The Missing
Another Unknown Canadian Soldier (UCS) identified by Norm Christie in his book Sacred Places Volume I in 2011. Ten years have passed, and still, Corporal William Benjamin Cunningham’s grave remains unidentified. Plot 40, Row D, Grave, 18 at Tyne Cot British Cemetery.
William Benjamin Cunningham
Son of Hugh (1857-1909) and Syllindia Isabel (Harper) Cunningham (1863-1952). Born December 30, 1895 in Hayfield, Manitoba. Died of wounds, 27 October 1918, two days before his cousin. In addition, brother of James Russel Cunningham (1894-1974, sister to Annie Pearl Cunningham (1890-1904). Annie died 13 years/5 months/4 days of age.
Cunningham Family History
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Cunningham House (750 Fourteenth Street, Brandon)
This one-storey brick residence on Fourteenth Street in Brandon constructed earlier in 1916 for Mrs Syllindia Cunningham (1863-1952) and her family, where they resided for ten years. In addition, subsequent occupants included Earl Edwin Logan (1891-1959) of the Wheat City Business College, Charles Frederick Peavoy (1895-1975) of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and agricultural implements dealer Frank Hill Lawson (1890-1964).
Syllindia Cunningham
Cunningham, Syllindia T. born in Lucknow, Ontario in 1863, died in Brandon, Manitoba, later on 16 November 1952 (aged 89 years). Buried in Section 8, Block F, Plot 56, Subplot 1 in Brandon Municipal Cemetery in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.
James Cunningham
Cunningham, James born earlier in 1828, died 10 August 1901. Commemorated in Section 8, Block F, Plot 17, Subplot 1 in Brandon Municipal Cemetery in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. James Cunningham must be the grandfather of Corporal Clayton.
James Russel Cunningham
Cunningham, James Russel (brother of Corporal William Benjamin Cunningham) born in Hayfield, Manitoba in 1895, died later in Brandon, Manitoba on 11 March 1974, and buried in Section 8, Block F, Plot 15, Subplot 1 in Brandon Municipal Cemetery in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.
Private James Cunningham
Private Cunningham, James 865506 born in Carnwath, Scotland on 9 March 1886, wife Mrs Alice Cunningham of Brandon, Manitoba, cousin of W B Cunningham. Attested 25 April 1916, and also assigned to the 44th Battalion, cousin of William Benjamin Cunningham. Died of wounds, 29 October 1917, NINE ELMS BRITISH CEMETERY. Witness to his attestation Sergeant Harry Sturdy 865084.
Annie Pearl Cunningham
Cunningham, Annie Pearl born in 1890, died on 23 January 1904, and later buried in Section 8, Block F, Plot 16, Subplot 1 in Brandon Municipal Cemetery in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.
Bertha Annie Jane Cunningham
Cunningham, Bertha Annie Jane (wife of James Russell Cunningham) born in Rounthwaite, Manitoba in 1899, died later in Brandon, Manitoba on 15 January 1966, and buried in Section 8, Block F, Plot 14, Subplot 1 in Brandon Municipal Cemetery in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.
Thelma Isobel Cunningham
Cunningham, Thelma Isobel born in Hayfield, Manitoba on 17 February 1922, died in Brandon, Manitoba on 30 August 1949, and buried in Section 8, Block F, Plot 58, Subplot 1 in Brandon Municipal Cemetery in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. Furthermore, Thelma likely the daughter of Bertha Annie Jane and James Russell Cunningham, spouse misidentified as William Benjamin Clayton in F-a-G.
Attestation of William Benjamin Cunningham
Company Quarter Master Sergeant William Benjamin Cunningham 865074 attested 10 February 1916 in Brandon, Manitoba with 181st Overseas Battalion. CQSM Cunningham currently serving with 99th Manitoba Rangers, (since 5 June 1915). At this time, standing 5′ 11″ tall, 158 pounds, with fair complexion, brown eyes and hair. A Methodist. Witness Francis William Roberts 865065.
William attested two days later after his cousin, David Irving Beattie 865041 (David’s witness Francis William Roberts 865065).
Last Will and Testament
William writes will leaving everything to his mother on 1 March 1917.
In April 1917, Private Clayton transferred to 18th Reserve Battalion, then to be Company Quarter Master Sergeant, Dibgate. William must have immediately sent a letter home informing his parents of the promotion, for within a few days, Company Quarter Master Sergeant Clayton reverts to ranks in anticipation of proceeding overseas. Then, on 17 April 1917, Private Clayton to be Lance Corporal with pay.
Lance Corporal Clayton ToS by the 44th Battalion, 16 June 1917, and then once again, Lance Corporal Clayton reverted in rank to proceed overseas.
