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Private Russell William Belcher

Detail of a plaque with golden lettering on dark background showing the badges of 18 Battalion CEF.

Commemorative Plaque for the 18th Btn. in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, ON
1932. LLSC.

CEF no. 723109 / 823109

Russell Belcher was born in London, ON, on 7 December 1899. The woodworker was just sixteen years old when he first tried to enlist on 6 December 1915, but not meeting enlistment age requirements, he was not accepted for military service. He tried again on 25 October 1916, and despite his small stature, he successfully enlisted with the 142nd Canadian Infantry Battalion. He served in France with the 18th Btn, surviving more than a year of fighting. On 8 August 1918, he was killed by enemy shellfire during an attack on Marcelcave at the Battle of Amiens. Pte. Belcher was eighteen years old.

He is commemorated on page 366 of the First World War Book of Remembrance (Memorial Chamber, Peace Tower, Parliament Hill).

Grave: Toronto Cemetery, France.