June 11, 2026 - Ottawa - Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Media are invited to attend the burial of a Canadian soldier killed in the First World War, Private Albert (Bert) Henry Detmold, at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's (CWGC) Loos British Cemetery outside Loos-en-Gohelle, France. The public is also welcome to attend.
Private Detmold was born in Hamburg, Germany, to a prominent British family; his maternal uncle, Rufus Isaacs, was the first Jewish Chief Justice of England. After schooling in the UK, he immigrated to Canada to farm in Manitoba. When war broke out, he returned to Europe and ultimately served as part of the 107th (Timber Wolf) Battalion.
Private Detmold was killed in action on August 15, 1917, at the age of 33, on the first day of the Battle of Hill 70. His remains were found during a construction project in August 2020. The Department of National Defence announced his identification in March 2026.
Private Detmold will be buried by The North Saskatchewan Regiment, in the presence of his family, with the support of Veterans Affairs Canada. Representatives of the Government of Canada and the local French Government will be in attendance.
WHAT: Burial of a Canadian First World War soldier.
WHEN: July 9, 2026, at 2 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST); media to be in location by 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: CWGC Loos British Cemetery, France. Parking is available at the Hill 70 Memorial.
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Note to Editors / News Directors
Interested media should confirm their attendance with Lisa Fiander of Military Personnel Public Affairs at 613-302-2391, or by email at [email protected]. Imagery will be made available on the Canadian Armed Forces Combat Camera's Flickr page following the ceremony.
