We arrive in North Bay, Ontario! (Photo credit: Don Coutts)
June 7, 2022. When we accepted an invitation from the North Bay Public Library in North Bay, Ontario to do an Author Talk, we never expected it to be such a thoroughly engaging and interesting few days. The next few postings will highlight the events, but first here are a few adventures from our travels.
Don Coutts and Pieter outside the North Bay Museum. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)
…Author Talk At North Bay-Nipissing Rotary Club….
Pieter and I were invited to the North Bay-Nipissing Rotary Club meeting in North Bay, where I gave a brief Author Talk, a prelude to the main event at the North Bay Public Library. It was interesting that after I shared our challenges in finding St Sever Cemetery in Rouen, France, in spite of (or maybe because of?) GPS, one of the Rotary Club members came up and shared his own travel challenges in getting around Rouen. It wasn’t just us!
Jonathan Jolkowski, Daria, Pieter, Kevin Smith, Don Coutts. (Photo credit: Shona Camirand)
…The North Bay Heritage Carousel….
For me, however, a stop on MY Must See list was the North Bay Heritage Carousel. Fans of Hallmark Movies will find this carousel familiar if they saw ‘A Christmas Carousel’. I was overjoyed when Don said we could not only see the carousel, but go for a ride. My reluctant Hallmark hero gamely went along, but couldn’t understand what the fuss was all about!
A ride on the North Bay Heritage Carousel made me feel like a Hallmark heroine! (Photo credit: Don Coutts)
In this very short clip from the movie preview, you can see the carousel:
Thank you to Don Coutts for guiding us around North Bay and arranging for the events we were able to participate in. More North Bay adventures are coming up in the next posting….
If you know of soldiers from the North Bay area that are buried in The Netherlands please let Pieter know. You can mail him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.
Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats. For more information seehttps://nosoldierforgotten.com/
May 31, 2022. In light of the present day events in Ukraine, the Information Centre at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands recently paid tribute to 27 known Ukrainian-Canadians buried in the cemetery.
When they asked for help to find photos of the soldiers for which none were available, or only a poor image was available, we of course said yes. My father was born in Ukraine and left shortly after his 14th birthday, one of several youths sent on an unheated cattle car in January 1941 to Germany. He was lucky. He survived the journey and the war and was able to lead a peaceful life in Canada until his death in 2012.
….Translation of Dutch placard…
Attached is a PDF of the Dutch placard (Stoepbord Oekrainse Canadezen A0) and below is a translation of the text, followed by the names of the soldiers mentioned.
“… They fought for our freedom then ~~~
Ukrainian Canadians who died for our freedom, buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.
A brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine is now sparking a war in Europe. Ukrainians desperately try to defend their freedom but are the easy targets of a ruthless aggressor. Thousands are forced to flee elsewhere to find safe shelter, warmth and food elsewhere, temporarily or perhaps even forever.
Also towards the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, many thousands of Ukrainians left their country in search of a better life. Some 170,000 of them ended up in Canada where they were offered free land to become farmers. Also around 1930 and immediately after the Second World War, a wave of refugees/expellees from Ukraine came to Canada.
At the outbreak of World War I (August 1914), Canada was on the side of the Allies. Large parts of present-day Ukraine belonged to the territory of Austria-Hungary, Germany and the Ottoman Empire, and these countries were the enemy of the Allied forces.
In Canada, at the time, there was prejudice against Ukrainians regarding their ‘race’, appearance, customs and religion. The simple fact that they came from countries with which Canada was at war meant that tens of thousands were labeled ‘enemy aliens’ and interned in labour camps.
During the Second World War, the Ukrainians were viewed completely differently. There was therefore no question that they were not the enemy, as present-day Ukraine was then part of the Soviet Union and Poland.
More than 35,000 Canadians of Ukrainian descent served in the Canadian Army during World War II. These servicemen constituted the largest group of non-British and non-French conscripts in the Canadian Forces. The soldiers were not only an integral part of the Canadian military during wartime, but also made a significant contribution to the development of Canada’s post-war policy towards displaced persons and refugees.
Many of them fought in the struggle for the liberation of Europe. We assume about 100 Ukrainian Canadians are buried in the three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands; Bergen op Zoom, Groesbeek, and Holten.
We know that at least 27 Canadian soldiers of Ukrainian descent are buried in Holten.
They fought for us back then and gave their lives….”
