Month: May 2022

On The War Memorial Trail….. The Canadian War Cemetery in Holten Pays Tribute To Ukrainian-Canadians Buried There

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May 31, 2022.  In light of the present day events in Ukraine, the Information Centre at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands recently paid tribute to 27 known Ukrainian-Canadians buried in the cemetery.

When they asked for help to find photos of the soldiers for which none were available, or only a poor image was available, we of course said yes.  My father was born in Ukraine and left shortly after his 14th birthday, one of several youths sent on an unheated cattle car in January 1941 to Germany.  He was lucky. He survived the journey and the war and was able to lead a peaceful life in Canada until his death in 2012.

….Translation of Dutch placard…

Attached is a PDF of the Dutch placard (Stoepbord Oekrainse Canadezen A0) and below is a translation of the text, followed by the names of the soldiers mentioned.

“…  They fought for our freedom then ~~~

Ukrainian Canadians who died for our freedom, buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

A brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine is now sparking a war in Europe. Ukrainians desperately try to defend their freedom but are the easy targets of a ruthless aggressor. Thousands are forced to flee elsewhere to find safe shelter, warmth and food elsewhere, temporarily or perhaps even forever.

Also towards the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, many thousands of Ukrainians left their country in search of a better life. Some 170,000 of them ended up in Canada where they were offered free land to become farmers. Also around 1930 and immediately after the Second World War, a wave of refugees/expellees from Ukraine came to Canada.

At the outbreak of World War I (August 1914), Canada was on the side of the Allies. Large parts of present-day Ukraine belonged to the territory of Austria-Hungary, Germany and the Ottoman Empire, and these countries were the enemy of the Allied forces.

In Canada, at the time, there was prejudice against Ukrainians regarding their ‘race’, appearance, customs and religion. The simple fact that they came from countries with which Canada was at war meant that tens of thousands were labeled ‘enemy aliens’ and interned in labour camps.

During the Second World War, the Ukrainians were viewed completely differently. There was therefore no question that they were not the enemy, as present-day Ukraine was then part of the Soviet Union and Poland.

More than 35,000 Canadians of Ukrainian descent served in the Canadian Army during World War II. These servicemen constituted the largest group of non-British and non-French conscripts in the Canadian Forces. The soldiers were not only an integral part of the Canadian military during wartime, but also made a significant contribution to the development of Canada’s post-war policy towards displaced persons and refugees.

Many of them fought in the struggle for the liberation of Europe. We assume about 100 Ukrainian Canadians are buried in the three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands; Bergen op Zoom, Groesbeek, and Holten.

We know that at least 27 Canadian soldiers of Ukrainian descent are buried in Holten.

They fought for us back then and gave their lives….”

….Ukrainian-Canadian soldiers buried in Holten…

  • Elie ANTONYSZYN, died July 15, 1945, aged 22 (no photo)
  • George EWONIUK, died April 10, 1945, aged 19 (very poor photo)
  • Donnie P. GNUTEL, died April 29, 1945, aged 25
  • Andrew KERELCHUK, died April 19, 1945, aged 21 (no photo)
  • John KENDZIERSKI, died January 18, 1945, aged 20
  • George FESCHUK, died April 25, 1945, aged 21
  • Nick FORSACHUK, died April 17, 1945, aged 21
  • Peter HARASYMCHUK, died April 23, 1945, aged 24
  • Steve HNATIW, died April 21, 1945, aged 28 (poor photo)
  • Harry ILASEVICH, died April 12, 1945, aged 21
  • John KIBZEY, died April 12, 1945, aged 21
  • William J. KOZARICHUK, died April 20, 1945, aged 26
  • William W. LOTOSKY, died April 7, 1945, aged 24
  • Harry MACHURA, died April 23, 1945, aged 22 (poor photo)
  • Sam MATVICHUK, died April 14, 1945, aged 19 (no photo)
  • Steve MICHLOSKY, died April 8, 1945, aged 21
  • Steven J. MOTKALUK, died May 2, 1945, aged 32
  • Joseph PETRAK, died April 26, 1945, aged 19
  • Nestor PROBIZANKSI, died April 11, 1945, aged 22
  • John RUSNAK, died November 22, 1945, aged 21 (no photo)
  • Alexander SEREDIUK, died April 14, 1945, aged 26
  • Stanley SKULMOSKI, died April 24, 1945, aged 20
  • John SLYZUK, died April 11, 1945, aged 30 (poor photo)
  • Harry H. SMITH, died April 7, 1945, aged 25 (very poor photo)
  • Stanley WERNIUK, died April 12, 1945, aged 23
  • Peter WOZNIAK, died May 1, 1945, aged 21
  • Joseph YURKIW, died April 13, 1945, aged 21 (poor photo)

