Vimy Week Stories - David William Stranger

Private David William Stranger was born on May 20, 1874. He was a proud Canadian and one of many Indigenous Canadians who served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. A member of the Saulteaux community, he farmed on land that is now part of Peguis First Nation. He enlisted for service in Manitoba on September 22, 1915, at the age of 41.

While serving overseas, he remained a devoted husband and father of seven, often ending his letters home with the patriotic phrase, “the maple leaf forever.”

Unfortunately, on March 29, 1917, David was killed in action and his body was never recovered. His name now appears on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

He was survived by his wife, Margaret Harper, and their seven children.

Explore the stories of the 11,285 Canadians Commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial by using the Vimy: Living Memorial app. Download now to explore their legacies.