Remains of Canadian First World War Soldiers Found in Hallu, France Identified

News Release

Today Mr. James Bezan, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Selkirk—Interlake, announced on behalf of the Minister of National Defence that the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have succeeded in identifying the remains of four First World War soldiers found in Hallu, France, as those of Lieutenant Clifford Neelands, Lance Sergeant John Lindell, Private Lachlan McKinnon, and Private William Simms.

The announcement was made in Winnipeg in honour of the fact that the soldiers were with the Winnipeg Grenadiers when they died in the Somme region of France following the first attack of the Battle of Amiens in August 1918.

The DND and the CAF are working with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and in consultation with the soldiers’ relatives to plan for an internment ceremony to provide the soldiers with a final honoured and appropriate resting place.

Quick Facts

The DND and the CAF work to identify soldiers, sailors and air force personnel whenever their remains are found. For those whose remains can be recovered and identified, the DND and the CAF make every effort to provide the fallen members with the dignity and respect they deserve.
More than 26 000 members of Canada’s Army, Air Force, and Navy who died in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War have no known or maintainable grave. Of the nearly 68 000 Canadian fatalities during the First World War, more than 19 000 members have no known grave.
Whenever the remains of some of the formerly missing soldiers, sailors and air force personnel are discovered, the DND and the CAF use historical research, physical anthropology, genealogical research, genetic testing, and isotope analysis to determine their identity. This research and testing can sometimes take years before a positive identification is made.
In 2006 and 2007, the remains of eight Canadian soldiers were located in the village of Hallu in the Somme Region of northern France, and represent the largest single find of unknown Canadian soldiers since the CAF Casualty Identification programme started in 2006. Four soldiers were identified earlier this year, and it is hoped that with further testing and analysis, the other four soldiers, also believed to be from the Winnipeg Grenadiers, will be identifiable as well.
During the First World War, the 78th Battalion, also known as the Winnipeg Grenadiers, was to relieve the 3rd Division in the Canadian lines following the first attack of the Battle of Amiens on August 8, 1918. On August 10, the 78th Battalion received orders to capture the small village of Hallu, located in the Somme region of France. During the advance, the 78th Battalion suffered over 46 fatalities and 54 missing, of whom 31 presently remain ‘missing’ with no known grave.

Quotes

“The identification of these First World War soldiers is a meaningful demonstration that the sacrifice they made for Canada will not be forgotten. In remembering these fallen soldiers who served such a valuable role in our history and in our wartime commitment, we reflect upon both the freedom they fought to preserve, and our appreciation for the present day sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen who are continuing this proud tradition.”
The Honourable Rob Nicholson
Minister of National Defence

“It is fitting that during the centenary of the First World War, we have the opportunity to afford these young soldiers the honour and respect owed to their sacrifice. The years of diligent research and scientific efforts undertaken to recognise our fallen represent the legacy of admiration and regard due to these soldiers, and our responsibility to provide them with the dignity they deserve.”
James Bezan
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence

“We will never forget the sacrifice of those who came before us. As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War, it is extremely poignant to both reflect on this century of history and be able to identify and lay to rest these soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse
Commander Canadian Army

Related Products

Backgrounder on Hallu Identification

Associated Links

Historic Casualty Identification

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Contacts

Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811

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2016-12-14

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Remains of Canadian First World War Soldiers Found in Hallu, France Identified

News Release

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