Author: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria

On The War Memorial Trail…..A Canadian Nurse At The Women Veterans Memorial Park In Destin

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CIMG6129Feb 4 2023 Women Veterans Memorial Park

The entrance to the Women Veterans Memorial park by the Convention Center in Destin, Florida.  (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

July 8, 2023.  When we were in Florida several months ago and heard about the Women Veterans Memorial Park, we just had to go and see it. Over the years, we’ve been to many cenotaphs and memorials, but never one dedicated to women who’ve served.

CIMG6125Feb 4 2023 Women Veterans Memorial Park

A dedication plaza is encircled by a number of flags, including the US flag, a POW-MIA flag, Florida, Okaloosa county flag, military, and Coast Guard flags. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

 

CIMG6100Feb 4 2023 Women Veterans Memorial Park

Standing at the entrance are, left to right, Mary Ann Greiner, Gwen Greiner, Rick Greiner, and Pieter. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

We weren’t sure what to expect, but found 8 bronze statues of women veterans, each one representing a conflict that the USA had been in, starting with the Revolutionary War, and ending with the war in Afghanistan.  Each life-sized statue was accompanied by a marker with a brief biography of each woman.

We walked along a winding path on the Choctawhatchee Bay coastline, stopping at each statue along the way.  It’s in a beautiful location and the path is accessible by wheelchair. (For more information, see https://myokaloosa.com/bcc/women-veterans-memorial)

…The WWI statue featured a nurse from New Brunswick!…

CIMG6105Feb 4 2023 Women Veterans Memorial Park

Pieter by the statue of WWI United States Navy Nurse Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

By the statue for the woman veteran honoured for WWI, Lenah Sutcliffe HIGBEE, we were astonished to read that she “…immigrated to the United States from Canada, completed her nursing training in 1899, and began working as a surgical nurse.  She joined the United States Navy in 1908 as one of the original ‘Sacred Twenty’, the nurses who started the Navy Nurse Corps….”

… Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee was born in New Brunswick….

Wow! Who was this woman? we wondered.  And where in Canada was she from?  Lenah was born on May 18, 1873 (some records say 1874) in Chatham, New Brunswick, the daughter of the Reverend Ingham and Anne Amelia (nee Bent) Sutcliffe.

As stated on the plaque by her statue, Lenah finished her nurses training in 1899 – at New York Post-Graduate Hospital, and went into private practice. That same year she married Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel John H. Higbee.

Sadly, her husband died in April 1908 and Lenah took more advanced training at Fordham Hospital that same year.  In October 1908 she was able to join the US Navy Corps as she was unmarried – as a widow under 44 years of age, she qualified!

The plaque by the statue noted that the nurses were the “…first females to serve in the United States Navy, but they were excluded from holding Navy rank….”

Lenah served 14 years with the US Navy.  In 1911, she “…rose to become the second superintendent of the Navy Nurse Corps…She training and managed thousands of nurses during WWI and the influenza pandemic of 1918…”

Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee in 1918

Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee in 1918. (Photo credit: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Harris & Ewing, [reproduction number LC-DIG-hec-10981])

In addition, Lenah “….lobbied for expanded healthcare for military dependents, helped expand the role of nurses in military medicine, formalized the Navy nursing uniforms, created the Navy Nurse Corps insignia, and generally advanced the status of women in the military…”

In 1918, Lenah was the first woman to be awarded the Navy Cross.  Her citation noted her “…distinguished service in the line of her profession and unusual and conspicuous devotion to duty as Superintendent of the Navy Nurse Corps…”

Lenah retired from the Navy on November 23, 1922.  She passed away at the age of 66 in Winter Park, Florida on January 10, 1941 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, next to her husband.

…Two ships have been named after Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee….

Two destroyer ships have been named after Lenah:

 …A short video on the Women Veterans Memorial Park….

For more information on the Women Veterans Memorial Park, and how such a unique memorial came to be, you can watch this short video:

…More on Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee….

For more information on Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, see:

Thank you to Shawn Rainville for researching newspaper archives and other sources for information on Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee.  

Thanks also go to Bob and Lynn Young for telling us about this wonderful memorial park, and to Mary Ann, Rick, and Gwen Greiner for going with us to see the Memorial.  Rick had organized the JB-2 Rocket Tour that Pieter participated in last year.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/04/16/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-jb-2-rocket-tour-in-florida/)

While all 8 women featured had compelling stories, we couldn’t resist researching the story of Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, a fellow Canadian from The Maritimes!

Do you have a story to tell? Pieter encourages you to email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.    

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. Successful Conclusion To The Search For Wilfred Giroux

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July 3, 2023.  Last year, following an interview published on May 4, 2022 in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Pieter received an email from Adje van der Sanden-van Lisdonk in The Netherlands, asking if he could help with an unusual request. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/05/04/article-in-de-telegraaf-quest-for-faces-zoektocht-naar-gezichten/)

…Adje wanted to repatriate a photo and Christmas cards sent to a Canadian soldier and found at her parents’ house….

Adje had a photo of a WWII soldier from Canada, and two Christmas cards.  All had been found in her parents’ house and she wanted to return them to the soldier’s family.  The challenge Pieter faced was that she knew nothing about the soldier or his family. 

