Month: July 2026

On The War Memorial Trail…. Struck By Shellfire Part 2 The WWII Lieutenant From Saint John Who Lost His Life Trying To Get A Wounded Gunner To Safety

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July 16, 2026.  On February 26, 1945, the lives of three WWII soldiers intersected during the Battle of Keppeln in Germany.   Private Harry BIZNAR, Lt Robert Joseph MARKEY, and Gunner Albert Donald AHLWARDT, all lost their lives when a shell burst near them as Private Biznar and Lt Markey were trying to get a wounded Gunner Ahlwardt to safety in a nearby house.

In Part 1 of Struck By Shellfire, the story of WWII soldier Harry BIZNAR was told.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/07/03/on-the-war-memorial-trail-struck-by-shellfire-part-1-the-wwii-soldier-born-to-ukrainian-immigrants-who-lost-his-life-trying-to-get-a-wounded-gunner-to-safety/)

Now, in Part 2, the Struck By Shellfire series continues with Robert ‘Bob’ Joseph MARKEY.

Born November 15, 1919 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Robert was the son of Ernest Thomas and Marion Marguerite ‘Marie’ (nee Nugent) Markey.  He graduated from Grade 11 at St. Vincent Boys’ High School in Saint John, continued on to Saint John High School for Grade 12, and then enrolled in the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro, Nova Scotia in 1939. Winner of the Governor’s Award, 1941, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, he graduated in 1941 with a specialization in bacteriology.

Although Robert had a brother and two sisters, Pieter was unsuccessful in attempts to contact family members.  However, archivists Creighton Barrett and Jennifer MacIsaac of Dalhousie University Libraries uncovered photos and information from the time he was at Nova Scotia Agricultural College, providing a picture of the man behind the soldier’s uniform.

….Robert was involved in student activities…

Robert Markey as a 1941 graduate.  (Photo credit: Agricola Archives, Dalhousie University Archives)

A brief biography in the 1941 graduation issue of the student publication Agricola noted that over the past two years he had “…proven his ability as an all-around student, especially in public speaking and in basketball…”

Robert Markey was on the school’s basketball team, pictured here 4th from the left (red arrow) in the 1941 graduation booklet.  (Photo credit: Agricola Archives, Dalhousie University Archives)

Robert, known as ‘Bob’ while a student, was involved in social activities of the College.  “…Being very popular with his classmates, due to his wit and personality, he was elected chairman of the Social Committee for the first term of the year ’41.  Bob also had the honour of being President of the Students’ Council while in his senior year…”

Robert was also known for being “…quite musical and full of jazz which was proven when he played the ‘Traps’ for the Sawfilers Orchestra at a few of the Saturday night dances…” Traps referred to drums, accompanied with other percussion instruments such as cymbals.

The account on Robert ended by stating that “… his main ambition is to specialize in Animal Husbandry but this coming summer he is joining the RCAF…”

….Robert enlisted on Boxing Day 1941 …

Robert never joined the RCAF.  When he enlisted at the No. 7 District Depot’s recruiting office in Saint John, New Brunswick on December 26, 1941, it was noted that he had worked 3 summers at Atlantic Sugar Refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick. Just before enlistment, in the fall of 1941, he worked as an oiler and fireman, as well as a powerhouse technician in the plant where his father was employed as a superintendent.  As a technician, he was responsible for testing the chemical content of water and keeping a log of engine efficiency, among other duties.

He began his basic training at No. 70 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre (CABTC) in Fredericton, New Brunswick, but was hospitalized with a bad cold from January 4 until January 20, 1942.  He didn’t return back to No. 70 CA(B)TC until February  6, 1942, at which time he also received a promotion to Lance Corporal.

After completing his training, he was put on staff as an instructor at No. 70 CA(B)TC on May 16, 1942.

….Robert attended No. 30 Officers Training Centre in Brockville …

On September 2, 1942, an interviewer in Fredericton gave his assessment on Robert’s suitability as an Officer Candidate.  He was described as a “….tall, lean, athletic type…” with a “….. pleasant, well-balanced personality...” and “…good leadership qualities, conscientious…”  He had a “…history of commendable personal enterprise...” coupled with an “…above average level of learning ability…” and “…superior knowledge of tools and mechanical principles…”  He was recommended for officer training and to remain in the Infantry as that was what Robert himself preferred.

