The Mystery of John McClung

[RitchiebytheC]

A very good afternoon to you all...

I have a bit of a conundrum that some of you may be able to help with..

Private John McClung 871115, 78th Battalion Canadian Infantry was killed on the 7th of April 1917. He is listed, as you would expect on the Vimy Memorial. However within his papers is what I believe a map reference to his actual burial spot (see attached photo). I contacted the MOD War Detectives, but although he was originally from Ballantrae in Ayrshire, Scotland, because he fought for the Canadians they are unable to help. I have contacted the Directorate of History and Heritage in Ottawa to see if this is of any interest to them. I am unable to locate Trench map 36.C.S on the  https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=11&lat=50.50734&lon=2.98703&layers=101723830&b=1.

Any help or guidance would be gratefully appreciated folks..

Regards

Ritchie

[Gareth Davies]

https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=13.893333333333292&lat=50.38328&lon=2.76818&layers=101465023&b=1

[RitchiebytheC]

2 minutes ago, Gareth Davies said:

https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=13.893333333333292&lat=50.38328&lon=2.76818&layers=101465023&b=1

Many thanks for this Gareth...

[Matlock1418]

1 hour ago, RitchiebytheC said:

However within his papers is what I believe a map reference to his actual burial spot (see attached photo)

I'm afraid I read that as between two 500 x 500yd plots =  36C.S 15.c and 15.d

In which I think any two locations could be up to just nearly 1120 yards apart [worst case of taking two diagonals]

I know you will probably be seeking the Burial Reports from that same page.

And even if more accurately recorded - is there any evidence of him being there now? Or having been later concentrated?

???

Vimy Memorial may however be the only place to commemorate him.

Good luck.

:-/ M

[Fattyowls]

If I've read Gareth's map and Mr Matlock's analysis correctly this should be the area where John McClung was originally buried. This is the Vimy Ridge seen from in front of the French cemetery of Notre Dame de Lorette. I've marked the top of the memorial where he is named and also Cabaret Rouge cemetery which has nearly 4,500 unidentified graves from the surrounding area. It seems likely that if he was re-interred it would be here.

 

Pete.

[Fattyowls]

10 hours ago, RitchiebytheC said:

I have a bit of a conundrum

 

Mr C, if you would like the original image (without the annotation in what looks like crayon) posting here or emailing to you by the C then I will be more than happy to oblige.......

 

Pete.

Edited 28 September , 2020 by Fattyowls