Alberta soldier identified 8 years after remains found on WWI battle ground

The remains of a previously unidentified Canadian soldier who fought in World War I have now been identified as belonging to an Alberta man.

The soldier has been identified as Private Thomas Lawless of Calgary, Alberta. His remains were discovered in Avion, France, in 2003.

"We are thankful that Private Lawless will finally be laid to rest with the honour and dignity that he deserves," said the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence in a written release. "Private Lawless gave his life in the name our country and his contribution to Canada in the First World War will not soon be forgotten."

Private Lawless was one of two Canadian soldiers found in the area in the vicinity of Vimy Ridge in 2003. In 2007, the first of the two soldiers was identified as Private Herbert Peterson of Berry Creek, Alberta.

Through genetic testing, facial reconstruction, military history, and other techniques, the Casualty Identification section of the Directorate of History and Heritage was able to uncover Private Lawless’s identity on January 10, 2011.

The family of Private Lawless has been contacted, and will receive support from Veterans Affairs Canada as arrangements are made for the final interment.

Private Thomas Lawless was born on April 11th, 1889, was a member of the 49th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. He was 28-years-old when he died.

"Once again, we are reminded of the value of a single human life and our debt of gratitude when that life is given in the service of others," said the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "We are now able to share Private Lawless’ story of courage with other Canadians, and we will remember him."

Private Lawless will be laid to rest at La Chaudiere Military Cemetery in Vimy, France, on March 15, 2011, with his family in attendance. There are currently 907 servicemen from World War I buried or commemorated at the cemetary, including Private Herbert Peterson.

According to Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay, nearly 28,000 Canadian soldiers went missing during World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Remains of some of these soldiers are discovered every year, and the Canadian government continues to work to ensure that their sacrifices do not go unrecognized.