Month: August 2022

On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Despatch Rider From Portage La Prairie Who Lost His Life In An Accident In Germany

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 1 Comment

where-to-blog-header-code-on-a-wordpress-theme-August 28, 2022. In May, researchers at the Information Centre at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands honoured 27 soldiers of Ukrainian heritage that are buried in the cemetery.  Photos for 4 were missing and Pieter was asked if he could help.

All four soldiers had a connection to the Canadian prairies. To our delight, families of all four soldiers came forward within a few weeks.

 ….The 4 soldiers of Ukrainian heritage without photos ….

  • Elie ANTONYSZYN, born in Rorketon, Manitoba, died July 15, 1945, aged 22
  • Andrew KERELCHUK, born in Zbaraz, Manitoba, died April 19, 1945, aged 21
  • Sam MATVICHUK, born in Broadacres, Saskatchewan, died April 14, 1945, aged 19
  • John RUSNAK, born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, died November 22, 1945, aged 21

This posting is about John RUSNAK, who was born September 3, 1924 in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, the son of George and Gladys (nee Gorich) Rusnak.  Both his parents had immigrated to Canada from Ukraine.

….Family of John Rusnak contribute photos and family information ….

Mike Rusnak, John’s great-nephew, sent photos and an excerpt from their family history record, as prepared by Mike’s late wife Karen.  “…John grew up on a farm in rural Manitoba (near Curtis) and attended the Curtis school.  He left school in 1939 after completing grade 8 as he was needed to help on the family’s 125 acre farm (100 acres cleared and under cultivation) as well as help on his brothers’ farms.  Tractors and horses were being used on the family farm.  He had considerable experience repairing tractors and trucks.  John liked driving trucks and had purchased a truck before enlisting in the army….”

improved_photo(7) Rusnak

John Rusnak.  (Photo courtesy of the Rusnak Family.  Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

….John enlisted twice in the army ….

John enlisted on November 18, 1943 with the No 10 District Depot in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His Occupational History Form noted that he spoke both English and Ukrainian.

The family history record included excerpts from the Personnel Selection Record, saying that “…John was a quiet person who took a normal interest in the social events of the community.  He liked to play the odd game of pool or snooker with friends.  He also played baseball and liked hunting – especially deer – but was not a good shot…. He wore glasses...”

His Medical Examination and Certificate form recorded that John had been previously rejected for active military service on June 30, 1942 in Portage La Prairie, at the 100th Basic Training Camp – due to poor vision.  His eyesight hadn’t improved, but this time he was accepted.

On December 7, 1943, he was transferred to the A21 Canadian Ordnance Corps Training Centre (COCTC) in Barriefield, Ontario, located on what is now called Canadian Forces Base Kingston. Duties related to ordnance included supplying, storing, and distributing a variety of items for the field Army, including ammunition, artillery pieces, and vehicles.

On April 24, 1944 John was reallocated for motorcycle training, receiving a Class III qualification for motorcycles on August 8, 1944. On October 17, 1944 an assessment deemed him unsuitable as a motorcyclist and it was recommended he be reallocated to general ordnance duties.

..John’s family wanted him discharged to help on the farm…

John’s family petitioned the government to have him discharged and returned home to help on the farm.  The family history summarized it as follows:

“…During August and October 1944 his sister Mary wrote letter to National Defence (Army), on behalf of her parents, requesting that John be discharged as he was needed on the farm.  Correspondence from the Army states ‘It is the soldier himself who must write the letter to his Commanding Officer if he wishes to apply for discharge from the Service.’ It does not appear that he did so as in October 1945 John wrote to his brother Roger and says ‘he hopes that Roger will be able to see the folks and see what they can do’ (about his discharge). He also says he was in hospital for a while.  John was looking forward to returning home and having a party to celebrate….”

No letters are in John’s service file to indicate that he requested a discharge. His army service continued.

….John left Canada in November 1944 ….

On October 28, 1944 he was sent to the Canadian Army Transit Camp in Windsor, Ontario in preparation for overseas service.  John left Canada on November 24, 1944, and arrived in the United Kingdom on December 6, 1944, where he was assigned to the Canadian Ordnance and Mechanical Engineer Reinforcement Unit (COMERU).

On February 28, 1945 John passed another drivers course, and by March 15, 1945 he was transferred to the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (RCOC). (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/organization/unitlistingbycorps/rcocorbat.htm)

He was sent to northwest Europe on March 12, 1945 and a few days later transferred to HQ2 Canadian Corps Ordnance Field Park (CCOFP), which serviced the needs of infantry battalions.

Once the war in Europe ended in early May 1945, John was transferred to 2 Canadian Corps and Army Troops Sub Park.  On July 13, 1945 he was transferred to the Ordnance Demobilization Depot for a few weeks.

On August 18, 1945 he was attached to No. 4 Canadian Public Relations Group, Canadian Army Occupation Force (CAOF) as a despatch motorcycle rider.

….John died in a motorcycle accident in Germany ….

