Author: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria

On The War Memorial Trail…..A Photo For WWII Soldier Leonard Stephen Avery

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December 17, 2022. When Pieter began researching the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion in 2015, he hoped to put a face and story to each of the 48 names.  Over the years he’s researched each name, and we’ve told the story of each one, plus shared our visits made to the graves or memorials for many of them.

The Cenotaph Wall of Remembrance in the Borden-Carleton Legion, which displays the photos of the men listed on the Cenotaph, has empty frames for those photos still waiting to be found.

A few weeks ago a photo of WWI soldier James CAIRNS was submitted, ending a 7 year search.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/12/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-photo-for-wwi-soldier-james-cairns/)

…The 7 year search for a photo of WWII soldier Leonard Stephen Avery…

CIMG6065 Empty frame for Avery

Empty frame patiently awaiting a photo of WWII soldier Leonard Stephen Avery.  (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

Not long after the photo of James Cairns was sent, Pieter was overjoyed to receive a photo of WWII soldier Leonard Stephen AVERY, born March 20, 1924 in Bedeque to John Avery and Mary Ellen Arsenault. 

Leonard died accidentally in Ontario while on guard duty at the Chippewa Power Canal in Welland County on the evening of August 23, 1943.  For some unexplained reason, he was accidentally shot through the head while examining a rifle, causing a massive destruction of his brain and multiple skull fractures.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/11/26/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww2-soldier-who-was-accidentally-shot/)

No family came forward with a photo, and we thought perhaps the 7 year ongoing search would go on for many more years.  But then, we heard from Judie Klassen, who has helped with difficult searches in the past. 

…How a photo of Avery was found…

Judie wrote that “…I noticed a number of very recent postings on the Borden-Carleton Through the Years Facebook page that were from Mike Gaudet.  One discussion mentioned Lena Avery (Mrs. Gilbert Arsenault) who was Leonard’s aunt. It appears Lena got married the same day as her brother John and wife Mary (Leonard’s parents)….” 

Judie included a link to the Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1564604580644445&set=gm.5454416931343343&idorvanity=281593188625769

With this clue, Pieter contacted Mike Gaudet, who checked and did have a photo. Pieter asked Mike if he was a relative, and was told “….Not directly related.  The old albums I have came from a lady who died this year and whose mother was an Avery who married a Wedge...”

The photo sent by Mike was of Leonard in uniform with a little girl on his lap.  Pieter realized that this was Leonard’s sister Ruby.

Avery from Mike Gaudet restoration Duane MacEwen

Leonard Stephen Avery with his sister Ruby.  (Photo courtesy of Mike Gaudet.  Photo restoration and colourization: Duane MacEwen)

Another 7 year search that has been successfully concluded!

…9 photos are still to be found for the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion….

The photo of Leonard Stephen Avery is now on the Legion wall, and Pieter hopes that more of the empty frames will be filled over the coming year. “…Unfortunately, photos for 8 from WWI and 1 from WWII are still missing on the wall….” 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
  • Joseph Arthur DESROCHES, born in Miscouche UPDATE: Photo found
  • Charles LOWTHER, born in North Carleton
  • Arthur Clinton ROBINSON, born in Tryon
  • Harry ROBINSON, born in Augustine Cove UPDATE: Photo found

Name still without a face from WWII

  • Ernest Ramey GALLANT, born in Borden

A huge thank you goes out to Mike Gaudet and to Judie Klassen for their help in obtaining a photo, and to Duane MacEwen for help in photo restoration. If you can help with the photo search request or have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.   

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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 Christmas Dinner Heist In WWII England

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December 13, 2022. If Christmas Day means a special meal in your household, you aren’t alone.  In our household, we follow the traditional meal that I grew up with for Christmas Day – roast turkey with stuffing, vegetables, mushroom gravy, and cranberry sauce.

…Canadian soldier Frank MacEwen met the Pearce family…

20221024_100956 Frank MacEwen

WWII soldier Frank MacEwen.  (Photo courtesy of Duane MacEwen)

Planning for our traditional Christmas meal was on my mind when Duane MacEwen of New Dominion, Prince Edward Island, mentioned that his father, Frank MACEWEN, served with the Royal Canadian Armoured Service Corps, and was stationed in Woking, Surrey, England during WWII.

Duane explained that his father and “… his army buddies routinely walked down Barrack Path to the local pub…”  Along the way they passed the home of Frank Pearce, who lived with his wife and daughters.  A WWI veteran, Frank Pearce was an air raid warden in London during WWII.

When the oldest daughter, Betty, had her 16th birthday, she “…complained to her mother that she had no male friends to invite to her birthday as they were all on duty or serving abroad.  Mrs Pearce told Betty to go and invite some of the young Canadian soldiers who walked down Barrack Path in front of their house.  Betty did this and welcomed my dad and his close army buddies in for Betty’s birthday. This led to close ties that the family shares to this day…”

Duane recalled Mr Pearce telling him that in the weeks before Christmas in 1944, “…my father questioned him quite a few times, asking what their family would have for their Christmas dinner….”

…Mock Turkey in place of a traditional turkey dinner during WWII….

It was a reasonable question as in WWII Europe, food supplies were scarce.  Mainland Europe was under occupation.  Great Britain may not have been under occupation, but was regularly attacked and supplies limited.  In 1940, food rationing began.  People were encouraged to grow vegetables in ‘victory gardens’ and to find alternatives to traditional cuts of meat.

By Christmas 1944, Britain was in the 6th year of war and the 5th for rationing.  Duane recalled Mr Pearce telling his dad that “… due to the severe rationing, he hoped to possibly go out to the country to see if he could scrounge up a bit of ham or something for his family…”

Christmas was the one day in the year that people just wanted to forget there was a war, and as the holiday approached, recipes for making a special meal became creative. While many in rural areas were able to have meals using rabbits or wild birds, ‘Mock Turkey’ out of sausage meat and vegetables was on many dinner tables.

