Grave of unknown First World War Canadian soldier identified in France

The grave of a previously unknown First World War soldier in CWGC Courcelette British Cemetery, the Somme, France, is that of Company Sergeant-Major Alexander McVean. His identity was confirmed through historical and archival research.

CSM McVean (left). Photo: Toronto Scottish Regiment Archives

Alexander McVean was born on 28 March 1889, in Shettleston, Lanarkshire, Scotland, to Malcolm and Mary McVean (née Cameron). One of nine children, he served in The Queen's Own Royal Glasgow Yeomanry, a regiment of the British Army Reserve, before emigrating to Canada in 1911. Prior to enlisting in Toronto with the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), he served in the 9th Mississauga Horse, a regiment of the Active Militia, and worked as a civilian chauffeur and electric motorman, or streetcar operator.

In 1915, he enlisted for overseas service with the 75th Infantry Battalion, CEF, and sailed for England. Following training, his unit proceeded to France in August 1916. Likely because of his previous military experience, he was promoted to the rank of Company Sergeant-Major in October.

The 75th Battalion fought as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade of the 4th Canadian Division, and in October 1916 was tasked with capturing the important objectives of the Regina and Desire Trenches, the last of a series of trenches located between Thiepval and Courcelette, France. This action, referred to as the Battle of the Ancre, ended on 18 November 1916, marking the conclusion of the five months of the larger Battle of the Somme. On that day of fierce fighting, the 4th Canadian Division took many German prisoners, including 17 officers and 608 from other ranks, but suffered 1,250 casualties of their own. Of the 248 casualties from the 75th Battalion, 104 men died, 71 of whom have no known grave, including CSM McVean, who was reported wounded, then later declared killed in action, at the age of 27.

After the battle, a body was partially identified as “A Company Sergeant-Major of the Great War, 75th Battalion, Canadian Infantry” and buried at Plot 8, Row C, Grave 4, in CWGC Courcelette British Cemetery in the Somme, France. The partial identification was likely based on the rank and unit insignia on the uniform.

After the war, Company Sergeant-Major Alexander McVean’s name was engraved on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, erected in memory of the Canadian soldiers killed in France during the First World War and who have no known grave.

CSM McVean’s family has been notified and supported by the Canadian Armed Forces and a headstone rededication ceremony will be taking place at CWGC’s Courcelette British Cemetery at the earliest opportunity.