Student Tour Blog

Written by Julia Giardini

On this cloudy, windy, and rainy day of June 3rd, 2026, the CBF student study tour visited multiple commemorative cemeteries, memorials, and the Commonwealth War Graves. The group heard from a handful of students, conducting their chosen presentations. Professor Sheffield briefed the group about the final days in the First World War in the Battle of Elise and Amiens. Although exhausted, the allied soldiers still managed to fight off the weak German invaders, leading to their victory on the 27th of September.

We first visited the Wailly Orchard Cemetery, where the group heard a presentation from Laurie-Ann about the soldier she has been studying named Lieutenant Pierre Eugene Guay MC, who was in the front line with the 22nd BN. Canadian Infantry. Lieutenant Guay was passionate about fighting in the front line, during sickness and health. He unfortunately lost his life on May 1st 1918 during a shell explosion. His patriotism and determination is an inspiration for us all, and his memory will live on through us all.

Soon afterwards, the group visited the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, where we learned how they create and maintain war headstones and cemeteries across the globe. Throughout the interactive display, we learn the exact process of creating the headstones and the efforts made to maintain them along with the cemeteries. The group also learns about the recovery and reburial of new discoveries, and throughout this process, it feels quite emotional. The process of identifying these discoveries and finally laying them to rest with honour, is inspiring.

The group then arrived at Dury Mill cemetery, where we hear from Hannah and her presentation on a soldier named Private James Fenton of the 78th BN. Canadian Infantry. Hannah educated us on Private Fenton’s story within the First World War, as he is the relative of a close friend of hers. Private Fenton was drafted in 1918 and fought to take revenge for his brother, who had died in the war just 13 months before Private Fenton’s death. He was devoted to his country and comrades while only serving 62 days, and Hannah takes the opportunity to share his story and humanize him for his family back in Canada.

Overall, the student presentations we heard today and our visit to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission are moments I will never forget. The soldiers’ dedication and perseverance in the First World War are not something to take for granted, because their actions reflect the peace and freedom we experience today as Canadians. Our visit to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an experience I have grown to deeply appreciate. Their work to bring soldiers to rest with the highest of honour reflects the level of respect these soldiers have earned during the First World War and gives others the opportunity to remember them.

-Julia Giardini (Simon Fraser University)