Mock Turkey

A Mock Turkey made from sausage meat, bread crumbs, herbs and seasoning held together with grated onions and apples, arranged into the shape of a turkey, using parsnips for legs, and then covered with bacon. (Photo source: http://calmlycreative.blogspot.com/2012/10/mock-turkey.html)

….Frank MacEwen and his friends brought a Christmas surprise…

The Pearce family soon learned why Frank MacEwen was so interested in the family’s Christmas dinner plans.  In the early morning of December 25, 1944, “…Mr Pearce told me there was an awful pounding on his front door….”

Thinking he was being summoned for air raid warden duties, “… he rushed downstairs but to his surprise saw my father, who said ‘Let me in quick Frank and close the door behind me’….”

Mr Pearce quickly saw that “… my father’s great coat was well extended around his belly. Dad opened his coat to reveal a silver tray resplendent with a huge, cooked turkey complete with some trimmings….”

20211011_122555 Xmas meal

Christmas dinner at the Valkenburg house with turkey and the trimmings. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The turkey and trimmings were only the beginning of the Christmas surprise for the Pearce family.  “…It wasn’t long before Rollin ‘Roly’ CHAMBERS, of Woodstock, Ontario, was knocking on the door.  He too had more food for this Christmas feast.  A little later, Glen LECKY, of Chipman, New Brunswick, entered with Christmas beverages for all…”

A few years ago, Betty Pearce told Duane that “…she remembered the ‘best Christmas ever’ due to Dad and his friends.  It was miraculous as they were so used to rationing and doing without…”

….Who stole our turkey dinner?…

After Christmas, the Canadian soldiers disappeared for several weeks, leaving the Pearce family to wonder if they had been deployed elsewhere.  “…It wasn’t normal for them not to drop in for a visit on their way to the pub or for a cup of tea and company….”

While British civilians had food supplies rationed, Canadian soldiers were well-fed and nourished.  So it was not a surprise to learn from Duane that “…it soon came to light that a turkey and all the trimmings were stolen from the Sergeants’ Mess and there was a special investigation into this burglary.  The Sergeant Major stated that someone was going to pay dearly for the theft…”

Everyone in the company was confined to barracks for two weeks or until the culprits were found.  The theft was never solved.  “….No one in the company told on the boys.  Maybe they didn’t know or else had a great laugh at their generosity with the Sergeants’ Mess dinners….”

Frank MacEwen was discharged from the Canadian Army in February 1946.  He married Evelyn Found and lived on the Island until his death in 1990.

20221024_101604 Oct 24 2022 Ann and Duane MacEwen

Ann and Duane MacEwen.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Duane MacEwen for sharing the story about the way his father and friends made Christmas memorable for the Pearce family. Do you have a story to tell?  Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to know more about Christmas 1944 in Britain?….

To learn more about Christmas 1944 in Britain, you can watch ‘Wartime Farm Christmas Special’ on YouTube:

And here are links to two websites that may be of interest:

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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 on the book, please 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….. A Photo For WWI Soldier James Cairns

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December 4, 2022. When Pieter began researching the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion in 2015, he hoped to be able to put a face and story to each of the 48 names.  Over the years he was able to research each name, and we’ve told the story of each one, plus shared our visits made to the graves or memorials for many of them.

Unfortunately, up to now, photos for several have never been found.  The Cenotaph Wall of Remembrance in the Borden-Carleton Legion, which displays the photos of the men listed on the Cenotaph, has empty frames for those photos waiting to be found.

…The 7 year search for a photo of WWI soldier James Cairns…

20221130_194445 Empty Frame

Empty frame awaiting a photo of WWI soldier James Cairns.  (Photo credit: Kathy Henry)

One of those for which a photo was missing was James CAIRNS, born February 22, 1897 in Kinkora, the son of Thomas Cairns and Mary Jane MacDonald.  He later went to Manitoba to work, joining his brother Edward, a farmer, in Cartwright, Manitoba.

While living in Manitoba, WWI broke out, and James he enlisted in July 1916 with the 190th Battalion Manitoba Regiment (which later became what we know as the Royal Winnipeg Rifles). He was killed on August 9, 1918 in France during the Battle of Amiens, and is buried in Manitoba Cemetery in Caix, France.  We visited this cemetery in 2017. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/09/30/the-search-for-manitoba-cemetery/)

CIMG8561 Pte James Cairns

The grave of James Cairns at Manitoba Cemetery in Caix, France. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…Various media appeals were not successful…

Inquiries and appeals for a photo were unsuccessful. Although James had 7 siblings, Pieter ran into one dead end after another.  On October 8, 2020, Vicki Wallace, editor of the Southern Manitoba Review in Cartwright, Manitoba, published Pieter’s letter to the editor.  (Unfortunately, this publication ceased publication at the end of 2021.)

Letter to the editor re James Cairns

While no photo of James Cairns resulted from the letter, Vicki Wallace did some research on Edward Cairns, the brother of James. Edward died on June 3, 1929 in a tragic farming accident, leaving behind a widow, Lily Victoria nee McKelvey, and several children, the youngest just 16 months old at the time of Edward’s death.

On November 11, 2021, Kevin Rollason of the Winnipeg Free Press put out an appeal for a photo at the end of an article about a very successful photo search for WWII soldier Edmond Coulombe, but we weren’t lucky twice.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/24/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-successful-search-for-a-photo-of-ww2-soldier-edmond-coulombe/)

We even tried a YouTube video appeal. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/12/17/the-search-for-a-photo-of-james-cairns-moves-to-youtube/)

…Success when the grandchildren of Edward Cairns sent a photo…

Then, with the help of Judie Klassen, family members of Edward’s son Alvin were found.  Sisters Kelly Slade and Shannon Cairns Zemp got in contact, and Shannon sent a photo of James and their grandfather Edward.  “…Our brother Patrick had the photo…” she explained.