20220504_133002 Best Wishes Wilf Giroux

Photo found in the house of Adje’s parents. The front of the photo reads ‘Best Wishes Wilf Giroux December 1944’.  On the back was written ‘my baby sister and myself’. (Photo submitted by Adje van der Sanden-van Lisdonk)

The photo and the names listed on the Christmas cards helped Pieter to identify him as Wilfred Octave Joseph GIROUX, the son of Octave Joseph and Elizabeth Ellen (nee Hickey) Giroux.  Wilfred was born September 25, 1912 in Mattawa, Ontario, and survived WWII.  Unfortunately, Pieter was never able to determine in which Regiment Wilfred served.  We posted an article about the search in June 2022 and hoped a family member would come forward.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/06/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-wilfred-giroux/)

…Research continued….

Meanwhile, research continued, in case information about Wilfred’s military service or living family could be found.  Sometimes interesting connections were made, as when Judie Klassen found that Wilfred’s brother Joseph married Zita Rellis, who had been Wilfred’s teacher.  Judie wrote us that “…They must have been school sweethearts as she is in a school photo with the rest of the Giroux kids. Looks like his sister Lillian was a witness at his wedding….” (See https://vitacollections.ca/whitbynews/details.asp?ID=69906)

DSCN2427 Ste Annes Church from Don Coutts

Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church in Mattawa, Ontario. (Photo credit: Don Coutts)

We had been unable to find the Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church that the family had attended when we went through Mattawa, Ontario last year, but Don Coutts was kind enough to send us a photo.  “…I was in Mattawa delivering bags of PEI potatoes to the Mattawa Food Bank several weeks ago and made a detour to the Sainte-Anne Roman Catholic Church.…” (See Paroisse Ste-Anne https://stannemattawa.com/)

….One family member identified the woman in the photo with Wilfred….

Not long after the article was posted online, Bev Dahlinger contacted us, saying “…Imagine my surprise while I was searching online for information about some of my ancestors when I came across this article about my Great Uncle Wilfred Giroux. My Grandmother Marguerite Mann (Giroux) was Wilfred’s sister. The woman in the picture with Wilfred is his sister Addie. I don’t know a lot about Wilfred, other than he lived in Toronto and my mother used to go into Toronto to visit him years ago….”

….Addie’s daughter got in touch….

FB_IMG_8065410907851165341 Laurie Kane left with friend Kim

Laurie Kane (left) with friend Kim on holidays in Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Laurie Kane)

Months went by, and then in December 2022, we received a most welcome email.  “…My name is Laurie Kane, daughter of Addie (Adelaide) Giroux and Howard Kane. I have a sister Mary Frances.

That is 100% my Mom pictured with Wilfred that you posted! I knew as soon as I saw it!! She was the youngest of 11 children. Their parents were originally from Rivière-du-Loup in Quebec. They moved to a large farm in Whitby, Ontario.

My parents adopted me when my mom was 40 years old. I don’t have many memories of Wilf, but he owned a gas station and was a mechanic, so perhaps was also a mechanic in the war.

20230422_132618~2 Aug 1954 Addie and Howard with Wilf in Toronto

Laurie’s parents Howard Francis Kane and Addie with Wilf at his garage in August 1954.  (Photo courtesy of Laurie Kane)

Thank you so much. The article was an absolute delight to read!!...”  Laurie ended with the words Adje was pleased to hear. “…And please thank Mrs Van der Sanden for making such a reconnection possible!! What an amazing woman! I would love to have the Christmas cards and photo….”

When she wrote, Laurie explained that she was on a winter vacation in Mexico, and sent a lovely photo from the beach.  Nice!

20230422_132649~2 Group photo undated Wilf identified

Giroux family photo. Wilfred identified by red arrow.  (Photo courtesy of Laurie Kane)

Laurie included a group photo, saying “…I believe this is the last big family photo…Wilf is third from left to right top row….”

….Wilfred Giroux passed away in 1991….

Judie Klassen answered one research question when she found Wilf’s obituary in April 30, 1991 edition of The Oshawa Times.  Wilfred had died April 29, 1991 at the Rockliffe Nursing Home in Scarborough, Ontario, predeceased by 5 of his sisters and 3 of his brothers.  He was survived by his sisters Antoinette (Toady) and Addie.  He’s buried at St John The Evangelist Cemetery in Oshawa, Ontario.

….The photo and cards were repatriated….

20230517_154351~2 Laurie Kane with Xmas cards

Laurie Kane with the two Christmas cards and a note from Adje van der Sanden. (Photo courtesy of Laurie Kane)

This spring, Laurie received the photo and Christmas cards from Adje, and wrote to Adje, saying “…I was more than thrilled to receive the Christmas cards and your note. Wilf was my uncle on my mother’s side…Giroux. Peggy, Toady, Dot and Katie were all my aunts. I was very close to them and spent half my childhood at their house.

We called them ‘down home’…it was my second home. They were all lovely and giving people and made anyone who walked through their door feel at home and part of the family. I was very lucky to have had them all in my life for so many years. Toady (Antoinette) was the last of them and she died in 2014.  Thank you so much for finding me and sending the cards and picture. I am forever grateful….”

Adje’s quest to repatriate the cards and photo was successfully completed!

Thank you to Laurie Kane for contacting us and providing photos and further information on her uncle.  Thank you also to Judie Klassen for the research done in uncovering family members and where Wilfred settled post WWII, and to Don Coutts for taking a photo of the church in Mattawa.

This story began with a quest and thanks go to Adje van der Sanden-van Lisdonk for preserving the cards and photo in order to return them to Wilfred’s family. 

Do you have a story to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

© Daria Valkenburg

….Another WWII soldier from Mattawa….

