His journey through Europe began in Normandy, where, on the night of July 8–9, 1944, Frank Arthur Cherry performed a heroic act by rescuing his wounded commanding officer under intense enemy fire and bringing him to safety. Cherry then regrouped the section of the Canadian Scottish Regiment with which he was serving and led them in capturing a second line of defense. For this brave act, his quick thinking, and calm response under pressure, he was awarded the Military Medal, a high distinction.
Cherry was wounded in October 1944, recovered, and was promoted to Corporal. His unit endured four major operations. In the autumn and winter of 1944, he also took part in the Battle of the Scheldt before advancing deeper into the Netherlands in 1945. On April 9, the Canadian troops approached Deventer from the east. After a brief but intense battle, they crossed into Schalkhaar over the Overijssels Canal.
Sergeant Minnis and ten fellow soldiers, including Frank Arthur Cherry, took up position in a strategically located villa on the edge of the village. Early on the morning of April 10, they were soon met with German resistance. A short firefight followed, after which a white flag was raised and about twenty German soldiers surrendered — their war had ended.
But the battle for Schalkhaar was not yet over. After handing over the prisoners, Sergeant Minnis and Corporal Cherry returned to their observation post with their men. Within an hour, they once again spotted German troops. Three German tanks advanced from Averlo toward their villa on Koningin Wilhelminalaan, while infantry crept through the deep ditches on either side of the road. It became increasingly clear that the Germans had no intention of surrendering Deventer without a fight.
The small section, with only a few Bren carriers, now faced overwhelming enemy numbers. Sergeant Minnis alerted his commander and was quickly reinforced — first by a mortar group, and later by several tanks. The German resistance held for two hours. Twenty more soldiers surrendered, and at least an equal number were killed in action.
Frank Arthur Cherry was among those killed during the fighting. The villa in which he had taken cover came under heavy fire multiple times, and he was fatally struck. Four of his fellow soldiers were more fortunate — though wounded, they were able to be evacuated for medical treatment at a field hospital set up behind the front lines.
Frank Arthur Cherry died on Tuesday, April 10, 1945, at the age of 23. He was temporarily buried in Oxe and later reinterred on December 17, 1945, at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. His gravestone reads:
"Five brothers in arms, Four survive, Life’s work well done, Now comes rest."
In Schalkhaar, a memorial marks the place where he was killed. Every year, the local community remembers the contribution of this Canadian corporal to their freedom.