On November 19, 1945, John was returning from the port at Wilhelmshaven in Germany, carrying ADLS despatches (Air Despatch Letter Service) from HMS Rupert to Augustfehn.  At around 2:30 pm, he was on the road between Zetel and Neuenburg, when his Harley Davidson motorcycle accidentally collided with a horse drawn wagon.

Two eyewitnesses came forward, Sgt Terpetra of the Dutch Army, but who was attached to the CAOF, and German civilian Georg Meyer of Zetel.

Mr Meyer’s report stated that as he was driving from Zetel to Neunburg, “… somebody was driving with a horse drawn wagon loaded with cattle about 150 to 100 metres ahead of me.  He was driving on the right hand side of the road with the right wheels running on the verge.  A despatch rider of the Occupation Troops overtook and passed me, turned to the right of the road, and seemingly heard a rattle in some part of his motorcycle.  This he tried to remedy by banging the side of the motorcycle with his right hand….”

The momentary distraction was fatal.  “… As he lifted his eyes again he sighted the wagon which was travelling in front of him. He quickly tried to bypass him on the left, but the distance between him and the wagon was too short so that he hit the wagon with his front wheel on the left hand side of the wagon. He hit the wagon box with his right side of his head….”

Mr Meyer stopped and lifted the motorcycle from John’s body, then rushed to a nearby house for help.  John was taken to hospital but died of his injuries on November 22, 1945.

The family history noted what the family learned of this incident: “….24 November 1945 Roger receives telegram advising John was reported dangerously ill on 19 November with head injuries received in a motorcycle accident. 27 November 1945 Roger receives another telegram advising John had been officially reported to have died 22 November 1945….”

…John was buried in Germany and then later in The Netherlands….

John was initially buried on November 26, 1945 in the Canadian Temporary Cemetery at Osterscheps, Germany.  The following year, he was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

john2

John Rusnak was initially buried in Osterscheps, Germany.  (Photo courtesy of the Rusnak Family)

Rusnak J john H18116

John’s final resting place is in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  (Photo courtesy of Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

….Rusnak Lake in northern Manitoba named in his honour…..

Screenshot 2022-08-24 at 10-45-57 Rusnak Lake

Rusnak Lake in northen Manitoba.  (Map source: https://mapcarta.com)

Rusnak Lake in northern Manitoba was named after John in 1978.

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Thank you to Mike Rusnak for providing a photo of his uncle, and to Judie Klassen for finding newspaper articles and the reference to Lake Rusnak.  Our final story about a soldier of Ukrainian descent who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten will be in the next posting.

If you have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

…Missed the previous postings about the soldiers of Ukrainian heritage?…

…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

The WWII Soldier Born In Zbaraz Who Lost His Life During The Battle Of The Küsten Canal

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

where-to-blog-header-code-on-a-wordpress-theme-August 24, 2022. When researchers at the Information Centre at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands honoured 27 soldiers of Ukrainian heritage that are buried in the cemetery, they didn’t have photos of 4 soldiers.  Could Pieter help?

All four had a connection to the Canadian prairies. Families of all four soldiers came forward within a few weeks. 

 ….The 4 soldiers of Ukrainian heritage without photos ….

  • Elie ANTONYSZYN, born in Rorketon, Manitoba, died July 15, 1945, aged 22
  • Andrew KERELCHUK, born in Zbaraz, Manitoba, died April 19, 1945, aged 21
  • Sam MATVICHUK, born in Broadacres, Saskatchewan, died April 14, 1945, aged 19
  • John RUSNAK, born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, died November 22, 1945, aged 21

The first posting was about Sam Matvichuk. This posting is about Andrew KERELCHUK, who was born September 17, 1923 in Zbaraz, Manitoba, the son of Michael (Mike) and Tina (nee Stonoga) Kerelchuk.

…Family of Andrew Kerelchuk contribute a photo…

The only son in the family, Andrew had five sisters: Linda, Olga, Helen, Steffie, and Rosie. It was Olga’s daughter, Barbara (Barb) Dobbie, who contributed a photo of her uncle.  When Pieter spoke with Barbara, she told him that her husband Ted served in the army and had been posted to the United Nation in New York at the same time as Pieter was posted to the Dutch consulate there.  Small world!

IMG_6657 Andrew Kerelchuk from Barb Dobbie

Andrew Kerelchuk.  (Photo courtesy of the Kerelchuk Family)

Andrew grew up speaking English and Ukrainian.  At the time of his enlistment with the #2 District Depot in Hamilton, Ontario on April 6, 1943, he was a factory worker at Electric Motors Company in Welland, Ontario.    

On April 29, 1943 he was transferred to #26 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC) in Orillia, Ontario. After completing his basic training, Andrew was transferred to Camp Borden in Ontario.  Camp Borden was a Service Flying Training School, as well as the home of the Canadian Armoured Fighting Vehicle School.  As Andrew was not in the Royal Canadian Air Force, he was there for tank training.

On August 23, 1943 he was transferred to #4 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU) and a few days later, on August 25, he was on his way overseas, arriving in the United Kingdom on September 1, 1943.