44th Battalion
Organized in February 1915 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel E R Wayland, initially mobilized at Winnipeg, and recruited in Winnipeg. Draft of 5 officers and 249 other ranks sent to England later on 4 September 1915. Then, another draft of 10 officers and 500 other ranks from 44th and 45th Battalions sent to England on 1 June 1915. Embarked from Halifax 23 October 1915 aboard LAPLAND, later disembarked England 30 October 1915 with a strength of 36 officers, 1076 other ranks.
Disembarked in France 10 August 1916 with the 4th Canadian Division, 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, and later reinforced by 18th Canadian Reserve Battalion. Perpetuated by The Carleton Light Infantry which, in 1936, amalgamated with The York Regiment to form The Carleton and York Regiment, perpetuation later changed 11 September 1969 to The Royal Winnipeg Rifles.
France
Private Clayton admitted No.10 CFA 7 August 1917, PUO, and later discharged, 17 August 1917.
Again, William distinguishes himself amongst his peers, and promoted Corporal in the field later on 1 September 1917.
Battle of Passchendaele
Before the end of the month, Corporal William Benjamin Cunningham killed in action 27 September 1917.
Investigative Report
This report pertains to an investigation of the identification of the burial location, or headstone markings, of a member of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) during the Great War 1914-1921.
Submitted to
CWGC Commemorations Section
Commonwealth War Graves Commission 2 Marlow Road
Maidenhead, Berkshire
SL6 7DX United Kingdom
Email: commemorations@cwgc.org
Report Date
29 February 2020
Updated
19 June 2020 ( grave stone)
Note: Corporal William Benjamin Cunningham 865074 44th Battalion UCS identified by Mr Norm Christie.
Summary of Findings
The Graves Registration Report form for Plot 40 Row D Grave 18 of the Tyne Cot Cemetery lists an Unknown Canadian Corporal of the 44th Canadian Infantry Battalion.
A very simple case, as only one (1) Corporal of the 44th Battalion named on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial for the Great War of 1914-1919. All other Corporals of the 44th Battalion lost in Belgium accounted for in known graves.
Details of Findings
The findings conclusive the remains in Plot 40 Row D Grave 18 are those of Corporal William Benjamin Cunningham # 865074 of the 44th Canadian Infantry Battalion. Lost in action on 27 October 1917 in the Battle of Passchendaele. With the 44th Battalion in the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division. The findings are based on the following.
Graves Registration Report (GRRF)
The Graves Registration Report (GRRF) reports “44th Can. Inf. Unknown Canadian Soldier Corporal” in Plot 40 Row D Grave 18 of the Tyne Cot British Cemetery, Commune of Passchendaele (Attachment #1). The document stamped earlier on 4 February 1921.
Concentrations of Graves – Burial Return (COG-BR)
The Concentrations of Graves – Burial Return (COG-BR) reveals Corporal of the 44th Canadian Infantry in Plot 40 Row D Grave 18 identified by Chevrons (Corporal Stripes) and Numerals (44th Canadian Infantry). Furthermore, the remains recovered from the location with trench map coordinates 28.D.12.c.9.8 (Attachment #2).
War Diary (WD)
The War Diary (WD) of the 44th Canadian Infantry Battalion records the unit is east of Ypres on 26 October 1917. In the vicinity of Van Isackers Farm 28.D.21.a (Attachment #3a). The 44th Battalion would be in support of the 47th Battalion to attack and capture the objectives lost by the 46th Battalion. The following morning the battalion moved east near Seine 28.S.16.c.2.5 (not “a.2.5”). Then, next reported near Decline Copse 28.D.18.a, where the 47th Battalion would push forward into 28.D.12.a. Very close to where the remains were recovered (Attachment #3b). In addition, the attack went forward 10:00 pm, at which time one officer killed and several other ranks killed and wounded.
CWGC records confirm the death of one officer on that date. However, his remains not knowingly recovered (Lieutenant Charles Lucas Jeffrey). Ten other men were reported lost that date, in addition to the Lieutenant and Corporal. Only four (4) of which, have known graves. Private Wilkinson recovered just south of Decline Copse at 28.D.18.a.7.2 and is buried in the Passchendaele New British Cemetery.
Area Map
The Area Map from Nicholson’s Official History of the Canadian Expeditionary Force provides confirmation of the location of the 44th Battalion at the time of Corporal Cunningham’s death (Attachment #4). In addition, the battalion path noted as east and southeast. On the right (north) flank of the Australians, just north of Decline Copse.
