Month: August 2021

On The War Memorial Trail….. Adopting A Grave In Adegem

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

August 29, 2021. After reading about the 7 Indigenous soldiers buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium, Edwin van der Wolf, a volunteer researcher at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands contacted Pieter. (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/08/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-7-indigenous-soldiers-buried-in-adegem-canadian-war-cemetery/)

In a translation from the original Dutch, Edwin wrote that “…On your interesting blog I read about the 7 First Nations, who are buried in the Canadian cemetery in Adegem, Belgium.

At the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten I also happen to have about 13 First Nations and three Métis, who are buried with us, as a focus area.….” 

Two of the Indigenous soldiers buried in Holten have been featured on this blog:

P1370203 Edwin by Pte Allan Trelford

Edwin van der Wolf by the grave of Allan Trelford in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem.  (Photo courtesy Edwin van der Wolf)

Edwin went on to say “…In addition, I am also involved in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, where 38 fallen / killed soldiers of the Canadian Scottish Regiment are buried and of which I have also adopted two with my son….”  Edwin has done extensive research into the Canadian Scottish Regiment and last year began a website on them.  (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/new-website-on-canadian-scottish-regiment-during-ww2/)

P1370323 May 12 2018 of the certificate of Pte Allan Trelford

On May 12, 2018, Edwin van der Wolf received his certificate for adopting the grave of Allan Homer Trelford. (Photo courtesy Edwin van der Wolf)

Edwin adopted the grave of Allan Homer TRELFORD, son of Homer A. and Eleanora Jane Trelford, of Toronto, Ontario and husband of Mildred Verna Trelford, of Toronto, who died on October 18, 1944 at the age of 23. 

On May 11, 2019, Edwin’s son Breyten adopted the grave of Joseph H. PALLISTER, son of Guy and Evelyn M. Pallister, of Turner Valley, Alberta, who died on October 6, 1944 at the age of 21.

Adoptie Certifikaat J.H. Pallister, 11-5-019

The adoption certificate issued to Breyten van der Wolf.  (Photo courtesy Edwin van der Wolf)

I asked Edwin what was involved in adopting a grave, since the upkeep of the graves and cemeteries for our Canadian war dead is the responsibility of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.  My guess was that it involved visiting the grave and perhaps being in contact with family members back in Canada.  Edwin confirmed this and went on to explain that “...You are supposed to lay flowers at the adopted grave now and then and I also ask my Belgian contact person there to do so for me sometimes. There can also be contact with family members….”

Pieter and I have been to several cemeteries in Europe and in many of the smaller ones we were the only visitors in a long while, according to the visitors log book.  So, the adoption of graves is a great idea.  

No soldier buried overseas should be forgotten

Edwin explained that, unlike in The Netherlands, “…If you adopt a grave at the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery you receive a certificate of this adoption during a yearly ceremony in May…”  The Dutch War Graves Commission no longer issues certificates, “…not since the 1960s...” 

Thank you to Edwin van der Wolf for sharing photos and information about the grave adoption at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem.  If you have information to share about Canadian soldiers, please contact Pieter at  memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1. 

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following our research, you are welcome to do so.  Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEurope4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe…. Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/ 

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The Search For A Photo Of John ‘Clifford’ Rogers Is Successful

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

August 24, 2021. A few months ago, a posting summarized an ongoing search for a photo of WW2 soldier John ‘Clifford’ ROGERS of Hope River, PEI, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/01/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-continued-search-for-a-photo-of-john-clifford-rogers/)

Nothing happened for several months, but then Pieter received an email from Janet ‘Jan’ O’Reilly, who wrote that “…Clifford was my uncle, Gladys is my mom, and is still alive….”  Gladys is the sister of John ‘Clifford’ Rogers.

DSC_0547 john clifford rogers

John ‘Clifford’ Rogers. (Photo courtesy of Gladys O’Reilly)

Jan went on to explain that “…We live in Ontario – my mom left the island in the late 1950s, I believe. Her Mom and Dad remained on the island, but her Dad died in the 1960s and my grandma later came to live with us here in Ontario. She died here in 1980 and Mom brought her home to be buried on the island. We all travelled to PEI that Christmas…” This explained why Pieter’s search on the Island was unsuccessful.