On October 10, 1942, Robert was sent to No. 30 Officers’ Training Centre in Brockville, Ontario for 12 weeks of intensive training in preparation for going overseas.  His time there would have overlapped with that of John ‘Weston’ CAMPBELL, from Prince Edward Island, who had arrived there in August for his 12 week course. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/09/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-clermont-killed-during-operation-veritable/)

After successfully completing his 12 week course, Robert was promoted to Provisional 2nd Lieutenant on January 16, 1943, and then sent for further training to A-17 Machine Gun Training Centre in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, a course that began on January 25, 1943 and ended on March 18, 1943….along with a promotion to Lieutenant.

….Robert was in Kiska as part of Operation Cottage …

On March 20, 1943, Robert was transferred to the 1st Battalion, Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun) and sent to Nanaimo, British Columbia. The battalion served in Canada in a home defense role as a part of the 18th Canadian Infantry Brigade which was first part of Pacific Command and then the 6th Canadian Infantry Division.

Summary of Canadian support for Operation Cottage in Kiska, Alaska. (Source: National Defence, National Defense University Press. Seen on the A Canadian Outlook FaceBook page)

On June 16, 1943, Robert was assigned to ‘C’ Company of the Saint John Fusiliers.  On July 12, 1943, he was on ‘special duty’ as part of a planned Canadian support to Kiska, Alaska for the American led Operation Cottage. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Cottage and http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/operations/operationcottage.htm)

Map showing location of Kiska, part of the Aleutian Islands.  (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

Map source: By of SVG: Kuara – Aleutian Islands, United States Army Center of Military History, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5209745

The intention was to liberate Kiska Island from Japanese forces, which had occupied it since June 7, 1942, after Japan seized Kiska and Attu in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. However, no one seemed to be aware that the Japanese had left the Island on July 28, 1943, using fog as cover for their escape.

Kiska was unoccupied by the time Allied troops arrived on August 15, 1943, of which ‘C’ Company was a component of the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group.  They were sent into fog, surf, volcanic rock, confusion, and uncertainty. Expecting a brutal fight, the soldiers found the island empty of Japanese troops, but they had left behind reminders of their presence in the form of mines and booby traps.

As noted in Project 44’s Operation Cottage: Invasion of Kiska Island: “…Despite the lack of Japanese soldiers, there still were American and Canadian casualties. Some were wounded and killed in friendly fire as nervous soldiers fired into the fog amongst the confusion. Others were wounded and killed by enemy mines, booby-traps, and explosive ordinance left on the island. The Canadians sustained eight casualties, four dead and four wounded…” (See https://www.project44.ca/kiska)

While the Americans left Kiska by September 1, 1943, the Canadians remained for over 3 months longer.

C.P. Stacey’s ‘Official History of the Canadian Army in the Second World War: Volume I: Six Years of War: Canada, Britain and the Pacific’ recorded that troops lived “…in ‘winterized’ tents, and engaged in road and pier construction, transport fatigues, building and manning defences, and carrying on such training as conditions permitted. Fog, rain and wind made the island an acutely unpleasant residence, and the troops were heartily glad when the withdrawal to British Columbia began in November 1943. The last shipload of Canadians left Kiska on 12 January 1944….”  

Robert returned to Canada on January 3, 1944, and given 30 days leave, from January 6 until February 4, 1944.  ‘C’ Company disbanded on January 31, 1944, and when Robert returned to duty, he was assigned back to the 1st Battalion, Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun).

….Two soldiers whose stories have been told were also in Kiska …

…Robert was sent for more training…

On February 11, 1944, Robert was sent for two courses at the S-17 Canadian School Of Infantry in Vernon, British Columbia.  He began with a Junior Battle Wing Course. 10 days later, however, he was admitted to Vernon Military Hospital for 16 days with pneumonitis, an inflammation of lung tissue, typically caused by inhaling airborne irritants. (See https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24810-pneumonitis)

After completing the Junior Battle Wing Course, Robert next undertook a 4.2 Mortar Battle Wing course at S-11 Canadian Chemical Warfare School (CCWS) in Suffield, Alberta, which ran from April 16 to April 29, 1944.

