Family’s Grave-Robbing Scandal Unfolds as Memorial for WWI Soldier Set to be Unveiled

URGENT UPDATE: A shocking family saga dating back to World War I is coming to light as a memorial for Helen Durie, sister of fallen soldier Arthur Durie, is set to be unveiled this Remembrance Day, November 11, 2023, at St. James Cemetery in Toronto. This ceremony will commemorate a scandal involving the illegal repatriation of Arthur’s remains from France, a move that challenges the principles of equality in death upheld by the Imperial War Graves Commission.

The story began when Arthur was killed by a mortar round in 1917, one of approximately 66,000 Canadians who lost their lives during the war. His mother, Anna Durie, was determined to bring him home, despite the official policy against repatriation. The family’s obsession escalated over the years, leading to an illegal exhumation in 1925 that has since raised ethical questions regarding war memorials and family grief.

In a series of fervent letters, Anna expressed her deep sorrow and discontent with the burial policies, even threatening local officials during her visits to France. Her daughter Helen, a dutiful sibling, supported her mother’s quest but also faced the emotional turmoil of losing a brother. Their efforts culminated in the clandestine return of Arthur’s remains, which were buried in Toronto, violating post-war burial ideals.

The Toronto Star reported on the scandal as it unfolded, with prominent figures like Ontario Premier Howard Ferguson questioning the legitimacy of the burial. “Can you tell me how this was managed?” Ferguson inquired of the Imperial War Graves Commission, illustrating the scandal’s ripple effect through society.

Retired Major Adam Saunders, a member of the Western Front Association, has been instrumental in raising awareness about the Durie family’s story. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that Helen’s name is finally recognized on the family gravestone, which previously omitted her entirely. The new engraving will read, “A loyal daughter and loving sister,” along with a poignant quote from Arthur’s last letter to their mother: “Give all the love I have to dearest Helen.”

As the unveiling of Helen’s memorial draws near, it serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices and emotional struggles faced by families during wartime. This developing story not only sheds light on a family’s relentless pursuit of closure but also raises crucial questions about the treatment of fallen soldiers and their families.

The ceremony on Remembrance Day will not only honor Helen, but it will also reflect on the broader implications of their actions and the legacy of those who fought and died in the Great War. Attendees will gather to pay their respects, marking a significant moment in Toronto’s history and the ongoing impact of World War I.

Stay tuned as more details emerge regarding the memorial ceremony and the public’s reaction to this poignant chapter in Canadian history.