DSC_0242 janet o reilly and mother

Jan and Glady O’Reilly.  (Photo courtesy of Janet O’Reilly)

Clifford was born August 19, 1925 in Hope River, Prince Edward Island, the son of Andrew Rogers and Phoebe Gallant. The family later moved to Charlottetown.

On March 12, 1943, he enlisted in Charlottetown, and it was noted that he had served in the PEI Light Horse Regiment (17th Reserve Armoured Regiment) since 1942. At the beginning of April 1943 he was transferred to the Advanced Infantry Training Camp in Aldershot, Nova Scotia.

On October 30, 1943 he was transferred to the Advanced Driving and Maintenance School in Woodstock, Ontario, a facility where soldiers learned to drive and repair military vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks.

….4 Islanders trained together at Coldstream Ranch….

After receiving his qualification, he was transferred to the Canadian School of Infantry, located at Coldstream Ranch in Vernon, British Columbia, arriving on January 27, 1944.  Over 11,000 acres, the training area on the ranch included a log village for village fighting, an obstacle course, a bayonet assault course, a trench blasted from solid rock on the side of hill that gave trainees experience from being fired on from overhead, an ‘English’ type lane with hedges and gates, and a dam for river crossing drills.

When Pieter spoke with Gladys, she told him that 3 other Islanders were at the Coldstream Ranch at the same time as Clifford: 

Later, Jan reflected that “…Mom remembered him getting along with Pte Blanchard who was also from PEI. There were just four of them and I imagine that created a bond….”

In September 1944 Clifford was sent to the transit camp at Camp Debert in Nova Scotia, in preparation for going overseas.  He arrived in the United Kingdom on November 28, 1944.  On January 8, 1945 he was in Northwest Europe as part of the contingent of reinforcement troops.

On January 26, 1945 he was transferred to the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.  Not long after, the Regiment travelled just over the Dutch border into Germany for Operation Blockbuster, the last part of Operation Veritable, during the Battle of the Rhineland. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

….Action in Balberger Wald was fatal for Clifford….

Clifford survived the Battle of Keppeln, in which fellow Islander Barney McGuigan lost his life, but his luck ran out a few days later in the Balberger Wald, a forested ridge southeast of Keppeln.  This area protected the approach to the Rhine with concrete fortifications.

Map

The North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment moved into the area on March 1 to support other Regiments in an attempt to clear part of the forest on the eastern side, not easy in a thick forest where German snipers could easily hide. In addition to shells and grenades, many open areas were mined.  With such dense forest cover, it wasn’t difficult to get separated from the platoon.  By the time the area was cleared several days later, 6 members of the North Shore Regiment had lost their lives, including Clifford, who died on March 3, 1945.

The other 5 members of the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment who lost their lives in the Balberger Wald were:

  • Patrick Marshall BUCKLEY, of St. John, New Brunswick, died March 2, 1945.
  • Claude Wilber DERRICK, of Canterbury, New Brunswick, died March 2, 1945.
  • Royden Blake FOURNIER, of Perth, Ontario, died March 2, 1945.
  • Wilfred MELANSON, of Bathurst, New Brunswick, died March 2, 1945.
  • Harold Freeman STEVENS, died March 1, 1945.

Clifford was initially buried in a cemetery in present day Bedburg-Hau and later reburied at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. 

CIMG3331 Oct 5 2019 Groesbeek John Rogers

In 2019, we visited the grave of John Clifford Rogers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Jan was correct in saying that “…Their family sacrificed so much…” Clifford and his brother Ferdinand (Ferdy) lost their lives in WW2 while a third brother, Walter, had a career in the military.

Gladys O’Reilly “…is the last of their immediate family….”  Walter “…left as a young man as well.  He served in Korea and later lived overseas with his family during his military service for a time in Germany. He eventually settled in Kingston and died there 10 years ago at the age of 82….”

