CEFRG – Canadian Expeditionary Force Research Group 1914-1919
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Lieutenant Alexis Hannum Helmer in the Great War
Inspiration for In Flanders Fields Was Lieutenant Alexis Hannum Helmer the inspiration for John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields? What happened at his battlefield grave, and why was it later lost? CEFRG seeks to answer these questions, after Helmer’s rather short wartime military service. Service of Lieutenant Alexis Hannum Helmer Lieutenant Alexis Hannum Helmer born 29…
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Victoria Cross Recipients of the Great War in 1967
The Right Honorable Daniel Roland Michener, Governor General of Canada (1967-1974) with Victoria Cross and George Cross recipients. Photograph Chris Lund (1923-1983). Photo Credit: LAC PA-129803 Victoria Cross Recipients, front row from left to right: Frederick Maurice Watson Harvey, VC, MC, Raphael Louis Zengel, VC, MM George Randolph Pearkes, VC, PC, CB, DSO, MC, CD,…
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Sergeant Joseph Attwood in the Great War
Welterweight Champion Sergeant Joseph Attwood born in Hayley Green, Halesowen, England. A furnace man by trade. Previous service with 44th Regiment (Lincoln & Welland Canal Force). Sister Mrs John Taylor, 42 Randolph Street, Welland, Ontario. Father, Mr Attwood of 67 Blackberry Lane, Spring Hill, Halesowen, Birmingham, England. Folklore has it Joe fled to Wales to…
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Canadian Corps Artillery Memorial in the Great War
The Canadian Corps Artillery Memorial also known as the Canadian Artillery Memorial. During the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the following units represented the Canadian Corps Artillery – Canadian Field Artillery, Royal Field Artillery, Canadian Garrison Artillery, Royal Garrison Artillery and South African Heavy Artillery. Thélus Corner References to THELUS CORNER in Canadian War Diaries begins…
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Soldat Fortunat Auger in the Great War
Shot at Dawn Soldat Fortunat Auger, the first Canadian soldier Shot at Dawn in the Great War, also shares the rare distinction of having been buried in both Belgium and France. A Swan of Ypres Soldat Fortunat Auger 23621 an architect and carpenter, enlisted at the age of 23 years, 6 months at Valcartier, Quebec,…
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Major Vernon Harcourt Powell MC in the Great War
Our Beloved Major Major Vernon Harcourt de Butts Powell MC suffering from delayed onset of PTSD, successful on his second attempt to take his life during his second tour of the Western Front. Vernon Powell born 23 January 1886 in Little Shelford, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Son of the late Rev. Harcourt Powell, of Wollaston Vicarage,…
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Private Michael Cada in the Great War
Indigenous Soldiers A Tragic Love Story Private Michael Cada an Ojibwe First Nation Indigenous soldier born 24 December 1883 at M’Chigeeng (West Bay) Indian Reserve No. 22, Morrisville, Manitoulin Island, Ontario. The population of Manitoulin Island home to six Anishinaabe reserves – M’Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Aundeck Omni Kaning, Wikwemikong and Zhiibaahaasing. Michael in good company,…
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Soldat Eugène Poirier in the Great War
Shot at Dawn Soldat Eugène Poirier son of Germain Poirier and Caroline Barrieau of Bouctouche, Kent, New-Brunswick. Eugène Poirier served as Eugene Perry in the Great War. Chosen as the first of four soldiers of the 22nd Battalion (Van Doos) to be executed during the war, and one of twenty three Canadians offered a formal…
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Private Michael Joseph Walsh in the Great War
Private Michael Joseph Walsh, son of the late Richard and Johanna Walsh, of Highwrath, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. A survivor of his first engagement, the Second Battle of Passchendaele, Michael developed pneumonia nine months later and invalided back to the UK. Another seven months in hospitals before Michael finally died of acute meningitis and pleurisy.…
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Lance Corporal Edward Coppell in the Great War
The Missing The CWGC ID Case of Lance Corporal Edward Coppell still currently under investigation. Report originally submitted by the late Richard Laughton in October of 2016. Edward Coppell born 12 July 1892 in Kirkdale, Liverpool. Edward’s father John Coppell resided at 435 Stanley Road, Liverpool. Edward married to Grace Coppell (later c/o Mrs E…