Charles and Albert Vasseur: Together in Service

Charles Henry Vasseur, born September 6, 1889, and Albert Paul Vasseur, born February 27, 1896, were two Métis brothers from Penetanguishene and descendants of one of the Georgian Bay Métis Community's founding Métis families. Their grandfather, Charles Vasseur, had received a land grant “across the bay” from the British naval establishment in Penetanguishene harbour after relocating from Drummond Island following the War of 1812.  

On February 10, 1916, Charles and Albert made the difficult decision to voluntarily enlist to serve in the First World War. This meant leaving behind their family, including a middle brother, Wilfred, and their tightly knit Métis community.

Upon their arrival in England in October 1916, Charles and Albert were transferred to the 116th Battalion, following their initial training with the 157th Battalion. The brothers began serving in the field in France in February 1917.

A fever that left Charles hospitalized led to Charles and Albert’s separation in May 1917. Charles was subsequently moved through various medical facilities, including the 9th and 13th Canadian Field Ambulances, the 32nd Stationary Hospital at Wimereux, and the 6th Casualty Clearing Station, over several weeks. Diagnosed with severe pleurodynia, Charles recovered before returning to duty in June, joining the 3rd Entrenching Battalion instead of returning to his brother Albert’s side.

While Charles was experiencing countless transfers and illness, Albert continued to serve on the front lines until August 30, 1917, when he was tragically killed in action at just twenty-two years old. 

Charles began a difficult and grief-stricken period after his younger brother's death, including being sentenced to ten days of field punishment for drunkenness in September 1917. 

Nonetheless, Charles persevered through illness and recovery, returning to service by 1918 and serving bravely until the war's conclusion. He was finally discharged in March 1919, returning home without his brother, Albert, who is buried at the Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension in France.

See Our Sources

• Charles Vasseur CGWP

• Charles Vasseur Service File

• Albert Paul Vasseur CGWP

• Albert Paul Vasseur Service File

• Vasseur-Longlade VMFL

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