Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Military Service

Additional Information

Son of Henri Lalancette ""Henry Lancette"" (deceased in 1902) and Sarah Palmby (deceased in 1900), of Woodstock, Ontario, and Chicoutimi, Québec. He named his sister Marie-Jeanne as his next of kin. She married François Jean in 1908 and became a resident of St-Henri-de-Taillon, Lac St-Jean. She died there in 1918.

The above date and place of birth are as reported at enrolment and a corresponding birth record could not be found. The Ontario birth register, however, indicates that it is plausible that his given name at birth was 'Henry', like his father, and that he was born on September 11th 1892, in Woodstock, Ontario. His parents were married in London but lived in Woodstock. Orphaned at a very young age, it is understandable that he should have been mixed up in the family details.

Finally, in order to curb a recurring problem of illegal absences and desertions the authorities had decided to apply drastic measures and, despite several warnings, some did not take it seriously and defied the system anyway. As the 22nd prepared for the assault on Vimy Ridge, two individuals, whose record of conduct was already tainted by several absences, left their posts and ran away: Joseph Lalancette and Gustave Comte. Both were absent for more than a month before being captured and therefore had no intention of returning. Court-martialed for desertion in the face of the enemy, they were found guilty and sentenced to death. They were shot together on July 3rd 1917 and lie side by side in Aix-Noulette cemetery.

Commemorated on Page 603 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.