Our Heroes

Lawrence Eugene Benner was born on March 23, 1926, in Calgary, Alberta, where he grew up in the Bridgeland community. In September 1943, at the age of 18, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and trained as a tail gunner aboard Lancaster bombers.

Although Lawrence had hoped to become a pilot, his smaller stature led to his selection as a tail gunner—one of the most dangerous and demanding positions aboard a bomber aircraft.

“I never got to see where I was going, only where I had been.”

Lawrence served overseas and was awarded his Operational Wings in recognition of his wartime operational service. His courage and dedication were especially remarkable given the dangers faced by tail gunners, who served in an isolated position at the rear of the aircraft and faced extraordinary risks during operational missions.

Following the war, Lawrence returned to Calgary and completed his education. He resumed his career in telecommunications and later worked for Alberta Government Telephones, helping maintain the province’s long-distance toll lines. He retired in 1984 at the age of 58 after a long and dedicated career.

Lawrence married Marion Sheeran, and together they raised three children: Keith, Kathleen and Robyn. In retirement, he enjoyed travelling internationally and spending his winters at homes in Hawaii and Phoenix.

Lawrence passed away on May 9, 2017, at the age of 91. His courage, service and devotion to his family remain an enduring source of pride. Through this memorial, we honour Lawrence and preserve his remarkable story for future generations.

Lest we forget.