Her father Alvin received it from a family member on a trip made to the Island with an 18 year old Shannon in 1990. “...My dad, Alvin Walter and my Mom, Patricia, were searching for members of the Cairns Family – which is how we have the picture that we have of James and Edward. I want to thank you Pieter for remembering James and I thank you for your hard work…”

Coloured photo James and Edward Cairns

James Cairns (left) with his older brother Edward. (Photo courtesy of the Cairns Family.  Photo colourization: Pieter Valkenburg)

…10 photos are still to be found for the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion….

The photo of James Cairns will soon be in that empty frame on the Legion wall, and Pieter hopes that more of the empty frames will be filled over the coming year. “…Unfortunately, photos for 8 from WWI and 2 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
  • Joseph Arthur DESROCHES, born in Miscouche   UPDATE: photo found
  • Charles LOWTHER, born in North Carleton
  • Arthur Clinton ROBINSON, born in Tryon
  • Harry ROBINSON, born in Augustine Cove UPDATE: photo found

Names still without faces from WWII

  • Leonard Stephen AVERY, born in Bedeque   UPDATE: photo found
  • Ernest Ramey GALLANT, born in Borden

A huge thank you goes out to Shannon Cairns Zemp for providing a photo on behalf of the family, to Vicki Wallace for publishing the letter to the editor in the Southern Manitoba Review and researching what happened to Edward Cairns, and to Judie Klassen for researching Edward’s descendants. If you can help with the photo search request or have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.   

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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 on the book, please 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 Search For A Photo Of Austin Havelock Munroe Is On YouTube

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November 29, 2022. Sometimes uncovering a photo of a soldier leads to a much larger investigation. That’s what happened when Pieter looked into the service file of Charles Marshall CARSON of Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick, one of the names on the photo wish list from the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

…Pieter was astonished to learn that 39 North Novies lost their lives on his 1st birthday….

“…He died on my birthday! I was just one year old!…” Pieter exclaimed.  When he learned that Carson died during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945, he wondered if there were more Canadian soldiers who had lost their lives that day.

Pieter contacted Alice van Bekkum, Chair of the Groesbeek Cemetery Faces To Graves project and asked if there were more casualties.  To his surprise, Alice sent a list of 38 more soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment.  12 of these soldiers were on the cemetery’s photo wish list.

Over the past months, Pieter managed to find families of 11 of these soldiers, and has already received photos of 10.  One family is in the process of preparing a copy of a treasured photo.  In March 2023 a special series on several of these soldiers will be featured on this blog, in the lead up to March 25.

…One soldier’s photo still has not been found…

One soldier’s photo is still outstanding – Austin Havelock MUNROE.  Austin was born on December 2, 1919 in Little Dover, Nova Scotia, the son of Edward and Minnie Munroe.  He was married to Anna Elizabeth Munroe, nee Barry.

In the hope of reaching as many people as possible, Pieter sat down to help feature this photo quest on our YouTube Channel.  You can watch Photo Search-WW2 Soldier Austin Havelock Munroe (S3E2) here:

Pieters saying

…Pieter’s interview on CTV Atlantic News At 5 was successful….

In addition to the YouTube video, on Monday, November 7, 2022, Pieter was interviewed by Ceilidh Millar of CTV Atlantic News At 5 about the search for 4 soldiers of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who died during the Battle of Bienen on March 25, 2022.

You can read the article and watch the video.  See P.E.I. man identifying Canadian soldiers in the Netherlands | CTV News https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/maritime-man-appealing-to-public-for-help-identifying-lost-canadian-soldiers-1.6143236

Following this interview, family of one soldier immediately came forward with a photo.  Families of two other soldiers subsequently got in contact.

Thank you to post-production editor Wendy Nattress, who made this YouTube video a reality.  Thank you also to Ceilidh Millar, Jayson Baxter, Maria Panopalis, and CTV Atlantic News At 5 for publicizing the photo search of soldiers killed in Bienen, Germany.

If you have photos or information to share about Austin Havelock Munroe – or any of the soldiers killed during the Battle of Bienen – please let Pieter know. You can email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….The 38 Other North Novies Buried in Groesbeek….

  • Clifford BATEMAN of La Poile, Newfoundland
  • Vilhelm Kruuse BOGGILD of Lockeport, Nova Scotia
  • John Joseph BOHON (BOHONKO) of Montreal, Quebec
  • Ralph Schurman BOULTER of West Point, Prince Edward Island
  • Herbert Malcolm BRANNEN of Stony Island, Nova Scotia
  • Lawrence William BULGER of Foxley River, Prince Edward Island
  • Charles Marshall CARSON of Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick
  • Hugh Patterson CHRISTIE of English Town, Nova Scotia
  • Walter George COLEBOURNE of Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Roy Williams COLLINS of North Sydney, Nova Scotia
  • George Mitchell DASH of Sable River West, Nova Scotia
  • Harry William DOUCETTE of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
  • Charles Benjamin HAGERTY of Port Williams, Nova Scotia
  • Marven Glenroy HARVEY of North Noel Road, Nova Scotia
  • Granville Murray HEARABOUT of Truro, Nova Scotia
  • Gordon HENRY of North Sydney, Nova Scotia
  • Harold Charles JAMES of Springhill, Nova Scotia
  • Harold Lawrence KEDDY of Port Williams, Nova Scotia
  • Kitchener LANGILLE of North Glasgow, Nova Scotia
  • Stewart Rindress MACDONALD of Cape Dauphin, Nova Scotia
  • Norbert James MACINTYRE of Reserve Mines, Nova Scotia
  • Donald John MACKINNON of Sydney, Nova Scotia
  • Leo Joseph MACMULLAN of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
  • Robert Bruce MACNEILL of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
  • Marvin William MCGREGOR of West Jeddore, Nova Scotia
  • Gordon Robert MCLEOD of Toronto, Ontario
  • Harland Evender MITCHELL of East Jeddore, Nova Scotia
  • Edward John MUNRO of Quebec City, Quebec
  • Austin Havelock MUNROE of Little Dover, Nova Scotia
  • Laurie Douglas PAGE of Rawdon, Nova Scotia
  • Wilfred Joseph POWER of New Westminster, British Columbia
  • Wesley Levi ROBINSON of South Maitland, Nova Scotia
  • Louis Allan SEXTON of Saint-Jules, Quebec
  • Norman Alexander SHAW of Lochside, Nova Scotia
  • Edison Alexander SMITH of West Point, Prince Edward Island
  • William THOMPSON of Campbelltown, New Brunswick
  • Eric Herman THOMSON of Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • John Lewis WALLACE of Canning, Nova Scotia
  • Theodore George WARNELL of Jeddore, Nova Scotia