….Ukrainian-Canadian soldiers buried in Holten…
Elie ANTONYSZYN, died July 15, 1945, aged 22
George EWONIUK, died April 10, 1945, aged 19 (very poor photo)
Donnie P. GNUTEL, died April 29, 1945, aged 25
George FESCHUK, died April 25, 1945, aged 21
Nick FORSACHUK, died April 17, 1945, aged 21
Peter HARASYMCHUK, died April 23, 1945, aged 24
Steve HNATIW, died April 21, 1945, aged 28 (poor photo)
Harry ILASEVICH, died April 12, 1945, aged 21
John KENDZIERSKI, died January 18, 1945, aged 20
Andrew KERELCHUK, died April 19, 1945, aged 21
John KIBZEY, died April 12, 1945, aged 21
William J. KOZARICHUK, died April 20, 1945, aged 26
William W. LOTOSKY, died April 7, 1945, aged 24
Harry MACHURA, died April 23, 1945, aged 22 (poor photo)
Sam MATVICHUK, died April 14, 1945, aged 19
Steve MICHLOSKY, died April 8, 1945, aged 21
Steven J. MOTKALUK, died May 2, 1945, aged 32
Joseph PETRAK, died April 26, 1945, aged 19
Nestor PROBIZANKSI, died April 11, 1945, aged 22
John RUSNAK, died November 22, 1945, aged 21
Alexander SEREDIUK, died April 14, 1945, aged 26
Stanley SKULMOSKI, died April 24, 1945, aged 20
John SLYZUK, died April 11, 1945, aged 30 (poor photo)
Harry H. SMITH, died April 7, 1945, aged 25 (very poor photo)
Stanley WERNIUK, died April 12, 1945, aged 23
Peter WOZNIAK, died May 1, 1945, aged 21
Joseph YURKIW, died April 13, 1945, aged 21 (poor photo)
Can you help with photos or information on these soldiers? Do you know of more Ukrainian-Canadian soldiers buried in Holten? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the 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/
4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe…. Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats. Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/
May 24, 2022. In 2017, Pieter received a photo wish list from researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. There were 6 names, all serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when they lost their lives.
One of these men, Allan ‘Gordon’ COUTTS, was born January 11, 1923 in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, the son of Benjamin and Susan Coutts. During his childhood, the family moved to Olds, Alberta, where his father was a firefighter on a government experimental farm. On May 11, 1945, while monitoring the unloading of ammunition at the Sports Field in Norden, Germany, an explosion cost him his life.
Months later, in December 2021, we received an email from Gordon Kenneth ‘Ken’ Coutts in Saskatchewan, saying “…I came across your request for photos or information on family members…” of Gordon Coutts. “… I was named after him. The last of his siblings, Norman, passed away in November 2021. All that remain are 3 generations of nieces and nephews….”
Allan ‘Gordon’ Coutts shortly before enlistment in 1943. (Photo submitted by Ken Coutts and courtesy of The Coutts Family)
….Letter from Captain A. M. Harper….
Ken shared the only photo he had of his uncle, along with a letter that Captain A. M. HARPER of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders sent to Gordon’s father upon his death.
“…It is with the deepest sympathy that I write to you on the loss of your son, Sergeant Allan Gordon Coutts, who died of accidental wounds received at Norden, Germany on 11 May, 1945. Words could not express my feelings when I received the news as your son was one of the best fellows we had here in ‘C’ Company.
I can recall your son’s record with this unit quite plainly. On the seventh of September he came to us as Private Coutts….” This would have been September 7, 1944.
“…As a private, he played his part in no small way in battles that have great significance – Mount Lambert, Bavlogne, the Scheldt estuary landing – and proved his mettle so well that he received the appointment of Lance Corporal on the twelfth of October during the water and mud operation on the Scheldt.
On the fifth of November, the now well known 3rd Canadian Infantry Division N.C.O.’s School opened. Lance Corporal Coutts was one of the first ones to be recommended for the course and he did very well and received an excellent report. As a result of the school’s recommendation, your son was promoted to corporal on the 8th of January 1945.
As a corporal, he did an excellent job in Nijmegen, in the clearing operation up the Rhine and then in the crossing of the Rhine. I can remember one situation in particular that ensured the young corporal’s promotion to the rank of Sergeant. It was the crossing of the Rhine. Our task was the taking of the strongpoint of Bienen.
Casualties were extremely heavy during the attack and when we gained the first buildings, Cpl Coutts was the only NCO left with the company commander and myself. He did an excellent job there in the face of heavy odds and was promoted to Sergeant that day.
In that quiet, efficient way of his, your son carried on throughout the remainder of the campaign until the end of hostilities on May 7/8. At that time we were assigned the task of rounding up the remnants of the German armed forces, disarming them and concentrating them in specific areas.
Sgt Coutts was supervising the removal of ammunition from one when a freak accident occurred, mortally wounding him. A court of inquiry was held, but no blame can be attached to anyone because it definitely was a freak accident.
Your son never regained consciousness from the time of his accident until his death several hours later. All possible treatment was given him by our own medical officers, those at the Field Dressing Station and also those at the Casualty Clearing Station, but even modern medicine could not revive him. He died as he lived – a man well-liked, respected, and trusted by everyone.
Your son was buried in the Canadian plot of the Lutheran Cemetery at Leer, Germany, with full military honours by the H/Capt G. Cox, Protestant chaplain of the Casualty Clearing Station.…..
On behalf of the entire unit, I wish to express our sympathy in your bereavement. We have lost a tried and true friend, and a good soldier, but our loss is small compared to your loss of a son.
Sincerely yours,
A.M. Harper…”
What a wonderful tribute and summary of service for a valued soldier and friend!
….The North Nova Scotia Highlanders Wish List….