… Andrew was transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders…

On October 1, 1943 Andrew was transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s), which had become part of the 10th Brigade of the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division.    (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Argyll_and_Sutherland_Highlanders_of_Canada_(Princess_Louise%27s))

On 26 July 1944, the Regiment landed in France and fought in Operation Totalize, a battle to capture Caen and clear the way to Falaise. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Totalize). This was followed by Operation Tractable, to capture Falaise and smaller towns in the area. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Tractable)

… Andrew was wounded in France…

On August 17, 1944, during Operation Tractable, Andrew received a gunshot wound in his right hand. 

According to the War Diary of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada for August 17, 1944, “…In the morning, the Battalion attacked and cleared Domblainville…. All the time that we were here, we were subjected to very heavy mortaring and shelling from enemy mortars on a hill to the south of Domblainville…”

He didn’t rejoin the unit again until November 1944, where he was attached to Company ‘B’. By then the Regiment had moved through Belgium and was in The Netherlands.  Andrew joined them when they were in the vicinity of Heusden.

… After several months in The Netherlands, the Regiment entered Germany…

In the early hours of February 22, 1945 the Regiment left The Netherlands for the upcoming battles in Germany, all part of Operation Blockbuster.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

The War Diary of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada for February 22, 1945 noted that “…shortly after turning onto Ruby Route near Nijmegen we began to encounter signs that we were ‘approaching enemy territory’, and at 0243 hours the C.O. led the Battalion into Germany….By 0615 the Battalion was concentrated around Hau….”

On March 13, 1945 the Regiment returned to The Netherlands for training and a much needed rest.  However, on Good Friday, March 30, 1945, the Regiment returned to Germany, arriving in Cleve, just on the other side of the Dutch border.

On April 2, 1945, they re-entered The Netherlands.  According to that day’s War Diary of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, they “…began their push towards Lochem and the Twenthe Canal.…” With Lochem liberated and a bridgehead established over the Twenthe Canal, the Regiment was ordered back into Germany, “…into the plains of Northern Germany…”

They arrived in Meppen, Germany on April 6, 1945.

…Andrew was photographed in Meppen…

On April 7, 1945, the War Diary of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada noted that “…the task of establishing a bridgehead over the Ems and capturing Meppen fell to the Argylls…”  This was accomplished the next day.

a145725-v6 Karelchuk LAC photo

Lance-Corporal A. Kerelchuk and Private H.M. Sigurdson, both of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, guarding the northern approach to a bridge across the Hase River, Meppen, Germany, 8 April 1945. Photographer: Alexander Mackenzie Stirton. (Source: Library and Archives Canada/Department of National Defence fonds/a145725)

According to the War Diary for April 11, 1945, “… The entire Battalion left Meppen at 1145 hours, travelling on kangaroos…”  Kangaroos are turret-less tanks with a platform for carrying troops.  “…We travelled fairly slowly, passed Sögel in the early afternoon, and headed east towards Werlte…”

On April 14, 1945 the Regiment moved to Friesoythe and after clearing the town, the War Diary of April 15, 1945 noted that “… ‘C’ Company and the carrier platoons left Friesoythe… Their task was to go as far as possible towards the Küsten Canal bridge, which was known to have been blown by the retreating enemy… ‘A’ Company left Friesoythe shortly after ‘C’ had reached its position. This Company was to advance on the road west of ‘C’ Company…”

…The Battle of the Küsten Canal was fatal…

On April 17, 1945, the fight to capture the Küsten Canal began, with several Regiments involved.  The role of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada was to reinforce the bridgehead and help drive off counterattacks. (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/kustencanal.htm)

The War Diary of April 19, 1945 reported that “…it was planned that during the night ‘B’ Company, supported by tanks, would recce north…. The tanks found it very difficult to maneuver on the soft roads, which had been torn and cratered by three days of continuous shelling.  The engineers were called in to work on the road…Several times during the night, fanatical enemy infantry counter-attacked our well dug-in forces…. with some losses among our own troops…”

Among those who lost their lives that night of April 19, 1945 was Andrew Kerelchuk.  He was initially buried in Friesoythe, Germany.

…Andrew was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten…

In 1946, Andrew was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

2227462_2 Grave Andrew Kerelchuk

Grave of Andrew Kerelchuk in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  (Photo courtesy of Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

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Thank you to Barbara Dobbie for providing a photo of her uncle, and to Judie Klassen for helping to find family members and newspaper articles. Watch for another story about a soldier of Ukrainian descent who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten in the next posting.

If you have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

…Missed the previous postings about the soldiers of Ukrainian heritage?…

…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 WWII Soldier Born In Broadacres Who Died During The Battle of Groningen

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 3 Comments

where-to-blog-header-code-on-a-wordpress-theme-August 19, 2022. When researchers at the Information Centre at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands decided to honour 27 soldiers of Ukrainian heritage that are buried in the cemetery, they were missing photos of 4 soldiers. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/05/31/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-holten-pays-tribute-to-ukrainian-canadians-buried-there/)

….The 4 soldiers of Ukrainian heritage without photos ….

