Vimy Week Stories - Private Hara Shinkichi

Private Hara Shinkichi was born on March 31, 1885, in Wakayama, Ken, Japan. He later moved to Calgary, Alberta, before enlisting in the 10th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment), on August 28, 1916.

During the First World War, Shinkichi wrote letters describing his experiences in battle. In one, he recounted, “The fighting has been fierce. When we were attacking the second line, Kojima was hit in the head by machine-gun fire. I went to him, but he died without saying a word. I cut a piece of his hair before I left him.” Tragically, Shinkichi lost his life in combat on April 28, 1917, at Vimy Ridge, France.

Upon learning of her son's death, his mother, Yasuko Hara, expressed her grief in a heartfelt letter: “I could not wait for his triumphant return at the dawn of peace. But now, I am devastated to be notified of his death. I have been wondering: Is this not but a dream?”

Explore the story of Private Hara Shinkichi, and the other 11,284 Canadians Commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial by using the Vimy: Living Memorial app. Download now to explore their legacies.

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