Unknown corporal from First World War buried in France identified as Winnipeg soldier
More than 100 years after he died while serving in the First World War, a Winnipeg soldier was honoured with a special ceremony and a new headstone in France.
Members of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada travelled to Tilloy-lez-Cambrai, France, on Saturday for a rededication ceremony, where a headstone identifying Corporal George Herbert Ledingham was placed.
“George Ledingham was born in Scotland, but emigrated to Winnipeg, and worked as a Teamster before enlisting in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Jon Baker, the commanding officer of Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. “George died in fighting on Oct. 1, 1918, most sadly of all, with just a little more than a one month left to go in the war.”
Ledingham, who was 31 when he was killed, was listed as missing in action and his remains were never identified. He was buried in a cemetery with a tombstone marked only as “Corporal of the Great War.”
Baker said there was enough information for research to be done to positively identify Ledingham as the buried soldier.
“He was listed as an unknown corporal from the 43rd battalion who died in early October 1918,” he said. “So by reviewing the war diaries of the unit and the names of other bereaved soldiers, researchers were able to determine, through the process of elimination, George was the only corporal from the 43rd battalion who died in the fighting around Tilloy-lez-Cambrai whose remains were not accounted for.”
The new headstone for Corporal George H. Ledingham at the Canada Cemetery in Tilloy-Lez-Cambrai, France on Nov. 19, 2022 (Submitted photo: Jon Baker)
Baker was able to share the discovery with Ledingham’s surviving family in Almonte, Ontario, which included three of his surviving great-nieces and nephews. Wayne McKay, the oldest nephew, had spent the past 30 years researching Ledingham, and Baker said the family was grateful to receive closure.
A new tombstone with Ledingham’s name was placed in the spot in France, replacing the previous one.
Baker said it was an honour to be involved with the service.
“Honouring our fellow Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice and service of our country is one of our most important military traditions,” he said. “All soldiers and their families deserve the same dignity and respect for their sacrifice, regardless of whether their death occurred yesterday, or 104 years ago, like the case with Corporal Ledingham.”
Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Jon Baker delivers a eulogy to Corporal Ledingham at the rededication ceremony on Nov. 19, 2022. (Submitted photo: Jon Baker)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.