Recognition for finding "lost" Canadians: Dirk Decuypere

Since 2009, Dirk Decuypere has been working to identify the remains of soldiers in the community of Langemark- Poelkapelle, Belgium, near where he lives. His efforts have resulted in the proper identification and burial of two fallen Canadian pilots, who now have a known grave. His work included identifying the war grave of Lieut. Lindsay Drummond, a descendant of the family that gave its name to Pinhey's Point Historic Site.

The recognition was the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers awarded on the advice of a Committee appointed by the Governor General for “significant, sustained and unpaid contributions to their community in Canada or abroad” and who have “demonstrated an exemplary commitment through their dedicated volunteerism.

This is a signal honour for Mr. Decuypere. Of the 4,526 awards made since 1996 only seven have been made to non-Canadians.


The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers bestowed on Dirk Decuypere from Ivan Lietaert on Vimeo.

News of this award came in the latest issue of the Horaceville Herald, the journal of the Pinhey's Point Foundation. Also in the issue are articles on the 2018 Dunrobin tornado, the late Bill Teron, the 200th anniversary of the Tipperary emigration, Ottawa Citizen back issues searchable, and more.