NOTE: These are not the only casualties from the Battle of Bienen, only the ones identified as being in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment.

…Want to follow our research?….

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….. Remembrance Day On The Island

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RemembranceDayHeader

November 13, 2022. Remembrance Week is always busy at our place. This year was a bit different as we gave a presentation featuring a few of the names listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, at the Legion’s Remembrance Day indoor service – prior to the placing of wreaths and crosses at the Cenotaph.

RCL Nov 11 2022 Presentation They Arent Just Names On A Cenotaph

This was the title of our presentation.

…11 photos are still to be found for the names on the Cenotaph….

There are 48 names from WWI and WWII listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion.  Unfortunately, photos for 9 from WWI and 2 from WWII have not been found.  The story of each one has been told in previous postings on this blog.

Names still without faces from WWI

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

Names still without faces from WWII

  • Leonard Stephen AVERY, born in Bedeque
  • Ernest Ramey GALLANT, born in Borden

 … We attend Remembrance Day ceremonies in Borden-Carleton and Kinkora…..

November 11, 2022 was a cool day for the Remembrance Day service at the Legion in Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island.

CIMG6027 Nov 11 2022 Borden Carleton Legion Ceremony Pieter and Danny Bernard

Pieter and Danny Bernard walk to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Borden-Carleton on behalf of the Government of Canada. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG6028 Nov 11 2022 Borden Carleton Legion Ceremony Pieter lays wreath

Pieter placed the wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada at the Cenotaph in Borden-Carleton. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG6035 Nov 11 2022 Cenotaph at Borden Carleton Legion

Flag bearers Arthur Ranahan (left) and George Palmer (right) are flanked by representatives from the Fire Brigade and RCMP at the Cenotaph in Borden-Carleton. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

In the afternoon, members of the Legion attended the Remembrance Day ceremony in Kinkora.

CIMG6039 Nov 11 2022 Kinkora Pieter and Heath MacDonald

Pieter Valkenburg with The Honourable Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque after laying a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada in Kinkora.

…Remembrance Day didn’t end with the two ceremonies!…

After we returned home in the late afternoon, cold and tired, we learned that CTV News wanted to interview Pieter during a live broadcast.  So, after a short rest, Pieter was interviewed by Todd van der Heyden of CTV news.  You can watch Military researcher identifies 200 fallen soldiers | CTV News at https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2561931

Remembrance Day may be over for another year, but Pieter’s research work continues.  If you have photos and information to share about Canadian soldiers, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

…Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog.

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information on the book, please see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

You are also invited to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ591TyjSheOR-Cb_Gs_5Kw.

© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. The Importance Of Remembrance

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RemembranceDayHeader

November 9, 2022. On November 11, we will remember the memories and sacrifices made by those who did their best to answer the call to fight for freedom.

Those who sacrificed their lives in war are not just names on a Cenotaph or buried in a war grave.  They were children, siblings, spouses, parents, friends… Each one has a story that can be told and they should not be forgotten. That’s been the goal of this research blog over the years.

…Burnie Reynaert still remembers laying a wreath as a young girl….field-of-poppies300

Burnie Reynaert still remembers her uncle Lewis Wilkieson MARSH of Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, one of 5 soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who drowned in a tragic accident on the Leda River during the Battle of Leer in Germany on April 28, 1945. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/05/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-tragic-drowning-on-the-leda-river-in-germany-part-4/)

Last year, Burnie shared the telegrams her grandmother received, first saying that Lewis was believed to have drowned, and then the awful confirmation that he had died.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/11/10/on-the-war-memorial-trail-linking-the-past-with-the-present/)

This year, Burnie shared a photo of herself as a young girl, placing a wreath in honour of her uncle.

IMG_9994 Burnie Reynaert re Lewis Wilkieson Marsh

A very young Burnie placed a wreath in honour of her uncle, Lewis Wilkieson Marsh.  (Photo courtesy of B. Reynaert)

Even today, Burnie has not forgotten her uncle’s sacrifice.

IMG_0348 Burnie Reynaert with book

Burnie Reynaert with book.  (Photo courtesy of B.  Reynaert)

field-of-poppies300…We visited the memorial in Saulnierville, Nova Scotia…

20220912_123247 Sep 12 2022 Pieter beside Saulnierville Memorial

Pieter beside the memorial in Saulnierville, Nova Scotia.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

This fall, while in Nova Scotia, we visited the memorial in Saulnierville.  Two soldiers that Pieter researched are listed on this monument.  Both are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

Joseph ‘Ambroise’ COMEAU, from Lower Saulnierville, Nova Scotia, was one of 5 soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who drowned in a tragic accident on the Leda River during the Battle of Leer in Germany on April 28, 1945.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/05/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-tragic-drowning-on-the-leda-river-in-germany-part-3/ and https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/11/10/on-the-war-memorial-trail-linking-the-past-with-the-present/)

Joseph Edmond  ROBICHEAU, from Meteghan, Nova Scotia, lost his life on April 14, 1945 near Deventer, The Netherlands, while serving with the Royal 22nd Regiment.  His story will be told in an upcoming posting.

