The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have identified human remains recovered in Loos-en-Gohelle, France, as those of Private Albert Henry Detmold. His identity was confirmed through historical, genealogical, anthropological, archaeological, and DNA analysis. (Photo: Supplied)

March 24, 2026 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have identified human remains recovered in Loos-en-Gohelle, France, as those of Private Albert Henry Detmold. His identity was confirmed through historical, genealogical, anthropological, archaeological, and DNA analysis.

In August 2020, a set of human remains was found during a construction project in Loos-en-Gohelle, France. Through analysis and with the assistance of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the Casualty Identification Review Board identified the human remains as those of Private Detmold in December 2025.

Private Detmold was killed in action on August 15, 1917, at the age of 33, on the first day of the Battle of Hill 70. He and his fellow pioneers were working under heavy shellfire to extend communication trenches across no man’s land to newly captured German positions. Members of the 107th Battalion remained on the battlefield to search for the dead and wounded, despite suffering casualties from mustard gas. Unfortunately, Private Detmold remained missing.

“The identification of Private Detmold more than 100 years after his death is a testament to our commitment to reconnecting fallen soldiers with their families, their units and the nation. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten. We will always remember them for the dedication and selfless courage with which they served,” David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence said.

Albert (Bert) Henry Detmold was born on July 9, 1884, in Hamburg, Germany, to a prominent British family. He was the third of four children born to Frederick William and Nellie Rita (née Isaacs) Detmold. In 1902, he and his older brother Julius Frederick (known as Fred) immigrated to Canada from London, England. Bert settled on a homestead near Roblin, Manitoba.

In February 1916, Bert enlisted in Winnipeg and joined the 107th Overseas Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, also known as the 107th (Timber Wolf) Battalion or the 107th (Winnipeg) Battalion. His two brothers also served: Fred with the Australian Imperial Force and Godfrey William with the Royal Flying Corps (Britain). His brothers both survived the war.

After initial training in Canada, the 107th Battalion was converted to a pioneer battalion upon arrival in Britain. Pioneers are trained infantry soldiers whose primary duty is to perform basic combat engineering tasks, often under dangerous battlefield conditions. During its service in France, the 107th Battalion consolidated captured trenches, maintained light railway tracks, and cleared roads, among other tasks.

“Remembering Private Detmold invites all Canadians to reflect on the profound legacy of Veterans who fought for our country. May those who made the ultimate sacrifice at Hill 70 and during the First World War inspire us to build a future worthy of their memory. Lest we forget,” Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence said.

He left behind a fiancée in London, England. The CAF has notified the family of Private Detmold of his identification and is providing them with ongoing support. He will be buried in France by his unit, in the presence of family, at the earliest possible opportunity.

Quick Facts

• Private Detmold’s name is inscribed on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, which commemorates those of the Canadian Expeditionary Force with no known grave who died in France during the First World War.
• After the war, Private Detmold was included in the British Jewry Roll of Honour, a record of Jewish service with British and British Empire forces during the First World War. Private Detmold was born into a Jewish family – his maternal uncle, Rufus Isaacs, was the first Jewish Chief Justice of England – but he listed his religious denomination as Presbyterian on his attestation paper. He is also commemorated by Alleyn’s School in London, England, and on the Roblin Memorial in Roblin, Manitoba.
• The Casualty Identification Review Board is made up of members from the Directorate of History and Heritage. It includes participants from Veterans Affairs Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian Forces Forensic Odontology Response Team, and the CWGC.
• The CWGC commemorates the 1.7 million Commonwealth servicemen and women who died during the two world wars. Using an extensive archive, the Commission works with its partners to recover, investigate, and identify those with no known grave, giving them the dignity of burial and the commemoration they deserve.