In addition to Allan ‘Gordon’ COUTTS, the other North Nova Scotia Highlanders on that 2017 photo wish list from the researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, for which photos were found, were:
Archibald Henry NELSON, born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, son of William Henry and Winnifred Frances Nelson, who lost his life on April 18, 1945, aged 32.
Thank you to Ken Coutts for sharing a photo of his uncle and the letter from Captain Harper. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.
If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following our research, you are welcome to do so. Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/
4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe…. Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats. Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information seehttps://nosoldierforgotten.com/
May 15, 2022. We very much appreciate the feedback from ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’, and enjoy seeing the photos sent in and the opportunity to meet some of you in person. We’re back on the war memorial trail…. this time in North Bay, Ontario.
…Upcoming Author Talks In North Bay….
Invitations have been received and accepted for two ‘Author Talks’:
Thursday, May 19, 2022 – North Bay, Ontario, presentation at Rotary Club of North Bay-Nipissing. Time noon.
Thursday, May 19, 2022 – North Bay, Ontario, hosted by the North Bay Public Library. Time 7:00 pm.
If you are in the North Bay area, we hope to see you!
….North Bay Area Soldiers Buried In The Netherlands….
We received lists of soldiers from the North Bay area who are buried in the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands, including a few for which no photo had been found. With the help of Don Coutts, Judie Klassen, and Shawn Rainville, headway has been made in researching these names from the photo wish lists, and families for 3 have been found.
Thank you also to Helen Vaillancourt of the Nipissing Chapter of the Ontario Genealogical Society and North Bay Public Library staff who delved into research after reading about the search for photos and families of soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands.
Shawn Rainville and Pieter Valkenburg had a chance to meet in person. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)
…Buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten…
APOSTLE of 12th Manitoba Dragoons – 18th Armoured Car Regiment. KIA 1945-Apr-16, aged 21
Albert JosephCOTE of The Algonquin Regiment. KIA 1944-Oct-05, aged 24
Herbert P. CROOME of Royal Canadian Artillery – 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment. KIA 1945-May-1, aged 27
Theodore S.DUNN of The Algonquin Regiment. KIA 1945-Apr-11, aged 30
William H. K. LOCKE of Royal Canadian Artillery – 4 Field Regiment. KIA 1945-Apr-03, aged 19
John Langford ‘Jack’WALKER of Governor General’s Foot Guards-21st Armoured Regiment. KIA 1945-May-1, aged 20
…Buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek…
Zave BROWN of Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. KIA 1945-Mar-9, aged 19
Leopold DanielBRULE of Essex Scottish Regiment. KIA 1945-Feb-19, aged 22
Cecil EdwardGOODREAU of Elgin Regiment, 25th Armoured Delivery Regiment. KIA 1945-Feb 26, aged 22
Donald O.GUERTIN of Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. KIA 1945-Mar-2 aged 27
Clifford StanleyJOHNSTON of Royal Canadian Air Force 419 Squadron. KIA 1944-Jun-17, aged 21
John Richard ‘Jack’MARACLE of 1st Hussars, 6th Armoured Regiment. KIA 1945-Mar-12, aged 19 (Maternal grandfather T. Marshall lived in North Bay)
Anthony PETTA of the Algonquin Regiment. KIA 1945-Mar-3, aged 29
…Buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom…:
Cleo Adelard SEGUIN of The Royal Regiment of Canada. KIA 1944-Sep-28, aged 24 (Wife Georgette Brousseau was from North Bay)
If you know of any other soldiers from the North Bay area that are buried in The Netherlands please let Pieter know. You can mail him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.
Pieter by the Dutch flag which was put out for Liberation Day on May 5, 2022. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)
May 9, 2022. Last year, stories of two WWII soldiers who lost their lives in this area on March 30, 1945, were told. Both Edmond COULOMBE of Manitoba and Alphonse ROBERT of New Brunswick served with Les Fusiliers Montreal and were killed on the same day.
We learned about the Gendringen connection when we were contacted by Maarten Koudijs, a volunteer researcher in this Dutch village along the German border with eyewitness accounts of how Robert and several members of his Regiment, including Coulombe, lost their lives when a shell exploded.
Missed the stories about Edmond COULOMBE and Alphonse ROBERT? See:
The Gendringen Monument was unveiled on May 6, 2022. Translation of the Dutch text: So that we never forget. (Photo submitted by and courtesy of Maarten Koudijs)
On May 6, 2022, a monument was unveiled in Gendringen, The Netherlands. Maarten Koudijs was kind enough to share some photos, and explained that “… Nearly 500 people are commemorated on this memorial.
· 23 Dutch Soldiers (from Genkoppen and Wisch) during the raid in May 1940
· 41 Canadian military personnel and Air Force crew members
· 44 English soldiers and Air Force crew members
· 167 German soldiers who fell in the former municipality of Gendringen en Wisch (now Oude IJsselstreek)
· 1 Irish aircrew member flying for the RAF
· 1 Australian aircrew member flying for the RAF
· 2 New Zealand crew members flying for RAF
· 1 American Spitfire pilot flying for RCAF….”