Howard Milo NICHOLLS, who served in the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, lost his life on April 28, 1945 in Germany, also came from Mattawa. Born March 21, 1924 in Mattawa, Ontario, he was the son of Albert and Frances Nicholls.  We briefly told his story during a feature on the soldiers who lost their lives in the same incident, but up to now family for this soldier have not come forward. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/05/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-tragic-drowning-on-the-leda-river-in-germany-part-4/)

…How to follow our research…

Follow our blog

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Soldier From Victoria Cross Fatally Wounded During The Liberation Of Posterenk

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June 29, 2023.  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.

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, who was with the Carleton & York Regiment, died during there on April 13, 1945 at the age of 32.

The village had a list of 6 soldiers to commemorate from the Carleton & York Regiment, who had all been buried in the area.  In addition to Frank Gallant, the list named another Islander, James ‘Frank’ MOSSEY, of Souris.

Unfortunately, not all soldiers who died are included on this list, but Edwin worked towards including two more, who were not buried near Posterenk, but “…were temporarily buried in Lochem because they had previously died in a Canadian hospital there….”

These two additional soldiers were: Goldwin Marven POLLICK of Minto, New Brunswick, and Daniel Peter MACKENZIE of Victoria Cross, Prince Edward Island. 

Born March 22, 1918 in Victoria Cross, Daniel ‘Dan’ Peter MACKENZIE was the son of John and Rachael MacKenzie.  His niece, Carol Burke, provided more information on his life when she contacted Pieter in 2015:  “…Dan MacKenzie grew up on a farm in Victoria Cross, Prince Edward Island, and attended Victoria Cross school.  He had 3 brothers Johnny, Billy, and Angus, all deceased, and 3 sisters: Florence Rodgerson, Mabel MacNeill, and Edna Campbell, all living in Prince Edward Island. Dan enjoyed playing hockey and ball with his siblings and working on the farm with his father…” 

….Dan MacKenzie enlisted in 1940…..

Before enlisting with the PEI Highlanders in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on May 15, 1940, Dan had served in the militia with the PEI Light Horse Regiment (17th Reserve Armoured Regiment) since 1937.  He had been working as a farm labourer for Gavin Read of Montague, Prince Edward Island, and hoped to have a dairy farm of his own.

MacKenzie-Daniel-P (2)

Daniel ‘Dan’ Peter MacKenzie. (Photo courtesy of Carol Burke)

He went to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia for basic training, and remained there until June 3, 1941, when he was sent to Valcartier, Quebec in preparation for guard duty in Newfoundland. 

… Dan 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)

After France was occupied by the Germans in 1940, Newfoundland’s defensive position became more precarious. That same year, Canada assumed responsibility for the defence of Newfoundland with the establishment of ‘W Force’, a Canadian garrison force responsible for defending Newfoundland against enemy incursions and providing security for existing and proposed defence facilities during WWII. It included infantry, artillery, and anti-aircraft units. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Newfoundland_during_World_War_II)

On July 23, 1941, as part of ‘W Force’, Dan was sent to Botwood, Newfoundland.  In addition to the PEI Highlanders, troops from the Black Watch of Canada, Royal Rifles of Canada, The Algonguin Regiment, Queens Own Rifles, also served at various times. While 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)

…..Three other soldiers were in Botwood…..

Dan was in Botwood at the same time as three other soldiers whose stories have been told on this blog:

Dan remained in Newfoundland until March 20, 1943, when he was sent to Sussex, New Brunswick.  On June 2, 1943, Dan was transferred to the No. 1 Transit Camp in Debert, Nova Scotia, for final preparation and training before being sent overseas. 

…Dan was in the Italian Campaign….

He left Canada on June 10, 1943, arriving in the United Kingdom on June 18, 1943 and posted to No. 7 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).  On October 25, 1943 he participated in Hot Dog, an exercise to prepare troops who would be part of the Central Mediterranean Force (CMF) and travelled on to mainland Europe with the CMF and the Allied Army in Italy (AAI).  Not long afterwards, he was transferred to the Carleton & York Regiment on December 23, 1943, fighting in the Italian Campaign. (See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_campaign_(World_War_II))

Carol Burke had noted that Dan’s “… regiment fought just north of Ortona, Italy…. and was in the forefront of the assaulting Infantry that bitterly fought Gustav, Hitler and Gothic Line battles....”

On December 31, 1944 Dan was attached to Allied Forces Headquarters (AFHQ), which controlled all Allied operational forces in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations until the end of the war.  AFHQ was based in Caserta, Italy after the capture of Sicily and invasion of Italy.

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

The Carleton & York Regiment was now part of the 21st Army Group. 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.

…The Liberation of Posterenk…

On April 12, 1945 the Regiment was part of Operation Cannonshot, which led to the crossing of the IJssel River between the villages of Gorssel and Wilp in the eastern part of The Netherlands. (See https://www.liberationroute.com/stories/190/operation-cannonshot)

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…”

Dan was one of those wounded. The medical file stated he received gunshot wounds to his abdomen and left hip.  He was taken to a Canadian hospital in Lochem, where he died at 7:30 pm, despite heroic efforts to save him.  He was 26 years old.

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

Dan was initially buried in the Lochem Civil Cemetery, before being reburied on February 1, 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

We visited his grave in 2017 and 2019.  See: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2018/01/20/on-the-war-memorial-trail-at-holten-canadian-war-cemetery/

CIMG9112 Sep 18 2017 Holten Cemetery Pieter by grave of D MacKenzie

Pieter by the grave of Daniel ‘Dan’ Peter MacKenzie at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Carol Burke for sharing a photo and information. “…The fact that Cpl MacKenzie’s death came so close to the end of the war and after such a long period of action only added to the sorrow of his loved ones…” she wrote.

