May 27, 2019 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces have identified the remains of a Canadian First World War soldier, discovered near the village of Vendin-le-Vieil, France, as Private George Alfred Newburn.

Private Newburn enlisted in Victoria, British Columbia. He died on August 15, 1917, in the Battle of Hill 70, as a member of the 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion (British Columbia), Canadian Expeditionary Force, a unit perpetuated by the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) of Vancouver, British Columbia.



Veterans Affairs Canada has notified members of the family and is providing them with ongoing support as final arrangements are made. Private Newburn will be buried by his regiment, in the presence of family and Government of Canada representatives, at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Loos British Cemetery outside Loos-en-Gohelle, France, on June 12 at 1:30 p.m. (Central European Time). The public is welcome to attend.

The Department of National Defence Casualty Identification Program identifies unknown Canadian soldiers when their remains are discovered, so that they may be buried with a name, by their regiment, and in the presence of their family. The program fosters a sense of continuity and identity within the Canadian Armed Forces, and provides an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect upon the experiences of those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.