….Robert qualified as a Driver for a flamethrower…

While in Suffield Robert took specialized carrier-driver training for a flamethrower-equipped variant of a Universal Carrier, qualifying as Driver i/c Class III (MC) on June 23, 1944.  (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’.  Class III meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars, but not tanks. MC meant he was also a qualified Motorcycle Despatch Rider.)

A June 16, 1944 Officers’ Survey report described Robert as “…a very good officer.  A good leader. Has the confidence of all…” and noted that he “…speaks clearly and concisely….” with a   “…self-composed manner and confident approach. Has a strong personality.  Makes friends easily…”

Robert was keen to go overseas, and the report stated that he had “…volunteered for the British Army.  Passed but not taken…”  It went on to say that he “…now has special authority to go overseas with some forty or fifty men including his own Platoon who have volunteered to go active on the understanding he will go with them.  This is a fulfillment of his wishes….” (NOTE: No mention was ever made if this happened when Robert ultimately left Canada for overseas service.)

On June 29, 1944, Robert returned to the S-17 Canadian School Of Infantry in Vernon, British Columbia for an Officers Refresher course, taken between July 1 and August 18, 1944.

The August 19, 1944 course assessment for the Junior Battle Wing Course noted that “…his knowledge and application of tactics was good. He has ability as a leader. His knowledge and handling of weapons were quite good….” but that “…at times he appeared disinterested and did not always put as much into the work as he could give…” The final comment was that with more experience, Robert would be “…a capable platoon commander…”

The August 19, 1944 assessment for the Mortar Battle Wing course was positive. “…This officer was interested and enthusiastic.  He has quite a sound knowledge of the weapon and its tactical employment…” The final comment was that with further field experience, Robert “…should make a good mortar platoon commander…”

….Robert left Canada for overseas service…

Robert Joseph Markey. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial. Photo restoration by Pieter Valkenburg)

From August 20 until August 26, 1944, Robert was granted embarkation leave, for what turned out to be the last time he saw his family.

On August 27, 1944, Robert reported to No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia, for final training and preparation before going overseas.  The Brigade was a final staging point for troops waiting to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

On September 7, 1944, Robert boarded a ship that left the following day from Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving in the United Kingdom on September 20, 1944. He was placed with No. 4 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).

A few weeks later, on October 23, 1944, Robert was sent to No. 3 Wing (Weapons) Canadian Training School (CTS) for a Canadian Military Headquarters (CMHQ) Conversion Course at the Canadian Army Battle Drill School in Stansted Park in Rowland’s Castle, Hampshire, England. The 42 day course trained officers and NCOs to standardize infantry and joint-force tactics before deployment.  After successfully completing the course, he returned to No. 4 CIRU, which had been re-designated at No. 3 CIRU, on December 2, 1944.

….Robert joined the Lincoln & Welland Regiment……

On January 11, 1945, Robert was transferred to the 13th Battalion’s X-4 Reinforcement List of the Canadian Infantry Corps (CIC).  The following day he left for North West Europe, arriving on January 12, 1945.

On January 29, 1945, Robert was transferred to the Lincoln & Welland Regiment as a Platoon Officer in ‘C’ Company, joining them in the midst of Operation Elephant, also known as the Battle of Kapelsche Veer, a brutal and freezing battle to clear German paratroopers from Kapelsche Veer, a low-lying, water-logged island north of the Maas River in The Netherlands.

NOTE: Eli Ambrose SNAKE, whose story was previously told, had lost his life in the battle. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-eli-ambrose-snake/)

Robert had survived his first active battle, and continued with the Regiment as they moved into Germany.

