The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Jim · Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 195

"A soldier whose body has lain in an unmarked grave for nearly 100 years will finally be buried with full military honours.

Private Alexander Johnston died in northern France just months before the end of the First World War, but his body was only identified in March this year.

The soldier was born in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, in 1885 and moved to Hamilton in Ontario, Canada, in his late 20s.

In January 1918 he joined the 78th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, and was killed nine months later, aged 33, during the Battle of the Canal du Nord.

In July 2008 human remains were discovered in Raillencourt Sainte-Olle, a short distance from where Pte Johnston was killed. Two collar badges of the 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers) were also found with the remains.

DNA tests were carried out and the body was identified as that of Pte Johnston. He will be buried with full military honours at Cantimpre Canadian Cemetery in Sailly-lez-Cambrai, France, on Tuesday."

More in the Evening Times at http://breakingnews.heraldscotland.com/breaking-news/?mode=article&site=et&id=N0162261319023977650A

DelBoy · Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 5:02 pm Post subject:

How remarkable, good to see his resting place is marked and remembered.

Derek.

DerekR · Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 9:07 pm Post subject:

http://www.cefresearch.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8854

It's impressive how the Canadians and Australians use DNA to identify their boys. Well done to all concerned in his identification.
_________________

Time but th' impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper wear.