Private Eugene Perry

Private, 22nd Battalion, Infantry (Army).

While on active service, deserting his Majesty's service. Absented himself for one day. Two days previous, Perry informed his platoon sergeant that could not stand any more trench tours. He stated to the Court at trial that he was too nervous to stand any more shelling. Had been in France since June 1916 and had been through the Somme operations.

The crime of desertion was reported to be very prevalent in the accused's battalion with seven men having been convicted in the past ten months without the death sentence having been carried out.

Tried on 3 April 1917. Executed on 11 April 1917.

Son of Germain and Caroline Perry of New Brunswick.

"Those who go to war at the request of their nation do not know the fate that lies in store for them. This was a war of such overwhelming sound, fury and unrelenting horror that few combatants could remain unaffected," said Minister Duhamel. "While we cannot relive those awful years of a nation at peril in total war, and although the culture of that time is subsequently too distant for us to comprehend fully, we can give these 23 soldiers a dignity that is their due, and provide closure to their families." (The Honourable Ron J. Duhamel, Minister of Veterans Affairs 11 December 2001)

The Government of Canada has offered an apology and formally announced its regret for this situation. On December 11, 2001, Veteran Affairs Minister, Dr. Ron Duhamel rose in the House of Commons and with sincerity and passion, read the names of those 23 Canadians into the Parliamentary record and announced their names will be written into Parliament Hill's Book of Remembrance. He was whole-heartedly supported by all of Canada's opposition Parties.