….Robert lost his life during the Battle of Keppeln…

Map shows location (green circle) where the Lincoln & Welland Regiment was in support of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division during the Battle of Keppeln  on February 26, 1945. (Map source:  Project 44)

On February 26, 1945, the Regiment was involved in the Battle of Keppeln, with the objective of breaking the German Siegfried Line during Operation Blockbuster, the last part of Operation Veritable. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster) Troops encountered heavy artillery and mortar fire in intense fighting from German paratroopers, and had to make their way through heavy mud and minefields.

The war diary for February 26, 1945 noted the orders given for the battle.  The 4th Canadian Armoured Brigade, which the Lincoln & Welland Regiment was part of, “….was divided into five forces….”  ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies of the Regiment were part of ‘JERRY FORCE’.

Movement began at 6 am, but “…the route from the area at KLEVE to the concentration area was through mud fields and was extremely heavy going for all vehicles. Heavy vehicles bogged down in the mud….”

By 9 am, “… JERRY FORCE moved into the attack passing through 2 Canadian Infantry Division….”

The battle finally ended when Canadian troops used flame-throwing Wasp carriers to clear German-held houses in Keppeln. The village needed to be secured as part of a push towards Uedem. The capture of Keppeln allowed Canadian forces to clear the Kalkar Ridge and proceed towards the Hochwald Forest gap, and later to break through to the Rhine.  Unfortunately, Robert did not live to see the end of this battle….

….What happened?…

Lance Corporal John SYMCHYCH stated in an official report that on February 26, 1945, the platoon that Robert commanded was tasked with defending a house located 9.1 metres (30 feet) from a slit trench.  Visibility was poor due to smoke from machine gun and rifle fire.  One Ram carrier had been struck by shell fire and burned, and a gunner, later identified as Albert Donald AHLWARDT of the 6th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, had been slightly wounded and evacuated to the slit trench that L/Cpl Symchych was in.

Around 2 pm, “…Pte Biznar and Lt Markey pulled the driver of the Ram carrier out of L/Cpl Symchych’s slit trench and were taking him to the house 15 yards away.  A shell lit four or five feet away from the three of them while L/Cpl Symchych was still in his slit trench.  L/Cpl Symchych crawled to the house and remained in the house until relieved by RHLI Regiment between the hours of three or four o’clock of the morning of February 27th. The bodies of the three men were still there when L/Cpl Symchych returned to his slit trench for his equipment…” NOTE: RHLI refers to Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Regiment.

Robert, aged 26, lost his life on that afternoon of February 26, 1945, as he and Pte Harry Biznar tried to move Gunner Alwardt to safety.

NOTE: For an idea of some of the places that the Regiment travelled through in Germany, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/02/06/on-the-war-memorial-trail-we-follow-the-route-taken-into-germany-by-canadian-troops-in-1945/

….Robert is buried in Groesbeek…

Pieter placed Canadian and New Brunswick flags at the grave of Robert Joseph Markey. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Robert was initially buried in Keppeln, Germany before being reburied on February 25, 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. During our 2025 European War Memorial Tour, Pieter placed Canadian and New Brunswick flags by his grave.

Thank you to Jennifer MacIsaac and Creighton Barrett of Dalhousie University Libraries for finding photos of Lt Markey while he was at Nova Scotia Agricultural College.

The flags placed at Robert’s grave during our 2025 European War Memorial Tour were donated.  Our thanks go to:

  • Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flag.
  • Jean-Claude D’Amours, MLA for Edmundston-Madawaska Centre, Minister responsible for Military Affairs, with the help of Cécile LePage, Province of New Brunswick, for the New Brunswick flag.

…. to be continued…..

Coming up in Struck By Shellfire Part 3 will be about Albert Donald AHLWARDT of Olds, Alberta.

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….Struck By Shellfire Part 1 The WWII Soldier Born To Ukrainian Immigrants Who Lost His Life Trying To Get A Wounded Gunner To Safety

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July 3, 2026.  It seems as though every time we go away for a short holiday, Pieter receives good news about a soldier he’s researching and in the search to find a photo and family.  Last year, we were delayed by a week for our annual wedding anniversary getaway, but while in Moncton, New Brunswick on the first day of our trip, we found out that the Windsor Star had published Pieter’s Letter To The Editor, asking for help in finding family and a photo of WWII soldier Harry BIZNAR.  (See Reader asks: Anyone in Windsor know family of WW2 vet Harry Biznar? | Windsor Star https://windsorstar.com/opinion/letters/reader-letter-dutch-veteran-asks-anyone-in-windsor-area-know-family-of-ww2-veteran-harry-biznar)

Harry’s story intersected with two other soldiers: Lt Robert Joseph MARKEY and Gunner Albert Donald AHLWARDT, as all three lost their lives when a shell burst near them as Harry and Lt Markey were trying to get a wounded Gunner Ahlwardt to safety in a nearby house.

