My great grand uncle Ernest Muttart

by Marilyne Lambert

Ernest Muttart was born at Fifteen Point, close to Summerside in P.E.I. on Nov. 16, 1891. He was the youngest child of George and Melinda Muttart. When his older siblings moved to Edmonton in the early 1900’s Ernest was still in school and stayed home on the farm with his parents. On Nov. 11, 1915, the 24 year old signed up in Charlottetown with the 105th Overseas Battalion C.E.F. He was already a member of the 82nd Reserves. Ernest was single at the time but was married with a daughter on the way by the time he deployed. Unfortunately he would not return.

I was never aware of my great grand uncle Ernest. I discovered him while researching his older brother, Jesse Earl Muttart. My great grandmother, Anna Muttart Clark, was their big sister. I know so little about this brave young man. Ernest Muttart was a Private, Service #712137, he fought in France and Belgium, was hit by shrapnel in the back and abdomen on Nov. 9, 1917 and succumbed to his injuries. He is buried in the Nine Elms British Cemetery, plot V111, E, 8. This is located 1 mile west of Poperinge, Belgium. This picture is from the Guardian – a newspaper in Charlottetown. It states that Ernest was with the 104th Battalion.

Now here is the mystery. The Canadian Great War Project, Ernest’s Death Record and his Burial information all list him as belonging to the 1st Quebec Regiment, 14th Battalion. This is the same Regiment and Battalion that his older brother Jesse was with. Jesse was severely wounded on Nov. 6th, Ernest was badly wounded on Nov. 9th and died the same day. Jesse died on Nov. 22. Were they aware of each other’s tragic circumstances? I’m sure that there was so much confusion and heartache surrounding everyone that we will probably never know. My heart breaks for my poor great great grandmother, the young widows and fatherless children, but it also swells with pride that these young men, and many others, gave their all to keep us free.