernst from Thunder Bay, Ontario, was selected as the 1985 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother. The Silver Cross Mother recognizes the exceptional sacrifice and trauma of mothers and wives of Canadian soldiers experienced having their family serve in Canada’s wars.

Representing all mothers who have lost children while serving, Mrs. Bernst laid a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial, raising awareness for the perspective of those left behind to remember the sacrifices made.

Rose Alice Louise Bernst notice in the newspaper

Rose Alice Louise Bernst Notice in the Newspaper

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