Could Pieter help put a face to these names, he was asked?  They were:

  • Elie ANTONYSZYN, born in Rorketon, Manitoba, died July 15, 1945, aged 22
  • Andrew KERELCHUK, born in Zbaraz, Manitoba, died April 19, 1945, aged 21
  • Sam MATVICHUK, born in Broadacres, Saskatchewan, died April 14, 1945, aged 19
  • John RUSNAK, born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, died November 22, 1945, aged 21

All four had a connection to the Canadian prairies, and, in what has to be a first, families of all four soldiers came forward within a few weeks. 

Over the next blog postings, their stories will be told. This posting begins with Sam MATVICHUK, whose photo was the first we received.

…We hear from the family of Sam Matvichuk…

The first contact came from Scott Matvichuk, grandson of Sam’s brother Albert.  He mentioned that Sam’s sister, Annie Gregorwich, was 102 years old.

Then Pieter got in contact with Annie’s son Larry, who had photos.  Success!  “...The better one is with my father, Steve Gregorwich, who is sitting on the left….” wrote Larry.

dad and sam (2)

Steve Gregorwich (left) with Sam Matvichuk. (Photo courtesy of Larry Gregorwich)

Born July 13, 1925 in Broadacres, Saskatchewan, Sam was the son of John and Mary Matvichuk.  His first 11 years were spent in Saskatchewan. The family moved to Alberta, first to Smoke Lake and then to Delph, where his father, a Ukrainian immigrant, operated a farm.

…Sam enlisted at the age of 18…..

The 5th in a family of 12 children (of which two had died before 1940), Sam spoke both English and Ukrainian, and worked for his father and neighbouring farms after leaving school.  When he enlisted at the #3 District Depot in Calgary, Alberta on March 24, 1944, he was still only 18 years old.

An interviewer at the time of his enlistment noted in his Personnel Selection Record that Sam was “…a reticent young man…who has been engaged in farming….He is the out-of-doors type….but shows a good attitude to the service.  He states a desire for same Corps as his brother which he should find suitable…” 

Sam’s brother Steve was in the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade. (See http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/organization/1stcanadianarmouredbrigade.htm) Steve survived WWII and returned home with a war bride and his son.

The Personnel Selection Record also noted that Sam “…likes camping and hiking; swims; baseball…”

On April 10, 1944, Sam was sent to No. 26 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre (CACBTC) in Orillia, Ontario.  He was there until June 13, 1944, when he was transferred to No. 3 Canadian Armoured Corps Training Regiment (CACTR) at Camp Borden, Ontario.

Sam qualified as a driver – I/C Class III (Wheeled) – on August 17, 1944.  A few months later, on October 4, 1944 he was transferred to No. 1 Canadian Armoured Corps Trained Soldiers Regiment (CACTSR) in Borden, Ontario.

…Sam went overseas…..

Once Sam turned 19, he was eligible to go overseas.  On October 15, 1944 he left Canada and sailed to the United Kingdom, arriving on October 20, 1944.  After additional training with the Rocky Mountain Rangers, he was transferred to the Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR) in November 1944.

In mid-December 1944 he was sent to North-West Europe and transferred to the Royal Regiment of Canada on December 24, 1944. (See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Royal_Regiment_of_Canada)

According to the War Diary for the Royal Regiment of Canada, they were in the area of Groesbeek, The Netherlands at the time.  On December 24, 1944, the war diary entry recorded that “…The threat of a German drive from Northern Holland aimed through ‘S-Hertogenbosch and Tilburg at Antwerp has resulted in the withdrawal of our Brigade Group to act as a mob res….47 other ranks received….”  One of these other ranks was Sam. (‘Mob res’ referred to mobilization reserve – force of men remaining behind the lines to reinforce the front lines where needed)

On February 8, 1945, the war diary entry reported that “….The stillness of a perfect night was shattered at 0500 hours by the opening of the barrage which was the prelude to the attack on the Reichswald...”

On February 9, 1945, the war diary entry stated that “…The battalion was concentrated in Groesbeek area prior to moving to brigade concentration area in preparation for our part in this op ‘Veritable’.  The congestion in the area makes movement difficult.  Roads are becoming quite bad in spots…” (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable)

…Sam’s Regiment left The Netherlands for battles in Germany…..

Late in the night of February 16, 1945, the Regiment began its move into Germany.  The war diary entry recorded that “…The CO gave orders for the move at 1145 hours at which time the marching troops….started the journey to Molenhoek….” 

On February 17, 1945, “…the troops were on the move again towards Calcar...” 

By February 27, 1945, the war diary noted that “…at 0430 hours opening barrage for op Blockbuster commenced…” (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

On March 1, 1945, the war diary recorded that “…the area of Xanten was firmly consolidated and the men of the unit spent the day cleaning up…”

On March 24, 1945, the war diary entry explained that “….with an amazing amount of air support the Rhine has been crossed and we are waiting in anticipation of what our role in this big push is to be….”

