Author: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria

In Memoriam To Helen (nee Muttart) Coutts

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In_memoriam

July 22, 2023. Over the past years, the On The War Memorial Trail Research Project has been telling stories of those who have served our country.  Along the way, we’ve also introduced you to many of the families who contributed photos and stories.

Last week, we received word from Don Coutts that his mother Helen Coutts, sister of WWII pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART, passed away at the age of 101. (See https://www.humphreymiles.com/obituaries/Helen-Muttart-Coutts?obId=28481417)

The story of Elmer Muttart, who died after his plane was shot down over The Netherlands on October 12, 1941, has unfolded over several years, and began with this posting, one of the first stories on our blog: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/07/28/the-elmer-bagnall-muttart-story/. 

CIMG9481 Oct 25 2017 Pieter with Helen Elgin & Don Coutts in Toronto

Pieter (standing left) with Elgin Coutts (seated), Elgin’s wife Helen (centre) and son Donald (standing right) during a visit in 2017. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

We met Helen and Elgin Coutts and their son Don in 2017. A few years later, Helen’s husband Elgin passed away. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/08/14/in-memoriam/)

On October 12, 2019, a memorial panel to honour Elmer Muttart and his Halifax L9561 crew was placed near the crash site in Wons, The Netherlands. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/11/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-memorial-panel-in-wons-is-unveiled/) 

Two short documentaries were made by us about the memorial panel and how it became a reality. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/01/31/he-died-that-we-might-live-video-is-now-on-youtube/)

The group who came for the unveiling of the memorial panel also visited Elmer’s grave in Harlingen General Cemetery. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/10/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-visit-to-harlingen-general-cemetery/)

CIMG3431Oct 12 2019 Pieter Annie Lee Don Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden

Left to right: Pieter Valkenburg, Annie Lee MacDonald, Don Coutts with flower bouquets for the visit to Elmer Muttart’s grave. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Among the remembrances were flower bouquets placed by us, family friends Annie Lee and Elmer MacDonald, and Don Coutts, Elmer’s nephew, on behalf of the Coutts family.  Don also placed small flags of Canada and Prince Edward Island by his uncle’s grave.

Thank you to Don Coutts for letting us know about his mother’s passing.  Our deepest condolences go to him and his wife Nora, and to his brother Peter and his wife Kathie, and their family.

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 our research, 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 Disley Who Lost His Life While Swimming Across The Maas River

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July 20, 2023. After Pieter was interviewed by Kevin Rollason of the ‘Winnipeg Free Press‘ in November 2022, we received an email from Mike Wilson about his great-uncle, Adam KLEIN.

Mike wrote that “….my mother Joyce recently read the ‘A Name Without A Face’ article in The Winnipeg Free Press and passed it on to me. Thank you for the important work that you are doing with this project….”  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/11/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-importance-of-remembrance/)

He went on to explain that “… my great-uncle on my mother’s side, Adam, served in the Second World War and is buried in the Bergen-op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands (Plot 8, Row G, Grave 4)…..Pte. Adam Klein was from Disley, Saskatchewan (near Regina Beach) and served with the Algonquin Regiment.  I have attached a picture of my Great Uncle Adam …”

Adam was born August 9, 1924 in Disley, Saskatchewan, the son of Joseph and Eva (nee Huber) Klein, who had immigrated to Canada from Czernowitz, Romania. (That area is now part of Ukraine. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukovina)

… Adam enlisted at the age of 19…

Uncle Adam Klein picture #2

Adam Klein. (Photo courtesy of the Klein Family)

When he enlisted with the 12th District Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan on October 6, 1943, at the age of 19, he was working for his father as a truck driver, who had a general hauling business in Regina Beach. 

The interviewer for his Personnel Selection Record recorded that Adam could “…speak some German…” and “…reads quite a lot of fiction. Plays baseball and rugby, likes most sports…. Likes comedy and western pictures….”   It was also noted that “…he is a proficient driver and licenced, so should prove suitable for Driver i/c…”  The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’, meaning someone qualified to drive a motor vehicle, but not a tracked vehicle, such as a tank.

On November 4, 1943, Adam was transferred to No. 122 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC) in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.  After completing his training there, his Personnel Selection Record was updated, noting that he was “… cooperative, has a good attitude, and appears to like Army life… He has a keen desire to drive in Army.  Brother overseas is a driver…”  This was Adam’s older brother August.

… Adam took courses to qualify as a Driver…

Adam was next sent to the A15 Canadian Infantry Training Camp (CITC) in Shilo, Manitoba.  From there, he went to the S-5 Canadian Driving and Maintenance School (CD & M School) in Woodstock, Ontario, on March 2, 1944, where he successfully completed a 6 week driving course to qualify as a Driver i/c Class III Wheeled Vehicles. This meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars.