We thank Jan and Gladys O’Reilly for sharing family photos and information about John ‘Clifford’ Rogers.  If you have information to share about Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands, memories to share about John ‘Clifford’ Rogers, or the other soldiers mentioned, please email us at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.  

….Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

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© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. The Search For A Photo Of WW2 Soldier Allan Gordon Coutts

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No photo available

August 20, 2021. In 2017, Pieter received a photo wish list from researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  There were 6 names, all serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when they lost their lives.  How hard could that be?  Pieter thought.

Over the past years, families of 4 of the six have been found, along with photos of the soldiers.  Two remain elusive. One of these is Allan ‘Gordon’ COUTTS, born January 11, 1923 in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, the son of Benjamin and Susan Coutts.  During his childhood, the family moved to Olds, Alberta, where his father was a firefighter on a government experimental farm.

After enlisting in Calgary, Alberta on January 15, 1943 with the #13 District Depot, he went to the Canadian Basic Training Centre in Camrose, Alberta on February 1, 1943. About 6 weeks later he caught mumps and was placed in isolation in the military hospital.

Once recovered from mumps, he was sent to the Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) in Calgary, then on January 1944 he went to Camp Debert in Nova Scotia for final preparations before being sent overseas to the United Kingdom in March 1944.  In April 1944 he was transferred to the Canadian Scottish Regiment, then in June 1944 to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.

On July 25, 1944 he was wounded by a gunshot wound in the right shoulder during an offensive called ‘Operation Spring’ in Tilly-la-Compagne, France, and was hospitalized for a few weeks before returning to duty.  (For more information on Operation Spring see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Spring)

In early May, just before the end of the war, the Regiment went to Norden, Germany, “…the first Recce party there...” according to ‘No Retreating Footsteps – the story of the North Novas’ by Will Bird.  Once they arrived, the German Commandant of the area was “...ordered to concentrate all his troops in the barracks area, to disarm them, and deliver all arms and ammunition to a selected arms dump, the Grattin Theda School….”

However, Bird continued in his account, “….A German Army deserter reported the organization of Werewolves in the Novas area who wanted to destroy Norden because it had surrendered without a fight, and wanted to prevent German ammunition falling into Allied hands….” The ammunition dump was then moved away from the school to the Sports Field.

An Explosion in Norden was fatal

On May 11, 1945, Gordon was monitoring the unloading of ammunition at the Sports Field.  Around 4:30 pm, there was an explosion which cost him his life.  The witness testimony of Private J. J. JONES of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders confirmed that the sports field was used as a dumping ground for “…enemy ammunition and equipment…”

As one of the drivers of these loads, his truck was parked at the dump and stated that he “… was standing by the tailboard of the truck, watching some German soldiers unloading a mixed load of ammunition and equipment.  I heard someone shout out a warning, and then I saw something come out the ground and land on the ground on the edge of the dump itself…. ”

Pte Jones noted that “… the object made a hissing sound and gave off a cloud of orange smoke….” As he ran to take cover, “… a loud explosion went off….” As he returned to the dump, he saw “…a German Officer kick the smoking object away from the dump…”  When he reached the dump, he noticed “…one of our soldiers lying on the ground...” with a hole in his head.  He immediately went to get medical help.

Pte H. K. KEDDY of the Nova Scotia Highlanders was on guard duty at the German ammunition dump at the Norden Sports Field. He too heard a hissing noise and saw orange smoke and ran to safety.  After the explosion he testified that he “…went back to the scene of the explosion which was about 10 to 12 feet from the rear of the ….truck….”  He saw “…Sgt Coutts, AG lying on the ground quite near the truck….” and a wounded German soldier lying nearby.  He helped apply a bandage to the wounds while waiting for medical assistance to arrive.

Capt Alan E. DE FOREST of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders testified that the pile of ammunition contained “…all types of German mines, grenades, bazookas, small arms etc, which included several steel cases of German stick grenades (potato mashers)...”  It appeared that the explosion was caused by one of the stick grenades.  The explosion was ruled an accident and not an act of sabotage.

