Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Newspaper Clipping – Pte James MacPhail, shown here in the uniform of the 56th Battalion CEF, was killed in action while serving in No. 2 Company, 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders) CEF. Dileas Gu Brath. Photograph provided by Mr. Gord Walker and supplied by BGen G Young 15th Battalion CEF Memorial Project.

War Diary – Scan extract from the War Diary of the 15th Battalion showing the entry for 12 March 1917 that describes the actions of the 15th Battalion on 12 March 1917 when they suffered eight casualties while moving forward to occupy a tunnel complex near Vimy Ridge. One of those eight men was James MacPhail. Submitted by BGen G Young of the 15th Battalion Memorial Project.

Regimental History – Scan extract from the Regimental History of the 48th Highlanders of Canada that describes the actions of the 15th Battalion on 12 March 1917 when they suffered three men killed while moving forward to occupy a tunnel complex near Vimy Ridge. One of those three men was James MacPhail. Submitted by BGen G Young of the 15th Battalion Memorial Project.

Cap Badge – Cap Badge 56th(Calgary) Bn CEF. Private MacPhail was originally a member of the 56th Bn before he was transferred to the 15th Bn as a reinforcement. Submitted by Capt V Goldman, 15th Bn Memorial Project. DILEAS GU BRATH

Badge – Cap Badge 15th Bn (48th Highlanders of Canada). Submitted by Capt V Goldman, 15th Bn Memorial Project. DILEAS GU BRATH

Shoulder Patch – Shoulder Patch 15th Bn (48th Highlanders of Canada). Submitted by Capt V Goldman, 15th Bn Memorial Project. DILEAS GU BRATH

Carving – Photograph of a carving of a Celtic Cross with left in the tunnel called Maison Blanche near Vimy ridge and discovered during its exploration by the Durand Group. It was made by members of the 15th Battalion who occupied the tunnel in March 1917 to commemorate three men of their Battalion - one of whom was James MacPhail - who were killed on 12 March 1917 as they moved forward to occupy the tunnel. Inscriptions on the cross itself bear the names of the three men. Photo provided by The Durand Group and submitted by BGen G Young of the 15th Battalion Memorial Project.

Cemetery – Entrance - Villers Station Cemetery … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens

Cemetery – Villers Station Cemetery … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens

Grave Marker – Photo by BGen (ret'd) G. Young, submitted by Capt (ret'd) V. Goldman 15th Bn Memorial Project. DILEAS GU BRATH