Note: RAF refers to Royal Air Force. RCAF refers to Royal Canadian Air Force.
Panels by the monument have QR codes which provide information, plus buttons for audio descriptions in Dutch, English, and German. (Photo submitted by and courtesy of Maarten Koudijs)
…Einar Victor Isfeld’s Son Attended the Unveiling…
Dennis Isfeld, son of Einar Victor ISFELD of the Queen’s Own Highlanders, attended the unveiling. In a short video (under 3 minutes in both Dutch and English), he was interviewed with an eyewitness, who was 11 years old in 1945.
… Canadians commemorated on the Gendringen Memorial….
Maarten identified the names of 41 Canadians, including the Regiment they were serving in at the time of death and their final resting place. “…The following Canadian soldiers were killed near the former municipality of Genkoppen. The former municipality of Genkoppen en Wisch is now OUDE IJsselstreek Achterhoek….”
Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders Of Canada:
Harry Gregory BOZAK, died March 30, 1945, aged 20, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Francis Walter Andrew GLOSSOP, died March 30, 1945, aged 28, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Einar Victor ISFELD, died of wounds April 6, 1945, aged 30, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Anton W. KOHLRUSS, died March 31, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Frederick LISSOWAY, died March 30, 1945, aged 37, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
John Graham MACFIE, died March 30, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Vincent Albert MOORE, died March 30, 1945, aged 29, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Edward Oliver OBERG, died March 30, 1945, aged 19, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
William PROW, died March 30, 1945, aged 24, buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery
Rocco Andrew SPEZIALI, died March 30, 1945, aged 26, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Bert J. THOMAS, died March 30, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Charles Joseph YOUNES, died March 30, 1945, aged 33, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal:
Roland A. BARRY, died March 30, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Joseph Paul Roland CARON, died of wounds April 5, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Edmond COULOMBE, died March 30, 1945, aged 22, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Jacques FORTIN, died March 30, 19455, aged 21, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Bernard Gaston PILON, died March 30, 1945, aged 19, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Alphonse ROBERT, died March 30, 1945, aged 21, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
South Saskatchewan Regiment:
Peter HYDICHUK, died March 31, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
James Joseph MALONEY, died March 31, 1945, buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery
Michael Joseph MCDERMOTT, died of wounds August 5, 1945, buried in Kilgobbin Burial Ground, Ireland
William SERNOWSKI, died March 31, 1945, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
8th Canadian Recce Regiment (14th Canadian Hussars):
Laurenzo DUBE, died March 30, 1945, aged 26, buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery
Leslie Albert DUCKETT, died March 30, 1945, aged 24, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
William LAWRYSYN, died March 30, 1945, aged 27, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Wilfred Charters STEWART, died March 29, 1945, aged 22, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Royal Canadian Artillery:
Ivan RayburnNILSSON, died April 1, 1945, aged 21, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Black Watch Of Canada:
Ernest George GRAHAM, died April 1, 1945, aged 29, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Robert WALKER, died of wounds April 1, 1945, aged 19, buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Royal Canadian Air Force:
Duncan Eric CAMPBELL, died June 12, 1943, aged 28, buried in Wisch (Varsseveld) General Cemetery
Ralph Perry DAVIES, died June 12, 1943, aged 24, buried in Wisch (Varsseveld) General Cemetery
James HEATH, died June 17, 1944, aged 35, buried in Wisch (Varsseveld) General Cemetery
Allan Lockwood HOME, died May 13, 1943, aged 26, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
Albert James MACLACHLAN, died June 12, 1943, aged 21, buried in Wisch (Varsseveld) General Cemetery
Hugh Columba MACNEIL, died May 13, 1943, aged 24, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
James Edward MCDONALD, died June 2, 1942, aged 26, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
Henry Augustin SHEEHAN, died May 13, 1943, aged 21, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
Frederick John SMITH, died October 31, 1942, aged 21, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
Louis-Phillipe Roma TAILLEFER, died June 12, 1943, aged 24, listed on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey, England
Milford Glen THOMAS, died May 13, 1943, aged 26, buried in Gendringen Roman Catholic Cemetery
Rudolph ZEIDEL, died June 12, 1943, aged 21, listed on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey, England
Thank you to Maarten Koudijs for letting us know about this commemoration event. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the 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/
4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe…. Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats. Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/
Caption in De Telegraaf: Pieter Valkenburg: “No soldier who died abroad during war should be forgotten.” OWN PHOTO (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)
May 4, 2022. Sometimes the unexpected happens. Last month, a search for family and photos of WWII soldiers Albert Joseph COTE and John Langford WALKER, who are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands, began.
