Private Vanance and his mother. Photo courtesy of the family of Albert and Elsie Vanasse.

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

A Canadian Second World War soldier listed as missing is now identified 80 years after being killed in action and is buried in an unknown grave in the Holten Canadian War Cemetery, Netherlands, the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces announced in a press release on March 3. 

The Canadian Armed Forces Casualty Identification Program (CAFCIP) used historical and archival research to identify Private Arthur Vanance from Kenora, Ontario, who enlisted with the 1st Battalion, The Lake Superior Regiment, Canadian Active Service Force. 

“The identification of Private Arthur Vanance serves as a profound reminder of the sacrifices Canadians have made in service to our country,” stated Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence. 

“His courage embodies the unwavering commitment of Canadians who have always risked everything in the name of duty. It is a debt that can never be repaid but will not be forgotten. We will forever honour those who gave everything for Canada. To the family of Private Arthur Vanance, know that your loved one’s sacrifice will always be remembered, and his legacy will endure.”

Vanance died in battle on Feb. 15, 1945, at age 26, when he and a comrade set up a Bren gun on the German-held side of the Maas, helping to provide covering fire as the unit moved forward. 

In January and February 1945, as part of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division, The Lake Superior Regiment held the line near the Dutch town of ‘s-Hertogenbosch and mounted patrols across the Maas River into German-held territory. In the early hours of Feb.15, B Company began a patrol into occupied territory.

The patrol came under heavy German machine gun fire and was forced to fall back. According to reports, men found Pt. Vanance was severely wounded and his comrade dead, but they were unable to retrieve them. Pt. Vanance was officially listed as “missing.” 

In total, four soldiers from The Lake Superior Regiment were killed that day, but only Pt. Vanance remained missing with no known grave. His name was later inscribed on panel 11 of the Groesbeek Memorial.

“Arthur Vanance was born on January 5, 1919, in Kenora, Ont., to Emmanuel (Manuel) Joseph and Annie (née Halley) Vanance (alternately “Vanasse”). He was one of six children. The family farmed in Melick, Ont., which is now part of Kenora and later moved to Ottawa. His father died in 1934 when Arthur was still a teenager and his mother subsequently married George Henry Alcock.

 In July 1940, Arthur enlisted with the 1st Battalion, The Lake Superior Regiment, Canadian Active Service Force, which had mobilized for active service in May. He described his ” labourer ” occupation and stated that he had worked driving a truck for a farmer in Bonville, Alta. His brothers Albert and Emmanuel (Buster) would also serve with The Lake Superior Regiment.

In October 1940, Private Vanance married Rita Margaret Meservier in Port Arthur, Ont. Their only child was born the following year.

 In 1942, Private Vanance applied to become a motorcyclist with the regiment, giving his motivation to “adventure.” After completing training courses in Saint John, N.B., and the U.K, he qualified as a motorcyclist the same year. In July 1944, Private Vanance landed in Normandy and served with The Lake Superior Regiment throughout the liberation of France and the Netherlands.”

Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Darren Fisher said there is no greater tribute to the fallen than ensuring their stories of courage endure for years to come. 

“As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the end of the Second World War, we must continue to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to Canada. The identification of Private Arthur Vanance serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery of Canadians during a pivotal moment in our military history. To his loved ones: know that his legacy will live on in our hearts.”

The  CAFCIP program reconnects fallen soldiers with their families, their units and the nation, the media release states, adding the identification of Private Vanance’s grave 8 decades later it is a testament to this commitment. 

“His story – one of service, courage, and sacrifice – now has the recognition it deserves. As we honour his memory, Canadians have the opportunity to reflect on the immense contributions of those who fought for our country.”

Quick Facts

•  Private Vanance’s name is inscribed on panel 11 of the Groesbeek Memorial, which commemorates by name more than 1,000 members of the Commonwealth land forces who died during the campaign in northwest Europe and whose graves are not known.
• The Casualty Identification Review Board is made up of members from the Directorate of History and Heritage, with participating representatives from the Canadian Forces Forensic Odontology Response Team, Veterans Affairs Canada, the CWGC, and the Canadian Museum of History.
•  The Commonwealth War Graves Commission commemorates the 1.7 million Commonwealth servicemen and women who died during the two world wars. Using an extensive archive, the Commission works with their partners to recover, investigate, and identify those with no known grave to give them the dignity of burial and the commemoration they deserve.