CEF Soldier Detail

Private Guy Blanchette
Died: August 8, 1918

Regimental Number:
3155395
Survived War:
 No
Force:
 Army
Regiment:
 Canadian Infantry
Battalion:
 24th Battalion
Company:
Place of Birth:
Potsdam, New York, U.S.A.
Country:
 U.S.A.
Next of Kin:
Mr. Frank Blanchette, Father, Huntingdon, Quebec.
Address at Enlistment:
Huntingdon, Quebec
Date of Birth:
January 1, 1894
Trade or Calling:
Labourer
Marital Status:
 Single
Prior Military Experience:
No
Place of Enlistment:
 Montreal, Quebec
Date of Enlistment:
January 5, 1918
Age at enlistment:
24
Height:
Chest:
Expansion:
Religion:
 Roman Catholic
Enlisted or Conscripted:
 Conscripted
Saw service in:
Europe    
Cause of Death:
Killed in Action
Battle Died/Wounded:
Date of Death:
August 8, 1918
Age at Death:
24
Buried at:
 Adelaide Cemetery (Villers-Bretonneux), France
Plot:
 I. F. 5.
Commemorated:
 Huntingdon, Quebec
 
Prisoner of war:
No
Interned:
Gender:
 Male
Ethnic Origin:
Caucasian
LAC Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 811-76
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Rank Regiment Unit Company
Private Canadian Infantry 24th Battalion

Private Guy Blanchette was born in Potsdam, NY and was living in Huntingdon in 1918. He was conscripted and was likely in France/Belgium in the early early August 1918, shortly before he was killed. On 8 August he was fighting near Amiens/Rosieres area of northern France. He was likely killed near the Pierret Wood area. His brother, George, was killed in Belgium 3 months later. George was part of the 22nd Battalion, which was fighting in close proximity to the 24th.

From the Huntington Gleaner October 10, 191
The following letter explains itself. It is gratifying to the relatives to have such testimony borne to the memory of one who has played his part at the front.
France, September 2, 1918

Dear Mr. Blanchette,
The incessant traveling and fighting in which we have been engaged lately have prevented my writing as soon as I could have wished, to express my deep sympathy with you in the death of your brother, Pte G. Blanchette, No. 3155395. Of this brother who was killed in action on August 8th, so far as I can gather, he was killed instantly during the attack that morning. One can only feel thankful that death came quickly and that he was mercifully spared all pain and suffering. He is buried in a military cemetery some miles east of Villes Bretonneux.
Though he had not been very long with us, your brother had made many friends both through his cheerfulness, and his courage under fire, and these comrades now mourn his loss very deeply.
But his fighting is over, and he has won his reward. And one can only leave him in the hands of the Father and pray that he will grant rest to his soul. His personal effects will be sent to you through the regular channel, but they are very slow and it may be some months before anything reaches you. Again assuring you of my deep sympathy. Yours faithfully:
C. Stewart, Captain
Chaplain 24th Canadian Battalion, V.R.C.