sunflower header

Can you help with photos or information on these soldiers? Do you know of more Ukrainian-Canadian soldiers buried in Holten? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog.

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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….. The WW1 Soldier From Tryon Who Enlisted Twice

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May 29, 2022. Some Prince Edward Island soldiers who served in WW1 seem to disappear into history, in spite of the many inter-relationships between Island families.  Chesley William HOWATT, who is buried in the North Tryon Presbyterian Church Cemetery, appears to be one of these, as up to now no surviving family member has been found.

CIMG4004 Chesley Howatt

Chesley Howatt. (Photo courtesy of South Shore United Church)

Born in Tryon, Prince Edward Island, Chesley was the son of Robert Newton and Elizabeth (nee Wilson) Howatt.  When he enlisted with the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force in Calgary, Alberta on June 2, 1915, he said he was born July 24, 1888.  According to his baptismal certificate, he was born in 1886, so it may be that he shaved off a few years in order to be eligible to serve.  At the time of enlistment,   he was a farmer. 

On October 24, 1915 he left Halifax, Nova Scotia aboard H.M.S. Oduna with the 50th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force, and arrived in Plymouth, England on November 4, 1915.

…Wounded at Vimy Ridge….

On August 10, 1916 he was sent to France.  Troops were training and preparing for the spring offensive that began on April 9, 1917 that became known as the Battle of Vimy Ridge.  There were many skirmishes before that battle, and the artillery spent a lot of time rehearsing.  Nightly raids helped pinpoint and knock out the location of German batteries. 

On February 3, 1917 Chesley received a gunshot wound to the face at Vimy Ridge, with fine metal particles from the blast entering his eyes. 

According to the report on what happened, “… at 8:45 pm on the night of February 3, 1917….” Chesley was “…going ‘over the top’ and after arriving in the enemies trench a rifle grenade exploded near him and fragments of shrapnel entered his eyes. From then until 30 days later he was not able to use his eyes…”

After initial treatment in Etaples, France, he was sent back to England for treatment and recuperation at 3rd London General Hospital.  On May 10, 1917 he was transferred to the West Cliff Canadian Eye and Ear Hospital in Folkestone, from which he was discharged from care on May 14, 1917.

For Chesley, the war in mainland Europe was over.  On May 21, 1917 he was transferred to the 21st Reserve Battalion and posted to Bramshott in England. 

…A medical discharge and reenlistment….

On February 4, 1918 he was transferred to the Canadian Discharge Depot in Buxton and was sent home to Canada via Liverpool a few weeks later. On March 31, 1918 he received his formal discharge in Halifax, Nova Scotia, due to being unfit for service due to defective vision as a result of the gunshot wound.

This wasn’t the end of Chesley’s military service, however!  On September 2, 1918, he reenlisted in Charlottetown, this time stating that he was born in 1887. He did note that he had previously served in the 50th Battalion.

By the time of his second discharge on July 17, 1919, he had married Bessie Anne Falconer on December 3, 1918, and was living in Charlottetown. 

The family moved to Tryon following his second discharge.  Sadly, their only son, Alexander ‘Falconer’ Howatt, who had been born September 4, 1919, died on July 23, 1934 at the age of 14. Chesley died a few years later, on January 22, 1938, in Tryon.

CIMG5626 May 29 2022 Pieter by the grave of Chesley Howatt

Pieter beside the grave of Chesley Howatt at the North Tryon Presbyterian Cemetery in North Tryon, Prince Edward Island.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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….. A Photo Found For WW2 Soldier Allan ‘Gordon’ Coutts

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May 24, 2022.  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. 