20220912_123347 Sep 12 2022 Saulnierville Memorial WW2 soldiers inc Comeau & Robichau

The WWII tribute on the memorial in Saulnierville, Nova Scotia. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…Pieter interviewed by the Winnipeg Free Press….field-of-poppies300

20210220_111030 Feb 20 2021 Pieter with photo wish lists

Pieter surrounded by some of the photo wish lists from the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Pieter was interviewed by Kevin Rollason of the Winnipeg Free Press, about his request for help in finding photos of 12 soldiers from Manitoba who are buried in The Netherlands.  The article, ‘A name without a face’, ran online on November 4, 2022 and in the print edition on November 5, 2022. As of the date of this posting, the photo wish list remains unfulfilled. Here is the link in case you can help:  https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/2022/11/04/a-name-without-a-face

field-of-poppies300…Pieter interviewed on CTV Atlantic News At 5….

On Monday, November 7, 2022, Pieter was interviewed by Ceilidh Millar of CTV Atlantic News At 5 about the search for 4 soldiers of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who died during the Battle of Bienen on March 25, 1945.

You can read the article and watch the video.  See P.E.I. man identifying Canadian soldiers in the Netherlands | CTV News  https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/article/maritime-man-appeals-to-public-for-help-in-identifying-lost-canadian-soldiers-overseas/

The names of the soldiers mentioned in the interview were:

  1. Donald John MACKINNON, born October 8, 1925 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, son of Joseph and Catherine ( nee MacNeil) MacKinnon.
  2. Austin Havelock MUNROE, born December 2, 1919 in Little Dover, Nova Scotia, son of Edward and Minnie Munroe. He was married to Ana Elizabeth (nee Barry) Munroe.
  3. John Lewis WALLACE, born June 1, 1921 in Canning, Nova Scotia., son of William Edward and Amy Louise Wallace. He was married to Doris Avanelle (nee Crowe) Wallace. They had one son, William Lewis Wallace.
  4. Louis Allan SEXTON, son of  James E. and Ethel Sexton of Maria Est, Bonaventure County in Quebec, is also still on the photo wish list.

Incredibly, shortly after the broadcast we were contacted by Irene Doyle of Campbelltown, New Brunswick, who sent us a photo of Louis Sexton, which came from the Bay Chaleur Military Museum website.  The three soldiers from Nova Scotia are still on the photo wish list!

UPDATE: Photos of the three soldiers from Nova Scotia were subsequently received!

… ‘Il Silenzio’ to remember the fallen….field-of-poppies300

It seems fitting to end this Remembrance Week posting with music.  In a Dutch Liberation Day concert in Maastricht, The Netherlands, 13-year-old Melissa Venema, backed by André Rieu and his orchestra (the Royal Orchestra of the Netherlands), was the trumpet soloist in a haunting rendition of ‘Il Silenzio’ (The Silence). This piece, by Italian composer Nino Rossi, is based upon what we know as The Last Post. Watch

Thank you to Burnie Reynaert for sharing a childhood photo, Irene Doyle for sending the photo of Louis Sexton, Kevin Rollason and the Winnipeg Free Press for publicizing the photo search request of soldiers from Manitoba, and to Ceilidh Millar, Jayson Baxter, and CTV Atlantic News At 5 for publicizing the photo search of soldiers killed in Bienen, Germany.

If you can help with these photo requests, or have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. You can email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

field-of-poppies300…Want to follow our research?….

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 on the book, please 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 WWII Soldier From Albion Who Died During The Defence Of The Nijmegen Salient

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November 2, 2022. Once you visit a Canadian War Cemetery and place down a flag by the grave of a soldier from the province where you live, it stays with you, and makes you wonder about the young man who is buried there.  Over the years, Pieter has researched several of the soldiers from Prince Edward Island who are buried in The Netherlands, and he continues to do so. 

One of these WWII soldiers was George ‘Ivan’ MACKINNON, who was born September 16, 1917 in Albion, Prince Edward Island, the son of Wilbert and Catherine ‘Kattie’ (nee Acorn) MacKinnon (also spelled McKinnon).  Ivan’s birth record says he was born on September 16, but he recorded September 26 on his attestation form.

…The photo search began with media help….

In his quest to find a photo, Pieter contacted Charlotte MacAulay of the Eastern Graphic newspaper for help in publicizing his quest.  The article ran on September 21, 2022 and shortly afterwards, Pieter was contacted by Sandra Stephens, who explained that she had a photo.

EAG-A03-092122-K Eastern Graphic George Ivan MacKinnon with border

20221019_102847 Oct 19 2022 Pieter and Sandra Stephens

Sandra Stephens with Pieter. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

When we met, Sandra explained that “… Dad’s Aunt Chris married Nathaniel MacKinnon, Ivan’s uncle.  Their place was just up the road and we visited there…”

George Ivan MacKinnon

George ‘Ivan’ MacKinnon. (Photo courtesy of Sandra Stephens)

When Ivan enlisted with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders in Charlottetown on August 15, 1940, he was living in Montague, Prince Edward Island, and had worked on his family’s mixed farm operation for the past 10 years.

After completing his basic training, Ivan travelled to the United Kingdom with the Regiment, boarding the ship ‘Orion’ in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 18, 1941.  The ship left Halifax the next day, arriving in Bristol on July 29, 1941. Intensive training followed, in preparation for the upcoming battles in Normandy in 1944.

