The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces have identified the grave of a Canadian soldier of the Second World War as that of Trooper Henry George Johnston.

“Trooper Johnston dedicated his life in defence of peace and freedom during the Second World War. We honour him for his courage and selflessness. The service of this brave member will not be forgotten, as it continues to impact the way Canadians live today. As we approach Remembrance Day, all Canadians should appreciate that the Canadian Armed Forces’ Casualty Identification Program continues to identify the names and tell the stories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. We will remember them. Lest we forget.”

— The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence 

“In a conflict as vast as the Second World War, it can be difficult to remember that behind every casualty was a human being with a life they left behind to serve. Events like this remind us of that. Trooper Johnston paid the ultimate sacrifice, and will finally receive the recognition he deserves. We remember him today.”
— The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence 

"Canadian troops proudly fought alongside our Allies during the Second World War, providing key ground support to the British-led operation that pushed back enemy troops on the Roer Front along the Dutch-German border. Trooper Henry George Johnston is part of a proud legacy of Canadians who fought valiantly during the fierce battles, demonstrating great courage and character in the face of tremendous adversity. Trooper Johnston will be honoured for his service and his sacrifice will forever remain in our memory."

 — Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre, Commander Canadian Army 

• The Canadian Armed Forces’ Casualty Identification Program, within the Directorate of History and Heritage, identifies unknown Canadian service members when their remains are recovered and there is sufficient evidence to identify them by name. 

   

• The program also identifies service members previously buried as unknown soldiers when there is sufficient historical and archival evidence to confirm the identification. When that is the case, the previously unknown soldier receives a new headstone with their name, unit affiliation, and a personal family inscription, if that is requested. 

   

• The Casualty Identification Review Board is composed of members of the Directorate of History and Heritage, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Canadian Forces Forensic Odontology Response Team, and the Canadian Museum of History. 

   

• The Commonwealth War Graves Commission commemorates the 1.7 million Commonwealth servicemen and women who died during the two world wars. Using an extensive archive, the Commission works with their partners to recover, investigate, and identify those with no known grave to give them the dignity of burial and the commemoration they deserve. 

   

Associated links

• Biography of Trooper Henry George Johnston
• Canadian Armed Forces Casualty Identification Program
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
613-904-3333
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca 

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
Vac.media-medias.acc@canada.ca