To see the poster click the heading, then on the next page click the following link:
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This section will include Abbotsford Soldiers from WWII, courtesy of Dr. Molly Ungar and her research students at the University of the Fraser Valley. This link can be reached using the new menu item “Abbotsford Soldiers” This section will also include missing or “overlooked” Abbotsford Soldiers from WWI, research being carried out by one of our members. To begin with this will include one or two soldiers per month. This is in progress.
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July 1st, Canada Day, has a special significance in Newfoundland and Labrador. On July 1, 1916, the Battle of The Somme began at 7:30 am. At 9:15 am, the 1st Newfoundland Regiment, just over 800 men, went over the top at Beaumont-Hamel and advanced at walking pace into the fire of the machine guns. In about 30-40 minutes, 233 had been killed and 386 wounded. At Roll Call on July 2, only 68 soldiers were present. Almost the whole regiment had been lost. The 1st Essex Regiment, in a front line trench, who were supposed to support the Newfoundlanders, were not given the order to advance at the same time, so the Newfoundlanders were completely on their own and had climbed out of their trenches at the rear rather than go to the front line using the communications trenches, because the latter were clogged with wounded from the earlier attack waves. Hence they were exposed to enemy fire even earlier than they should have been. They bravely followed orders and continued to walk forward even though they were being cut down. Their heroism was incredible.
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See the complete Branch Report with photos.
The Abbotsford News has also posted a short article and video of the event.
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Overlooked Abbotsford Soldiers To Be Honoured at Vimy Ridge Day 2016 Ceremony.
The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 15, Abbotsford, is going to hold its sixth annual ceremony to commemorate Vimy Ridge Day on Saturday, April 9 at 6:45 p.m. at the Cenotaph, behind the City Hall. As always, the ceremony will be a Candlelight Vigil.
There are two major changes this year. Research has determined that a number of soldiers from Abbotsford who lost their lives in World War One have been overlooked and their names are not on the cenotaph. So far eleven soldiers have been confirmed as being Abbotsford and District residents who enlisted and lost their lives serving their country; ten will be honoured for the first time by having candles placed in their memory.
More Abbotsford soldiers will be “found” as the research continues and in the future a new plaque will be made for the cenotaph.