One of these men, Allan ‘Gordon’ COUTTS, was 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. On May 11, 1945, while monitoring the unloading of ammunition at the Sports Field in Norden, Germany, an explosion cost him his life.

In July 2021, after being unsuccessful in finding family, Pieter did a radio interview with a station in Olds, Alberta, and we posted a story about the photo search. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/08/20/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-a-photo-of-ww2-soldier-allan-gordon-coutts/)

….A photo is found….

Months later, in December 2021, we received an email from Gordon Kenneth ‘Ken’ Coutts in Saskatchewan, saying “…I came across your request for photos or information on family members…” of Gordon Coutts.  “… I was named after him. The last of his siblings, Norman, passed away in November 2021.  All that remain are 3 generations of nieces and nephews….”

Photo Sgt Coutts from Ken Coutts

Allan ‘Gordon’ Coutts shortly before enlistment in 1943.  (Photo submitted by Ken Coutts and courtesy of The Coutts Family)

….Letter from Captain A. M. Harper….

Ken shared the only photo he had of his uncle, along with a letter that Captain A. M. HARPER of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders sent to Gordon’s father upon his death.

“…It is with the deepest sympathy that I write to you on the loss of your son, Sergeant Allan Gordon Coutts, who died of accidental wounds received at Norden, Germany on 11 May, 1945.  Words could not express my feelings when I received the news as your son was one of the best fellows we had here in ‘C’ Company.

I can recall your son’s record with this unit quite plainly. On the seventh of September he came to us as Private Coutts….”  This would have been September 7, 1944.

“…As a private, he played his part in no small way in battles that have great significance – Mount Lambert, Bavlogne, the Scheldt estuary landing – and proved his mettle so well that he received the appointment of Lance Corporal on the twelfth of October during the water and mud operation on the Scheldt.  

On the fifth of November, the now well known 3rd Canadian Infantry Division N.C.O.’s School opened. Lance Corporal Coutts was one of the first ones to be recommended for the course and he did very well and received an excellent report.  As a result of the school’s recommendation, your son was promoted to corporal on the 8th of January 1945.

As a corporal, he did an excellent job in Nijmegen, in the clearing operation up the Rhine and then in the crossing of the Rhine.  I can remember one situation in particular that ensured the young corporal’s promotion to the rank of Sergeant. It was the crossing of the Rhine.  Our task was the taking of the strongpoint of Bienen.

Casualties were extremely heavy during the attack and when we gained the first buildings, Cpl Coutts was the only NCO left with the company commander and myself.  He did an excellent job there in the face of heavy odds and was promoted to Sergeant that day.

In that quiet, efficient way of his, your son carried on throughout the remainder of the campaign until the end of hostilities on May 7/8.  At that time we were assigned the task of rounding up the remnants of the German armed forces, disarming them and concentrating them in specific areas.

Sgt Coutts was supervising the removal of ammunition from one when a freak accident occurred, mortally wounding him.  A court of inquiry was held, but no blame can be attached to anyone because it definitely was a freak accident.

Your son never regained consciousness from the time of his accident until his death several hours later.  All possible treatment was given him by our own medical officers, those at the Field Dressing Station and also those at the Casualty Clearing Station, but even modern medicine could not revive him. He died as he lived – a man well-liked, respected, and trusted by everyone.

Your son was buried in the Canadian plot of the Lutheran Cemetery at Leer, Germany, with full military honours by the H/Capt G. Cox, Protestant chaplain of the Casualty Clearing Station.…..

On behalf of the entire unit, I wish to express our sympathy in your bereavement.  We have lost a tried and true friend, and a good soldier, but our loss is small compared to your loss of a son.

Sincerely yours,

A.M. Harper…”

What a wonderful tribute and summary of service for a valued soldier and friend! 

….The North Nova Scotia Highlanders Wish List….

In addition to Allan ‘Gordon’ COUTTS,  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:

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.

