June 18, 2023. Edwin van der Wolf, a volunteer researcher at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands, has a special research interest in the Canadian Scottish Regiment. (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/new-website-on-canadian-scottish-regiment-during-ww2/)
Edwin noted that he is “…also involved in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium, where 38 fallen / killed soldiers of the Canadian Scottish Regiment are buried…” In 2021 Edwin and his son Breyton adopted two of these graves. (See Adopting A Grave In Adegem: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/08/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-adopting-a-grave-in-adegem/ )
…The grave of a Canadian Scottish Regiment soldier buried in Adegem was adopted by Breyten van der Wolf…
“…My youngest son, Breyten van der Wolf, who is 28, adopted the grave of Cpl Joseph H. Pallister of the Canadian Scottish Regiment …”
The adoption certificate issued to Breyten van der Wolf. (Photo courtesy Edwin van der Wolf)
When we see photos and stories about Dutch people at the war cemeteries, what is featured are usually children from schools, older people who remembered the war from their childhood, or people whose parents were alive during the war and talked about it.
Breyten van der Wolf (Photo courtesy of B. van der Wolf)
It’s not often that you see young adults actively involved, so I asked Breyten about that. “…I remember the stories from the war told by my grandma and they were very interesting...” he explained. “…So, I think it’s just a perception…”
I then asked Breyten how he came to adopt the grave of Joseph Pallister. “….The choice of which graves to adopt was decided by my father, and he decided to get this one because Joseph Pallister was a member of the Canadian Scottish Regiment....”
I asked Breyten if he had any more thoughts, and was not surprised when he replied that “…I think my father has done a lot of good work for this cause!…” Indeed he has.
…Who was Joseph Hudson Pallister?…
Joseph Hudson Pallister. (Photo courtesy of the Pallister Family)
Edwin explained that when the grave was adopted, he had not been in contact with any family members. However, he did some basic research into the life and service of Joseph Hudson PALLISTER.
“…Joseph was born on September 25, 1923 in Calgary, Alberta, the son of Guy and Evelyn M. Pallister, of Turner Valley, Alberta. His brothers were: Thomas, Fred, John, Bernard, Henry, Stanley, Albert, Reginald, and Allan. And his sisters were Beatrice, Daisy, and Norah…..”
From Joseph’s military service file, Edwin learned that “… his profession was a pipe fitter in the oil industry and he was a member of the Church of England. His hobbies were playing baseball and light reading….”
Joseph “...enlisted on January 11, 1943 in Calgary…” and was sent to the United Kingdom that August. He was transferred to the “….Canadian Scottish Regiment on October 10, 1943….” With the Regiment he was “…in the first wave of the landing on D-Day….” on June 6, 1944.
… Joseph lost his life during the Battle of the Leopold Canal…
Joseph was in C Company when he was “…killed in action on Friday, October 6, 1944 during the Battle of the Leopold Canal in Belgium. He was temporarily buried in Maldegem before being reburied on July 17, 1945 in Adegem...” He was 21 years old. (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/leopoldcanal.htm)
Grave of Joseph Hudson Pallister. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)
… Joseph’s great-nephew got in contact …
After the 2021 posting about the grave adoption in Adegem was published, we received an email from Thomas Mouser, the great-nephew of Joseph Pallister.
Thomas wrote that “… J.H. Pallister is my great uncle and I have begun to conduct some research on his time in the military as well as his circumstances of death. …I was also hoping for a chance to potentially get in touch with Breyten van der Wolf, as I would like to express my sincere gratitude for him taking care of my uncle’s grave….”
Thomas Mouser. (Photo courtesy of the Pallister Family)
This led to Thomas and Edwin being in contact over the past months. “…I am incredibly grateful and moved by the remembrance and acknowledgment shown by the people of Western Europe towards the sacrifices made by Canadians during World War II….” Thomas wrote. “… The recognition of the tremendous efforts and bravery displayed by Canadian soldiers in liberating Europe from tyranny is truly heartening. It is a testament to the enduring bond between nations and a reminder of the profound impact that collective sacrifices can have in shaping history…..”
Thomas explained that Joseph was one of four brothers that served during WWII. Joseph’s three brothers all survived the war. John Francis PALLISTER was in the Canadian Artillery, Thomas Richard PALLISTER and Fredrick James PALLISTER were in the Canadian Signal Corps.
Four Pallister brothers served in WWII. (Photo courtesy of the Pallister Family)
“…The gratitude expressed by Western Europeans is a testament to their deep understanding of the sacrifices made by Canadians, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation that transcends time and borders….” Thomas expressed what so many families of soldiers buried overseas feel.
The grave adoption by the Van der Wolf family resonated deeply. “…This remembrance serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honouring the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom, ensuring that their legacy lives on for future generations. Just as Joseph has now become a part of Edwin’s family, Edwin’s family has become a part of ours. We all feel so blessed to have such incredible people taking care of one of our lost family members, so thank you to everyone stewarding Canadian war graves… your effort will never go unnoticed….”
While the Commonwealth War Graves Commission ensures that all of the war graves are cared for and the war cemeteries beautifully landscaped, it’s something special to know that a particular family or person visits a grave so far from Canadian soil. “…All of Joseph’s nieces and nephews are incredibly excited that there are people taking care of his grave….”
Thank you to Breyton and Edwin van der Wolf for remembering members of the Canadian Scottish Regiment in WWII, and to Thomas Mouser, great-nephew of Joseph Hudson Pallister, for sharing photos and heartfelt comments.
One WWII soldier’s death impacted two families – one Canadian, one Dutch – across three countries – Canada, Belgium, and The Netherlands. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Do you have a story to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.
© Daria Valkenburg
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On The War Memorial Trail Research Project........ with Pieter and Daria Valkenburg 