….The Letter To The Editor was successful…

On our way to Moncton, we had spent much of the day in Memramcook (see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/11/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembrance-week-2025-reflections-and-updates/), so it wasn’t until we were settled in our hotel room and had a brief time to rest before dinner with two other couples that we noticed emails in reply to the Windsor Star letter.

One email from Carol Cox made Pieter’s heart beat faster! She wrote that “…a friend of mine who reads the Windsor Star faithfully sent me the letter this morning that you had printed in the newspaper regarding Harry Biznar.

It was very emotional for me to read the letter as I seem to have some kind of connection to him although I never met him. I did some research back in 2017 and found a great deal of information on Uncle Harry… It was like piecing together the life of a very young man who gave up his life for our freedom. I have 3 grown sons of my own so I suppose my gratitude is three fold as my sons did not have to leave home and go to war at such a young age.

My mother was Florence Ducharme, Harry’s sister. My mom was the last of the family to pass at the age of 94 in 2018….

I am truly touched and grateful for the effort that you and the Canadian War Cemeteries in the Netherlands are continuing to put into this important endeavour. May God Bless you….”

….Harry’s parents were Ukrainian…

Harry Biznar.  (Photo courtesy of the Biznar Family)

Born February 8, 1917 in Montreal, Quebec, Harry was the son of Frederick ‘Fred’ (born Toader Dmitrievich Bezhenariu) and Katherine (nee Benec aka Binuk) Biznar.  In addition to Harry, “… his sisters Lena, Dora, Mary and brother Mike were all born in Montreal. Sisters Florence and Irene were born in Windsor, Ontario….” Carol wrote.  Mike also served during WWII, and survived the war.

Harry with his parents and sisters Dora (left), Mary (sitting), and Lena (right) in Montreal in 1921.   (Photo courtesy of the Biznar Family)

Carol shared a number of photos, and explained that her grandparents – Harry’s parents – had met in Montreal, Quebec, but both were Ukrainian immigrants.  Frederick had been born in Velykyi Kuchuriv (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velykyi_Kuchuriv) and Katherine in Chernivtsi (See https://www.britannica.com/place/Chernivtsi-Ukraine).

After completing Grade 8 at Gordon MacGregor School in Windsor, Ontario, Harry took a 2 year auto mechanics course at the Windsor Vocational School. He worked as a seasonal farm hand, and a machine operator for the printing press at a bag manufacturing company.

….Harry enlisted in 1942…

On January 10, 1941, Harry enrolled in the Essex Scottish Reserve Force militia.  Then, on October 8, 1942, he enlisted under the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA) at the No. 1 NRMA Clearing Depot in London, Ontario. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Resources_Mobilization_Act)

At the time of his enlistment, Harry was employed as a machine operator by Bendix-Eclipse of Canada Ltd., a manufacturing facility and division of the Bendix Corporation that operated in Windsor, Ontario. During World War II, the Windsor plant was a vital part of the Canadian motor vehicle parts industry, manufacturing essential components for military vehicles and aircraft.

On October 31, 1942, Harry was sent to the No. 12 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre (CABTC) in Chatham, Ontario.  His Personnel Selection Record noted that he spoke both English and Ukrainian, and that he enjoyed sports – boxing, baseball, rugby, soccer, and swimming.  He was described by an interviewer as someone who “…makes friends easily…”

After completing his basic training, on January 6, 1943 he was sent for advanced training at A29 Canadian Infantry Training Centre at Camp Ipperwash, Ontario. A few weeks later, he was transferred to the Kent Regiment on January 25, 1943, and sent on a 6 Pounder Anti-Tank Gun course in Terrace, British Columbia.