…The Regiment returned to The Netherlands…

Screenshot 2022-08-19 at 10-37-57 Google Maps

Map shows location of Groningen, where Sam Matvichuk lost his life, and Assen, where he was initially buried.  (Map source:  Google maps)

The Royal Regiment of Canada’s next task, as part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, was to capture the city of Groningen, in the northeastern part of The Netherlands. It was during the Battle of Groningen that Sam lost his life.  (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/groningen.htm and https://library.mcmaster.ca/battle-groningen-april-1945)

During this battle, Sam received a bullet wound in his ‘right loin’ (the area below the rib cage to just above the pelvis) and lost his life on April 14, 1945.  He was a few months shy of his 20th birthday. 

…Sam is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten…

Sam was initially buried in Assen, and then later reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

2227678_1 grave of Sam Matvichuk

Grave of Sam Matvichuk at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. His age is incorrectly recorded as 20, when he was only 19. (Photo courtesy of Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

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Thank you to Larry Gregorwich for providing the photos, to Scott Matvichuk for contacting us, and to Judie Klassen for helping to find family members.  Another story about a soldier buried in Holten of Ukrainian descent coming up in the next posting.

If you have a story to tell, 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

The Author Talk At Victoria Playhouse

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments
20220811_142252_HDR Aug 10 2022 Daria at Author Talk in Victoria

Daria onstage at the Victoria Playhouse, talking about trying to find a cemetery in Rouen.  (Photo credit: Brenda Boudreau)

August 17, 2022. When Brenda Boudreau of the Victoria Historical Society invited us to participate in the Our Island Talks lecture series, we of course said yes.  That was back in the winter and August seemed such as long time away.  Time flew by quickly and before we knew it, the date appeared.

We didn’t know what to expect as so many people had attended previous presentations or had followed the stories over the years on this blog or in the County Line Courier newspaper.

So we were delighted to see many familiar faces in the audience and to meet new people in what turned out to be a successful and enjoyable experience. 

….CBC Radio Interview….

20220727_105505_HDR Jul 27 2022 Photo op at Victoria Playhouse Daria & Pieter by Brenda Boudreau

Photo op outside the Victoria Playhouse prior to the Author Talk. (Photo credit: Brenda Boudreau)

Matt Rainnie interviewed me for CBC PEI’s Mainstreet PEI program about the Author Talk at the Victoria Playhouse on August 11, 2022, part of the Our Island Talks Series. The interview about the book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’ aired August 5, 2022.  See https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-130-mainstreet-pei/clip/15929265-daria-valkenburgs-book

…The Author Talk allowed us to meet and greet…

Aug 11 2022 Victoria Playhouse Author Talk Presentation Slideshow

Here are photos of a few of the attendees.  We didn’t have a chance to catch everyone, unfortunately, but we would have liked to!

20220813_184440_HDR Aug 14 2022 Brenda Boudreau with book sent by herself

Brenda Boudreau with book. (Photo courtesy of Brenda Boudreau)

Brenda Boudreau, Past President of the Victoria Historical Society, has had two relatives featured on the blog – her great-uncle, WWI soldier Heath Ward MACQUARRIE (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/03/21/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-fisherman-who-lost-his-life-in-france-while-a-ww1-soldier/) and her father, Robert ‘Scott’ MACQUARRIE (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/12/06/the-ww2-christmas-menu/).

CIMG5756 Aug 11 2022 Pieter with Sandra Bourque Author Talk Victoria

Sandra Bourque and Pieter at the Author Talk.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The story of Sandra Bourque’s relative, WWII soldier Barney Reuben MCGUIGAN, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands, was previously told on this blog.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-photo-search-for-barney-mcguigan-is-successful/)

CIMG5748 Aug 7 2022 Estelle and George Dalton with book

Estelle and George Dalton with the book prior to the Author Talk.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

George Dalton had bought a book for himself and one to present to a sculptor restoring a WW1 memorial in Summerside. Some of the soldiers listed on the memorial have their stories told in the book. (See https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-summerside-ww1-sculpture-restoration-1.6543838)

CIMG5757 Aug 11 2022 Mario Henry with book

Mario Henry with book.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Mario Henry was recently featured as the veteran who rescued the photo of WWI soldier Lloyd Clifford SHORTLIFF of Nova Scotia.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/07/31/the-ww1-soldier-from-barton-whose-body-was-never-recovered/)

Pieter with Betty Jeffery photo from Brenda

Betty Jeffery with Pieter.  (Photo credit: Brenda Boudreau)

We had not previously met Betty Jeffery, whose relative, WWI soldier Joseph Arthur DESROCHES, is buried at Ligny Saint-Flochel British Cemetery in France. We’d visited his grave in 2017 and his story is told in the book.  Up to now, however, no one has been able to find a photo of him. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/11/15/the-continuing-search-for-a-photo-of-ww1-soldier-joseph-arthur-desroches/)

20220811_152928_HDR Aug 11 2022 Daria with Duane and Anne MacEwen with book

Daria with Duane and Ann MacEwen. (Photo credit: Brenda Boudreau)

Duane MacEwen, Past President of PEI Command, Royal Canadian Legion, and his wife Ann, were featured in a story about the luncheon hosted for Korean War Veterans in 2021. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/09/24/pei-korean-war-veterans-luncheon-hosted-by-the-embassy-of-the-republic-of-korea/) 

Duane was also part of the delegation present when the Dutch embassy presented Her Honour The Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, with a box of tulips at a special event at Province House in 2019. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/09/17/liberation-75-commemoration-event-at-province-house/)

Thank you to Brenda Boudreau of the Victoria Historical Society, and to Emily and Pat Smith of the Victoria Playhouse for inviting us to participate in the Our Island Talks series, and for looking after the publicity and logistics.  Thank you to Matt Rainnie for taking the time to do an interview.  Pieter and I also thank all who attended the Author Talk and to those who supported our research by purchasing a book.

