Unknown grave identified as Winnipeg soldier from First World War
The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have confirmed the identity of an unknown grave as a Winnipeg soldier from the First World War.
The soldier has been identified as Corp. George Herbert Ledingham, who was partially identified as an unknown corporal with the 43rd Battalion when he was buried in the Canada Cemetery in Tilloy-lez-Cambrai, France.
Ledingham was born on Feb. 17, 1887, in Scotland. He enlisted in Winnipeg in November 1915 and joined the 179th Battalion.
Private Ledingham’s unit sailed from Halifax in October of 1916. When the unit arrived in England, the 179th Battalion was absorbed into the 17th Reserve Battalion.
In November 1916, Ledingham was posted to the 43rd Canadian Infantry Battalion in France and served with them until his death.
Ledingham was awarded the good conduct badge in October 1917. The following year he was promoted to the rank of lance corporal and then corporal.
Ledingham died on Oct. 1, 1918, at the age of 31.
The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada’s command team went to Almonte, Ont., to notify Ledingham’s family of the identification. After the immediate next of kin was notified, a public ceremony was held at the Almonte branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. The Winnipeg-based unit is providing the family with support.
A headstone rededication ceremony will take place as soon as possible at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Canada Cemetery in Tilloy-lez-Cambrai, France.
“My thoughts today are with the family of Corporal Ledingham, a Canadian soldier of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The identification of Corporal Ledingham offers an opportunity for us all to remember the Canadian soldiers who served during the First World War,” said Minister of National Defence Anita Anand in a news release.
“To the family of Corporal Ledingham, I and all Canadians are grateful for your ancestor’s courage and bravery. We express our everlasting appreciation of his service and sacrifice. Lest we forget.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.