…Ivan survived D-Day….

The North Nova Scotia Highlanders left England for Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, after waiting in place in the English Channel on landing craft earlier.   The war diary for Sunday, June 4, 1944 noted that “…We are tied up with two other landing craft tank.   The Padre is on one, so he had a church service at 10:30 hours on the quarter deck of the middle craft…”

On June 5, 1944 the war diary recorded that “…At 14:00 hours the flotilla moved out to the open sea and formed up with the other craft taking part in the invasion…”

After landing on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, the war diary noted that the Regiment had 10 casualties – 4 killed, 6 wounded.  Ivan had survived D-Day.

…The Regiment arrived near Nijmegen…

The North Nova Scotia Highlanders fought their way through Normandy.  On July 25, 1944, during ‘Operation Spring’, a battle in Tilly-La-Campagne, France, Ivan was slightly wounded by shell fragments to his face, legs, and neck.  (See https://www.dday-overlord.com/en/battle-of-normandy/cities/tilly-la-campagne)

From France, the Regiment travelled through Belgium, and then to The Netherlands for the Battle of the Scheldt. By November 1944 they had advanced to an area near Nijmegen.

Nijmegensalient

The North Nova Scotia Highlanders were posted near Nijmegen.  (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

In ‘No Retreating Footsteps’ by Will Bird, he noted that on November 19, 1944, the North Novies would “…relieve the 7th Recce Regiment at Nijmegen Bridge…”  This was the bridge across the Waal River, a vital link to the Rhine River and into Germany.

The area known as the Nijmegen Salient had been established in September 1944, and was defended by Allied troops since then.  The First Canadian Army, of which the North Nova Scotia Highlanders were part of, was responsible for its defence between November 1944 and February 1945, when the advance into Germany began.  (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/campaigns/northwesteurope/nijmegensalient.htm)

Skirmishes with German troops were ongoing, with casualties on both sides.  On December 3, 1944, Will Bird recorded that “…temporary quarters was in the cellar of a smashed house.  Sgt Arnold Piers was in command, and along with him were Sgt Bud Tibbetts, Cpl I MacKinnon, Ptes Bill Smith, Conners, Scott, Campbell and Lantagan as well as four or five others. There was a German village 1000 yards ahead and until dark the carrier men fired at anyone who moved in the village….”  

When the men noticed activity in the nighttime and flares being sent up by the Germans, they reported it to officers at Artillery Headquarters, who ignored their observations.  Bird noted that “… the general feeling was that the carrier men, unused to such duties, were jittery…”

…Ivan lost his life during a firefight…

It turned out that the officers were wrong and the men were right to be concerned.  There were several casualties, with two who paid with their lives, in the early hours of December 4, 1944.  “…Sentries were relieved at 2:00 am…” 

Six men were resting when Sgt Piers woke them up.  “…He had sighted a raiding party of the enemy coming toward the post. Pte A. J. Campbell rushed out with a Bren gun, and fell back dead, target for a dozen bullets…” 

In the firefight that followed, the Germans “… threw grenades and overwhelmed the … small garrison as the Brens on the parapet had been left on cock and would not fire.  Daylight came shortly after…”

Ivan did not survive the attack. “…Cpl Ivan MacKinnon was seen lying out in front about 50 yards.  Pte Connors crawled out and dragged him back, but he had died, having been shot ….” 

The other casualty was Allan Joseph CAMPBELL, aged 24, son of Alex T. and Annie Campbell, of Centennial, Inverness County, Nova Scotia.

…Ivan is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek….

Ivan was initially buried in the Jonkers Bosch Temporary Military Cemetery in Nijmegen, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

CIMG3317 Oct 5 2019 Groesbeek George MacKinnon

Grave of George ‘Ivan’ MacKinnon in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Sandra Stephens for providing a photo, and to Charlotte MacAulay and the Eastern Graphic for publicizing the photo search request. If you have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. You can email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.  

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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.

Pieter Receives PEI Senior Islander Of The Year Award

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October 23, 2022. On Friday afternoon, October 21, 2022, we were invited to the Loyalist Inn in Summerside for the 2022 PEI Senior Islander of the Year Awards.  Pieter was honoured for his volunteer work, with a particular emphasis on his research to uncover the stories and photos of Islanders who served in WW1 and WW2.  

20221021_142625 Oct 21 2022 Pieter receives award photo by Mike Smith

Left to right: Hon. Matthew Mackay, Pieter, Audrey Morris.  (Photo credit: Mike Smith)

The certificate was presented by the Hon. Matthew Mackay, Minister for the Department of Social Development and Housing, and Audrey Morris, Chairperson, PEI Seniors Secretariat, in a ceremony at the Loyalist Inn in Summerside. 

2022 Sr Islander of Year Certificate 1

The PEI Senior Islanders of the Year Award certificate.

….Excerpts from some of the letters of support for the nomination….

Excerpts from some of the letters in support of his nomination included:

“….In 2015 Pieter began researching 46 names listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, and in the process was involved in adding 2 more names, for a total of 48.  He not only researched the stories, and where possible, found photos and families of the soldiers, he publicly shared these stories through the media. 

In 2017, so much research had been compiled that he and his wife Daria started a dedicated research blog, which continues to this day.  He also undertook, at his own expense, a 6 week, 7,000 km war memorial tour through 4 European countries to visit cemeteries and memorials of those soldiers he had researched that were buried there…. and those stories were shared as well. 

Pieter continues to share stories of Islanders who served, a valued and immeasurable contribution to our Island’s history. His research has led to a renewed interest in our Island soldiers, and has informed many families and communities about the service and bravery of those who served. 