Gordon was temporarily buried in the Leer Lutheran Cemetery in Germany, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

CIMG3228 Oct 3 2019 Holten Allan Coutts

We visited the grave of Allan Gordon Coutts at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands in 2019. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

In March 1948, Mr. G. F. Struik of Deventer, The Netherlands sent a letter to Veterans Affairs, asking that it be forwarded to the next of kin.  He wanted the family to know that he had adopted the grave, a volunteer program that was organized by the Netherlands War Graves Committee.

This was not an unusual occurrence. Many family members of soldiers that we have met over the years have explained that their families had been in contact with Dutch citizens who adopted a grave.

Unfortunately, although he’s tried since 2017 to find family of Allan Gordon Coutts, Pieter has been unsuccessful.  Earlier this month, he did an interview with Galen Hartviksen, News Director at 96.5 CKFM/ROCK 104.5 in Olds, Alberta, in the hope that someone will see the appeal and come forward.  Here is the link to the web article and interview: https://ckfm.ca/2021/08/09/11202/.  Up to now, no one has come forward, unfortunately.

Thank you to Galen Hartviksen at CKFM for helping to publicize the search for a photo. If you can help with a photo or information about Allan Gordon Coutts, please contact Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

 The North Nova Scotia Highlanders Wish List

The other North Nova Scotia Highlanders on that 2017 photo wish list from the researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, for which photos were found, were:

In addition to Allan Gordon COUTTS, one more photo is yet to be found for:

  • Archibald Henry NELSON, born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, son of William Henry and Winnifred Frances Nelson, who lost his life on April 18, 1945, aged 32.

….Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog.

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You are also invited to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ591TyjSheOR-Cb_Gs_5Kw.

© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. 7 Indigenous Soldiers Buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 4 Comments

August 18, 2021. After reading the posting about WWII Soldier Clarence Wilfred Wakegijig, Pieter was contacted by Willy van Ee of Sas-van-Gent, The Netherlands, who explained that he is the son of Indigenous soldier Walter MEKAJI of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and Hendrike Herber of The Netherlands.  “…My father also came from Wikwemikong and met my mother in Utrecht during the liberation of The Netherlands…”

Willy’s compelling story has been extensively told.  See:

In a translation of Willy’s email exchange with Pieter, he wrote “…I live 20 km from the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium.  Every year, on the second weekend of September, there is a ceremony with many VIPs, and a lot of people.  This year it’s on September 12. I’ve been going there for about 40 years, because of a veteran from Vancouver Island, Art BRIDGE, who has visited us a number of times.  His friend L MORGAN is buried there....”   Most likely, Willy is referring to Lionel Albert MORGAN, son of Reuben and Pearl Morgan, of Toronto, Ontario, who died on September 8, 1944 while serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s).

Map showing Adegem Canadian War Cemetery

Willy wanted to let Pieter know that he believed that 7 Indigenous soldiers are buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery.  He visited the cemetery and sent the names:

No photo available

  • Maurice BELLEGARDE, son of Moise and Margaret Bellegarde, of Abernethy, Saskatchewan. Died November 3, 1944 while serving with the Regina Rifle Regiment.
Jacob Shelby Brant

Jacob Shelby Brant. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

  • Jacob Shelby BRANT, born February 12, 1925 in Hagersville, Ontario, son of Austin and Bessie Brant.  Died September 11, 1944 while serving with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, aged 19.
Harvey Dreaver

Harvey Dreaver. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

  • Harvey DREAVER, born November 29, 1914 in Leask, Saskatchewan, son of Joseph and Evelyn Dreaver of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Husband of Mary Dreaver of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Died October 6, 1944 while serving with the Regina Rifle Regiment, aged 29.