If you have a story to tell, Pieter encourages you to email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.    

© Daria Valkenburg

…Previous stories about soldiers commemorated in Posterenk….

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. 1 WWII Soldier 2 Families 3 Countries

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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 …” 

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

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

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?…

Joe Pallister 1 from Thomas Mouser

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)

PENTAX Image

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….” 

IMG_20220427_145542_841 Thomas Mouser

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.  

IMG_2186 4 Pallister brothers from Thomas Mouser

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

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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. 

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWI Signaller From Covehead Killed During The Battle Of Vimy Ridge

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CIMG8269 Sep 5 2017 Pieter at entrance to Vimy Memorial Park

Pieter at the entrance to Vimy Ridge National Historic Site in France. We brought along a copy of the County Line Courier newspaper that publishes many of the stories about Island soldiers. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

June 14, 2023.  After visiting the Vimy National Memorial in France and having researched several soldiers who fought during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, we have an ongoing interest in learning more about those who fought in that battle on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917.

20230530_102553 Pieter and Connie

Pieter with Connie Paynter. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…Two brothers from Covehead enlisted …

Therefore, when Connie Paynter of Summerside contacted us about a 20 year old relative who was killed in action at Vimy, we wanted to meet her. “…My grandfather and my great-uncle, who lived in Covehead, both served in WWI.  Only my grandfather, Lawrence Ivy Marshall, returned home…” she said.

Connie’s great-uncle, Merrill Augustus MARSHALL, was born on July 4, 1896 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the son of James Lawrence and Hattie Lillian (nee Carr) Marshall. 

When he enlisted with the 55th Battalion on May 1, 1915 in Charlottetown, he noted that he had served in the 82nd Regiment militia for a year, with the rank of Sergeant.  Before enlisting, he had worked on his father’s farm. 

20230530_100452 Merill Marshall from Connie

Merrill Augustus Marshall while serving with the 82nd Regiment, Canadian Militia.  (Photo courtesy of Connie Birt Paynter)

While he was in the 82nd Regiment Militia, Merrill was sent to Valcartier, Quebec, where his brother Lawrence was also stationed.   In an August 22, 1914 letter that Lawrence wrote to his mother from Valcartier, he noted that “…Merrill has the job of orderly so far.  He will do alright if he keeps that job all the time…”

…Merrill was too young for active service …

However, as Merrill was underage for active service, he was soon on his way back home.  In a September 9, 1914 letter from Merrill to his mother, written from 12 Battalion, 3 Brigade, Valcartier, Quebec:  “…I will be home whenever we get the pay that is coming to us here. It will be 15 dollars.  We got seven dollars and 40 cents that was coming to us from town.  I am sending you 5 dollars this time.  I won’t be here very much longer now.  Our names are in for us to go home whenever we get our money given to us…”

…Merrill soon re-enlisted! …

A few months later, he re-enlisted and arrived at Camp Sussex, New Brunswick on May 10, 1915.  After completing basic training he left Canada with the 55th Battalion on October 30 1915, aboard the RMS Corsican, which sailed from Montreal, Quebec. (See http://the-weatherings.co.uk/pccship0063.htm)

Merrill arrived at Devonport, England on November 9, 1915, and was sent to Bramshott Camp in Hants.

His brother Lawrence was also in England.  In a November 29, 1915 letter to his mother, written from Bramshott Camp, Lephook Hants, 55th Battalion, No 10 Company, UK, Merrill assured her that  “…I am well and having a good time… The drill isn’t half as hard as it was in Canada.  We have good food and a good hut to stay in …. Don’t have to sleep in tents and suffer with the cold.  Now we have a stove and lots of coal to burn so we are happy.  I am getting a pass to Leicester to see Lawrence day after tomorrow….”

…Merrill trained to be a Signaller …

On April 8, 1916, Merrill was transferred from the 55th Battalion to the Canadian Signals Base with the 39th Reserve Battalion in West Sandling in the United Kingdom, where he trained to be a Signaller.  He would have encountered fellow Islander, John ‘Lymon’ WOOD of North Tryon, who arrived there on April 16, 1916 for the same training as a Signaller.

Signallers were responsible for military communications, providing commanders with information on where troops were, what they were doing, and whether supplies were sufficient. Communication was done using message-carrying pigeons, flags, and human runners. Some messages could be sent using Morse code or signalling lamps.  Signalling lamps were portable and aimed a focused beam of light at a receiving signaller. Light could be transmitted over long distances much faster and more safely than a runner exposed to enemy fire.

Merrill was transferred to the 6th Reserve Battalion in Shorncliffe on January 4, 1917.  His brother Lawrence, who had been in the French trenches and was back in England, showed concern in a January 29, 1917 letter to his father, written from Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Staff Hut A1, Wood Cote Park, Epsom, Surrey, England: “…Had a letter from Merrill yesterday. He is in Shorncliffe and having a good time of it.  I hope that it will only last the rest of the war and hope and pray that he never sees the trenches, because you have a pretty slim chance of getting back alive out there, and by the talk of things there is going to be harder fighting out there this spring than there has  been.  They are putting every man that’s fit out there this spring and try to make one big drive for the last time, but I don’t think that there is much use of doing it. Germany ain’t beat yet nor won’t be for a while…”

…Merrill was sent to France in advance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge …

Lawrence was right to be worried, as on February 7, 1917, Merrill was transferred to the 21st Battalion in East Sandling.  The following day, he arrived at the Canadian Base Depot at Rouelles Camp in Le Havre, France.  A few days later he joined his unit, and on February 15, 1917 he was on the front line, as a Signaller, with the 21st Battalion in Thelus, near Vimy Ridge.