Thank you to Ken Coutts for sharing a photo of his uncle and the letter from Captain Harper.  Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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….. Author Talks In North Bay

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 10 Comments

May 15, 2022. We very much appreciate the feedback from ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’, and enjoy seeing the photos sent in and the opportunity to meet some of you in person.  We’re back on the war memorial trail…. this time in North Bay, Ontario.

…Upcoming Author Talks In North Bay….

Meet Daria Valkenburg

Invitations have been received and accepted for two ‘Author Talks’:

  • Thursday, May 19, 2022 – North Bay, Ontario, presentation at Rotary Club of North Bay-Nipissing.  Time noon.
  • Thursday, May 19, 2022 – North Bay, Ontario, hosted by the North Bay Public Library.  Time 7:00 pm.

If you are in the North Bay area, we hope to see you!

….North Bay Area Soldiers Buried In The Netherlands….

We received lists of soldiers from the North Bay area who are buried in the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands, including a few for which no photo had been found.  With the help of Don Coutts, Judie Klassen, and Shawn Rainville, headway has been made in researching these names from the photo wish lists, and families for 3 have been found.

Thank you also to Helen Vaillancourt of the Nipissing Chapter of the Ontario Genealogical Society and North Bay Public Library staff who delved into research after reading about the search for photos and families of soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands.

20220514_122907 May 14 2022 Pieter with Shawn Rainville

Shawn Rainville and Pieter Valkenburg had a chance to meet in person.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…Buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten…

APOSTLE of 12th Manitoba Dragoons – 18th Armoured Car Regiment. KIA 1945-Apr-16, aged 21

Albert Joseph COTE of The Algonquin Regiment. KIA 1944-Oct-05, aged 24

Herbert P. CROOME of Royal Canadian Artillery – 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment. KIA 1945-May-1, aged 27

Theodore S.  DUNN of The Algonquin Regiment.  KIA 1945-Apr-11, aged 30

William H. K. LOCKE of Royal Canadian Artillery – 4 Field Regiment. KIA 1945-Apr-03, aged 19

John Langford ‘Jack’ WALKER of Governor General’s Foot Guards-21st Armoured Regiment. KIA 1945-May-1, aged 20

…Buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek…

Zave BROWN of Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. KIA 1945-Mar-9, aged 19

Leopold Daniel BRULE of Essex Scottish Regiment.  KIA 1945-Feb-19, aged 22

Cecil Edward GOODREAU of Elgin Regiment, 25th Armoured Delivery Regiment. KIA 1945-Feb 26, aged 22

Donald O. GUERTIN of Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. KIA 1945-Mar-2 aged 27

Clifford Stanley JOHNSTON of Royal Canadian Air Force 419 Squadron. KIA 1944-Jun-17, aged 21

John Richard ‘Jack’ MARACLE of 1st Hussars, 6th Armoured Regiment. KIA 1945-Mar-12, aged 19 (Maternal grandfather T. Marshall lived in North Bay)

Anthony PETTA of the Algonquin Regiment.  KIA 1945-Mar-3, aged 29

…Buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom…:

Cleo Adelard SEGUIN of The Royal Regiment of Canada. KIA 1944-Sep-28, aged 24 (Wife Georgette Brousseau was from North Bay)

If you know of any other soldiers from the North Bay area that are buried in The Netherlands please let Pieter know. You can mail him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, 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://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog.

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is now available.  For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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

More Feedback On ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’

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CIMG5559 May 7 2022 Bloyce and Daria with book

Bloyce McLellan and Daria with book.  (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

May 10, 2022. We very much appreciate the feedback from ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’, and love seeing the photos sent in and having the opportunity to meet some of you. 

…Some additional feedback we’ve received….

IMG_0348 Burnie Reynaert with book

Burnie Reynaert with book.  (Photo courtesy of B.  Reynaert)

Burnie Reynaert wrote that “… I always feel comforted when I read what you have both accomplished. Wishing you success on your European memorial tour book. I did buy your book, and liked it very much. It sits on my coffee table...” 

Bloyce McLellan wrote “...I really have my nose into your book. You both did a real wonderful job and what a gift to all the families of these Veterans. Both of you deserve enormous credit and need to take a bow.  Awesome work….”