Trench Map
In addition, the smaller scale Trench Map shows the reported recovery location of the Corporal’s remains from 28.D.12.c.9.8. East of the road into Passchendaele and north of Decline Copse (Attachment #5). Furthermore, in complete agreement with recorded details in the war diary and the location where the remains recovered.
Possible Candidates
A list of Possible Candidates prepared from the information contained in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) database (Attachment #6). Corporal William Benjamin Cunningham #865074 not only the only Corporal of the Battalion not knowingly recovered from the Battle of Passchendaele, but the only unrecovered 44th Battalion Corporal from any action at any time in Belgium during the Great War.
The earliest known casualties of the 44th Battalion in Belgium in August-September 1916. At this time, the 4th Canadian Division held back in the area before joining the rest of the Canadian Expeditionary Force at Courcelette, France. All the 1916 casualties recovered and buried in the Ridge Wood Military Cemetery.
All the 1917 casualties of the 44th Battalion were from the Battle of Passchendaele in October-November 1917, other than for Lance Corporal McGann, who died a month earlier as a Prisoner of War. There were no 44th Battalion casualties in Belgium at any time in 1918.
Strange why the identification of Corporal Cunningham remained unknown for more than 100 years, given that he was the only missing Corporal of the battalion in Belgium. And, his remains clearly recorded as a Corporal of the 44th Battalion.
Circumstance of Death (COD)
A review of the contents of the Circumstance of Death (COD) file reveals Corporal Cunningham killed in action on 27 October 1918. And, no record of burial (Attachment #7). During very intense and severe fighting in the Passchendaele area, Corporal Cunningham on duty in a forward outpost when shot through the head by an enemy rifle bullet and instantly killed.
War Graves Register (E-13)
The War Graves Register (E-13) reports only Corporal Cunningham killed in the vicinity of Passchendaele. In addition, his grave cannot be located by the D.G.R.G. as of 31 July 1918 (Attachment #8). As a result, his name added to the Menin Gate Memorial.
CWGC Headstone Schedule (HD-SCHD)
The CWGC Headstone Schedule (HD-SCHD) records only that the headstones from 40.D.13 to 40.D.20 are part of a group (Attachment #9a,b). In addition, that corresponds with the GRRF document that shows that all of these graves belonged to Unknown Soldiers. Headstones for 40.D.12 and 40.D.21 subsequently added to that list, after initial identifications changed to unknown. At this time, not known if the headstone for Plot 40 Row D Grave 18 at the Tyne Cot Cemetery records a Corporal of the 44th Canadian Infantry Battalion.
Grave Stone Photograph
A Grave Stone Photograph provided by GWF Member Marnik from Passchendaele in June 2020. At that time the report updated to include the image (Note: Attachment #10 replaced by CEFRG in this post).
Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial panel bears the name of Corporal W. B. Cunningham. Clearly showing the only named Corporal of the 44th Canadian Infantry Battalion recorded as unknown (Attachment #11).
Action Required
As previously noted, this is a simple case and a decision to alter the commemoration details for Corporal William Benjamin Cunningham should be straight forward. In conclusion, clearly, the only Corporal of the 44th Canadian Infantry Battalion named on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial and the only one known buried in the Tyne Cot Cemetery.
Investigator & Report Author
The following have participated in the preparation, review and submission of this report on a voluntary basis. In addition, those noted below have read the investigative report and compared it to the criteria set out by the CWGC, as a guiding principle, and have agreed to have their name included as part of the review team.
Richard Laughton
Canada
Private Researcher
LMC Great War Research Company
David Irving Beattie
David, William’s cousin, wounded later on 27 October 1917, GSW to the abdomen. He later returned to his unit in November 1917, and demobilized in 1919. Though David did return to Brandon in May 1919, he became a casualty of the Great War on 6 December 1919.
Harry Sturdy
Harry, James’ witness, survived the Great War, suffering from chronic rheumatism, myalgia, chronic constipation (15 years worth), a bad case of Influenza (second wave), and severe myopia, all while serving with the 18th Reserve Battalion in England. Pvt Sturdy had complained his vision deteriorated during his stay at Camp Hughes in Canada, the medical doctor in Canada on his return in agreement.
Francis William Roberts
Francis, William’s witness, survived the Great War, remaining with the 18th Reserve Battalion in England for the remainder of the Great War.
Addendum
National Defence News release
Oct. 2, 2024 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have confirmed that the grave of a previously unknown soldier is that of Corporal William Benjamin Cunningham, a Canadian soldier of the First World War. Corporal Cunningham was buried as an unknown soldier in Tyne Cot Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium, in 1920. The identity was confirmed through historical research conducted using numerous archival sources including war diaries, service records, casualty registers, and grave exhumation and concentration reports.