Major Bobby Irvine
Saskatoon Light Infantry

I consider from the evidence that Major R.C. Irvine died from injuries in circumstances which do not indicate improper conduct as defined by Overseas RO 2022 or negligence on his part. I direct that no disciplinary action be taken.

(Court of Inquiry, 24 Jul 1944)

Born on 12 June 1911 in Sutherland, Saskatchewan, Robert Cyler Irvine was assistant manager with the Eaton department store in Regina. He transferred from the Regina Rifles to go overseas with the Saskatoon Light Infantry in December 1939. He served as platoon leader, adjutant, and quartermaster during training in the United Kingdom. Lieutenant R.C. Mitchell described him as “a glib organization man—the kind of person a farmer suspects of relying on his tongue to carry him rather than actual performance. Actually, later on, Bobbie served on Brigade staff and was considered a valuable man.”

This officer has a smart soldierly appearance and a pleasant manner. He works well with others, thinks clearly and expresses himself well. He is thorough in his work and in my opinion will become a very effective 1st Grade Staff Officer, when given the opportunity of staff training.” Following staff officer duties with the 2nd Infantry Brigade, Irvine rejoined the SLI at the rank of major in May 1943. The battalion along with the 1st Division landed in Sicily two months later.

He became second-in-command in November 1943 and temporarily replaced Lieutenant-Colonel E.J. Scott-Dudley on 15 February 1944. He served as acting commanding officer until Lieutenant-Colonel J.A. Calder arrived at the end of the month. Irvine reverted to major.

On 30 April 1944, he went out on reconnaissance ahead of the battalion. When his driver attempted to pass another vehicle, the jeep rolled over at least three times. The driver, an NCO and three Indian Army privates took minor injuries. Irvine suffered a fatal head wound and died. “This is a very sad blow to us all,” the war diary recorded. “Major Irvine had a great number of friends in the Division and his cheery smile and. ready helping hand will be missed by us all.”

The battalion assembled a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash. The driver of the other vehicle, an American Major Frederick W. Hoeing stated, “The only cause for this accident seems to have been a very bad, and dangerous and careless, bit of driving by the man at the wheel of the jeep. He said that he had decided to pass us, then realized that he couldn’t make it safely, which was obvious from a view of the place where the accident occurred. He tried to stop, and turned over.” Hoeing alleged to have discovered two empty liquor bottles in the jeep.

The court of inquiry, however, judged Hoeing’s statement opinion rather than fact and largely discounted it in the conclusion. The court determined, “Having regard for the normal hazards of driving in an operational theatre, the accident was inevitable.”