He remained in Woodstock for additional training, taking a Driver Mechanic W course, which he successfully completed on June 9, 1944.  This meant he was trained to drive tracked vehicles, such as tanks.

On June 10, 1944, Adam returned to A15 Canadian Infantry Training Camp (CITC) in Shilo, where an update to his Personnel Selection Record noted “…his suitability for overseas service…”

Adam was now qualified as a Driver Mechanic Group C.  In addition to being a driver, he would also be responsible for minor vehicle repairs on vehicles in his unit.

… Adam left Canada a few days after his 20th birthday…

On August 4, 1944 Adam left Canada for the United Kingdom, arriving on August 11, 1944, and assigned to No 1 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).  His stay in the United Kingdom was short, as on August 31, 1944 he was sent to France with the X-4 reinforcement troops of 11th Battalion.

On September 15, 1944 he was transferred to the Algonquin Regiment, which was in Belgium, having just fought in the Battle of the Leopold Canal. Reinforcements were badly needed. asualty figures for the Regiment during the fighting September on September 13 to 14, 1944 in the Belgian village of Moerkerke on the Leopold Canal were recorded as 168 killed, wounded or missing. (See https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/casualty-identification-military/battle-leopold-canal-september-13-14-1944.html)

Adam arrived at the Regiment on the same day as Bruce Wilbur CHURCHILL, whose story has been previously told on this blog.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/06/05/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww2-soldier-who-lost-his-life-in-a-monastery-garden/)

The beginning of January 1945 found the Regiment in Meerle, Belgium.  Not long after the New Year the Regiment moved into the area around Drunen, The Netherlands.

… Adam was part of a patrol with ‘C’ Company…

The January 18, 1945 war diary for the Regiment recorded that after ‘C’ Company had been interviewed by a war correspondent for a radio station in Toronto, part of the evening was spent in “…carrying forward ammunition that will be used in the early morning when they will take part in a fire plan to cover a fighting patrol…”  Adam would be a member of this planned patrol.

On the morning of January 19, 1945, the war diary for the Regiment recorded that “….Weather: Dull, raw wind, hail and snow in AM...”  In spite of the poor weather, ‘C’ Company was sent on patrol, and the war diary recorded the patrol commander’s subsequent report.

Map showing where Adam Klein died

“...At 0700 hours this morning, a fighting patrol of 23 men from 15 Platoon, commanded by W. A. Godefroy, crossed the north bank of the Maas, just west of the Heusden Canal….The patrol crossed the river and reached the top of the dyke without incident….”

The patrol spread out. “…Cpl Carrier led his section to the left flank to a well developed trench system, which led to a pill box.  Hearing voices inside, he tossed in a hand grenade, which brought two Germans undamaged into the open….”

Two men were assigned to guard them, while Cpl Kenneth John CARRIER and Adam Klein “…flushed out five more….and took them to the embarking point, only to find that owing to some error the remainder of the patrol had withdrawn with the two prisoners of war…”

An explanation was given in an article in the January 26, 1945 edition of the ‘Maple Leaf’ newspaper. “…The boats had left. The corporal and the private hadn’t heard the whistled signal for withdrawal.…They stood alone in a snowstorm, in enemy territory, with the freezing river between them and our lines…”

… German prisoners attacked Adam…

One of the five new prisoners was wounded and left behind.  “…Leaving Pte Klein with the four prisoners, the corporal ran along the beach, endeavouring to find a boat...”  He was unsuccessful.  Then, when he returned “…he found the four Germans had jumped Pte Klein and were pounding his head with a rock….”

Cpl Carrier killed three of the prisoners but “…the fourth one managed to run away…” Later accounts stated that the fourth German was also killed by Carrier.

It wasn’t safe to remain in enemy territory.   Without a boat, their options were limited.  Therefore, they “…walked out onto the ruined bridge and swam for safety….”

… A dangerous swim across the Maas River…

As they were halfway across, “…Pte Klein called out for help. Cpl Carrier, although he himself was almost exhausted, dragged his comrade to within a few yards of the shore….Only when further assistance arrived did he release his friend and swim the last few yards to safety…”

The war diary entry explained that “… Cpl Carrier made the trip successfully, but Pte Klein was swept under as he was within an ace of being rescued by an ‘A’ Company man who dived in to help him…”  This was Pte Arnold Edward BOEHLER, who noticed “…two figures struggling frantically in the icy water about 10 yards from the shore...”