Susan Choi wrote us to say “…Just finished your book!  It was a great read. Thank you both for what you have done to honor and remember the Canadian soldiers and the sacrifices they made for all of us in WWI and WWII.  Your book was particularly special to me because of the personal friendship I have with both of you. Daria, you have a gift for writing.  You write the way you speak.  As I read your book, it was as though you were sitting next to me, telling me about this wonderful war memorial trip.  Your wit and humor were intact and offered a much needed relief to a serious and somber subject. Thank you both again for all that you have done and continue to do in the name of the fallen soldiers who gave up everything for all of us…”

…Media Interview…

Cody McEachern of Saltwire interviewed us for The Guardian. The interview was posted online on April 25, 2022 and ran in The Guardian’s print edition on April 26, 2022. See P.E.I. author highlights 6-week war memorial tour through Europe in new book | SaltWire https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/news/pei-author-highlights-6-week-war-memorial-tour-through-europe-in-new-book-100721970/

Thank you to Susan Choi, Bloyce McLellan, and Burnie Reynaert for taking the time to send in comments and photos in support of this research project.  Thank you also to Cody McEachern for the interview in The Guardian.

Photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is now available.  For more information seehttps://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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….. Monument Unveiled In Gendringen

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CIMG5542 May 5 2022 Pieter by Dutch flag for Liberation Day

Pieter by the Dutch flag which was put out for Liberation Day on May 5, 2022. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

May 9, 2022. Last year, stories of two WW2 soldiers who lost their lives in this area on March 30, 1945, were told.  Both Edmond COULOMBE of Manitoba and Alphonse ROBERT of New Brunswick served with Les Fusiliers Montreal and were killed on the same day.

We learned about the Gendringen connection when we were contacted by Maarten Koudijs, a volunteer researcher in this Dutch village along the German border with eyewitness accounts of how Robert and several members of his Regiment, including Coulombe, lost their lives when a shell exploded.

Missed the stories about Edmond COULOMBE and Alphonse ROBERT?  See:

 …The Gendringen Monument…

The Gendringen Monument

The Gendringen Monument was unveiled on May 6, 2022. Translation of the Dutch text: So that we never forget.  (Photo submitted by and courtesy of Maarten Koudijs)

On May 6, 2022 a monument was unveiled in Gendringen, The Netherlands.  Maarten Koudijs was kind enough to share some photos, and explained that “… Nearly 500 people are commemorated on this memorial. 

·       23 Dutch Soldiers (from Genkoppen and Wisch) during the raid in May 1940

·       114 Citizens from Wisch

·       111 Citizens from Gendringen

·       30 Dutch citizens from the labor camps in Rees

·       27 forced labourers from Gendringen en Wisch

·       3 men from the resistance

·       46 Executed citizens of Rademakersbroek

·       12 Citizens working for Organization TODT (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organisation_Todt)

·       41 Canadian military personnel and Air Force crew members

·       44 English soldiers and Air Force crew members

·       167 German soldiers who fell in the former municipality of Gendringen en Wisch (now Oude IJsselstreek)

·       1 Irish aircrew member flying for the RAF

·       1 Australian aircrew member flying for the RAF

·       2 New Zealand crew members flying for RAF

·       1 American Spitfire pilot flying for RCAF….” 

Note: RAF refers to Royal Air Force.  RCAF refers to Royal Canadian Air Force.

QR codes on panels

Panels by the monument have QR codes which provide information, plus buttons for audio descriptions in Dutch, English, and German.  (Photo submitted by and courtesy of Maarten Koudijs)

…Einar Victor Isfeld’s Son Attended the Unveiling…

Dennis Isfeld, son of Einar Victor ISFELD of the Queen’s Own Highlanders, attended the unveiling.  In a short video (under 3 minutes in both Dutch and English), he was interviewed with an eyewitness, who was 11 years old in 1945.

… Canadians commemorated on the Gendringen Memorial…. 

Maarten identified the names of 41 Canadians, including the Regiment they were serving in at the time of death and their final resting place. “…The following Canadian soldiers were killed near the former municipality of Genkoppen. The former municipality of Genkoppen en Wisch is now OUDE IJsselstreek Achterhoek….”

Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders Of Canada:

  • Harry Gregory BOZAK, died March 30, 1945, aged 20, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Francis Walter Andrew GLOSSOP, died March 30, 1945, aged 28, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Einar Victor ISFELD, died of wounds April 6, 1945, aged 30, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Anton W. KOHLRUSS, died March 31, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Frederick LISSOWAY, died March 30, 1945, aged 37, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • John Graham MACFIE, died March 30, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Vincent Albert MOORE, died March 30, 1945, aged 29, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Edward Oliver OBERG, died March 30, 1945, aged 19, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • William PROW, died March 30, 1945, aged 24, buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery
  • Rocco Andrew SPEZIALI, died March 30, 1945, aged 26, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Bert J. THOMAS, died March 30, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Charles Joseph YOUNES, died March 30, 1945, aged 33, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery

Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal:

  • Roland A. BARRY, died March 30, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Joseph Paul Roland CARON, died of wounds April 5, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Edmond COULOMBE, died March 30, 1945, aged 22, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Jacques FORTIN, died March 30, 19455, aged 21, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Bernard Gaston PILON, died March 30, 1945, aged 19, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Alphonse ROBERT, died March 30, 1945, aged 21, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery

South Saskatchewan Regiment:

  • Peter HYDICHUK, died March 31, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • James Joseph MALONEY, died March 31, 1945, buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery
  • Michael Joseph MCDERMOTT, died of wounds August 5, 1945, buried in Kilgobbin Burial Ground, Ireland
  • William SERNOWSKI, died March 31, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery

8th Canadian Recce Regiment (14th Canadian Hussars):

  • Laurenzo DUBE, died March 30, 1945, aged 26, buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery
  • Leslie Albert DUCKETT, died March 30, 1945, aged 24, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • William LAWRYSYN, died March 30, 1945, aged 27, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Wilfred Charters STEWART, died March 29, 1945, aged 22, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery

Royal Canadian Artillery:

  • Ivan Rayburn NILSSON, died April 1, 1945, aged 21, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery

 Black Watch Of Canada:

  • Ernest George GRAHAM, died April 1, 1945, aged 29, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
  • Robert WALKER, died of wounds April 1, 1945, aged 19, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery

  Royal Canadian Air Force:

  • Duncan Eric CAMPBELL, died June 12, 1943, aged 28, buried in Wisch (Varsseveld) General Cemetery
  • Ralph Perry DAVIES, died June 12, 1943, aged 24, buried in Wisch (Varsseveld) General Cemetery
  • James HEATH, died June 17, 1944, aged 35, buried in Wisch (Varsseveld) General Cemetery
  • Allan Lockwood HOME, died May 13, 1943, aged 26, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
  • Albert James MACLACHLAN, died June 12, 1943, aged 21, buried in Wisch (Varsseveld) General Cemetery
  • Hugh Columba MACNEIL, died May 13, 1943, aged 24, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
  • James Edward MCDONALD, died June 2, 1942, aged 26, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
  • Henry Augustin SHEEHAN, died May 13, 1943, aged 21, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
  • Frederick John SMITH, died October 31, 1942, aged 21, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
  • Louis-Phillipe Roma TAILLEFER, died June 12, 1943, aged 24, listed on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey, England
  • Milford Glen THOMAS, died May 13, 1943, aged 26, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
  • Rudolph ZEIDEL, died June 12, 1943, aged 21, listed on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey, England

Thank you to Maarten Koudijs for letting us know about this commemoration events.  Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog.

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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….. Staying In Touch During WW1 With Field Post Cards

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

May 5, 2022. Those of us of a certain age…. pre-internet days… may remember the admonition when travelling to ‘send us a postcard’.  This request came particularly from parents and grandparents.  If you were having a good time, writing out cards was the last thing on your mind. 

But there was a solution – pre-filled postcards where all you had to do was check the appropriate boxes and fill in the address the card should be sent to.  It let the receiver know you had safely arrived, and gave a chance to make a few comments or observations by ticking a series of boxes.  During a trip to New Zealand, I remember ticking a box that said ‘there are more sheep here than people’.  At the time there were 3 million people and 9 million sheep!

