Clare3d ago

In 2020 the body of a Canadian soldier from the Great War was found in the area of Hill 70 in France. He’s been identified as Albert Henry Detmold who was from my home town, Roblin Mb.

Detmold attested in the same regiment as my Grandfather, the 107th, and they no doubt knew each other and served together early before my Grandfather joined the 16th.

Detmold died at Hill 70 in the same area as my Grandfather earned the Military Medal. https://www.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg/article/human-remains-in-france-identified-as-manitoba-soldier-killed-in-first-world-war/

Human remains in France identified as Manitoba soldier killed in First World War

New testing has helped identify a set of human remains dating back to the First World War as those of a Manitoba soldier killed in action.

CTVNews
Show threadthe roamer

@NunavutBirder

"Several artifacts were found with him, including a pickaxe, gas mask, coins, pocket knife, and boots."

A gas mask. The horrors of the First War. We stare at these events, then and now. We fail to find words.

Albert Henry Detmold was born in Germany and died from German shellfire, serving his adopted homeland. A century later, he can be buried with his comrades.

The link to your grandfather is poignant. History lives in individual lives.

#AlbertHenryDetmold

Mar 25 at 3:05amWeb
Show threadClare3d ago
@the_roamer The 107th became a pioneer regiment. Digging and reversing trenches in the heat of battle and other engineering work. The commander and organizer of the regiment, Glen Campbell, was an Indian agent and one of his wives was native. It was originally conceived to be a native battalion but that quickly changed. However over 500 natives served in its ranks including Joseph Keeper, Olympian and grandfather of actor Tina Keeper; Tom Longboat, marathoner and Olympian.
Show threadClare3d ago
@the_roamer Over 60 men from my home town attested to the 107th.
Show threadthe roamer3d ago

@NunavutBirder

Remarkable. I feel privileged to be shown these connections, thank you for your posts.

Show threadClare3d ago
@the_roamer Likely the first Canadian killed in the Great War was German. A baker in Montreal he returned to Germany to fight for the German army and was killed in 1914.