In a February 11, 1917 letter to his father, written from Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Staff Hut A1, Wood Cote Park, Epsom, Surrey, England, Lawrence asked “…Have you heard from Merrill since he went to France?  I have been expecting a letter from him the last week, but did not receive any.  He will find quite a difference over there to what he had in England, but still he will get a good job as he is a signaller.  He may never have to go into the trenches at all….”

Then, in an April 16, 1917 letter from Lawrence to his mother, written from Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Staff Hut A1, Wood Cote Park, Epsom, Surrey, England he wrote that “…I had a letter from Merrill. He was fine when he wrote.  He said that it wasn’t too bad out there yet.  I only hope that he will come through it all safe and sound….” 

…Merrill lost his life during the Battle of Vimy Ridge …

Unfortunately, by the time Lawrence wrote his letter, Merrill was dead.  He had lost his life on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, killed during the advance on the Ridge.

Merrill was buried near where he fell.  His grave location was registered as being in ‘Thelus, near Neuville, St. Vaast, 4 ½ miles North North-East of Arras, France’.

… Merrill’s grave couldn’t be found …

However, years later, when what we know today as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission went to move the trench burials into cemeteries, his remains could not be located.  Continuous artillery fire over the next year and a half remaining in the war likely destroyed his grave and many others.

This happened to fellow Islander George Albert CAMPBELL, who was killed during the Battle of Mount Sorrel in Belgium, and buried in Maple Copse Cemetery, east of Zillebeke.  By the time the war ended, the cemetery had been destroyed and out of 256 named burials, only  26 could still be identified.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/12/08/two-campbell-brothers-in-ww1/)

Once it was determined that Merrill’s remains could not be found, his name was commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

Merrill is also remembered on his parents’ grave at St. James United Presbyterian Cemetery in Covehead, Prince Edward Island.

1571637_6 Memorial St James United Church PEI

Grave of Merrill Augustus Marshall’s parents at St. James United Presbyterian Cemetery in Covehead.  (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

Thank you to Connie Paynter for providing a photo of Merrill, and sharing the letters written by her great-uncle and grandfather. 

If you have a story to tell, email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

© Daria Valkenburg

… Previous postings about soldiers who fought during the Battle of Vimy Ridge and our visit to the Vimy National Memorial….

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..Feedback To The 2023 Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Postings

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June 10, 2023… We had quite a reaction to The Faces of Groesbeek Exhibition series of postings.  Pieter suggested doing a special posting of the feedback as it’s with the help of the families that provide photos of the soldiers, and the many volunteers, that a project like the one in Groesbeek is possible.

Kent Caldwell, who provided photos of Hiram Albion LORD and Frank LIBBY:

“…This is a wonderful tribute that is being done for these men. Kudos to you and Daria and also the good people at Groesbeek….”

Carrie Hogan, Branch Manager of the Royal Canadian Legion Hants County Branch No 9 in Windsor, Nova Scotia, who provided a photo of Marven Glenroy HARVEY:

“…What a great program you are a part of.  You are truly wonderful people!…”

Autumn Watson, whose family provided a photo of George TAYLOR:

“… Mom was so happy to see that George is not forgotten. What an honour and powerful impact to see faces upon the Graves. You and so many others have dedicated so much time. We are forever grateful for the respect and love you all share. All our best to you and your family…”

Brian Power, whose family provided a photo of Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph POWER:

“… Now that is one very well researched and documented itinerary of our uncle’s years in the war. Information we never knew about. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for all your efforts and sending this to us. It’s been well received by all of Wilfred’s many nephews and nieces…”

Judy Sexton, whose family provided a photo of Louis Allan SEXTON:

“… Thank you so much for this. I was visiting my 94-year-old mother this afternoon and we were very happy to read this together and have her share her memories- Louis was Daddy’s brother and Mom knew him. God bless…”

Jacqueline Inder-McGinnis, who provided a photo of Benjamin WITHERALL:

“…Thank you very much Daria.  My mother will be so pleased. As well as the rest of Benjamin’s extended family….”

Wilmot Tompkins, who provided a photo of Elbridge Wellington MILLER:

“…Thank you so much for doing this for the soldiers in Groesbeek. It is very much appreciated by my family and I am sure by all the other families as well. Again thank you…”

Lauri Romaniuk, niece of Edmond COULOMBE:

“…Thank you so much for keeping me updated and for all of your research and information about Ed Coulombe! I will share this with my family…”

Anthony (Tony) Repa, nephew of Anthony PETTA:

“…Thank you very much for forwarding the photo of my uncle as it appears at Groesbeek along with the other information. All of the people who worked to produce this respectful presentation should be very proud…”

Thank you to everyone who took the time to send in a comment about The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition series for 2023, and gave permission for it to be included in this posting.  Kudos to all the many volunteers in The Netherlands who worked to make this Exhibition a success, and to the many families and researchers that participated by providing photos.

If you have a photo of a soldier buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek or one of the other cemeteries in The Netherlands, Pieter encourages you to email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

© Daria Valkenburg

 …Postings about The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek…

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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. 

