Name/Title
1916 - November 18th - An original Sterling Silver Canadian Memorial (Mother's) Cross named to 178035 Private John Fleming Percival Foster who was featured on CTV's W5 in 2005Scope and Content
For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection *** FOR ARCHIVE PURPOSES ONLY - ARTIFACT NOT PART OF MUSEUM COLLECTION ***
1916 - November 18th - An original Sterling Silver Canadian memorial (Mother's) Cross named to 178035 Private John Fleming Percival Foster previously reported missing but later confirmed killed in action during the attack on Desire Trench Raid Battle of Courcelette. He was featured in a full episode on CTV's W5 in 2005.
ABOUT THE CGG SOLDIER
Born in Hintonburgh, Ontario on 24 October 1892, Private 'Percy' Foster was working as a clerk and had served with the Canadian Mounted Rifles for one year prior to enlisting with the 87th Battalion (Canadian Grenadier Guards) CEF in Ottawa, ON. on 22nd November 1915. He was reported missing as of 18 November 1916. His monther who lived in Merrickville, Ontario, was notified of his death, but later received a notice that it was an error and he was alive. Sadly, and later confirmed as killed in Action in September 1917. His Commanding Officer, (Presumably Major Hall) wrote a letter to his Family praising Private Foster for his bravery and splendid work in his company. He is one of 16 CGG members buried in Regina Trench Cemetery in France.
THE LEST WE FORGET PROJECT – RESEARCHING PTE FOSTER
CTV W5 NEWS PROGRAM FEATURED A FULL-LENGTH EPISODE TITLED ‘FINDING PRIVATE FOSTER’
In a great example of how CGG soldiers continue to be honoured decades after, In 2005 a CTV News W5 episode featured the quest by two students, Melanie Fisher and Jenna Asongwed, as they followed Pte Foster’s WWI journey as part of The Lest We Forget Project. The project involved Canadian Schools in cooperation with Library and Archives Canada and the Canadian War Museum. In this project, students attend Library & Archives to study files of World War I and World War II soldiers. This helps students such as Ms. Jenna Mantle, who researched Private Foster, in understand the contributions made by Canada’s military. The program began in 2001 after Blake Seward, a history teacher from Smiths Falls, Ontario decided to teach his class about World War I through researching soldiers, nurses and other participants in the war. In January 2010, Library and Archives Canada announced cutbacks to the program. Through a joint effort with the Royal Canadian Legion and the War Museum, the program still exists for the use of students.Created By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Create Date
April 26, 2026Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
June 20, 2026