Shortly afterwards, Pieter was contacted by Marcel Vink of De Telegraaf, a newspaper in The Netherlands. He’d read the letter to the editor. Would Pieter be willing to do an interview? Pieter agreed, and the article was published today, May 4, 2022 – which is Dodenherdenking (Remembrance Day) in The Netherlands. This day commemorates Dutch civilians and military who have died in war since the beginning of WWII. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_of_the_Dead)
Pieter Valkenburg is fully committed to fallen Canadians
by Marcel Vink
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND • It started as a helping hand, but grew into a true mission. Pieter Valkenburg has been passionately committed to giving fallen war heroes from Canada a face for years. The 78-year-old Dutchman, who lives in Canada, realizes how important it is emotionally for relatives to get clarity about their deceased loved ones, even 77 years after the Second World War.
Valkenburg worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for many years and was posted to various locations around the world, including in Ottawa.
After his retirement, he decided to continue living in the North American country with his Canadian wife Daria, where he discovered that many families often no longer know in detail what happened to relatives that didn’t come back during the Second World War. About 7600 Canadians are buried in the Netherlands who fought for our freedom.
“At the beginning of 2014 I read an article about the Canadian war cemetery in Holten, one of the military cemeteries in The Netherlands,” says Valkenburg.
“There are 1,355 Canadians lying there, and not much was known about some of them at the time. Therefore, around that time, a project was started that strived to literally find the face for every name. I find that very important myself. No soldier who died abroad in war should be forgotten.” (NOTE: there are 1,394, not 1,355.)
‘Reactions from next of kin are priceless’
Background
The native of Leerdam was captivated by the subject and delved into the matter. First in the background with only a few names, but then more and more.
Over the past five years, I have helped researchers at Canadian war cemeteries in the Netherlands in their quest to give each grave a face, and thus also a story. It is quite a puzzle, but the reactions of relatives when it succeeds are priceless. Those involved really appreciate it when they realize that they have never been forgotten. They gave their lives in the struggle for our freedom, in a country foreign to them. It’s much more meaningful when you stand by a grave to pay your respects if you know what the person looked like.”
Investigative Work
While his search was initially limited to the fallen from Prince Edward Island – the western province where he lives – he now focuses on many more areas in Canada. Valkenburg uses the old-fashioned manual search, but also uses many digital sources. (NOTE: Prince Edward Island is on the east coast of Canada!)
Relatives are often emotional about it, he noticed. After he found the family of Lieutenant Norman James Nixon – killed in the Battle of Delfzijl in April 1945, in which twenty Canadians of his regiment were killed, his son called this ‘a total surprise’. “I am immensely grateful,” said the man, who named his own son after his dead father, in tears. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/03/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww2-soldier-from-st-stephens/)
The work of Pieter and his wife Daria is highly appreciated in the Netherlands as well as in Canada. He has already received several awards. Sometimes he finds new ‘assignments’ in a miraculous way.
“Once we were at a hotel in New Brunswick Province, when a receptionist asked what we were doing. After I told about our searches, he indicated that his great-uncle had also died in the war, and that his grave should be in The Netherlands. Other than that he had no idea. I immediately got to work and found him at the cemetery in Groesbeek. I also found a photo on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.” (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/08/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww2-soldier-killed-while-lining-up-to-attend-church/)
In this way, this man also got his face back. “With these results, I say, Canadian-style: this makes my day. I’m 78 now, but as long as I can keep up with this, I will. Because there is still a lot of work to be done.”
This very proud wife thanks Marcel Vink for writing the article about Pieter and De Telegraaf for publishing it on this day of remembrance and commemoration.
If you have photos or information to share, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.
If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following our research, you are welcome to do so. Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/
4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe…. Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats. Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/
April 17, 2022. In September 2017, Pieter and I visited the village of Posterenk in The Netherlands with Edwin van der Wolf. Edwin told us how the Carleton and York Regiment came from Italy to Marseilles, France, and then made their way to The Netherlands. On April 13, 1945, they liberated Posterenk. In the process several soldiers lost their lives and were temporarily buried in the vicinity.
April 13, 2022. Posterenk windmill. (Photo submitted by Edwin van der Wolf. Photo credit: Anneke Poppenk)
The village never forgot the sacrifices and placed a memorial stone on its windmill.
Translation of memorial stone on the windmill: Posterenk freed by the Carleton & York Regiment of Canada on April 13, 1945. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)
…8 known soldiers who lost their lives in the liberation of Posterenk….
The village also prepared a list of 6 Carleton & York Regiment soldiers, who had been buried in the area, to commemorate. Unfortunately, not all soldiers who died were included.
Pieter holds the list of 6 Carleton & York Regiment soldiers temporarily buried in Posterenk in 1945. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)
Over the past few years, two more soldiers were identified: Goldwin Marven POLLICK of Minto, New Brunswick, and Daniel Peter MACKENZIE of Victoria Cross, Prince Edward Island.
…Sacrifice of Goldwin Pollick and Daniel MacKenzie commemorated in 2022….
On April 13, 2022, the commemoration of the 6 soldiers of the Carleton & York Regiment who had been buried near Posterenk was held. This year, Edwin “….read out for the first time the stories of Pte Goldwin Pollick and Cpl Daniel MacKenzie of this regiment, who were temporarily buried in Lochem because they had previously died in a Canadian hospital there….”