… Adam died before reaching shore…

An account of Boehler’s actions noted that without hesitation, he “…rushed through a field of anti-personnel mines and, fully clothed, dove into the river…”

The war diary entry explained that Boehler “…reached Klein and grabbed him by the shoulders, but unfortunately he got a cramp and was forced to relinquish his hold on the drowning man and it was only with great difficulty that he got back to shore himself...” The war diary entry differs from the account in a January 26, 1945 article in the Maple Leaf newspaper and in Boehler’s nomination for a military medal, both of which state that Boehler managed to drag Adam’s body to shore.

Adam’s body was recovered by Lt Godefroy, Lt Grandbois, and Pte Neely.  In ‘Warpath – The Story of the Algonquin Regiment 1939-1945’, the regimental history of the Algonquin Regiment written by Major G. L. Cassidy, it was stated that Adam did not drown but died from “…a heart attack brought on by the exertion and the cold…”  This was not in his service file, nor in the war diary.

The war diary recorded that on that same day as his death, Adam “…was given a military funeral in the afternoon, the pall bearers and firing party being composed of members of the patrol...”  He was buried just north of Drunen.       

While the war diary and the subsequent nominations for military medals for Cpl Carrier and Pte Boehler, the two soldiers that tried to rescue Adam, state that the incident happened on January 19, 1945, Adam’s military service file states he died on January 18, 1945. This date is repeated in ‘Warpath – The Story of the Algonquin Regiment 1939-1945’.  January 18, 1945 is also the date on his headstone.

… Adam is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom…

After the war, Adam was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands, which we visited in 2019.  The British War Cemetery is right next to it, which we mistakenly went to first.  A teacher with a group of students noticed our bag of flags and directed us to the right cemetery!

CIMG3382 Oct 7 2019 Bergen Op Zoom Pieter at Cdn War Cemetery

Pieter at the entrance to the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom.  Our Sobey’s bag saved us from wandering around the wrong cemetery!  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Grave of Adam Klein from findagrave

Grave of Adam Klein at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

…Klein Island is named in honour of Adam…

On May 31, 1967, the Province of Saskatchewan’s Department of Natural Resources named Klein Island in honour of Adam.  (See https://geonames.nrcan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique?id=HAETD)

Joyce Forshaw (nee Klein)

Joyce Forshaw (nee Klein), niece of Adam Klein. (Photo courtesy of Mike Wilson)

Mike Wilson wrote that “….Pte. Adam Klein was only 21 years old when he died, and he is still thought of, remembered and named often by his niece Joyce, who has proudly displayed Adam’s picture every November to honour him. It was during a quiet Remembrance Day visit with my mother … that we gathered information to send to you….”

Thank you to Mike Wilson and Joyce Forshaw for contacting Pieter about Adam Klein. Adam lost his life in a part of The Netherlands that we are very familiar with, as so many of Pieter’s ancestors lived in this area.

Pieter reflected that “…the story of the liberation of The Netherlands is one my parents engrained in me, and I have never forgotten the sacrifices made by so many so that the Dutch people could live in peace and freedom…”

Do you have a story to tell? Pieter encourages you to email him 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 our research, 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/

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 WWII Soldier From Guysborough Whose Nieces Ensured His Photo Reached Pieter

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July 15, 2023. The route to finding family and a photo of a soldier has many twists and turns. Sometimes a family member contacts us about a relative, usually after a media interview, but most of the time it’s sheer detective work to find a living family member. If no family connection can be found, then an appeal is made through the media.

In the majority of cases, possible family connections are found. Then Pieter has the challenge of making contact – through genealogy sites such as Ancestry, Facebook accounts, Legion branches, and by email if an address is found.

Quite often, though, an initial inquiry is made by phone. If you’ve ever had to cold call a stranger and explain the purpose of your call, you know it’s a daunting prospect. With a few exceptions, people are generally very polite, listen carefully to Pieter, and are good enough to let him know if he’s reached the right person (a relative) or not.

Over the years, he’s had very engaging calls and met delightful people. That was the case when he was looking for a photo of WWII soldier Lawrence Edward LUCAS of Guysborough, Nova Scotia.

Lawrence was born December 9, 1925, the son of Charles and Amelia Hattie Lucas. He had a brother Charles, and three sisters: Caroline, Mildred, and Vivian.

…The photo search was successful thanks to two nieces…

“…It’s usually the women who have the photos…” Pieter told me, “…so I’m starting with the sisters….” It was a wise decision.

Lawrence’s sister, Mildred O’Connor, had been president of the Ladies Auxiliary in the Royal Canadian Legion in Guysborough. Pieter spoke with her daughter, Marie Ehler, who told him that her mother “….had placed a photo in the Legion….”

