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Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Russell Hugh Willan

In memory of:

Lance Corporal Russell Hugh Willan

August 26, 1917

Military Service

Service Number:

214211

Age:

22

Force:

Army

Unit:

Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment)

Division:

19th Bn.

Citation(s):

Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Honours and Awards:

Military Medal

Additional Information

Born:

May 18, 1895
Essex, Ontario

Enlistment:

March 30, 1916
Leamington, Ontario

Son of Etta Willan of Staples, Ontario. Husband of Bertha MacMontgomery (formerly Willan), of Windsor, Ontario.

Brother of Private James Edwin Willan, who died during service with the Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment).

Commemorated on Page 350 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.

Burial Information

Cemetery:

LAPUGNOY MILITARY CEMETERY
Pas de Calais, France

Grave Reference:

V. E. 9.

Location:

Lapugnoy is a village and commune in Pas-de-Calais, 6 kilometres west of Bethune. From the centre of Lapugnoy, head south-west on the D70 in the direction of Marles-les-Mines. On the outskirts of the centre there is a crucifix at the side of the main road, turn right here towards Allouagne. After approximately 500 metres there is a track on the left hand side (the Cemetery is signposted here) and the LAPUGNOY MILITARY CEMETERY can be found on the left hand side, approximately 500 metres, along this track.

Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Digital Collection

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  • Memorial– Remembering brothers lost … Brothers In Arms Memorial, Zonnebeke, BE … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens … May 2022

    Details

    Memorial
    Memorial – Remembering brothers lost … Brothers In Arms Memorial, Zonnebeke, BE … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens … May 2022
  • Photo of Russell Hugh Willan– At 4:10 AM, Mar.5th, 1917 Willan & Hobson were manning an advanced post when German raiders, 20 in number, approached. They waited until they were within 20 yds., opened fire & threw 6 bombs. According to the War Diary - "much squealing was heard & the enemy ran back dragging several casualties". Russ was awarded the MM for his actions. He was wounded at Hill 70 & died from his wounds.

    Details

    Photo of Russell Hugh Willan
    Photo of Russell Hugh Willan – At 4:10 AM, Mar.5th, 1917 Willan & Hobson were manning an advanced post when German raiders, 20 in number, approached. They waited until they were within 20 yds., opened fire & threw 6 bombs. According to the War Diary - "much squealing was heard & the enemy ran back dragging several casualties". Russ was awarded the MM for his actions. He was wounded at Hill 70 & died from his wounds.
  • Photo of RUSSELL HUGH WILLAN– Submitted for the project, Operation: Picture Me

    Details

    Photo of RUSSELL HUGH WILLAN
    Photo of RUSSELL HUGH WILLAN – Submitted for the project, Operation: Picture Me

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To learn more please visit our help page. If you have questions or comments regarding the information contained in this registry, email or call us. For inquiries regarding the names and information found in the RCMP Honour Roll, please email the RCMP.

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