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The Search For A Photo Of WWI Soldier Joseph ‘Arthur’ Desroches Is Over

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CIMG8474 Sep 6 2017 Pieter at base of cross of remembrance at Ligny St Flochel British cemetery where Desroches is buried

Pieter at the base of the Cross of Remembrance in Ligny Saint-Flochel British Cemetery. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

May 31, 2023.  Whenever Pieter visits the grave of a soldier he has researched, he always hopes to have a photo that puts a face to a name.  Sometimes, that’s not possible, as was the case when we visited Ligny St. Flochel British Cemetery in France where WWI soldier Joseph ‘Arthur’ DESROCHES is buried. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/09/23/paying-our-respects-to-private-joseph-arthur-desroches/)

The On The War Memorial Trail research project began when Pieter first started researching the 48 names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion in 2015.  His goal?  To put a face and story to each name.  Over the years we’ve told the story of each one in the County Line Courier newspaper, plus shared our visits made to their graves or memorials.

The Cenotaph Wall of Remembrance in the Borden-Carleton Legion displays photos of the men listed on the Cenotaph, with empty frames for those photos still waiting to be found. Pieter has never given up on finding a photo, reaching out to the media to help publicize the photo search of soldiers, including Arthur Desroches.

…The media helped publicize the search for a photo of Arthur Desroches…

In 2020 he did a radio interview on CBC Radio-Canada Acadie with Anne-Marie Parenteau, ‘La quête d’un homme de l’Î.-P.-É. pour retrouver des photos d’un soldat acadien’. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/11/15/the-continuing-search-for-a-photo-of-ww1-soldier-joseph-arthur-desroches/)

In 2021 Pieter wrote a Letter To The Editor in Prince Edward Island’s newspaper The Guardian:

Letter to the Editor re Desroches

…A photo of Arthur Desroches is found…

Now, thanks to Louis and Janet Arsenault of Summerside, there is one less empty frame! “…Arthur was my great-uncle…” Janet explained.  “…My grandfather Anthony was Arthur’s brother and my mother Margaret was his niece…”

CIMG6230 Anthony and Angeline Arsenault

Angeline and Anthony Desroches.  Anthony was the brother of Arthur Desroches. (Photo courtesy of Louis and Janet Arsenault)

In going through a box that had belonged to her mother, Janet and Louis found a photo that they believe must be Arthur.  “…No one else in the family served in WWI, and he looks similar to my grandfather…”

Pieter noted that the uniform was from the 105th Battalion, C Company, where Arthur had enlisted on March 9, 1916 in Summerside, and the photo was in a protective mat from a Summerside photo studio.

CIMG6234 Joseph Arthur Desroches

Joseph ‘Arthur’ Desroches. (Photo courtesy of Louis and Janet Arsenault)

Born August 8, 1891 in Miscouche, Joseph ‘Arthur’ DESROCHES was the son of Zephirim Desroches and Priscilla Gaudet.  Unlike many WWI soldiers, he was married, to Mary Ann Wedge (Aucoin), and the father of four children.

Before enlisting, Arthur worked as a farmer for Howard McFarlane of Fernwood. After completing basic training, Arthur was on his way to the United Kingdom, leaving Halifax on July 15, 1916 aboard the S.S. Empress of Britain.  He arrived in Liverpool, England 10 days later.  On December 17, 1916 he was on the front line in France.

While serving with the 14th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, Arthur was severely wounded on September 2, 1918 by a gunshot wound to his head. Arthur died on September 4, 1918 at No.7 Casualty Clearing Station at Ligny-St. Flochel, aged 27.

CIMG6236 May 16 2023 Pieter with Louis and Janet Arsenault

Pieter (centre) with Louis and Janet Arsenault. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The 8 year photo search has been successfully concluded! The photo of Arthur Desroches is now on the Legion’s Cenotaph Wall of Remembrance.

…8 photos still being sought for the Cenotaph Wall of Remembrance…

Pieter hopes that more of the empty frames will be filled over the coming year. “…Unfortunately, photos for 7 from WWI and 1 from WWII have yet to be found….” he said.  Can YOU help with this photo wish list?

Names still without faces from WWI

  • Leigh Hunt CAMERON, born in Albany
  • James Lymon CAMERON, born in Victoria
  • William Galen CAMPBELL, born in Wellington
  • Bazil CORMIER, born in Tignish
  • Charles LOWTHER, born in North Carleton
  • Arthur Clinton ROBINSON, born in Tryon
  • Harry ROBINSON, born in Augustine Cove

Names still without faces from WWII

  • Ernest Ramey GALLANT, born in Borden

Thank you to Louis and Janet Arsenault for sharing a photo. Thank you also to CBC Radio-Canada Acadie and The Guardian for helping to publicize the photo search.

If you can help with the photo search request or have a story to tell, Pieter encourages you to email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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.

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On The War Memorial Trail….The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Part 6: A Few More Soldiers

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CIMG8928 Sep 15 2017 Daria at Groesbeek cemetery

Daria at entrance to Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, with flowers to place at the grave of Frank Edward McGovern. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

May 27, 2023. After a successful exhibition where photos were placed at more than 1,600 graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek for three weeks in 2021 to commemorate the Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which oversees the cemetery, gave permission for photos to be placed by the graves every two years. 

…The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition 2023 included almost 2,000 photos…

This year, The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition ran from April 30 to May 21, 2023, with almost 2,000 photos, just over 350 more than 2 years ago!  All photos submitted by families and volunteer researchers were printed onto an aluminum backing, making them impervious to rain, and reusable.

The many volunteers from Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, of which Alice van Bekkum is the Chair, worked tirelessly to make the exhibition possible.  They also organized the Liberation Day commemoration events. 

Pieter has been involved in finding photos of Canadians who are buried in all three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands since 2014, with many of their stories told on this blog.  

…Six More Soldiers Commemorated…

In Part 1, graves and photos of soldiers from Prince Edward Island were featured.  Part 2 featured Indigenous soldiers.  Part 3 featured soldiers from Nova Scotia, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021.  Part 4 featured soldiers from New Brunswick, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021. Part 5 featured soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment whose stories were told in the Battle of Bienen series.