His research now has expanded to include soldiers from other parts of Canada, as requests come in for help from Dutch researchers. Being Dutch Pieter has a deep gratitude towards Canadians for liberating his birth country, which drives his passion to bring to the forefront the sacrifices of those who served….”

“…Pieter, assisted by his wife Daria, has voluntarily, passionately, and tirelessly worked to research the lives of close to eighty Island soldiers killed overseas in WW1 and WW2.

Pieter’s work has brought to life the personal stories of Island soldiers who gave their lives overseas, and until now were only names on plaques. Descendants of these brave men and women, many now seniors, are greatly appreciative and moved by the commemorative work he has done on behalf of their loved ones.

Whether pouring over documents and photos, meeting families of Island soldiers killed overseas, or boarding a plane for Europe to visit war graves and memorials, Pieter persevered, often tramping through fields in search of a Canadian soldier’s grave….”

“…Heritage and in particular a passion for the Veterans of this area led Pieter into the Borden-Legion Cenotaph Project, and I emphasize the contribution Pieter made as he undertook to complete a remarkable amount of research documenting information and faces of forty-eight names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton legion, and then continuing with stories of other WW1 and WW2 soldiers from the area.  Pieter met with families of these soldiers whenever possible, linking the past with the present, visiting graves and memorials in Canada and in Europe. Pieter continues this research to this present day…”

“ … How special is it for people to bring to life the personal histories of these brave men and women from their local communities who died in service. Pieter’s work reveals his community spirit in supporting Veterans families through his continued efforts. 

Even more importantly is the knowledge that family members of these soldiers have someone who has taken the initiative to ensure the families heroes are not forgotten.  Through his thorough research it also communicates to the families many facts that they would not have otherwise known about their war heroes…”

….What are the Senior Islanders of the Year Awards?….

The Senior Islanders of the Year Awards have been presented since 2010 to celebrate the work of Island seniors in areas like volunteering, artistic achievement, leadership, mentorship, fundraising, community participation and career achievement. 

“These awards are about recognizing and celebrating the significant contributions of Island seniors, through employment, volunteerism and community activities. I cannot think of a more deserving group of Islanders to receive this honour.” – Social Development and Housing Minister Matthew Mackay

Pieter was one of six Island Seniors who were awarded the Senior Islander of the Year for 2022.  (See P.E.I. presents Senior Islanders of the Year awards for 2022 | SaltWire https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/news/local/pei-presents-senior-islanders-of-the-year-awards-for-2022-100786273/)

…Pieter with his guests….

CIMG5962 Oct 21 2022 Pieter & guests after Sr Islander Of Year award ceremony

Pieter was allowed to invite 5 guests.  From left to right: Mike Smith, the Hon. Matthew Mackay, Daria and Pieter, Annie Lee and Elmer MacDonald.  Missing from the photo: Isabel Smith.  (Photo courtesy of Valkenburg Family Collection)

A huge thank you to those who nominated and supported Pieter for this award, and to the PEI Seniors Secretariat for affirming that seniors continue to play a vital role in our society.

As his very proud wife, I was delighted that Pieter received this recognition.  I’m extremely proud of him for his incredible work in bringing history to life by telling the stories of individuals who served in WW1 and WW2. 

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

…Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEuropeDaria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats.  For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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

© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier From Glenwood Killed During The Battle Of The Delfzijl Pocket

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October 22, 2022.  In November 2014, Pieter began helping researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten to find photos of soldiers buried there who were from Prince Edward Island. It wasn’t until a year later that newspaper articles were published with stories related to Pieter’s research, and three years before this blog began.

Back in 2014, Pieter was initially sent a list of 9 names, one of which was Carman Edward GILLCASH, who was born November 6, 1916 in Glenwood.  As Carman’s story has not yet been told on this blog, we thought it was time to do so.

Photo 1 Carman Gillcash in uniform

Carman Edward Gillcash.  (Photo courtesy of Stewart Gillcash)

Stewart Gillcash submitted photos, and explained that he was the son of Carman’s brother Leland.  “…Carman Edward Gillcash, born and raised on a farm in Glenwood, Prince Edward Island in Canada, was the son of Stewart and Mae (nee Boulter) Gillcash. He had two brothers, Elton and Leland. 

Carman went to school in a one room schoolhouse not far from his home, and, as his father died when Carman was a young boy, he later worked with farmers in his community to help out at home. 

Carman and his younger brother Leland joined the army at a young age, when Leland was only 16 or 17 years of age.  Leland returned from the war, but Carman died there…”

Carman enlisted with the PEI Highlanders in Charlottetown on July 15, 1940.  In his Occupational History Form, dated April 8, 1941, Carman stated that he had been working as a fisherman for Wilfred Hickey of O’Leary.

Photo 2 Carman Gillcash on right unknown on left

Carman Gillcash, right, with unidentified soldier. (Photo courtesy of Stewart Gillcash)

… Carman 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)

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

On June 4, 1942 he was sent to Gander, and then in April 1943 he was posted to Saint John, New Brunswick.  While serving in Newfoundland, Carman was promoted twice, first to Lance Corporal, and then to Corporal.

…..Two other soldiers were in Botwood…..

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

…Carman was sent overseas….

On June 1, 1943, he was transferred to No 1 Transit Camp in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Just over a week later, along with fellow Islander James ‘Frank’ Mossey, he was on his way to the United Kingdom, arriving there on June 18, 1943, part of the Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).

On August 13, 1943, at his own request, Carman was demoted to private.  He then transferred to the Cape Breton Highlanders.  On October 24, 1943 the Regiment went to Italy.

On May 14, 1944 Carman was wounded, but returned to service two weeks later.

On February 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)

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 Regiment participated in the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket….