No photo available

  • Joseph HENRY, son of Thomas and Philomene Henry. Husband of Alice Henry, of Roseau River Reserve, Manitoba.  Died October 2, 1944 while serving with the Algonquin Regiment, aged 22.
Roland David Riel

Roland David Riel. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

  • Roland David RIEL, born December 8, 1925 in St Vital (now Winnipeg), Manitoba, son of Henry and Yvonne Mary Eugenie Riel.   Died October 15, 1944 while serving with the Regina Rifle Regiment, aged 18.
Kenneth Scribe

Kenneth Scribe. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

  • Kenneth SCRIBE, son of John and Jessie Scribe, of Norway House, Manitoba. Died October 11, 1944 while serving with the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, aged 23.

No photo available

  • Charles William Myers ST GERMAINE, son of John and Lillian St. Germaine, of Rama, Ontario. Died September 16, 1944 while serving with the South Saskatchewan Regiment, aged 23.

Thank you to Willy van Ee for sharing his story and letting us know about the soldiers buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery.  If you have photo or information to share about any of the men mentioned in this posting, or other Canadian soldiers, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

 ….Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEurope4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe…. Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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On The War Memorial Trail…..In Conversation With RCAF Pilot Captain Scott Nantes

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August 14, 2021. In researching the service of many courageous air crew who lost their lives during WW2, Pieter Valkenburg, who served in the Dutch Air Force, thought how much he would have liked to talk to them.  So, Pieter was pleased when a trip to Kinkora for ice cream and a visit with Bonnie Rogerson of Chez Shez Inn led to us meeting RCAF pilot Captain Scott NANTES. (RCAF is the acronym for Royal Canadian Air Force.)

Scott was on the Island with his husband Felix Belzile for a short family visit, and told us that “…My mother Rhonda is from Kinkora and still lives here with my stepfather, Damien Coyle….”  His father, Michael Croken, lives in Moncton, New Brunswick.

CIMG5278 Aug 10 2021 Felix and Scott Chez Shea Kinkora

Felix Belzile (left) and Scott Nantes (right).  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Growing up in Kinkora, Scott was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program 53 Squadron in Summerside.  “…It was through the Air Cadets that I received my glider and private pilot’s licence…” he said.

….The military covered the cost of tuition….

For the best chance of having a career in flying, he applied to the ROTP (Regular Officers Training Plan), a program that would give him an opportunity to earn a fully paid university degree and an officer’s commission in the Canadian Armed Forces, in return for a commitment to serve for a set period. (For more information, see https://www.rmc-cmr.ca/en/registrars-office/regular-officer-training-plan-rotp)

Scott was accepted into the program and began his first year of studies at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean (Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean) in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, 40 km south of Montreal. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Military_College_Saint-Jean)

After the first year in Quebec, Scott continued his studies at the Royal Military College in Kingston, majoring in Political Science.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Military_College_of_Canada) This is where he met Felix, who majored in Computer Engineering.  Both men were enlisted in the RCAF.

….Basic Flight Training gives an indication of who has the ‘right stuff’….

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts, Scott was sent to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan for 1 year of Basic Flight Training, even though he already had a private pilot’s licence. “…This is an RCAF requirement, even for commercial pilots, as there are differences from non-military pilot training. You are trained in formation flying, low level navigation, and aerobatics…” he explained.

While operational skills are essential, this period is where trainees are assessed on other characteristics that make a good military pilot.  “…Decision making is key…” Scott noted.  “…You can’t freeze up, as you must think quickly.  Training sorts out who can handle stress…”

Following this basic training, pilots are chosen for one of three streams: fighter pilot, helicopter pilot, or multi-engine pilot.  Scott’s first choice of multi-engine pilot was accepted, and he spent a further 5 months in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, for multi-engine training on a King Air C90. “…Here we learned to deal with a 2 person crew.  I received my wings in February 2015….”

….Flying the Airbus A310 …. even into a war zone….

DSC_1834(1) Scott Nantes in front of Airbus A310 at 2018 Summerside Air Show

Scott Nantes in front of an Airbus A310 at the 2018 Air Show Atlantic in Summerside.  (Photo courtesy Scott Nantes)

After receiving his wings, Scott was selected to fly the Airbus A310 (which has the military designation Polaris CC150) and was based in Trenton, Ontario.  This plane is used for three main functions: VIP transport, air to air refueling, and regular troop transport.