If you have a story to share, 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 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 WWII Soldier From Souris Killed During The Liberation Of Posterenk

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

August 9, 2022. In 2017, Pieter and I visited the village of Posterenk in The Netherlands with Edwin van der Wolf, one of the research volunteers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  At the time, we never expected that we would be doing several stories about soldiers from the Carleton & York Regiment who lost their lives during the liberation of the village in April 1945.

CIMG9295 Sep 25 2017 Posterenk windmill

Windmill in Posterenk, which has a memorial stone inscribed on the wall.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….The Island connection to Posterenk…..

Edwin wanted us to visit the village because it had an Island connection.  Frank GALLANT, son of Anthony and Eleanor Gallant of Mount Carmel, Prince Edward Island, was one of the Carleton & York soldiers who died during there on April 13, 1945 at the age of 32.

CIMG9299 Sep 25 2017 Pieter with the Posterenk list of 6 soldiers

Pieter holds the list of 6 Carleton & York Regiment soldiers temporarily buried in Posterenk in 1945. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG9297 Sep 25 2017 Edwin and Pieter with CYR list

Edwin van der Wolf and Pieter in Posterenk in 2017.  Pieter holds up a list of the 6 Carleton & York Regiment soldiers who were temporarily buried in the village.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The village prepared a list of 6 soldiers to commemorate from the Carleton & York Regiment.  Unfortunately, not all soldiers who died are included on this list, but Edwin worked towards making for a more inclusive list.

One soldier not on the original list of 6, Daniel Peter MACKENZIE, who was born in Victoria Cross, Prince Edward Island, son of John and Rachel MacKenzie, also died on April 13, 1945 during the liberation of Posterenk.  Pieter had been able to find a family member and photo in 2015.

That made two soldiers from Prince Edward Island.  In 2021, a soldier from Minto, New Brunswick, who wasn’t on the original list, was identified: Goldwin Marven POLLICK.

In April 2022, 8 names were commemorated in Posterenk. However, photos of two men were missing.  To our surprise, one was from Prince Edward Island, making for a third Island soldier.   (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/04/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-posterenk-commemorates-its-liberation-by-the-carleton-and-york-regiment/)

…The search began for a photo of James ‘Frank’ Mossey….

Pieter immediately began researching James ‘Frank’ MOSSEY, born on April 20, 1919 in Souris, Prince Edward Island, son of William and Mary (nee McMillan) Mossey.

Article in Eastern Graphic re James Frank Mossey Jun 1 2022

… Frank Mossey’s niece contacts Pieter….

20220616_122329 Jun 16 2022 Pieter with Glynne and Bob Squires

Pieter (left) with Glynne and Bob Squires. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

A few days after the article was published in the Eastern Graphic, Glynne Squires contacted Pieter, explaining that “…My Mother is Margaret (deceased) – a sister of Frank.  The members of Frank’s family are small.  A few cousins, myself, Karen Sereda, and Marilyn Jones – nieces of Frank’s.  Thank you for the work you are doing to keep the memory alive of these brave young men….”  And Glynne had a picture to share…

James Frank Mossey

James ‘Frank’ Mossey.  (Photo courtesy of Glynne Squires and Family)

When he enlisted in Charlottetown on July 10, 1940 with the PEI Highlanders, Frank was working as a meter reader for the Town of Souris.  He had also worked with his father who had been the town electrical inspector.

… Frank was sent to Newfoundland….

NFLD Map shows Botwood

Location of Botwood Military Base in Newfoundland. (Map source: http://postalhistorycorner.blogspot.com/2012/12/wwii-canadian-forces-in-newfoundland.html)

He was sent to Halifax with the PEI Highlanders, and then in 1941 the Regiment went to Newfoundland. An RCAF base in Botwood had aircraft patrolling the east coast of the Atlantic. Canadian Army personnel based at Botwood were charged with protection of military facilities that had been installed there, as well as in Gander. (See https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/politics/botwood-base.php)

On November 7, 1941 Frank was attached to the No. 6 District Depot, the default unit for troops in the area that weren’t members of another unit.  Military District 6 comprised Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, with headquarters in Halifax.  However, he remained in Newfoundland.

… Frank was anxious to go overseas….