The Cape Breton Highlanders relieved The Essex Regiment in the area of Nijmegen, before going towards Dokkum. On April 21, 1945, the Regiment relieved the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.

The next objective was to liberate Delfzijl, which was strategically important to the Germans as it and the surrounding area had batteries with cannons to defend the coastline and the German port of Emden against Allied bombers.

The April 28, 1945 war diary entry for the Cape Breton Highlanders recorded that “…We received word from Brigade this morning that the Perth Regiment did not do so well last night on account of mines. We will likely relieve them tonight so we are to move to another concentration area this afternoon…”

The Regiment was on the move quickly in preparation to relieve the Perth Regiment.  “…At 13:50 hours the marching personnel were on the move and half an hour later the vehicles moved. Tactical HQ and B Company were set up in the town of Bierum while the remainder of the Battalion are in the area of Spijk...”

The war diary went on to report that “….At 20:00 hours the Observation Post reported very dense smoke coming from the town of Delfzijl, which is our objective. This could be caused by either demolitions by the enemy or our artillery which has been firing on that area.

At 23:55 hours ‘A’ Company moved off to relieve ‘A’ Company of the Perth Regiment. They will likely be the only Company moving tonight…”

…Carman lost his life in the wee hours of April 29, 1945….

On April 29, 1945 the war diary reported that “….The first report received from ‘A’ Company was at 01:15 hours when they called for the Medical Officer’s carrier. As the Company was going forward it was met by a large group of P.O.Ws. being escorted back by the Perth Regiment, and as they were passing each other one of the enemy stepped on a mine, killing one of our men and wounding two more…”

The fatality in the early morning of April 29, 1945 was Carman.

…Carman was temporarily buried in Wirdum…

Carman was initially buried in 15 Divisional Cemetery in Wirdum, The Netherlands.

Photo 4 Leland brother of Carman Gillcash at the gravesite

Carman’s brother Leland visited his grave.  (Photo courtesy of Stewart Gillcash)

.…Carman was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

After the war ended, Carman was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  We visited his grave twice – in 2017 and again in 2019.

CIMG3219 Oct 3 2019 Holten Carmen Gillcash

Pieter (right) at the grave of Carman Gillcash with researchers Edwin van der Wolf (left) and Henk Vincent (centre) in October 2019.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

 …A plaque commemorates Canadian soldiers who died during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket….

In 1995, the Stefanus Church in Holwierde placed a plaque to commemorate Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket.

Plaque at Stefanus Church in Holwierde

Plaque at Stefanus Church in Holwierde, The Netherlands.  (Source: https://www.tracesofwar.nl/sights/40531/Herinneringsplaquette-Stefanus-Kerk.htm)

…We had a chance to meet Stewart Gillcash….

CIMG2610 Sep 8 2018 Pieter with Stewart Gillcash at The Catch

Pieter (left) with Stewart Gillcash.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Stewart Gillcash for sharing photos and information on his uncle.  We were able to meet him in September 2018.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2018/09/11/on-the-war-memorial-trail-in-prince-county-pei/)

If you know who the unidentified soldier is in the photo, or have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. You can email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….. Other Soldiers Mentioned On The Plaque In The Church In Holwierde….

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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 on the book, please 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.

‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’ Is Not Forgotten By Readers

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October 17, 2022. We very much appreciate hearing from readers of ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’.  We love seeing the photos that you send, your feedback, and where possible, having the opportunity to meet you.

…We love meeting readers of our book!….

Janet Fitzgerald with book

Janet FitzGerald with book. (Photo courtesy of Janet FitzGerald)

Janet FitzGerald wrote to say that “….the work you two are doing is so important and amazing.  I am reading your book and loving every story in it.  May you both be blessed for the precious work you are doing….”

Janet’s uncle, WW2 airman Rowan Charles ‘Bunky’ FITZGERALD of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, was on the last flight of Halifax W1175 of the 405th Squadron when it was hit by shellfire and crashed onto a sandbank in the Wadden Sea off the Dutch coast on June 28, 1942.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/10/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-well-never-forget-uncle-bunky/)

CIMG5812 Sep 12 2022 Simone Comeau and Daria with book

Simone Comeau with book. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

We first met Simone Comeau and her sister Jacqueline in 2018 while researching a tragic drowning in which her uncle lost his life.  On a recent trip to Nova Scotia, we had a chance to meet up with Simone again.

Simone’s uncle, WW2 soldier Joseph ‘Ambroise’ COMEAU, from Lower Saulnierville, Nova Scotia, was one of 5 soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who drowned in a tragic accident on the Leda River during the Battle of Leer in Germany on April 28, 1945.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/05/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-tragic-drowning-on-the-leda-river-in-germany-part-3/ and https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/11/10/on-the-war-memorial-trail-linking-the-past-with-the-present/)

…A short interview in North Bay….

In May we were in North Bay, Ontario for an Author Talk. I was interviewed by Clarke Heipel of YOUR TV North Bay prior to the talk I gave at the North Bay Public Library in North Bay, Ontario on May 19, 2022.

The Author Talk resulted in several postings about our North Bay visit and stories of several soldiers. Each posting in the North Bay series has links to previous stories. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/07/27/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-stretcher-bearer-whose-compassion-cost-him-his-life/)

At the time we hadn’t seen the interview, so we were very happy when Don Coutts received a copy of the interview clip.

Thank you to Simone Comeau and Janet FitzGerald for taking the time to share photos and comments.  Thank you to Don Coutts and YOUR TV North Bay for sharing the interview about the presentation in North Bay, Ontario.  Photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

…..Upcoming Presentation….

  • Friday, November 11, 2022 – Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island, short presentation ‘They Aren’t Just Names On A Cenotaph’ during the Inter-Faith Remembrance Day service at the Borden-Carleton Legion. Time: Service begins at 9:55 am.

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

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