Military service
Burial/memorial information
When Ovila enrolled at 39 years old, he was remarried and father of two from his first wedding. He joined the 22nd Battalion at the front on 16 October 1916 and was killed in action in December, on Christmas Day. Two and half months later, his son Jean (Jean-Magloire-Ovila) lied about his age and was able to enlist at 15 and a half years old, under the first name “Ovila” (service number 1054833). Maybe he wanted to avenge the death of his father?
In less than three weeks, he was already overseas. After his basic training in England, he ended up in France. He arrived to the 22nd Battalion on 24 November 1917, but less than a month later, he was identified as underage and returned in England, to be repatriated and released. While impossible to confirm that he served on the front lines, his service made him eligible to be buried at the National Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire, in 1992.
Digital gallery of Private Ovila Desormeaux
Digital gallery of
Private Ovila Desormeaux
Digital gallery of
Private Ovila Desormeaux
Digital gallery of
Private Ovila Desormeaux
Digital gallery of
Private Ovila Desormeaux
Digital gallery of
Private Ovila Desormeaux
Digital gallery of
Private Ovila Desormeaux
Digital gallery of
Private Ovila Desormeaux
Digital gallery of
Private Ovila Desormeaux
Image gallery
In the Books of Remembrance
Commemorated on:
Page 77 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
Request this page
Download this page
TRANCHEE DE MECKNES CEMETERY Pas de Calais, France
Aix-Noulette lies about 16 kilometres north of Arras about 2 kilometres south-west of Bully-les-Mines on the road from Arras to Bethune. TRANCHEE DE MECKNES CEMETERY is about 2 kilometres east of the village.
For more information, visit Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The Poppy Design is a trademark of The Royal Canadian Legion (Dominion Command) and is used with permission. Click here to learn more about the poppy.
Did we miss something?
Contribute information to this commemorative page
Do you have photographs, information or a correction relating to this individual’s virtual memorial? Learn more about the CVWM and the information we collect.