04/09/2025
252600 Pte. Paul Blanchette
Paul Blanchette was born on the 27th of April 1891 in Port Arthur, Ontario (modern day Thunder Bay). After coming west, he settled in Swift Current and took up work as a labourer. Paul joined the 209th Overseas Battalion in mid March 1916. Like Alfred Biddulph, he was transferred to the 102nd Battalion following the disbandment of the 209th. He arrived in France on the 6th of December 1916. Not long after arriving there, he was hospitalized with influenza. After having recovered, Paul joined the 102nd Battalion in the field on the 6th of January 1917. Sadly, Paul would be killed at the Battle of Vimy Ridge on the 9th of April 1917. Following his death, Paul was buried in Row A, Grave 5 at Givenchy Road Canadian Cemetery, Neuville-St. Vaast, Pas-de-Calais, France.
Photo: Military marker Pte. Paul Blanchette
Credit: J. Stephens via Canadian Virtual War Memorial, Veterans Affairs Canada