Scott gave examples of his experience with VIP transport.  “…I flew Prime Minister Trudeau to the first meeting with former US President Trump in Washington in 2017, and took former Governor General David Johnson on his last flight to China…”

Regular troop transport included flying troops to and from bases in Edmonton or Quebec City and overseas bases in Kuwait, Latvia, and Ukraine.

KW05-2016-00780

Scott Nantes in the cockpit of an Airbus A310 in Kuwait.  (Photo courtesy Scott Nantes)

Scott had three deployments to Kuwait as an air to air refueling pilot, flying into Iraq and Northern Syria during the ISIS Coalition.  Each deployment lasted 2 months.  Air to air refueling has been described as a ‘gas station in the sky’, where a plane with the fuel must connect with a plane requiring fuel, through a probe that attaches to each plane.  It’s like something out of a science fiction movie!  As someone who finds threading a sewing needle a challenge, I could only marvel at the skill required.

During this period, he and Felix had a long-distance relationship.  Felix explained that “…I was posted to Ottawa after receiving my Computer Engineering degree, and then started a software business on the side.  This turned into a full-time business after leaving the RCAF in 2017 and I was able to follow Scott to Trenton….”

….A new challenge in flying the Challenger….

In 2020, Scott received a new assignment and was posted to Ottawa, where he and Felix currently live.  “…Now I’m flying the Challenger 604 and the new Challenger 650 planes, which are used for VIP and Medivac transport…”

A passion for flying led Scott Nantes to a rewarding career serving our country and we thank him for sharing his story. If you have a story or photos to share, please contact Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

….Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog.

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You are also invited to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ591TyjSheOR-Cb_Gs_5Kw.

© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. Remembering WW2 Soldier Clarence Wilfred Wakegijig

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August 9, 2021. After an interview about the photo quest for soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands ran on APTN, Pieter was contacted by Annelind Wakegijig. (ee https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/dutch-born-p-e-i-man-on-a-mission-to-find-photos-of-first-nations-soldiers-killed-overseas-in-wwii/)

She sent us a photo of Clarence Wilfred WAKEGIJIG, and wrote that “…I recently saw your story featured on APTN. My great-uncle, Clarence WAKEGIJIG was from the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. He died in Holland on March 2, 1945. He is buried in Groesbeek…”  (For more information on the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiikwemkoong_First_Nation )

Annelind explained that “… He was the youngest son of Josephine (Shawanda) Wakegijig and Joachim Wakegijig. His siblings were:

  • Victoria Corbiere 
  • Christine Wakegijig 
  • Ethel Wakegijig –  who had suffered a childhood illness and died at 5 years of age 
  • John Wakegijig -also a veteran of WWII, who died in 1971 in a motor vehicle accident 

and 

  • Raymond Wakegijig – who drowned in his late 20s 

 Clarence was a Guardsman with the Canadian Grenadier Guards….” 

Clarence Wakegijig

Clarence Wilfred WAKEGIJIG.  (Photo Courtesy of Clarence Wakegijig Family)

Clarence was born January 9, 1925 in Cutler, Ontario, the son of Joachim and Josephine Wakegijig (nee Shawanda), of Krugersdorf, Ontario. He enlisted on September 25, 1941 with the Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury Regiment in Sudbury, Ontario, giving his birth year as 1922 and birthplace as Wikwemikong (Wiikwemkoong in Ojibwe).  The fact that he was only 16 years old, not 19, doesn’t seem to have been discovered.

He was sent to the Basic Training Centre in North Bay, Ontario.  In February 1942 Clarence was sent to the Driving and Maintenance Training School in Woodstock, Ontario, where he learned driver mechanics and how to drive a motorcycle.

On April 22, 1942 he was posted to Trois-Rivières, Quebec as reinforcement to Infantry (MG) TC A-17 – a Machine Gun Training Centre.

