Tag Archives: Louis Joseph Heurt

Funeral of Appolinaire Ruelland, 118th Infantry Regiment

The new plaque on the grave of brothers, Appolinaire and Francois Ruelland

The new plaque on the grave of brothers, Appolinaire and Francois Ruelland

The funeral of Appolinaire Joachim Marie Ruelland, the second of the two French soldiers discovered during last November’s excavations at the Glory Hole, took place on Thursday 9th October in the French necropole at Tracy-le-Mont some 90 kilometres south of La Boisselle. The reason this location was chosen by the family is because it is the resting place of Appolinaire’s brother Francois who was killed in action nearby on 7th June 1916. Appolinaire and Francois are now reunited.

On a beautiful autumn day the LBSG was represented by Peter Barton, Anna Gow, Brian Powell and Cameron Ross. Seven members of the Ruelland family had made the journey from Brittany. They were presented with a dossier containing documents, plans and photographs outlining the events of 8 January 1915 that led to the deaths of Appolinaire Ruelland and Louis Le Heurt.

There were present many members of the Ancien Combattants, French military personnel, officials from ONAC, Prefets and Mayors. The event was colourful and celebratory, the speeches of several officials being especially complimentary about the quality of the LBSG’s work in the recovery of the remains of several French soldiers at La Boisselle. Peter Barton laid a floral tribute and planted a Breton flag.

Ancien Combattants provided the Guard of Honour

Ancien Combattants provided the Guard of Honour, Nécropole Nationale Tracy-le-Mont

Peter Barton laying the LBSG wreath

Peter Barton laying the LBSG wreath

Wreaths at the cemetery's memorial

Wreaths at the cemetery’s memorial

Peter Barton speaking with the great niece and great nephew of Appolinaire Ruelland

Peter Barton speaking with the great niece and great nephew of Appolinaire Ruelland

The new plaque on the grave showing Appolinaire and Francois are now buried together

The new plaque on the grave showing Appolinaire and Francois are now buried together

Archaeologist Cameron Ross at the graveside

Archaeologist Cameron Ross at the graveside

Ceremony for the dedication of the grave of Louis Joseph Heurt, 118th Infantry Regiment

On 8 September 2014 a ceremony was held at the French National Cemetery at Albert  to commemorate the burial of one of two identified French soldiers recovered by the La Boisselle Study Group during archaeological excavations in November 2013.

French National Cemetery, Albert

French National Cemetery, Albert

The two soldiers, who were discovered buried in the wall of a trench, were identified from their identity discs.  Privates Louis Joseph Heurt and Appolinaire Joachim Marie Ruelland, both of the 118th Infantry Regiment, were killed on 8 January 1915 during a German attack on the Ilôt at La Boisselle.  Louis Heurt’s remains were interred earlier this year at the French National Cemetery at Albert.  On 8 September 2014 a ceremony was held enabling family members to pay their respects, during which the plaque was formally fixed to the cross over his grave.

Anciens combattants provided standard bearers for the ceremony

Anciens combattants provided standard bearers for the ceremony

Descendants of Louis Heurt were in attendance, including his nephew M. Michel le Heurt.  Personal affects, including uniform buttons and other items found with the remains, were presented to M. le Heurt during the ceremony. These items had been passed to the ONAC (Office National des Anciens Combattants et Victimes de Guerre) by the LBSG when the remains were recovered in November 2013.  A number of LBSG members were in attendance, including the archaeologists who carried out the excavation.

M. Bureau of ONAC conducts the ceremony

M. Bureau of ONAC conducts the ceremony

M. Le Heurt is presented with the artefacts found with his uncle's body by M. Quintin of ONAC

M. Le Heurt is presented with the artefacts found with his uncle’s body by M. Quintin of ONAC

LBSG team members and archaeologists with M. Michel le Heurt

LBSG team members and archaeologists with M. Michel le Heurt

Archaeologist Brian Powell and M. Michel le Heurt

Archaeologist Brian Powell and M. Michel le Heurt

Louis Joseph Heurt, 118th Infantry Regiment. Image reproduced with permission of Michel Le Heurt.

Louis Joseph Heurt, 118th Infantry Regiment. Image reproduced with permission of Michel Le Heurt.

The grave of Louis Joseph Heurt, 118th Infantry Regiment

The grave of Louis Joseph Heurt, 118th Infantry Regiment

At the request of his family, the remains of Appolinaire Ruelland will be buried at Tracy-le-Mont  alongside those of his brother. The ceremony is due to be held on 9 October 2014.