The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition series concludes with Part 6, where the graves and photos of six more soldiers are featured.

IMG_8965 Edmond Coulombe from Alice

Edmond Coulombe. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Edmond COULOMBE, of Fannystelle, Manitoba, was serving with the Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, along with Alphonse ROBERT, when he was killed on March 30, 1945 during an attack on Gendringen, The Netherlands, near the German border, at the age of 22. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/24/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-successful-search-for-a-photo-of-ww2-soldier-edmond-coulombe/

IMG_7652 May 16 2023 John Delipper from Ad

John Delipper. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

JOHN DELIPPER of Russell, Manitoba was serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.  Along with Tom CHASKE and James Edward DUFFY, he was part of a crew of soldiers being transported to repair a road in The Netherlands, but drowned on December 12, 1944, along with six other soldiers, when the vehicle they were in slipped off a dike and flipped over into a flooded field, pinning them under the vehicle. He was 37 years old. We were in contact with his grandson, Dwayne Delipper, during the search for a photo of Tom Chaske.

IMG_8923 JE Duffy from Alice

James Edward Duffy. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

James Edward DUFFY of Parrsboro, Nova Scotia was serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.  Along with Tom CHASKE and John DELIPPER, he was part of a crew of soldiers being transported to repair a road in The Netherlands, but drowned on December 12, 1944, along with six other soldiers, when the vehicle they were in slipped off a dike and flipped over into a flooded field, pinning them under the vehicle. He was 23 years old.  His name was on the cemetery’s photo wish list, and was sent to Pieter a few months ago by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 45 in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.

IMG_7579 Cecil Goodreau from Ad

Cecil Edward Goodreau. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Cecil Edward GOODREAU of North Bay, Ontario, was serving with the 25th Armoured Delivery Regiment (Elgin Regiment) when he was killed in action during the Battle of Keppeln in Germany on February 26, 1945, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/06/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-in-north-bay-remembering-ww2-soldier-cecil-edward-goodreau/

IMG_7656 May 16 2023 Frank McGovern from Ad

Frank Edward McGovern. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Frank Edward MCGOVERN of Chipman, New Brunswick, was serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment when he was killed in action during the Battle of Keppeln in Germany on February 26, 1945, at the age of 19. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/12/09/the-search-for-a-photo-of-frank-edward-mcgovern-moves-to-youtube/

IMG_8951 Anthony Petta from Alice

Anthony Petta. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Anthony PETTA of North Bay, Ontario, was serving with the Algonquin Regiment when he was killed in action during the Battle of the Hochwald Gap in Germany on March 3, 1945, at the age of 29. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/06/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-in-north-bay-the-ww2-soldier-who-was-appointed-company-sergeant-major/

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum and Ad Scheepers for their kindness in taking these photos. A big thank you goes to all of the families who provided photos, making a project like the one in Groesbeek possible.

This concludes The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition series for 2023. In 2021, we featured 8 soldiers, and this year 36 soldiers were featured – 44 in total. Perhaps we will have more photos to share in 2025!

If you have a photo of a soldier buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek or one of the other cemeteries in The Netherlands, Pieter encourages you to email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

© Daria Valkenburg

…Previous postings about The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek…

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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. 

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

On The War Memorial Trail….The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Part 5: Soldiers Who Lost Their Lives In Bienen

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IMG_7596 May 4 2023 RCMP Musical Ride in Groesbeek Ad with 2 mounties

Ad Scheepers with two members of the RCMP Musical Ride in Groesbeek on May 4, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Ad and Noor Scheepers)

May 25, 2023. After a successful exhibition where photos were placed at more than 1,600 graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek for three weeks in 2021 to commemorate the Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which oversees the cemetery, gave permission for photos to be placed by the graves every two years.

…The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition 2023 included almost 2,000 photos…

This year, The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition ran from April 30 to May 21, 2023, with almost 2,000 photos, just over 350 more than 2 years ago!  All photos submitted by families and volunteer researchers were printed onto an aluminum backing, making them impervious to rain, and reusable.

The many volunteers from Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, of which Alice van Bekkum is the Chair, worked tirelessly to make the exhibition possible.  They also organized the Liberation Day commemoration events.

Pieter has been involved in finding photos of Canadians who are buried in all three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands since 2014, with many of their stories told on this blog.

This spring we did a 12 part series on soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who lost their lives during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945, and are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek.

…8 Soldiers Who Lost Their Lives In Bienen Commemorated…

In Part 1, graves and photos of soldiers from Prince Edward Island were featured.  Part 2 featured Indigenous soldiers.  Part 3 featured soldiers from Nova Scotia, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021.  Part 4 featured soldiers from New Brunswick, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021.

In Part 5, eight soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment whose stories were told in the Battle of Bienen series are featured.  Part 1 of The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition series featured Ralph Schurman BOULTER and Edison Alexander SMITH, while Harry William DOUCETTE was featured in Part 3.