He next was sent for a month to the Canadian Small Arms School (Western Canada) in Nanaimo, British Columbia, before returning to the Kent Regiment in Terrace on June 8, 1943.

Harry Biznar in December 1943.  (Photo courtesy of the Biznar Family. Photo restoration by Pieter Valkenburg)

On June 17, 1944, he enlisted in the Active Army in Courtney, British Columbia, remaining with the Kent Regiment.  His Personnel Selection Record was updated with an interviewer noting that Harry had “…trained as an anti-tank gunner…” and was “…presently in rifle company…”  

The interviewer’s appraisal went on to say that Harry was “…keen on getting overseas.  Impresses as the ‘strong and silent type’.  Rather uncommunicative but gets along with his fellow soldiers. Well motivated and well adjusted to army life…”  Harry was recommended for overseas service with the Canadian Infantry Corps.

….Harry wanted to join the paratroops…

Harry, however, was interested in joining the paratroops, and after being re-interviewed in July 1944, he was sent to the A35 Canadian Paratrooper Training Centre at Camp Shilo, Manitoba. He quickly realized he’d made a mistake.  Shortly after arriving, he learned he’d have to retake the basic infantry training he’d already taken, and told an interviewer on August 9, 1944 that “…the nature and duration of training at A35 were misrepresented to him…”  He asked to be transferred to A15 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) at Camp Shilo, a request which was granted.

….Harry returned to the infantry before leaving Canada for overseas service…

Harry’s final infantry training course in Canada took place at No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia from October 16 to October 30, 1944. The Brigade provided refresher courses and was a final staging point for troops waiting to cross the Atlantic Ocean.  Harry’s training evaluation recorded him as being “…well trained and efficient…” with a “…knowledge of work and good judgment…”

On November 20, 1944, he left Canada for the United Kingdom, arriving on November 28, 1944, where he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR), and underwent more intensive training that included battle drills, tactical field exercises, and physical conditioning.

After being rated as fully qualified and operational, he was transferred to the X-4 Reinforcement List Infantry General Unit (IGU) of the Canadian Infantry Corps (CIC) on January 6, 1945.  The following day he left for North West Europe, arriving on January 8, 1945.

….Harry joined the Lincoln & Welland Regiment…

On January 28, 1945 Harry was transferred to ‘C’ Company of the Lincoln & Welland Regiment, joining them in the midst of Operation Elephant, also known as the Battle of Kapelsche Veer, a brutal and freezing battle to clear German paratroopers from Kapelsche Veer, a low-lying, water-logged island north of the Maas River in The Netherlands.

NOTE: Eli SNAKE, whose story was previously told, had lost his life that same day in the battle.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-eli-ambrose-snake/)

Harry had survived his first battle, and continued with the Regiment as they moved into Germany.

….Harry lost his life during the Battle of Keppeln…

Map shows area where the Lincoln & Welland Regiment was in support of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division during the Battle of Keppeln  on February 26, 1945. (Map source:  Wikipedia)

On February 26, 1945, the Regiment was involved in the Battle of Keppeln, with the objective of breaking the German Siegfried Line during Operation Blockbuster, the last part of Operation Veritable. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster) Troops encountered heavy artillery and mortar fire in intense fighting from German paratroopers, and had to make their way through heavy mud and minefields.

The war diary for February 26, 1945 noted the orders given for the battle.  The 4th Canadian Armoured Brigade, which the Lincoln & Welland Regiment was part of, “….was divided into five forces….”  ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies of the Regiment were part of ‘JERRY FORCE’.

Movement began at 6 am, but “…the route from the area at KLEVE to the concentration area was through mud fields and was extremely heavy going for all vehicles. Heavy vehicles bogged down in the mud….”

By 9 am, “… JERRY FORCE moved into the attack passing through 2 Canadian Infantry Division….”

The battle finally ended when Canadian troops used flame-throwing Wasp carriers to clear German-held houses in Keppeln. The village needed to be secured as part of a push towards Uedem. The capture of Keppeln allowed Canadian forces to clear the Kalkar Ridge and proceed towards the Hochwald Forest gap, and later to break through to the Rhine.  Unfortunately, Harry did not live to see the end of this battle….