 An April 29, 1943 interviewer recorded in his Personnel Selection Record that Frank was “…now a section commander in ‘A’ company….” and that he “… gets along well with his men…”

The report went on to say that Frank “…expresses himself well; has a decisive but attractive manner…”  It also noted that he “… likes the army and is very anxious to get overseas….”

Frank was soon to get his wish. He was transferred to the No. 1 Transit Camp in Windsor, Nova Scotia on June 2, 1943, and just over a week later he was on his way to the United Kingdom, arriving there on June 18, 1943, part of the Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).

… In December 1943 Frank joined the Carleton & York Regiment in Italy…

On December 12, 1943 he was transferred to the Carleton & York Regiment, joining the Regiment in Ortona, Italy, part of the reinforcement of troops following the battles in Sicily.

On March 19, 1945, he and his Regiment left Italy for North-West Europe as part of Operation Goldflake, arriving in Marseilles, France on March 21, 1945.  Operation Goldflake was the codename for moving troops from Italy to North-West Europe.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Goldflake)

From France, troops were moved up to the Belgian front, into The Netherlands, through the Reichswald Forest in Germany, and then back into The Netherlands, arriving near Zutphen on April 10, 1945.

…The Liberation of Posterenk…

Map western holland showing Posterenk

According to the April 12, 1945 war diary entry of the Carleton & York Regiment, they “…moved across the Ijssel River at 14:30 hours….” to relieve the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.

On April 13, 1945, the war diary entry noted that “…‘D’ Company’s objective is Posterenk…” The Regiment didn’t expect much opposition, but they “… met with stiff resistance just after starting at 11:25 hrs…”

With the help of a tank troop, they were able to move forward.  According to the war diary entry, “…at 13:37 hrs ‘D’ Company reported that POSTERENK was clear of the enemy, having had one officer killed (Lt. R.B. Savage) and two other ranks wounded but a total of 50 POWs. ‘D’ Company were ordered to push on up the road which they did at once and came under enemy fire…”

In the evening ‘B’ Company moved forward and encountered “…considerable enemy resistance…”  Very late into the night and into April 14, 1945, “…during ‘B’ Company’s attack they have eight wounded and one killed, Lt. W.E. Brousseau being one of those wounded…”

The war diary entry noted that in the middle of the night – into April 14, 1945 – “…‘B’ Company’s patrol met stiff opposition…”

It’s not clear exactly what happened to Frank. The service file only notes that he was killed in action on April 14, 1945 near Posterenk.  He was 25 years old.

….Frank was originally buried near Posterenk….

Frank was temporarily buried near the crossing next to the windmill in Posterenk.

20220616_114707 Original grave burial

Frank was originally buried near the windmill in Posterenk. (Photo courtesy of Glynne Squires and Family)

On January 24, 1946 Frank was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Grave of Frank Mossey in Holten

Grave of Frank Mossey in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

After the war ended, Frank’s family was informed that he was twice mentioned in despatches “…in recognition of gallant and distinguished services…” and they subsequently received a certificate from King George VI.

….Mossey Island in northern Canada named in his honour…..

Mossey Lake in NWT

Mossey Island in the Northwest Territories was named in honour of Frank Mossey.  (Map source: https://www.geodata.us/canada_names_maps/maps.php?featureid=LAQCJ&f=316)

A 2010 email from Blair Neatby in Yellowknife to Greg Gallant of the PEI Regimental Museum noted that Mossey Island, located on Faber Lake in the Northwest Territories, in northern Canada, was named in his honour on October 12, 1952. (Location coordinates: Latitude 63.93374° or 63° 56′ 2″ north, Longitude -117.15295° or 117° 9′ 11″ west, Elevation 213 metres or 699 feet.)

Thank you to Glynne and Bob Squires for sharing photos and information about Frank Mossey, and to Charlotte MacAulay of the Eastern Graphic for writing about the photo search. If you have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. You can email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

…Previous stories about soldiers commemorated in Posterenk….

…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.

Daria’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/

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeUpcoming Author Talk: Thursday, August 11, 2022 – Victoria-By-The-Sea, Prince Edward Island, part of the ‘Our Island Talks’ series, and hosted by Victoria Playhouse and Victoria Historical Association. Time: 2:00 pm.

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 Pisquid Who Served In The 26th Battalion

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments
CIMG5556 May 7 2022 Pieter and Bloyce

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

August 7, 2022. We very much appreciate hearing from families whose relatives served in WW1 or WW2.  Recently, Bloyce McLellan of North Tryon contacted us about his uncle, WW1 veteran John David MACDONALD.

colorized photo McDonald

WW1 soldier John David MacDonald.  (Photo courtesy of the MacDonald Family.  Photo restoration and colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

“…My Mother was Elizabeth (Eliza) Matilda MacDonald from Pisquid, Prince Edward Island. She married my father and moved to Arlington, Grand River, Prince Edward Island. I was the youngest of 11 children and brought up on a mixed farming operation there.

My mother would tell us stories about her brother John David MacDonald. As a young fellow he assisted with the farming and had some schooling.  He did a lot of hunting around the farm and became a very good marksman with a rifle. When the Germans invaded Europe, he signed up with the Canadian Military along with some of his friends….”

