Lt. George Geoffrey May was my grandfather’s first cousin and it was exactly 100 years ago today that he lost his life in the attack on Vimy Ridge. George, a law student at University College, enlisted with the 38th Battalion (Ottawa) CEF and made his way through several other units before joining the 75th Battalion (Mississauga) CEF in March 1917.
The 75th Battalion along with the 54th, 87th and 102nd Battalions were in the 11th Brigade of the 4th Canadian Division and were assigned one of the most difficult objectives during the attack: to take Hill 145. The 75th were in support and on the morning of April 9th Lt. George Geoffrey May was leading a group of men forward to assist others held up by uncut wire when he was killed by shellfire. His Circumstances of Casualty report stated:
He took part in an attack south of Givenchy, and his body when recovered bore no signs of wounds he was apparently killed by concussion.
Lt. George Geoffrey May is buried in Canadian Cemetery No. 2 at Neuville-St.-Vaast.
Categories: 100 Years Ago Today, George Geoffrey May, On This Day, Remembrance, Vimy
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