IMG_7565 Clifford Bateman from Ad

Clifford Bateman. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Clifford BATEMAN, of La Poile, Newfoundland, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/16/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-4-the-wwii-soldier-from-a-small-fishing-village-in-newfoundland-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/

IMG_8944 John Bohon from Alice

John Joseph Bohon. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

John Joseph BOHON, of Toronto, Ontario, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-5-the-wwii-soldier-whose-parents-immigrated-to-save-their-family-from-war/

IMG_8946 Charles Marshall Carson from Alice

Charles ‘Marshall’ Carson. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Charles ‘Marshall’ CARSON, of Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 23. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-3-the-wwii-soldier-from-cape-tormentine-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/

IMG_8963 Marven Harvey from Alice

Marven Glenroy Harvey. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Marven Glenroy HARVEY, of North Noel Road, Nova Scotia, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 19. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/26/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-8-the-wwii-soldier-with-7-brothers-who-also-served/

IMG_8959 Kitchener Langille from Alice

Kitchener ‘Kitty’ Langille. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE, of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 28. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/21/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-6-the-wwii-soldier-from-new-glasgow-nicknamed-kitty/

IMG_7560 Marvin McGregor from Ad

Marvin William McGregor. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Marvin William MCGREGOR, of West Jeddore, Nova Scotia, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/04/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-9-the-wwii-soldier-from-west-jeddore-killed-in-germany/

POWER Wilfred Joseph - XVII H 02 from Faces To Graves Groesbeek

Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph Power. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph POWER, of Rosetown, Saskatchewan and later New Westminster, British Columbia, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/04/10/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-10-the-wwii-soldier-who-wanted-to-be-a-paratrooper/

IMG_7573 Louis Sexton from Ad

Louis Allan Sexton. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Louis Allan SEXTON, of Maria East, Quebec, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 22. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-7-the-wwii-soldier-from-quebec-who-has-never-been-forgotten-by-his-family/

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum and Ad Scheepers for sending these photos. The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition series concludes in Part 6, where the graves and photos of more soldiers whose stories we’ve told will be featured.

If you have a photo of a soldier buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek or one of the other cemeteries in The Netherlands, Pieter encourages you to email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Previous postings about The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek…

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Part 4: Atlantic Canada Remembers Soldiers From New Brunswick

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment
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Finding graves of soldiers and placing flags at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands in 2017. Left to right: Noor Scheepers, Pieter, Ad Scheepers. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

May 22, 2023. After a successful exhibition where photos were placed at more than 1,600 graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek for three weeks in 2021 to commemorate the Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which oversees the cemetery, gave permission for photos to be placed by the graves every two years. 

…The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition 2023 included almost 2,000 photos…

This year, The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition ran from April 30 to May 21, 2023, with almost 2,000 photos, just over 350 more than 2 years ago!  All photos submitted by families and volunteer researchers were printed onto an aluminum backing, making them impervious to rain, and reusable.

The many volunteers from Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, of which Alice van Bekkum is the Chair, worked tirelessly to make the exhibition possible.  They also organized the Liberation Day commemoration events. 

Pieter has been involved in finding photos of Canadians who are buried in all three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands since 2014, with many of their stories told on this blog.  

In 2021, following an interview on CTV Atlantic’s Live At 5 about the search for photos of WWII soldiers buried in The Netherlands, the response led to an 11 part series on the blog called Atlantic Canada Remembers.  (See https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/dutch-canadian-man-on-a-mission-to-tell-stories-of-lost-soldiers-1.5266404)

…6 Soldiers From New Brunswick Commemorated…

In Part 1, graves and photos of soldiers from Prince Edward Island were featured.  Part 2 featured Indigenous soldiers.  Part 3 featured soldiers from Nova Scotia, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021.  In Part 4, soldiers from New Brunswick, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021, are featured.

LANTEIGNE Gillis - VIII E 12 from Alice

Gilles Lanteigne. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Gilles LANTEIGNE, of Caraquet, New Brunswick, was serving with Le Regiment de Maisonneuve in Germany, when he died of severe wounds on March 9, 1945, just a few weeks before his 21st birthday. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/07/11/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-10/

LIBBY Francies Lewis - I C 08 from Alice

Francis ‘Frank’ Lewis Libby. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Francis ‘Frank’ Lewis LIBBY, of Milltown, New Brunswick, was serving with the Calgary Highlanders when he was killed along the Dutch-German border on January 5, 1945, at the age of 26. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-7/

IMG_7552 Hiram Lord from Ad

Hiram Albion Lord. (Photo credit: Ad Scheepers)

Hiram Albion LORD, of Lords Cove, Deer Island, New Brunswick, was serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment when he lost his life on January 8, 1945 near Nijmegen, The Netherlands, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-7/

IMG_7549 Elbridge Miller from Ad

Elbridge Wellington Miller. (Photo credit: Ad Scheepers)

Elbridge Wellington MILLER, of Deerville, New Brunswick, was serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment when he was killed on February 26, 1945 during the Battle of Keppeln in Germany, at the age of 33. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/04/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-9/

ROBERT Alphonse - XIX B 02 from Alice

Alphonse Robert. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Alphonse ROBERT, of Caraquet, New Brunswick, was serving with the Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal when he was killed on March 30, 1945 during an attack on Gendringen, The Netherlands, near the German border, at the age of 21. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/04/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-9/ and https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/10/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-an-update-on-the-story-of-ww2-soldier-alphonse-robert/

STEWART William Francis - II A 11 from Alice

William Francis Stewart. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

William Francis STEWART, of Claire Fontaine, New Brunswick, was serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment when he lost his life in an accident Amersfoort, The Netherlands on July 8, 1945. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-1/

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum and Ad Scheepers for sending these photos. In Part 5, graves and photos of soldiers killed in Bienen will be featured.

If you have a photo of a soldier buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek or one of the other cemeteries in The Netherlands, Pieter encourages you to email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

© Daria Valkenburg

…Previous postings about The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek…

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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. 

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