Edwin van der Wolf reads out the stories of Goldwin Pollick and Daniel MacKenzie. Above him, you can see the photos, left to right, of Samuel Glazier Porter, Goldwin Marven Pollick, and Frederick Joseph Tait. (Photo submitted by Edwin van der Wolf. Photo credit: Anneke Poppenk)
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion in The Netherlands and the City of Apeldoorn Pipes and Drums Band joined officials and the public for the commemoration event in Posterenk. (Photo submitted by Edwin van der Wolf. Photo credit: Anneke Poppenk)
The City of Apeldoorn Pipes and Drums Band attended the commemoration event in Posterenk. (Photo submitted by Edwin van der Wolf. Photo credit: Anneke Poppenk)
…Two soldiers commemorated in Posterenk are without photos….
Edwin advised that photos of the soldiers have been hung on the Posterenk windmill, but photos of two soldiers have yet to be found. He has asked for help to “…look for the two missing photos of Pte James Mossey and Sgt Harold Sabean for the working group in Posterenk...” Both men are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.
James Frank MOSSEY was born on April 20, 1919 in Souris, Prince Edward Island, son of William and Mary Mossey. Killed in action on April 14, 1945, aged 25.
Harold Gordon SABEAN was born on March 19 1918 in Port Lorne, Nova Scotia, the son of Saul and Susan Sabean. He was married to Josephine Marie Sabean and lived in St John, New Brunswick. Killed in action on April 13 1945, aged 27.
UPDATE: Photos of these two soldiers have been found….
Thank you to Edwin van der Wolf for sharing photos about the commemoration event in Posterenk. If you have photos or information to share, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.
If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following our research, you are welcome to do so. Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/
4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe…. Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats. Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/
One soldier, who came from an area near where Edmond Coloumbe lived, was Philip LAFORTE. With the help Philip’s niece Michelle Wazny, Diane Dube of the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum in St.-Georges, and genealogy researcher Judie Klassen, a photo was found, as was information on his Métis roots.
Philip was born September 12, 1911 in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, the son of Napoleon and Rosalie (nee Mainville) LaForte. His mother’s Métis status meant that Philip too was Métis.
A trapper before he enlisted in Winnipeg with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles on July 31, 1941, Philip was married to Eva Jane (nee Johnston) and they had one son, Felix Joseph. Another son, Donald Philip, was born shortly after he enlisted. Philip had previously been married to Sarah Louise Bird, who had died of tuberculosis. Their son Leon was brought up by his grandparents, Mr and Mrs Joseph Daniels, of Sagkeeng First Nation.
Philip Laforte. (Photo courtesy of the Laforte family)
Philip’s service file noted that he was fluent in English, French, and Cree, and had trapped furs for the Hudson’s Bay Company, and worked as a bush labourer for Brown and Rutherford.
As a new recruit, Philip was sent to Fort William (now part of Thunder Bay), Ontario for two months of basic training. Then he was attached to the Infantry Advanced Training Centre (Rifle) in Winnipeg, Manitoba..
On December 12, 1941, he became part of the 3rd Division Infantry Reinforcement Unit (DIRU) as a Rifleman, and was on his way to the United Kingdom, arriving on December 23, 1941.
On May 28, 1942, Philip was transferred to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. Still in the United Kingdom, he was taken on strength to the #1 Educational Company on November 1, 1942, and stayed in that unit until February 1943, when he was transferred to the #2 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).
…. Philip is involved in the liberation of North-West Europe….
On April 12, 1943, Philip was reassigned to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. On September 1, 1944 he arrived in France as reinforcement for troops lost during the Battle of Caen and the Battle of Falaise Gap.
He participated in the fight to clear the Scheldt Estuary to allow the re-opening of the Antwerp harbour. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Scheldt) By January 1945 the Royal Winnipeg Rifles were in The Netherlands, and spent the New Year in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
On February 1, 1945, the war diary recorded that the Regiment was informed of the part that the men “…would play in Operation Veritable…” This would take them into Germany. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable) The Regiment arrived in Millingen, Germany on February 9, 1945.
By February 16, 1945 the Regiment was based in Essen, Germany, as they cleared German positions in flooded areas of the Rhine flood plain and the Reichswald forest, which is close to the Dutch-German border.
On March 11, 1945 the Regiment began moving back towards ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands and the greater battle towards liberating the country.
A short video produced by the Canadian Army gives an idea of what troops faced in this period:
….The battle for Deventer involved crossing the Schipbeek ….
Movement of Canadian troops towards Deventer. Note that all first had to cross the Schipbeek. (Map provided by Edwin van der Wolf)
On April 7, 1945 the Royal Winnipeg Rifles were ordered to cross the Schipbeek and establish a bridgehead as preparation for an assault on the city of Deventer by the 7th Canadian Brigade.
Crossing the Schipbeek was vital to the success of the bridge operation, not an easy feat as the Bridge was strongly defended by the Germans.
Unfortunately, one of the casualties during the events of April 7, 1945 was Philip Laforte, and it seems most likely that he lost his life during the crossing of the Schipbeek.
Along with 45 other soldiers, he was temporarily buried beside an estate in Oxe, which had been the site of the murder of Dutch resistance fighters.
