Elgin County WWII hero laid to rest 72 years after death

An Elgin County Second World War soldier whose remains were found almost two years ago, was laid to rest Wednesday with full military honours by his unit.

Private Kenneth Donald Duncanson’s family was present at the ceremony outside of Bruges, Belgium.

Private Duncanson died on Sept. 14, 1944, during an attempt by The Algonquin Regiment to establish a bridgehead crossing of the Dérivation de la Lys and the Leopold Canal.

Duncanson, a native of Dutton, was 29 when he died.

His remains were found in a farmer’s field near Molentje, Damme, Belgium, by a metal detector hobbyist on Nov. 11, 2014.

“We are grateful for the dedication and support of our international partners who made today’s events possible. Private Duncanson’s funeral provides an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect upon the experiences of those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We will always remember them,” said Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan in a statement.

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  Members of The Algonquin Regiment carry the casket containing the remains of Private Kenneth Duncanson during his burial ceremony near Bruges, Belgium, on Sept. 14, 2016. (Photo: MCpl Pat Blanchard, Canadian Forces)

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  The remains of Pte. Kenneth Donald Duncanson, a Second World War soldier from Dutton, Ont., were discovered in Belgium on Remembrance Day in 2014.

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  Maridon Duncanson, the daughter of Pte. Kenneth Donald Duncanson's cousin, speaks to CTV London about the discovery of Pte. Duncanson's lost remains.