Canadian soldiers killed in battle during World War I were identified – more than a century later.
The Ministry of Defense and the Canadian Armed Forces have publicly confirmed the identity of the company’s senior sergeant master sergeant. Thursday’s David George Palfit.
Parfit was one of the 156 members of the 8th Canadian Infantry Battalion, who died in the Battle of Thiepval Ridge on September 26, 1916. He was leading the platoon in the attack of the day.
Parfit’s tombstone at the Regina Trench Cemetery in Grand Cour, France, identified him only as an unknown master sergeant, a major in the infantry battalion. He was 25 at the time of his death.
Defense Minister Anita Anand said Canada remembers the courage of those who “served our country at home and abroad in World War I.”
“Successful identification of the company’s senior sergeant reminds all Canadians of the ultimate sacrifice made by many who serve our country,” Anand said in a news release. rice field.
“Know that Canada honors him and appreciates his service for the family of the company’s senior sergeant master sergeant.”
Parfit was the only senior master sergeant of the Canadian company who died in France that day, and said the Pentagon had “significantly contributed” to the identification of his tomb.
Parfit was born in London, England in 1891 and moved to Canada at the age of 18.
Prior to joining Que’s Valcartier army, he was a mill worker in Keewatin, Ontario. Three of his brothers also participated in the war and survived.
Canadian troops said Parfit’s family had been informed of his identity.
The military said the tombstone re-dedication ceremony would take place “at the earliest opportunity” at the Regina Trench Cemetery of the Commonwealth War Graveyard Commission in France.
Veterans Minister Lawrence MacAulay also acknowledged Palfit’s contribution to Canada.
“Senior Master Sergeant of the Company-Major Palfit was one of us. A Canadian soldier who fought for our country in honor during World War I. His name is” Missing, Missing, in France. It is engraved on the foundation of the Canadian National Vimmy Memorial, along with the names of more than 11,000 comrades posted as “Death Declarations,” said MacAulay.
“Once his tomb has been identified, he is pleased to receive a permanent tombstone to commemorate his courage, service, and ultimate sacrifice.”
By Noushin Ziafati
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