….Clarence arrived in Europe in 1942….

 By the end of September 1942, Clarence was on his way to the United Kingdom, arriving on October 9, 1942 and assigned to the Machine Gun Reinforcement Unit (MGRU), where he underwent additional training.

By June 1943 he had received a promotion to Trooper and was assigned to the 32nd Reconnaissance Regiment.  On September 18, 1943 he was awarded a Good Conduct Badge.

On March 19, 1944 he was assigned to the 22nd Armoured Regiment, known as the Canadian Grenadier Guards, taking further training as a driver mechanic in preparation for the Regiment moving into action in France.

The Regiment arrived in France on July 23, 1944, and underwent heavy fighting in Normandy during Operation Totalize and Operation Tractable, which led to the capture of Falaise. (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Totalize and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Tractable)

Clarence survived these actions, and continued on with the Regiment as they left Normandy, France for North West Europe, fighting in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany.

….The Battle of Hochwald Gap was a fierce tank battle….

According to the war diary for the Canadian Grenadier Guards, the Regiment had travelled from The Netherlands just over the border into Germany, to participate in the Battle of Hochwald Gap, part of Operation Blockbuster, the final push towards the Rhine River, along with several other Canadian Regiments. (For more information, see https://canadianbattlefieldtours.ca/operation-blockbuster/ and https://civilianmilitaryintelligencegroup.com/10742/the-battle-of-hochwald-gap-one-of-the-largest-armor-engagements-you-probably-have-never-heard-of)

On February 26, 1945 they were travelling southeast from Kalkar, Germany, getting bogged down in mud and clay, and through farm fields in which mines had been hidden by the Germans, causing many casualties.

Map showing route thru Hochwald Gap

The Regiment’s objective was to reach Xanten, the last town on the western side of the Rhine, but first they had to get through the very narrow Hochwald Gap. They reached the west end of the Hochwald Gap just after dawn on February 28, 1945.

The weather continued to be uncooperative. An early thaw meant that the tanks got bogged down in mud, making them ‘sitting ducks’ for German troops who were positioned to pick them off, one by one.

The Canadian Grenadier Guards war diary entry for March 2, 1945 noted “… Weather – cloudy, gusts of rain. ...” Artillery fire had caused a temporary halt before starting up again.

“…Charge was successful and the 1st objective taken, despite the fact that 6 tanks bogged before then. Confused fighting took place from here on – Lt Ferris (2 tanks) and C Company passed through, but ran into opposition in the form of a Tiger….” Clarence was in C Company.  A Tiger was a German tank.

The war diary entry continued.  “…Somewhere in here, Lt Ferris and his other tank were knocked out, and Lt Ferris was wounded by a sniper...”

At some point in this chaos, Clarence lost his life, most likely when one of the tanks was hit by German fire. A 46 minute YouTube video on the Battle of Hochwald Gap explained the fierce battle that took place.  Watching it made it clear to us that it was a miracle that anyone survived at all, a testament to the determination and courage of those who were in the midst of it.

Clarence was temporarily buried in Xanten, Germany before being reburied in 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

Grave of Clarence Wakegijig

Grave of Clarence Wilfred Wakegijig.  (Photo credit: Ad Scheepers)

Thank you to Annelind Wakegijig for sharing a photo and information about her great-uncle.  If you have information to share about Clarence Wilfred WAKEGIJIG or other Canadian soldiers, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The Children Who Died Along With WW2 Soldier George Edward Mahar

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August 6, 2021. After reading the posting about George Edward MAHAR and how he lost his life while the soldiers were lining up to go to church, Alice van Bekkum, Chair of Faces To Grave Project for the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, wrote with information about the two little girls who died in the same attack on November 26, 1944 as George Edward Mahar and Douglas Reginald SCHOFIELD.  (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/08/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww2-soldier-killed-while-lining-up-to-attend-church/)

The two little girls were sisters, Christobel and Lisette Jurgens, children of Jan Jurgens and Joy Anderson.  At the time of their deaths, Christobel was 9 years old, and Lisette was 5 years old.

