Listhaeghe, Gustaf “Smithie”

Regimental Number: 3205948
Rank: Private
Branch: 50th Battalion

Gustaf was born in Ruddervoorde, Belgium on June 24, 1896. His father had died by the time he was born, and his mother when he was 12. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but at the age of 13 Gustaf was working on the Grand Trunk Railroad, and in 1911 he went to Edmonton with his uncle and brother and worked on the Edmonton Dunvegan Railroad. Gustaf was drafted in January of 1918. He fought at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele and was gassed in November of 1918. While stationed in Antwerp, Gustaf met Mary DeMoll, his future wife. Gustaf returned to Canada in 1919 and settled in Spirit River (17-77-5-W6); Mary arrived on May 19, 1920 and they were married on May 20, 1920. The couple had thirteen children. Gustaf died in 1967.

Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 636

Links