Unknown grave identified as Winnipeg soldier from First World War
![Corporal George H. Ledingham Corporal George H. Ledingham, who served in the First World War, was recently identified as an unknown corporal buried in France. (image source: Ledingham Family)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2021/11/25/corporal-george-h--ledingham-1-5681670-1637876422595.jpeg)
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
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6863247.1714147645!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.