….What happened?….

Lance Corporal John SYMCHYCH stated in an official report that on February 26, 1945, Lt Robert Joseph MARKEY’s platoon, which Harry was in, was tasked with defending a house located 9.1 metres (30 feet) from a slit trench.  Visibility was poor due to smoke from machine gun and rifle fire.  One Ram carrier had been struck by shell fire and burned, and a gunner, later identified as Albert Donald AHLWARDT of the 6th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, had been slightly wounded and evacuated to the slit trench that  L/Cpl Symchych was in.

Around 2 pm, “…Pte Biznar and Lt Markey pulled the driver of the Ram carrier out of L/Cpl Symchych’s slit trench and were taking him to the house 15 yards away.  A shell lit four or five feet away from the three of them while L/Cpl Symchych was still in his slit trench.  L/Cpl Symchych crawled to the house and remained in the house until relieved by RHLI Regiment between the hours of three or four o’clock of the morning of February 27th. The bodies of the three men were still there when L/Cpl Symchych returned to his slit trench for his equipment…” NOTE: RHLI refers to Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Regiment.

Harry, aged 28, lost his life on that afternoon of February 26, 1945, as he and Lt Markey tried to move Gunner Ahlwardt to safety.

NOTE: For an idea of some of the places that the Regiment travelled through in Germany, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/02/06/on-the-war-memorial-trail-we-follow-the-route-taken-into-germany-by-canadian-troops-in-1945/

….Harry is buried in Groesbeek…

Harry was initially buried in Keppeln, Germany before being reburied on February 25, 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. During our 2025 European War Memorial Tour, Pieter placed Canadian and Quebec flags by his grave.

Pieter at the grave of Harry Biznar after placing Canadian and Quebec flags. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to the Windsor Star for publishing the Letter To The Editor asking for a photo of Harry Biznar, to Debbie McGivney for sending us the published letter to the editor, to Harry Biznar’s niece Carol Cox for photos and information, plus niece Shelly French.  This Letter To The Editor resonated with those who read it, and we thank all who took the time to get in touch with both us and Harry’s family.

Carol Cox, niece of Harry Biznar. (Photo courtesy of Carol Cox)

As the information and photos about Harry were being compiled, Carol Cox told Pieter that “….you have resurrected emotions and gratitude for our freedom that is too easy to take for granted….”

Another niece, Shelly French, also contacted us, writing to say “…thank you for your hard work in locating all this information and caring deeply about our lost souls….” Shelly explained that her mother, Irene Peleshok, was “…Harry’s sister….” and reflected that her grandmother “…never got over the loss of her son Harry. She cried many tears over his passing….”

The flags placed at Harry’s grave during our 2025 European War Memorial Tour were donated.  Our thanks go to:

  • Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flag.
  • Mario Henry and his brother Etienne Henry, who donated the Quebec flag.

…. to be continued…..

Struck By Shellfire Part 2 will be about Robert Joseph MARKEY of Saint John, New Brunswick.

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….The WWII Signalman From Charlottetown Buried In Tryon People’s Cemetery

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July 1, 2026.  In 2025, Pieter became a volunteer under the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)’s National Volunteer Program, and was assigned 4 cemeteries in the South Shore area on Prince Edward Island.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/08/08/on-the-war-memorial-trail-cwgc-volunteer-at-cape-traverse-community-cemetery/)

 The 4 cemeteries are:

  • Cape Traverse Community Cemetery (3 CWGC graves)
  • Tryon People’s Cemetery (2 CWGC graves)
  • Kelly’s Cross (St Joseph) Parish Cemetery (1 CWGC grave)
  • Seven Mile Bay (St Peter’s) Cemetery  (4 CWGC graves)

….There are 2 CWGC graves at Tryon People’s Cemetery…

Pieter at the entrance to Tryon People’s Cemetery with Jack Sorensen, President of Tryon People’s Cemetery Board of Directors. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

There are 2 CWGC graves in Tryon People’s Cemetery, with the story of one soldier previously told on this blog:

WWI soldier Harry ROBINSON, of Augustine Cove, Prince Edward Island, contracted blood poisoning from a cellulitis infection while in Valcartier, Quebec for training, and died on June 27, 1916, aged 34.  You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/03/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-photo-for-wwi-soldier-harry-robinson/ and https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/04/29/the-ww1-soldiers-who-never-left-canada/

The other grave is of WWII soldier William Thomas HENNESSEY, son of WWI veteran George Stanley HENNESSEY, whose story was told several years ago on this blog.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/02/14/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww1-soldier-who-served-in-the-1st-canadian-engineers-battalion/)

As part of his duties as a CWGC volunteer, Pieter snaps a photo of the grave of William Thomas Hennessey.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….William enlisted with the No. 6 District Signals…

Born September 28, 1921 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, William was the son of George Stanley and Eleza May (nee Thomas) Hennessey. When he enlisted with the No. 6 District Signals of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in Charlottetown on October 27, 1939, he was only 18 years old and stated that he’d served as a member of the militia of that unit since May 1937.  No. 6 District Signals was the regional home-defense and administrative unit for Military District 6, which had its headquarters in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and covered the Maritimes, including Prince Edward Island.

Prior to enlistment, William had worked for a short period for Chief Justice John Alexander Mathieson of the Court of Appeal of Prince Edward Island, a former Premier of the province.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Alexander_Mathieson)

William Thomas Hennessey. (Photo courtesy of Pam Ing)

When we were first in contact with Pam Ing about her grandfather, we asked if she had a photo of her Uncle William.  “….I found the picture of William Hennessey – son of George Hennessey and brother of Harry Raymond ‘Ray’ Hennessey (my father)….” she wrote. “… He was quite the handsome guy for sure!...”  Ray had also joined the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in 1939, and served until 1945.

After completing his basic training, William was sent to the A14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) at Camp Aldershot, Nova Scotia on January 13, 1940 for more intensive combat training in tactical firearm use and field exercises.

….William never fully recovered following surgery…

William’s time at Camp Aldershot was very short, as on January 24, 1940 he was admitted to Halifax Military Hospital with acute appendicitis.  He was on sick leave until February 20, 1940, but a month later, on March 27, 1940, he was admitted to hospital with nephritis (a kidney infection).  He remained in hospital until May 6, only to be readmitted a few weeks later, on May 29, with the same diagnosis.  When he was discharged on July 22, 1940, his condition was assessed as ‘unimproved’.

On September 5, 1940, William was discharged from the army for reasons of being ‘physically unfit’ due to asthenia (a general weakness of the body).  At the time of his discharge, he declared in writing that “…I was never sick until I joined the C.A.S.F. I was operated on for appendicitis in January. I have never been well since…” (C.A.S.F. refers to Canadian Active Service Force)

It could be that William’s appendix had burst prior to or during his operation, resulting in peritonitis, an inflammation in the peritoneum —the thin membrane that lines the inner abdominal wall and covers the organs. It most commonly occurs due to bacterial infections caused by a ruptured organ (like a burst appendix).  If the infection never fully cleared up, it may be why he never completely recovered, but developed nephritis.

After his discharge, William worked on a temporary basis at a freight shed, but contracted pulmonary tuberculosis, and was admitted to the Provincial Sanatorium in Charlottetown. He died on June 7, 1944, aged 22, with the cause of death listed as pulmonary tuberculosis due to asthenia.

….William is buried next to his parents…

Pieter stands behind the grave of William Thomas Hennessey at Tryon People’s Cemetery.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

William was buried in Tryon People’s Cemetery in Tryon, Prince Edward Island, with his parents later buried next to him.  In addition to his own separate gravestone, he is commemorated on his parents’ gravestone, a testament to a young life cut short, and who was never forgotten by his family.

Pam Ing, centre, with husband David on left, and Pieter on the right. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Pam Ing for providing a photo of her uncle.  Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ591TyjSheOR-Cb_Gs_5Kw.

Never miss a posting!  Subscribe below to have each new story from the war memorial trail delivered to your inbox.