1977–2001
Toronto Necropolis
Section D Lot 1644
Born in Montreal, Ainsworth Dyer grew up in Toronto’s Regent Park under the guidance of his Jamaican grandmother, who instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and integrity. In 1996, he enlisted with the 48th Highlanders of Canada, later transferring to the Regular Force and joining the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) in 1998.
Corporal Dyer quickly earned respect for his professionalism and determination. He qualified as a paratrooper, competed in the grueling Mountain Man endurance challenge, and deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2000 as part of Operation Palladium. His commitment to excellence made him a role model within his unit.
On April 17, 2002, during a night training exercise at Tarnak Farms near Kandahar, a tragic friendly fire incident claimed the lives of four Canadian soldiers, including Cpl. Dyer. Eight others were injured. The bombing marked Canada’s first operational fatalities in Afghanistan. He was just 24 years old.
Corporal Dyer was buried at Toronto Necropolis with full military honours. His sacrifice is commemorated through memorials in Afghanistan and Canada, and the Ainsworth Dyer Award, presented annually by the 48th Highlanders to recognize outstanding leadership, skill and conduct.
Sources:
• Veterans Affairs Canada – Ainsworth Dyer
• Mount Pleasant Group – Ainsworth Dyer
• 48th Highlanders Museum – Corporal Ainsworth Dyer
• Veterans Affairs Canada – Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Photo: Department of National Defence