…A Field Post Card was an easy way to say I’m still alive….

During WWI, soldiers were kept busy trying to stay alive.  Not all had the time or inclination to write extensive letters, and so the Field Post Card came in handy, especially to let loved ones know when a letter or parcel arrived, or to give a brief update on the soldier’s well-being.

The Field Post Card, known as an f.s.p. or a ‘whizz bang’, allowed soldiers to strike out messages that didn’t apply.  No extra notes were allowed, except for dates, or the card would be destroyed.

CIMG4001 Harold Howatt

Harold Keith Howatt.  (Photo courtesy of South Shore United Church)

Even WW1 soldier Harold Keith HOWATT of Augustine Cove, an active correspondent, sent these Field Post Cards when he received a letter or parcel while serving with the 8th Canadian Siege Battery.

Field post card back dated Oct 18 1917 from Harold Howatt

Field post card dated October 18, 1917 from Harold Howatt, advising he received a parcel. (Courtesy of the H. Howatt collection)


Field post card front mailed Oct 19 1917 from Harold Howatt

The Field Post Card of October 18, 1917 from Harold Howatt was mailed a day later. (Courtesy of the H. Howatt collection)

Harold Howatt noted in his October 18, 1917 Field Post Card that he had received a parcel that had been sent a month earlier, that a letter would be coming soon, and that he was ‘quite well’.

…What Harold Howatt couldn’t say in his Field Post Card….

What he wasn’t able to say was where his unit was stationed – La Bassée, France, located southwest of Lille and about 16 km (ten miles) from the Belgian border.

La Bassee Google Maps

Map showing La Bassée, where the 8th Siege Battery was located at the time Harold Howatt send his Field Post Card.  (Map source: http://www.google.ca)

In ‘The Secret History Of Soldiers’ historian Tim Cook noted that the Field Post Cards allowed soldiers to communicate at a time when it was difficult to explain the horrors that they were experiencing.  A prewritten card with no information that might help the enemy, such as location, was also quicker than regular mail as it bypassed censors.  “… The cards were a stopgap measure in between letters and they were commonly sent after a battle by exhausted soldiers...”

“…The phrase ‘I am quite well’ serves as an ironic comment on the difficulty soldiers had in finding the words to describe their unique experiences...”

Howatt recorded in his notes what he didn’t include in his Field Post Card….

On Monday, September 24, 1917 he wrote “…Slept in a straw loft last night, did not sleep very well as there was a rat running around through the straw all night…” 

After this sleepless night he wrote that they “…. started to shoot at 2:30 pm.  Ranged in 12 rounds, then we stopped firing until aviator ranged another battery. Started in again and fired pretty steady until 9:50 pm….”

On Tuesday, October 2, 1917 he noted that they had been woken up at midnight.  “…All of a sudden, a terrific racket started.  The Germans were pouring H. E. and gas shells into the village in front of the Fosse.  About a thousand shells came in altogether….We did not bother putting our gas masks on as we were so high up.  The bombardment lasted about one hour…”  H.E. referred to high explosives.

On Thursday, October 18, 1917, Howatt recorded that “… we expect to hand over guns, stories, and everything to another battery…..” 

On October 30, 1917 he wrote it was “…the date of leaving for the real war…” Indeed they did.  They set up base in Poperinghe, Belgium, to participate in the latter part of the Third Battle of Ypres – which we know as the Battle of Passchendaele – a battle that ended on November 17, 1917. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Passchendaele)

So, if you have WW1 postcards in your possession take a look and see if you have any Field Post Cards! Photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

…Previous stories about Harold Howatt’s WW1 observations….

…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://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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

Article In ‘De Telegraaf’ – Quest For Faces (Zoektocht naar gezichten)

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

Sep 16 2017 Groesbeek Cemetery Pieter by grave of WA Cannon

Caption in De Telegraaf: Pieter Valkenburg: “No soldier who died abroad during war should be forgotten.” OWN PHOTO (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

May 4, 2022.  Sometimes the unexpected happens.  Last month, a search for family and photos of WW2 soldiers Albert Joseph COTE and John Langford WALKER, who are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands, began. 

