Military service
Burial/memorial information
Léopold Delisle shown on many occasions that he had issues with authority. After two failed enrolments, possibly because of desertion, he joined the 22nd Battalion on 22 April 1915 and sailed overseas one month later. He soon faced disciplinary measures due to several infractions: drunkenness, absences, insubordination, striking a non-commission officer; which earned him one year of forced labor. On 28 March 1918, the 22nd Battalion was rushed to the front lines to help repulse a German offensive. Léopold disappeared and was declared absent the next day. He was arrested one week later. He was trialed before a court martial for desertion in front of the enemy, was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was executed on 21 May 1918.
On December 11, 2001, the Canadian government apologized to the 23 families who lost a relative executed for desertion in the First World War. The British government erected a monument near Alrewas, Lichfield, The Shot at Dawn Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum to honor the memory of executed soldiers, including Canadians.
Digital gallery of Private Léopold Delisle
Digital gallery of
Private Léopold Delisle
Digital gallery of
Private Léopold Delisle
Digital gallery of
Private Léopold Delisle
Digital gallery of
Private Léopold Delisle
Digital gallery of
Private Léopold Delisle
Digital gallery of
Private Léopold Delisle
Digital gallery of
Private Léopold Delisle
Digital gallery of
Private Léopold Delisle
Digital gallery of
Private Léopold Delisle
Digital gallery of
Private Léopold Delisle
Image gallery
In the Books of Remembrance
Commemorated on:
Page 604 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.
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BELLACOURT MILITARY CEMETERY Pas de Calais, France
Bellacourt is a village in the commune of Riviere, in the Departement of the Pas de Calais, 10 kilometres south-west of Arras.
Visitors should take the N25, Arras to Coullens main road, as far as Beaumetz les Loges. Take the D34 to Riviere, fork right onto the D7, still in the direction of Riviere, and then turn left to the cemetery as indicated by the CWGC sign.
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.
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