Unfortunately, the Legion never seemed to be open, and there was no response to inquiries made by phone and social media.

Pieter then contacted Mildred McLeod, whose mother Caroline ‘Carrie’ Tovey, was another sister of Lawrence. When Mildred heard that the Legion had not responded, she got involved.  Within a few days, a photo was emailed to Pieter from Lorne MacDonald.

…Lawrence enlisted at the age of 18…

Lawrence Edward Lucas

Lawrence Edward Lucas. (Photo courtesy of the Lucas Family. Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

When Lawrence enlisted with the No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 23, 1944, he had been working as a carpenter at Eastern Wood Works in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.  He also noted that he had served with the 2nd Reserve Battalion Pictou Highlanders from September 1941 to May 1942.  As a teenager during that period, he would not have been eligible for active service.

On July 6, 1944, he was sent to No. 60 Canadian Infantry Basic Training Centre (CIBTC) in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Then, on September 3, 1944 he was transferred to the A14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) in Aldershot, Nova Scotia.

…Lawrence completed an anti-tank course…

Among the training that Lawrence completed was a 6 Pounder Anti-Tank Gun course, for which he received his qualification on October 16, 1944.  This was a relatively small gun that could be pushed by its crew when necessary. Towed by a Universal Carrier, it could be brought into action quickly. (For more information, see https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/weapons/ordnance/6pounder.htm)

You can get an idea of how this gun works at this short re-enactment video on YouTube:

On December 12, 1944, Lawrence was transferred to the Training Brigade Group in Debert, Nova Scotia, for final training and preparations for going overseas.

…Lawrence arrived in the UK on Christmas Day 1944…

Lawrence left Canada on December 19, 1944, and after arriving in the United Kingdom on Christmas Day, he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR) for further training.

On February 10, 1945 he was in North West Europe with the X-4 reinforcement troops of 10th Battalion. Then, on April 6, 1945, he was transferred to the Algonquin Regiment, which was in the vicinity of Almelo, The Netherlands.

…Lawrence joined The Algonquin Regiment in The Netherlands…

The Algonquin Regiment was part of the 1st Canadian Army, which had two tasks: liberate the western Netherlands, and advance to the North Sea while protecting the left flank of the British 2nd Army as they advanced into northern Germany.

Algonquin Regt map to Apr 16 1945

Green arrows mark the movement of The Algonquin Regiment through The Netherlands and Germany. (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

By April 17, 1945 the Regiment had passed Friesoythe, Germany and was engaged in clearing a bridgehead over the Küsten Canal.  The war diary for April 20, 1945 recorded that “…in four days of steady fighting, the bridgehead has been slowly but steadily enlarged, both in depth and width, always against fanatical opposition and over terrain that is definitely in favour of the enemy….”

kustencanal from Cdn Soldiers

Clearing of the Küsten Canal in Germany. (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

By April 22, 1945 more reinforcements had arrived, and the various companies of The Algonquin Regiment had been moved.  Lawrence was in ‘D’ Company, which, per ‘D’ Company’s war diary entry, stated that “…at 0230 we got orders to move so we packed up and moved …. and bedded down in a barn to await orders. We came under cover of the Argylls today…”

…Lawrence lost his life due to artillery fire in Germany…

On April 23, 1945, ‘D’ Company recorded that just after midnight they “…moved up the road 600 yards as far as ‘C’ Company of the Argylls….”  After a two hour wait for further orders, they were “… to infiltrate a platoon across the water obstacle to determine the strength of the opposition. Things went OK, not a shot was fired and at first light we found ourselves dug in with the Jerries almost in the same trenches…”

Then things weren’t so rosy as the day unfolded as “…16 Platoon hung on to the east side of the river all day and we took a lot of shelling.  Our casualties were one killed and three wounded. At 1900 hours we received orders to move onto the railway and take up positions at the road and rail crossing. We teed off at 2145 and 17 Platoon came under our own artillery fire and lost 14 men in killed and wounded…”

At some point during that fateful day, Lawrence lost his life.  It’s unknown if he was the casualty killed by German shelling or one of the casualties from the Regiment’s own artillery fire.

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

He was temporarily buried in Edewecht, Germany before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands a year later.

lucas, lawrence edward grave from Holten

Grave of Lawrence Edward Lucas in Holten, The Netherlands.  (Photo courtesy of the Information Centre Canadian Cemetery Holten)

Thank you to Mildred McLeod and Marie Ehler for ensuring that Pieter received a photo of their uncle. 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/

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…..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/

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….. 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

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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.

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