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
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.