On April 18, 2022, a letter to the editor written by Pieter and North Bay resident Donald Coutts was published in the North Bay Nugget. (See https://www.nugget.ca/news/researcher-seeks-information-on-fallen-city-soldiers)

Shortly afterwards, Pieter was contacted by Marcel Vink of De Telegraaf, a newspaper in The Netherlands.  He’d read the letter to the editor.  Would Pieter be willing to do an interview? Pieter agreed, and the article was published today, May 4, 2022 – which is Dodenherdenking (Remembrance Day) in The Netherlands. This day commemorates Dutch civilians and military who have died in war since the beginning of WWII. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_of_the_Dead)

…De Telegraaf article published May 4, 2022…

For those who can read Dutch, please see PDF of the article (De Telegraaf article Zoektocht naar gezichten). An English translation is below:

Quest for faces

Pieter Valkenburg is fully committed to fallen Canadians

by Marcel Vink

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND • It started as a helping hand, but grew into a true mission. Pieter Valkenburg has been passionately committed to giving fallen war heroes from Canada a face for years. The 78-year-old Dutchman, who lives in Canada, realizes how important it is emotionally for relatives to get clarity about their deceased loved ones, even 77 years after the Second World War. 

Valkenburg worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for many years and was posted to various locations around the world, including in Ottawa.  

After his retirement, he decided to continue living in the North American country with his Canadian wife Daria, where he discovered that many families often no longer know in detail what happened to relatives that didn’t come back during the Second World War. About 7600 Canadians are buried in the Netherlands who fought for our freedom. 

“At the beginning of 2014 I read an article about the Canadian war cemetery in Holten, one of the military cemeteries in The Netherlands,” says Valkenburg. 

“There are 1,355 Canadians lying there, and not much was known about some of them at the time. Therefore, around that time, a project was started that strived to literally find the face for every name. I find that very important myself. No soldier who died abroad in war should be forgotten.”  (NOTE:  there are 1,394, not 1,355.) 

‘Reactions from next of kin are priceless’ 

Background

The native of Leerdam was captivated by the subject and delved into the matter. First in the background with only a few names, but then more and more.

Over the past five years, I have helped researchers at Canadian war cemeteries in the Netherlands in their quest to give each grave a face, and thus also a story. It is quite a puzzle, but the reactions of relatives when it succeeds are priceless. Those involved really appreciate it when they realize that they have never been forgotten. They gave their lives in the struggle for our freedom, in a country foreign to them. It’s much more meaningful when you stand by a grave to pay your respects if you know what the person looked like.” 

Investigative Work

While his search was initially limited to the fallen from Prince Edward Island – the western province where he lives – he now focuses on many more areas in Canada. Valkenburg uses the old-fashioned manual search, but also uses many digital sources.  (NOTE:  Prince Edward Island is on the east coast of Canada!) 

Relatives are often emotional about it, he noticed. After he found the family of Lieutenant Norman James Nixon – killed in the Battle of Delfzijl in April 1945, in which twenty Canadians of his regiment were killed, his son called this ‘a total surprise’. “I am immensely grateful,” said the man, who named his own son after his dead father, in tears. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/03/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww2-soldier-from-st-stephens/) 

The work of Pieter and his wife Daria is highly appreciated in the Netherlands as well as in Canada. He has already received several awards. Sometimes he finds new ‘assignments’ in a miraculous way. 

“Once we were at a hotel in New Brunswick Province, when a receptionist asked what we were doing. After I told about our searches, he indicated that his great-uncle had also died in the war, and that his grave should be in The Netherlands. Other than that he had no idea. I immediately got to work and found him at the cemetery in Groesbeek. I also found a photo on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.” (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/08/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww2-soldier-killed-while-lining-up-to-attend-church/) 

In this way, this man also got his face back. “With these results, I say, Canadian-style: this makes my day. I’m 78 now, but as long as I can keep up with this, I will. Because there is still a lot of work to be done.” 

This very proud wife thanks Marcel Vink for writing the article about Pieter and De Telegraaf for publishing it on this day of remembrance and commemoration.

If you have photos or information to share, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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