Military service
Burial/memorial information
Son of Gilbert Gervais (deceased in 1922) and Henriette Bertrand, of La Passe, Renfrew, Ontario. He stated being born in 1885 when he enlisted but this was in fact his baptism year.
He was baptized “William-Napoléon” and named “Napoléon” until after the 1901 census. Then, the first name “Lemoyne” was used in the 1911 census. The priest who baptized him was named “Napoléon Le Moyne” and died in 1910.
This coincidence might explain why his first name changed to “Lemoyne” ; resulting from an old tradition in some families, which aims to perpetuate the memory of a father, a godfather or a loved one, by adopting their first or last name upon their death.
Lemoyne was severely wounded on 15 September 1916 at Courcelette and he died of wounds the following day at No. 15 Main Dressing Station located near Albert.
Digital gallery of Private William Napoléon Lemoyne Gervais
Digital gallery of
Private William Napoléon Lemoyne Gervais
Digital gallery of
Private William Napoléon Lemoyne Gervais
Digital gallery of
Private William Napoléon Lemoyne Gervais
Image gallery
In the Books of Remembrance
Commemorated on:
Page 91 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
Request this page
Download this page
DARTMOOR CEMETERY Somme, France
Becordel-Becourt is a village about 2 kilometres south-east of Albert, just south of the road from Albert to Peronne. The DARTMOOR CEMETERY is immediately north of the village on the road to Becourt opposite the Communal Cemetery.
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.