Born January 13, 1896, John David MacDonald was the son of Allan Joseph and Annie MacDonald.  (The surname was sometimes spelled McDonald.)  When he enlisted with the 105th Overseas Battalion in Charlottetown on June 10, 1916, he stated that he had been a member of the 82nd Regiment Militia, also known as the Abegweit Light Infantry. This Militia had been on active service since August 6, 1914 for local protection. (See https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/official-military-history-lineages/lineages/armour-regiments/prince-edward-island-regiment.html)

After basic training, John David left Halifax, Nova Scotia aboard the Empress of Britain on July 15, 1916, as part of the 105th Overseas Battalion, and arrived in Liverpool, England on July 25, 1916.  He was sent to various camps in England for training, before leaving for France on August 27, 1917.

On September 8, 1917 he was transferred to the 26th Battalion (New Brunswick Regiment) while they were near Vimy, France.  He was with the Regiment as it moved north to the Ypres Salient for the Battle of Passchendaele.  After Passchendaele, the Regiment returned to the area near Vimy, France before moving towards Lens.

Bloyce recalls his mother explaining that “…because he was a highly skilled marksman, John David was chosen to be a sniper. A sniper’s prime task was to go out into No Man’s Land and take out the German Machine Gun nests particularly before the Allies launched their attacks or assaults. If he was not successful there would be a lot of Canadian lives lost as the German Machine Guns would mow down many of the Allied soldiers on their advance…”

…. The role of a sniper during WW1….

During WWI, snipers and sharpshooters in World War I not only destroyed enemy positions such as machine gun nests, but also were used for psychological warfare in quieter periods.  A 9 minute YouTube video, Sharpshooters and Snipers in World War I, gives an introduction to these brave men:

Nothing in John David’s service file specifically indicated he was a sniper, but this was not unusual. Soldiers who were experienced with guns were in high demand.

…John David was wounded twice….

On February 26, 1918 the Regiment was stationed in Lievin in northern France.  The war diary of the 26th Battalion for that day noted that a Working Party “…from ‘C’ Company working in vicinity of Junction AMULET trench and CROCODILE trench suffered some casualties….” John David was in this Working Party and was admitted to No. 6 Field Ambulance Depot for a gunshot wound to his left cheek.

On March 1, 1918 he was transferred to No. 18 General Hospital in Camiers, France for further treatment and discharged on March 14. He was based at a Casualty Clearing Station in Etaples before being sent back to the front on April 20, 1918.  The Regiment was holding the front east of Neuville Vitasse before moving to Amiens in August 1918.

The war diary for the 26th Battalion for September 21, 1918 noted that there was “…shelling during early morning in vicinity of Battalion Headquarters….. Casualties six other ranks wounded...”  John David was among those wounded as he had received bomb wounds on both legs, his face, and hands, and was sent to No. 4 Casualty Clearing Station in Poperinge, Belgium.

On September 30, 1918 he was admitted to No. 16 General Hospital in Orpington, Kent, England for treatment on his legs.  He wasn’t discharged until November 26, 1918.

In January 1919 he returned to Canada and was officially discharged in Charlottetown on April 15, 1919.  Bloyce’s mother told him that her brother returned home to Pisquid after the war “…walking up the lane at home with a limp due to his injuries….”

…A successful life in spite of post-traumatic stress….

Bloyce continued with his mother’s recollections.  “…John David was never the same after the war. He had been a happy go lucky boy before the war but the war really tore him apart. Not just being wounded in action twice, but mentally he had considerable pain and significant stress.  He relived the horrors of war with nightmares….”

John David became a farmer and married Catherine Bernadette McKinnon on February 23, 1927. They brought up a family of 7 girls and 4 boys.

John David died in 1961, and is buried in St. Andrews Roman Catholic Cemetery in Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island.

176995815_1488691690 grave JD MacDonald

Grave of John David MacDonald. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

… ‘This man was a hero without a doubt’ – Bloyce McLellan….

Bloyce reflected that “…in reviewing his military file I was quite shocked that John David never received any notable medal – a man that risked his life, health, and his future for his country. This man was a hero without a doubt, wounded in action and will remain in the history of our country an unsung hero.  When I heard my mother’s stories and read John David’s military file that Pieter and Daria Valkenburg were able to research for me, there was no question in my mind. Although he was a little farm boy from Pisquid, he stood tall and risked his life time and again for his countrymen and his country. No country could ask more from any man. He gave it all.…”

Thank you to Bloyce McLellan for sharing his mother’s recollections about her brother and obtaining a photo.  If you have a story to share, please let Pieter know. You can email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

…Previous stories of Islanders who were aboard the ‘Empress of Britain’ with John David MacDonald….

Several Islanders, whose stories have previously been told, also sailed to England on the ‘Empress of Britain’ in July 1916. Among them were:

…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/

Upcoming Author Talk: Thursday, August 11, 2022 – Victoria-By-The-Sea, Prince Edward Island, part of the ‘Our Island Talks’ series, and hosted by Victoria Playhouse and Victoria Historical Association. Time: 2:00 pm.

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