Final resting place of First World War Canadian soldier identified

A previously unknown First World War grave in Bedford House Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium has been identified as Corporal Frederick Percival Bousfield. His identity was confirmed through historical and archival research.

Frederick Percival “Percy” Bousfield was born on March 8, 1896, in Cotehill, Cumberland, England. Percy was one of nine children. At the age of fourteen, he apprenticed with the mercantile service out of Glasgow and travelled around the world working on sailing vessels. His family immigrated to Canada in 1912, arriving in Québec City and eventually settling in Winnipeg. He joined them there shortly after and enlisted with The 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada, a militia unit. He worked inspecting vessels in Quebec City and Halifax, and in Winnipeg as a carpenter. On January 29, 1915, he attested for overseas service and was assigned to the Signals Section of the 43rd Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). After training in England, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and was sent to France in February 1916.

The 43rd Battalion participated in the Battle of Mount Sorrel, which took place outside the town of Ypres, Belgium, June 2-13, 1916. The objective for the Canadians was to defend their position on Mount Sorrel, a piece of high ground in the Ypres Salient which offered a view of the town of Ypres and the surrounding area. Corporal Bousfield was killed on June 7, 1916, when he was struck by an enemy shell. According to letters received by his family from members of his battalion, he had been carrying wounded men to safety and was going back for another stretcher when he was hit. Many men said that he displayed great courage in the moments before his death. He was 20 years old.

After the war, Corporal Bousfield’s name was engraved on panel 24 of the CWGC Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. The war memorial was erected to honour the soldiers killed in the Ypres Salient in Belgium during the First World War who have no known grave. 

In October 2019, the Canadian Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH) received a report from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) detailing the potential identification of Grave 68, Row C, Plot 11 in Enclosure No. 4 of the CWGC Bedford House Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium. Three separate independent researchers had raised the possibility that this grave was that of Corporal Bousfield. Extensive research was undertaken by both CWGC and DHH to corroborate the possible identification, and in October 2021, the Casualty Identification Review Board confirmed the identification. The Board is made up of members and observers from DHH, CWGC, the Canadian Forces Forensic Odontology Response Team, and the Canadian Museum of History.

The Canadian Armed Forces has notified the family of Corporal Bousfield’s identification and a headstone rededication ceremony will take place at the earliest opportunity at the CWGC Bedford House Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium.

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence said:
"Corporal Bousfield made the ultimate sacrifice while helping wounded comrades to safety, saving lives and laying down his own in the process. The story of his selfless commitment brings us grief and inspiration over a century later. We must never forget this young man and the others like him who served their country with such courage. To his family, I extend my sympathy and gratitude.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence said:
"Corporal Bousfield’s name was engraved on the Menin Gate Memorial, along with the other soldiers killed in the Ypres Salient in Belgium during the First World War who have no known grave. Now, his final resting place is known. His courage and commitment to service before self must never be forgotten. That is the debt we owe him, and all fallen Canadian soldiers and their families.”

Photo: courtesy of the Bousfield family.