Map showing parts of the United Kingdom, Ireland, northern France, Belgium, and the English Channel. Several green markers are connected by lines, indicating routes or locations across England and into mainland Europe. Major cities and geographic labels such as London, Paris, and Brussels are visible.

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Bringing History to Life: WWI Project by JDSS Students

In 2025, this project was nominated as a finalist for the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History, recognizing it as one of the top 20 history education initiatives in Canada!

We are excited to showcase an innovative project from École John Diefenbaker Senior School in Hanover, ON. Every year, grade 10 history students at JDSS trace the life of a local soldier from the West Grey area who enlisted during WWI. This year, the project took a modern twist with the integration of GIS mapping technology, transforming the learning experience into something even more dynamic and impactful.

In Bringing History to Life: ArcGIS StoryMap WWI Soldier Project, local secondary school students tell the stories of local WWI soldiers using personnel files, various secondary sources and ArcGIS Story Maps.

StoryMaps is a tool created by ArcGIS that combines geospatial data with audio, photos, videos, and text to visualize sequential events or themes. Using StoryMaps, students were able to present their research in a dynamic and interactive format, creating detailed maps that trace the journeys and experiences of their assigned soldiers.

View Bringing History to Life below. Simply click the name of a soldier to learn their story and to recognize the remarkable work of these local Grade 10 History students.

 

Map showing Canadian National Vimy Memorial location near Givenchy-en-Gohelle, France. Inset displays engraved names on the Vimy Memorial with highlighted text: “Campbell’s name on the Vimy Memorial, among many others.

Explore Campbell Clark's StoryMap here.

"This was a ship that carried many Canadian soldiers to England to fight, and back home after the war had finished, but sadly, Campbell wasn't among the latter. He was only 22 when he left home for the last time."

This StoryMap was created by Gemma de V.

John McGill Derby

Explore John McGill Derby's StoryMap here.

"Back to France - from February 27th, 1918 to the end of the war. He was involved In the German Offensive (Operation Michael) and the Last 100 Day's on November 11th (Armistice)."

This StoryMap was created by Lily B.

Norman Robert Dickson

Explore Norman Robert Dickson's StoryMap here.

"His father, William, was against dancing, and while he was on vacation, Norman and his brothers had a house dance, and were caught after their dad came home earlier than expected."

This StoryMap was created by Cameron E.

Robert Hazen

Map of Western Europe showing route markers in England, France, and Belgium. Inset displays a black-and-white photo of the RMS Olympic ocean liner with text: “Leaving Canada. Robert left Canada on the Olympic on November 13, 1916, arriving in England on November 21.

Explore Robert Hazen's StoryMap here.

"Robert Henry Hazen was born on July 10th, 1892 in Wallace, Ontario Canada. He had a dark complexion, dark hair, and blue eyes."

This StoryMap was created by Claire D.

Arnold Homer Jucksch

Map of Western Europe showing numbered points connected by lines, indicating a route through England, France, and Belgium. A black-and-white photo of soldiers walking in muddy terrain is inset on the left with text: “Arrived in France on the Frontlines. Arnold arrived on the frontlines in France on April 23rd, 1917. He is immediately sent to the Scarpe to fight.

Explore Arnold Homer Jucksch's StoryMap here.

"After gathering info from the front lines, Arnold is brought to the H.Q in Ottawa for questioning about what he gathered and saw on the front."

This StoryMap was created by Tazio D.

Map of Canada and northeastern U.S. with markers showing a route starting in Owen Sound, Ontario. Inset shows a black-and-white photo of men outside a brick building with text: “Owen Sound, Ontario January 6, 1916. Mr. Lauder signed attestation papers to join the 147th Grey Battalion.

Explore Allister William Lauder's StoryMap here.

"Mr. Lauder and his Battalion participated in The Battle of Hill 70 during August of 1917. Mr. Lauder both excelled in and survived the first major battle he participated in. "

This StoryMap was created by Marley T.

Map of Mons, Belgium with a marker labeled “Final Days of War.” Inset shows a black-and-white photo of soldiers gathered in a town square with text: “Final Days of War. In the days leading up to the end of the war, Leeson was getting ready for the Battle of Mons… the last battle of World War One.

Explore Frederick Howard Leeson's StoryMap here.

"That is the story of the average soldier: to serve and return to normal life. We remember Frederick Howard Leeson and the sacrifice he made for our country."

This StoryMap was created by Mitchell G.

Hector Stewart Mcgillivray

Explore Hector Stewart Mcgillivray's StoryMap here.

"Mcgillivray survived the battle of Vimy where the Canadians took a huge victory. Although they won the battle over 3000 Canadian soldiers lost their lives."

This StoryMap was created by Rileigh L.

Lewis Newell

Explore Lewis Newell's StoryMap here.

"On March 13th, 1918, I was sent to Passchendaele. I assisted with making trenches, railways and general living conditions better for soldiers."

This StoryMap was created by Ava A.

Continues training in East Sandling, GB with the RFC.” On the left, a black-and-white photo of a group of uniformed men standing in a line, accompanied by text: “Continues training in East Sandling, GB with the RFC. Mitchell continues his training in East Sandling, GB with the RFC.

Explore Mitchelle White Richardson's StoryMap here.

"Mitchell survives the war, and returns back home to Ottawa on General Demobilization on august 10th, 1919 as a Captain of the RAF at 23 years of age."

This StoryMap was created by Nathan R.

Clarence Ross

Explore Clarence Ross's StoryMap here.

"Clarence Ross arrived in Shoreham England on November 20th 1916. He was a part of the 8th Reserved Battalion."

This StoryMap was created by Georgia P.

Ernest Victor Trump

Explore Ernest Victor Trump's StoryMap here.

"On the 29th of December 1915 Ernest Victor Trump went to Owen Sound Ontario to enlist in the army where he was accepted."

This StoryMap was created by Evan M.

William Henry Turner

Explore William Henry Turner's StoryMap here.

"William Turner left Camp Borden with the rest of the Grey County boys. The 147th Canadian Battalion left on October 5th, 1916 on the SS Olympic from Halifax to sail overseas."

This StoryMap was created by Ryder M.

Map of Grey County, Ontario with markers near Owen Sound and Hanover. Inset shows a sepia-toned photo of a soldier in uniform with text: “The Beginning May 31st, 1889. Harry Stanley Willis was born on May 31st, 1889. He lived on a farm at RR No. 1 Hanover, Bentinck Township Grey County, with his parents Mark and Rebecca Willis.

Explore Harry Stanley Willis's StoryMap here.

"Harry Stanley arrived in Owen Sound for training. He was boarding at Complex House. While stationed in Owen Sound, he was taught how to march and do drill."

This StoryMap was created by Scott P.

Please note that this is student work. Maps or stories may contain inaccuracies. No errors were made intentionally or maliciously.

Jennifer Morris has been an educator with Bluewater District School Board for 20 years. Jennifer is passionate about making history engaging for her students and helping them develop critical thinking skills. She teaches at Ecole John Diefenbaker in Hanover, ON. 

Hillary Weppler is the Intermediate Secondary Technology Coach at Bluewater District School Board. Through her work she aims to help teachers leverage technology to create meaningful learning experiences for students. Prior to moving into education Hillary worked as a museum and gallery professional both with Grey Roots Museum & Archives and the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.