Two Canadian First World War soldiers who died in the Battle of Hill 70 laid to rest by their units

From: National Defence

News Release

August 24, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Private Reginald Joseph Winfield Johnston and Sergeant Harold Wilfred Shaughnessy, First World War soldiers whose remains were identified by the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), were today laid to rest with military honours by their units in Loos British Cemetery in Loos-en-Gohelle, France. The families of the soldiers were present, with the support of Veterans Affairs Canada.

Private Johnston was a member of the 16th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, a unit perpetuated by The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) of Victoria, B.C. He died on August 15 or 16, 1917, at the age of 22, in the Battle of Hill 70.

Sergeant Shaughnessy was a member of the 13th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, a unit perpetuated by The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Montreal. He died on August 15, 1917, at the age of 33, in the Battle of Hill 70.

In both cases, the remains were discovered during a munitions clearing process in advance of a construction project near the village of Vendin-le-Vieil, France. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) was subsequently notified, and took possession of the remains and associated artefacts. Private Johnston and Sergeant Shaughnessy were later identified by DND’s Casualty Identification Program.

Additional multimedia

The burial of Private Johnston
The burial of Sergeant Shaughnessy

Quotes

“Today we pay tribute to Private Johnston and Sergeant Shaughnessy, two among the many Canadians who gave everything they had so that we might emerge victorious from the First World War. We give thanks to our international partners who made today’s events possible.”

Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

“Private Johnston and Sergeant Shaughnessy were among the more than 2000 Canadian soldiers who died at the Battle of Hill 70, an effort to divert German forces from the Battle of Passchendaele. We honour these brave men, and we are honoured to continue their legacy of upholding Canadian values in support of peace and liberty.”

Kent Hehr, Veterans Affairs Minister and Associate Minister of National Defence

“One hundred years later, these soldiers have finally been given the dignity and respect of a military burial in a Commonwealth cemetery, where all who pass by will note their personal sacrifice.”

Brigadier-General (Ret.) David Kettle, Secretary General, the Canadian Agency of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

“It is with honour and pride that we pay tribute to one of our predecessors, who gave his life to clear the path for the freedom that we enjoy today, by offering him a proper burial worthy of his sacrifice.”

Colonel Thomas Mackay, Commanding Officer, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada

“We are proud to pay tribute to those who went before us, through our participation in this ceremony. After 100 years, Private Johnston will finally have a resting place where we will be able to stand, reflect, and acknowledge his sacrifice.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Sawyer, Commanding Officer, The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s)

Quick Facts

  • Sergeant Shaughnessy was born in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, on November 3, 1884. He was a stenographer before enlisting in Montreal on August 4, 1915, at the age of 31. 

  • Private Johnston was born in Springfield, Manitoba, on August 10, 1895. The family moved to Fairford, Manitoba, when he was an infant. Private Johnston grew up in Fairford and was a homesteader until he enlisted in Winnipeg on January 19, 1916, at the age of 20.

  • Sergeant Shaughnessy’s identification resulted from a review of historical context, an examination of material evidence (including an identification disc and a signet ring), and forensic anthropological analysis. Private Johnston’s identification resulted from a review of historical context, an examination of material evidence, forensic anthropological analysis, and DNA testing. In both cases, the identification was made by DND’s Casualty Identification Program. 

  • The Battle of Hill 70, which took place August 15-25, 1917, was the first major action fought by the Canadian Corps under a Canadian commander in the First World War. Approximately 2100 Canadians gave their lives in the battle; over 1300 of these have no known grave. The strategic high point of Hill 70 remained in Allied hands until the end of the war.

  • Loos British Cemetery commemorates over 3000 casualties of the First World War and a small number of casualties from the Second World War. Two-thirds of the soldiers from the First World War are unidentified, and special memorials at the site commemorate two soldiers from the UK and four from Canada who are known or believed to be buried among them. Other special memorials record the names of 44 Canadian soldiers and 12 soldiers from the UK who were buried in other cemeteries, but whose graves were destroyed by shell fire.

Associated Links

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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