On April 6, 1945, just before the Schipbeek, Royal Winnipeg Rifles troops arrived at an estate in Oxe (Oxerhof). This had been taken over as Gestapo Headquarters, but had been hastily vacated ahead of the Regiment.
In January 1946, all 46 Canadian soldiers were reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.
Grave of Philip Laforte in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. (Photo courtesy of the Information Centre Canadian Cemetery Holten)
…The Colmschate Memorial commemorates 46 Canadians….
On April 8, 2015, a memorial was placed in Colmschate to commemorate the 46 Canadians who had been temporarily buried on the Oxe estate.
Memorial in Colmschate, commemorating 46 Canadians, including Philip Laforte. (Photo courtesy of Edwin van der Wolf)
Text of Memorial in Colmschate, commemorating 46 Canadians, including Philip Laforte. (Photo courtesy of Edwin van der Wolf)
Translation of the Dutch text was prepared by Pieter Valkenburg:
They Gave Their Lives
The liberation of Colmschate
During their advance from the Achterhoek, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, the Regina Rifle Regiment, and the Canadian Scottish Regiment, led by Brigadier General T G Gibson reached the neighborhood of Oxe on Friday April 6, 1945. Next to the house on the Oxe estate (Oxerhof), the liberators discovered the bodies of ten Dutchmen who had been murdered in cold blood by the occupiers the day before. The Canadians passed the Schipbeek via a quickly struck bailey bridge, which replaced the destroyed Swormertoren Bridge.
Despite heavy German resistance, they continued north. Many farms went up in flames and houses were badly damaged. Many families sought refuge in the already liberated Oxe. Some residents lost their lives.
On April 8, 1945, the liberators captured (a small part of) the Snippeling, Colmschate, and the Bannink. Via the Vijfhoek they reached the Crödden Bridge over the Overijssels Canal. Schalkhaar and Deventer were then liberated and with the help of the Queen’s Own Rifles the remaining part of the Snippeling.
Many Canadians lost their lives in the battle in this area. In April 1945, the bodies of 46 fallen Canadians were buried in a temporary resting place opposite the Oxerhof house. In January 1946 they were transferred to the Canadian Cemetery in Holten (Plot I and II).
…..Philip is listed on the National Métis Veterans Memorial Monument….
Thank you to Philip’s niece Michelle Wazny, Diane Dube of the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum in St.-Georges, and genealogy researcher Judie Klassen. It can be a challenge to find family and photos, and we appreciate the help we receive! If you have photos or information to share, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the 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/
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 seehttps://nosoldierforgotten.com/
Brien Robertson reads the book. (Photo credit: Moira Robertson)
Brien and Moira Robertson wrote “…We received No Soldier… today and have been reading it ever since. Such a wonderful journey telling of your travels and memorializing those lost in the tragedy of wars. And here we go again, thinking about what could happen in Ukraine. Reading the book brings home the thought that all wars are really civil wars. Lives lost for nothing.Great job telling the story so not to forget those lost. We are proud to be your friends….”
Mindy Patrick and Daria with the book. (Photo courtesy of Valkenburg family collection)
Mindy Patrick wanted a book for her father, a veteran who served in the US Coast Guard.
Don and Nora Coutts at the North Bay Public Library in Ontario. (Photo taken by Brad Jacobs)
Don Coutts, nephew of WW2 pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART, who is featured in the book, explained he ordered copies for himself and for the North Bay Public Library in North Bay, Ontario, where his wife Nora is Head of Children’s Services and Deputy CEO.
Alexander Tuinhout of the Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation: Original comment in Dutch: “…We hebben het boek “No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten” besteld en inmiddels ook al uit Canada ontvangen. Hoewel we nog geen tijd hebben gehad om alles te lezen is de eerste indruk voortreffelijk! Zo’n publicatie is een monument op zich en zeker een felicitatie waard!…”
(English translation by Pieter: “…We ordered the book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’ and have already received it from Canada. Although we haven’t had time to read everything yet, the first impression is excellent! Such a publication is a monument in itself and certainly worth congratulating!…”)
The Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation organized the memorial panel to honour Elmer Bagnall MUTTART and the crew of Halifax L9561. During the events in October 2019, Alexander gave a presentation on the crew and what happened on October 12, 1941. You can watch part of his presentation in the documentary made about the events.
Henk Vincent, a volunteer at the Holten Cemetery Information Centre, with the book. (Photo courtesy of H. Vincent)
The work done by the Holten Cemetery Information Centre to remember Canadian soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands is ongoing. Pieter is one of the volunteers helping with photo wish lists for a digital archive. (For more information on the Info Centre, see https://www.canadesebegraafplaatsholten.nl/en/home/)
Alan McIvor, nephew of WW2 Flight Officer Joseph ‘Joe’ Charles McIver, wrote a book on his uncle’s service. (Photo courtesy of A. McIvor)
Alan McIvor wrote “…Congratulations on your book, “NO SOLDIER BURIED OVERSEAS.” Good work. I am sure it was a labour of love but lots of work, research, writing and editing…”
Alan’s uncle, WW2 Flight Officer Joseph ‘Joe’ Charles MCIVER of Kinkora, Prince Edward Island, was one of the names listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion – the research project that launched this blog.
