Winnipeg First World War soldier’s remains identified in Belgian cemetery

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This article was published 03/05/2023 (902 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The remains of a Canadian soldier with ties to Winnipeg have been identified in Belgium.

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces have confirmed a grave in Bedford House Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium belongs to Cpl. Frederick Percival Bousfield.

The organizations used historical and archival research to confirm the identity, announcing their findings in a joint release Wednesday.

According to their research, Bousfield was born in March 8, 1896 in Cotehill, Cumberland, England.

His family immigrated to Canada in 1912, stopping in Quebec before settling in Winnipeg. Bousfield, who was then travelling while working on sailing and steam vessels, joined them roughly a year later.

In June 1914, he enlisted with the the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada, and the following year was assigned overseas to serve with the Signals Section of the 43rd Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, military records show.

He trained in England and was promoted to the rank of corporal before leaving for France in February 1916.

Bousfield’s batallion fought against enemy forces in the Battle of Mount Sorrel, which took place outside the town of Ypres, Belgium, June 2-13, 1916.

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, more than 1,100 Canadians were killed during the battle, which saw soldiers fighting to defend their position on Mount Sorrel, a piece of high ground overlooking Ypres.

On June 7, 1916, Bousfield was struck by enemy artillery and killed.

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.

He was 20 years old.

“Corporal Bousfield made the ultimate sacrifice while helping wounded comrades to safety, saving lives and laying down his own in the process,” Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence said in the wake of the discovery.

“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.”

Military officials travelled to Ontario to officially notify Bousfield’s family his grave had been identified.

A commemorative ceremony has already taken place, and a there are plans for a a headstone rededication ceremony in Ypres.

The process of identifying the grave began in October 2019, after three independent researchers raised the possibility it may belong to Bousfield. His identity was corroborated and confirmed in October 2021.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca