James (Jake) Begg Pt. 2: Service and Sacrifice

James (Jake) Begg was one of many Métis men to serve in the First World War, enlisting in the 94th Battalion, which included recruits from throughout Northern Ontario including Port Arthur, Fort William, Kenora, Rainy River, Fort Frances, and Dryden.

James voluntarily enlisted on February 29, 1916, and spent the spring training before departing Canada in early summer. Upon arriving in England in July 1916, James was transferred to the 17th Reserve Battalion and, shortly after, to the 43rd Battalion as part of a reinforcement draft to replace casualties on the front lines.

By the fall of 1916, James found himself in the midst of the Battle of the Somme. Canadian troops joined the latter stages of the massive offensive that raged from June to November, claiming countless lives. James’s battalion provided support for the assault on Regina Trench, a heavily fortified German position located near Courcelette.

During a fierce German counterattack on October 8, 1916, James and four other members of his battalion went missing. Many others were wounded in the engagement, and James was presumed killed in action.

A month later, on November 8–now known as Indigenous Veterans Day in Canada–the Kenora Miner and News reported James’ missing status. Confirmation of his death on June 27, 1917, brought immense sorrow to his community. 

Following his passing, Private James Begg was recognized and remembered in the Kenora Miner and News as “a well-known young man in town. He was physically a splendid type of young man, and made an excellent soldier.” 

James’ memory lives on among his Métis family and community in Kenora, where his courage and sacrifice continue to be honoured today.

See Our Sources

• James Begg, Canadian Great War Project

• James Begg, Kenora Great War Project

• Begg-Spence VMFL

• James Begg Attestation Record (1)

• James Begg Attestation Record (2)

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