Daria visits with Susan and Charlie Choi. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)
Last fall, Charlie CHOI, who was 4 years old when the Korean War started in June 1950, shared his memories in a 3 part series. If you missed these postings, please see:
Thank you to everyone who sent in comments and photos with themselves with the book, and for your support. Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.
Thanks to the amazing talents of Wendy Nattress, who does the post-production editing for the On The War Memorial Trail YouTube Channel, we have a book website: see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/. The website has a book description, preview pages, and ordering information.
Wendy also prepared a short book trailer…
…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/
4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe….Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats. Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/
February 23, 2022. One of the wonderful things about this blog is hearing from readers and receiving additional information on stories that have been previously posted. After a YouTube video in which a photo of Donald Charles MACKENZIE of Springhill, Nova Scotia was included, we received an email from Bruce MacEachern.
The video ‘In Remembrance’ that Bruce referred to was done by Pieter to thank those who contributed photos and stories of WW2 soldiers who are buried overseas in 2021. You can watch it here:
Bruce wrote us that “…Lt Donald MacKenzie is my uncle on my mother’s side. Uncle Donald’s wife, my Aunt Mary, was my Mom’s sister. I was very glad to see the picture of Uncle Donald in your video. I sent a copy of the picture, and video link, to Johan Schansker, who raised a memorial in his town of Loppersum, The Netherlands, to Uncle Donald and 6 other Canadians who fell, fighting to liberate his village….”
….The Loppersum Memorial….
The Loppersum Memorial. (Photo submitted by Bruce MacEachern)
The 7 names listed on the Loppersum Memorial. (Photo submitted by Bruce MacEachern)
The Loppersum memorial, unveiled in May 2020, honours 7 soldiers from the Royal Winnipeg Rifles who were initially buried in the General Cemetery in Loppersum in April 1945. All 7 were subsequently reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.
Lt Donald MacKenzie and Rifleman WillieDANIELS, both of whose stories have been told on this blog, are 2 of these 7 men. Both served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and lost their lives on April 22, 1945 near Appingedam, The Netherlands at the very beginning of the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket. (For more information on the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket, see https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/delfzijlpocket.htm)
….Newspaper article about the Loppersum Memorial…..
Bruce sent us a newspaper article, in Dutch, about the unveiling of the moment in May 2020. The article is included below in Dutch, along with an English translation provided by Pieter.
Article about the Loppersum Memorial. (Article submitted by Bruce MacEachern)
Translation of Dutch newspaper article by Pieter Valkenburg:
“Canadian Monument Unveiled
On Monday a memorial was unveiled for seven Canadian soldiers who were temporarily buried in the General Cemetery in Loppersum.
On behalf of the historical society, Johan Schansker took the initiative for the monument.
These 7 Canadians gave their lives for our freedom. One was killed during the battle to liberate the village, the others were killed in the surrounding area.
With this monument we want to honour their memories, according to Schansker.
The monument is a maple leaf made of weathering steel, on top of which is attached a stainless steel plate with the stylized maple leaf of the Canadian flag, The names of the seven soldiers from the Royal Winnipeg Rifles have been engraved on this plate. (For a description of weathering steel, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weathering_steel)
The picture shows the unveiling of the monument by Johan Schansker, assisted by his son Tijs.”
The memorial is a wonderful tribute. Kudos to Johan Schansker for initiating it.
Bruce noted that “….My family and friends very much appreciate the efforts of yourself, Johan and others in remembering our Canadian soldiers. Thank You so much…”
…Missed the postings of two soldiers listed on the Loppersum Memorial?…
Here are the names of the other 5 men from the Royal Winnipeg Rifles that are listed on the Loppersum Memorial….
Rifleman Raymond Arthur HEAMAN, son of Jerry and Ellen E. Heaman, of Hargrave, Manitoba. Died April 22, 1945, age 27.
Rifleman William James ‘Jimmy’ Sutherland HOLE, grandson of William and Eva Alice Hole, of St. James, Manitoba. Died April 22, 1945, age 18.
Rifleman Anton Michael SALMI, son of Jacob and Maria Salmi, of Nolalu, Ontario. Died April 21, 1945, age 31.
Lt Cyril Douglas SHARMAN, son of Henry and Gertrude Sharman, of St. Vital, Manitoba; husband of Ada M. Sharman, of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Died April 23, 1945, age 33.
Rifleman Francis William WELBURN, son of Charles and Winnifred Welburn, of Winnipegosis, Manitoba. Died April 20, 1945, age 20.
Thank you to Bruce MacEachern for letting us know about the Loppersum Memorial. Do you have photos or stories to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.
If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so. Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/
4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe….Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats. Net proceeds of book sales help support research costs and the cost of maintaining this blog. For more information see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/
Daria’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/
On The War Memorial Trail Research Project........ with Pieter and Daria Valkenburg 