Alice explained that “…The parents from the two little girls that died in this tragic moment wrote a message on their memory card, which is touching! The father was Dutch and the mother was British, parents of four children, before this tragic event took their two youngest children. They honoured the Allied soldiers in the Memorial card for their children…”

The message, addressed to ‘Allied soldiers, Airbornes, and Workshop Boys’, was;

‘What good friends you were to us. How we loved you,
How you spoiled us, and how we enjoyed your kindness.
We regret we had to part from you so suddenly, be sure
That we shall not forget you. We pray God that He
will bless you, and reward you for your splendid effort.’

Alice was kind enough to send the memory card for Christobel and Lisette Jurgens:

Alice also identified the names of the two soldiers who subsequently died of their injuries following the attack:  Lyle L. BOICE and Francis K. BLACK.

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum for sharing the memory tribute to the Jurgens sisters.  It’s a reminder of the many civilian casualties in war.  If you have photos or information to share on the November 26, 1944 incident please email Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WW2 Soldier Killed While Lining Up To Attend Church

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20210715_094818 Jul 15 2021 Ken Barkhouse grand nephew of George Edward Mahar

Pieter with Ken Barkhouse (left), grand-nephew of George Edward Mahar.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

August 2, 2021. During a recent stay in Fredericton, New Brunswick, we met Ken Barkhouse, and talked about his grandfather’s brother, George Edward MAHAR, who lost his life during WW2. 

George Edward Mahar Cdn Virtual War Memorial

George Edward Mahar (Photo courtesy of Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

Born in St George, New Brunswick on June 2, 1914, George was the son of Wellington Dorcas Ellen Mahar of Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick. At the time of his enlistment with the 8th Anti-Aircraft Battery in St John, New Brunswick on September 20, 1939, he was married to Freda Augusta and employed as a tin decorator with Connors Brothers, a canning plant in Black’s Harbour.  He and Freda had a daughter, Donna Blanche, born in 1939.  A son, Edward, was born in 1942.

After receiving training as a Gunner, he transferred to the 50th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery in Aldershot, Nova Scotia on August 15, 1942, and appointed to the rank of Bombardier.

On February 10, 1944 his request to revert to the rank of Gunner so he could ‘join a reinforcement stream’ was accepted.  He was re-allocated to an Infantry unit with the rank of Private. 

On July 13, 1944 he arrived in the United Kingdom and assigned to the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Regiment on August 16. The next day he was with the Regiment in northwest Europe, serving in Belgium and The Netherlands.

Screenshot 2021-08-02 at 11-40-25 Project '44

Map shows the area around Beek, where the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Regiment was on November 26, 1944.  (Map source: https://map.project44.ca/)

On November 22, 1944, the Regiment was in the area of Beek, The Netherlands for a seven day period of training, kit inspections, bath parades, and pay parades. 

November 26, 1944 was a Sunday.  The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders war diary for that day notes that the “…sun shows signs of being out for awhile today. Mild…” Three church services had been organized that morning.

At 9:50 am, as the “…troops were falling in for first Church Parade, disaster struck. Conflicting reports as to exact missile were received but it is thought either a rocket or bomb struck. It demolished a house across road and broke all windows in Battalion building….”

The war diary notes that “…Anti-Aircraft was active some ten minutes ago so it’s quite likely a plane was responsible for this. One observer reports having seen 4 Foch Wolfs, one of which dropped a parachute, prior to the explosion. Exact casualties not yet known but two little girls were killed. The Battalion casualties are 2 killed and 13 wounded….”

George Edward Mahar was one of the two casualties killed that day.  The other was Douglas Reginald SCHOFIELD of Guelph, Ontario.  Two more men subsequently died. 

George is buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. 

Grave of George Edward Mahar

Grave of George Edward Mahar at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek.  (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

Thank you to Ken Barkhouse for telling us about his grand-uncle.  Do you have photos or information to share on George Edward Mahar or about the November 26, 1944 incident?  If so, please email Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

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© Daria Valkenburg