07-04-07, 20:29
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Quote:
Cdn. soldier receives proper burial at Vimy Ridge
Updated Sat. Apr. 7 2007 12:48 PM ET
Canadian Press
PAS-DE-CALAIS, France -- A young Canadian soldier who lost his life in the First World War battle of Vimy Ridge finally received a proper military burial on Saturday.
Pte. Herbert Peterson, his remains in a flag-draped coffin, was carried in solemn procession by Canadian soldiers through a large crowd gathered at La Chaudiere military cemetery.
Political and military officials, as well as former governor-general Adrienne Clarkson were among dignitaries on hand for the burial, which came almost 90 years after Peterson's death.
Peterson's remains were dug up about four years ago and identified through DNA testing.
After today's hour-long ceremony, Peterson's niece, Doreen Bargholz, and her husband each put a single poppy on the coffin.
"We're very, very proud of our uncle for doing the service at the time,'' she said. "He probably didn't have to do that, but he wanted to do that for his country.''
The ceremony is one of a number of events in France over the Easter weekend to mark the 90th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge and rededication of the restored Vimy Memorial. The battle, which began April 9th, 1917, became one of Canada's most spectacular military victories.
Peterson, a 22-year-old from of Berry Creek, Alta., died during a trench raid against German forces near Vimy Ridge a few months later on June 8 or 9, 1917.
Peterson's was one of two bodies uncovered in 2003 by construction workers south of Avion, France, near the ridge.
Scraps of uniform, a cap badge and bits of ammunition and equipment identified the bodies as Canadians. DNA tests later confirmed his identity.
His unit had been involved in a night attack on German trenches involving about 3,000 Canadians. Investigators surmise Peterson had been badly wounded in his legs and his abdomen when a comrade came to his assistance and began carrying him back to the Canadian position.
Officials believe an artillery shell must have exploded overhead or nearby, killing both soldiers and driving their bodies into the dirt.
Peterson was a member of the 49th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, a unit that later evolved into the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.
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