'The world stopped for a moment': Winnipeg soldier killed in First World War identified in previously unknown grave

Corporal Frederick Percival Bousfield seen on May 31, 1915. (Source: Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces/Bousfield family)

A previously unknown First World War grave in Belgium has been identified and the soldier was connected to Winnipeg.

The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) said the grave—which is in Bedford House Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium—has been identified as Cpl. Frederick Percival Bousfield.

Bousfield was born on March 8, 1896, in Cotehill, Cumberland, England.

In 1912, his family immigrated to Canada, first arriving in Quebec City and then planting roots in Winnipeg.

After arriving in the city, the DND and CAF said he enlisted with the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada.

In 1915, he was assigned overseas to the Signals Section of the 43rd Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

A year later, following training, he was sent to France.

The DND and CAF said Bousfield was part of the Battle of Mount Sorrel, which happened outside of Ypres between June 2 and 13, 1916.

The goal of this battle was to defend Mount Sorrel as it was a piece of high ground in the area and allowed armies to see over Ypres.

"Corporal Bousfield was killed on June 7, 1916, when he was struck by an enemy shell," the DND and CAF said in a joint news release. "According to letters received by his family from members of his battalion, he had been carrying wounded men to safety and was going back for another stretcher when he was hit. Many men said that he displayed great courage in the moments before his death."

Bousfiled was 20 years old when he died.

"Corporal Bousfield made the ultimate sacrifice while helping wounded comrades to safety, saving lives and laying down his own in the process. The story of his selfless commitment brings us grief and inspiration over a century later. We must never forget this young man and the others like him who served their country with such courage. To his family, I extend my sympathy and gratitude,” said Minister of National Defence Anita Anand in a news release.

Bousfield's family was notified by the CAF and there are plans for a headstone rededication ceremony in Ypres.

Bousfield's grave could be identified after the Directorate of History and Heritage from the Commonwealth War Grave Commission in October 2019 indicated that a grave in Ypres may belong to Bousfield. Three separate researchers believed it could belong to him and after research by both the directorate and the commission, it was determined in October 2021 that it did in fact belong to Bousfield.

One of Bousfield's relatives is Cpt. Scott McDowell, who happens to work at the Directorate of History and Heritage.

He said he knew he had a great-great-uncle on his mother's side of the family who fought and died in the First World War but didn't know much else.

So when his family finally learned the news, he said it was extremely special.

"The world stopped for a moment as I realized that of all the Canadians killed in the Great War, my office had identified (my family). It was a really incredible moment," said McDowell.

For McDowell, it isn't lost on him that he gets to experience this news as a family member but also as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and works where the discoveries come to light.

"So getting to experience all of those at once has been really once in a lifetime and just incredibly meaningful to see how they all intertwine."

McDowell said he originally joined the CAF because of his grandfather on his father's side, George McDowell who fought in the Second World War. But to now have this connection on his mother's side of the family he said is special.

Bousfield was one of nine siblings growing up, meaning there are a number of family connections with his grave being discovered. McDowell said this event has really brought his family together.

"So as a family, it's been really amazing to have this look back into our history that's really grounded in such a meaningful event and a meaningful person and a meaningful sacrifice."

When asked why it is so important to keep trying to identify unidentified graves and preserve the history of the First World War, McDowell quoted a portion of the poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae.

"If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders Fields. And this to me means that we did not break faith with those who died, both as a military and as a family and that's just so meaningful to me."

Marjorie Bousfield's grandfather was Cpl. Bousfield's younger brother. The discovery of his grave was an overwhelming emotional experience for her.

"I was weeping because all I could think of was my father, my grandfather, my grandfather's siblings, his parents, who never got the chance to know where Percy's final resting place was," said Marjorie. "So I found that very emotional."

She said she is considered the family genealogist and since learning of Bousfield's grave, she has wanted to learn more about his life before the war.

"He's been a name for most of us in the extended family. He's been a name. And I find that if you find out all the different aspects of his life, he comes alive. He becomes a real person. I find that helps me understand history better and understanding history helps me understand my family better.

Now, with more information about Bousfield, Marjorie hopes to continue to learn more about her family and connect the dots through history.