A compelling new book, Gertrude Canning: A Wren for 99 Days – Unravelling the Mystery of the Murder of the Donegal Wren in Inveraray, Scotland in 1942, has been published, offering fresh insights into a haunting Scottish cold case.
The book delivers a deeply personal and poignant account of Gertrude Canning’s life and tragic death. Gertrude, a young woman of 20 from Ballindrait, Lifford, was murdered in Scotland during World War II while serving in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, known as ‘The Wrens.’
On June 30th, 1942, Gertrude was attacked and fatally shot. Her body was discovered in a ditch near a secret wartime military base in the Scottish village.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, Gertrude’s killer has never been brought to justice. Her case remains one of Scotland’s oldest unsolved murders.
Over 80 years later, Liam Canning, originally from Ballindrait and now residing in Strabane, meticulously re-examines the case in his book. He presents a thoroughly researched and deeply personal account that challenges the conclusions of the original police investigation.
Liam at a memorial stone for Gertrude Canning in Inverary.
“This book is both an investigation and a tribute,” says Liam Canning. “Gertrude may have been forgotten by the justice system, but she is not forgotten by her family. It not only revisits a historical injustice but also celebrates the enduring spirit of a young woman whose story still connects people across generations through memory, love, and justice even today.”
“Gertrude may have been forgotten by the justice system but she will not be forgotten by her family,” Liam said.
Liam – working on writing the book
Liam’s work is a culmination of extensive research, utilizing Freedom of Information requests and engaging in discussions with the Scottish Police (now Police Scotland) Services.
“Carrying out the research 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,” he said.
“I would also like to put on record that myself 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.”
Gertrude is buried in the Old Ballybogan Graveyard near Lifford, Co. Donegal.
Gertrude Canning’s grave in Lifford
“Gertrude Canning: A Wren for 99 Days” will formally be launched in Co. Donegal on Wednesday 30th of July at 7.00 pm. at the Donegal County Museum, 2 High Road, Letterkenny. Copies will be available to purchase on the night or online from www.gertrudecanning.com
Liam’s book “A Wren for 99 Days” can also be purchased from the Bookmark Bookshop in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre.
Cover of Gertrude Canning: A Wren for 99 Days – Unravelling the Mystery of the Murder of the Donegal Wren in Inveraray, Scotland in 1942
New book re-examines unsolved murder of young Lifford woman was last modified: July 14th, 2025 by
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