Private Percy John Munn
Percy Munn was born in Paris, the son of late Thomas Munn, a formerly prominent merchant in Paris. Along with Percy, there were four other brothers and four sisters. The family attended St. James Anglican Church. Percy grew up and was educated in Paris, but by the time he enlisted, he was living in Galt, employed as a moulder. He married Mary Ann Sheppard of Paris and they had one son.
Percy enlisted in Galt with the 71st Battalion when he was 39 years old. Little is known of Percy’s military service because the 71st Battalion had been absorbed into other reserve units. However, records suggest he was in the French village of Fresnoy when he was killed in action.
The Battle of Fresnoy, from May 3 to 9, 1917, was a significant but costly World War I engagement where Canadian troops, using innovative "bite-and-hold" tactics, captured the German-held village. But heavy German counter-attacks, including massive artillery and gas barrages, led to heavy losses and the eventual loss of the village. It was a brutal fight, part of the larger Battle of Arras, showcasing Canadian skill but also the immense German resilience. After the town was taken, the Germans responded with overwhelming artillery, firing thousands of shells and gas rounds into the village over the next week. The Canadians fought off intense German assaults, holding the ground until relieved by British troops, but the village was lost on May 9, 1917. The Canadian Corps suffered 1,259 casualties, with most occurring in the first brigade, making it a devastating day. The battle highlighted Canadian effectiveness in complex trench warfare but also the brutal cost of holding ground against determined German counter-offensives.
The battle of Fresnoy is the most likely place where Private Percy John Munn lost his life. He is remembered at the Vimy Monument in Pas de Calais. His name is inscribed on the ramparts of the monument along with the names of over 11,000 Canadian soldiers who were posted missing, presumed dead in France.