On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Soldier From O’Leary Who Lost His Life During Operation Churchill

April 18, 2024August 26, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

April 18, 2024. In August 2019, Alice van Bekkum, Chair of the Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, sent Pieter a list of soldiers from Prince Edward Island who are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

One of the names for which a photo was missing was that of Ralph Kenneth SILLIKER, born October 16, 1917 in O’Leary, Prince Edward Island, the son of Watson and Ruth Silliker.

Pieter began his research and within a few weeks received a photo from Watson Silliker, Ralph’s nephew.

Ralph Kenneth Silliker. (Photo courtesy of Watson Silliker. Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

….Ralph’s working life began in childhood….

It soon became clear that Ralph’s working life began in childhood. His father Watson had began the first oil delivery business in 1922, according to ‘Threads of the past: a history of O’Leary, Prince Edward Island, 1837-1922’, published by the O’Leary Women’s Institute.

“…The Silliker family – Watson, Ruth, and their children Ralph, Iva, Lloyd, and Lorne – manually pumped the kerosene and gasoline from the railway tank cars, which held over 8,000 gallons each, into the storage tanks….”

This was not an easy business to be in! “….By truck in summer and sleigh in winter, sparse quantities of gasoline and liberal quantities of kerosene in 45 gallon drums were delivered to stores and homes around the countryside….”

The entry in the O’Leary history went on to note that “….when Ralph was eight years old, he drove a team of horses to places such as Portage, Glenwood, Campbelltown, and Bloomfield...”

….Ralph enlisted in 1943….

When he enlisted with the No. 6 District Depot in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on May 13, 1943, Ralph was working as a truck driver in O’Leary, and was married. He and his wife Ada Blanche were the parents of two daughters, Sylvia Ruth and Opal Irene.

Ralph was sent for basic training at No. 62 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. On August 14, 1943, he was seconded to the A27 Canadian Reconnaissance Training Centre – Camp Dundurn, in Dundurn, Saskatchewan. This was a major training centre and transit point for personnel going overseas.

However, not long after arriving at Camp Dundurn, he returned to Prince Edward Island after being granted ‘compassionate family leave’ on September 7, 1943 – without pay and allowance – until December 14, 1943. In October 1943 he had been transferred to ‘P’ Wing at the No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, but due to the compassionate family leave being extended twice he was not on duty in Halifax until his leave ended.

Ralph returned to A27 Canadian Reconnaissance Training Centre in Camp Dundurn on January 11, 1944, where his training resumed. On March 31, 1944 he qualified as a Driver Wheeled Class III. This meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars.

….Ralph left Canada for overseas service….

In May 1944 Ralph was given embarkation leave, the last time he would see his family, as on June 27, 1944 he was on his way to the United Kingdom. Upon arrival on July 3, 1944, he was assigned to No. 1 Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit (CACRU).

On August 12, 1944, Ralph was assigned to the Canadian Infantry Corps (CIC) as part of the Canadian Fusiliers and his position changed from trooper to fusilier. On September 17, 1944, Ralph embarked for France as part of X-4 Reinforcement list of the Canadian Infantry Corps.

….Ralph was assigned to the Lake Superior Regiment….

On October 7, 1944 he was transferred to the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor), part of the 21^st Army Group, joining them as the Regiment advanced through France, Belgium and the south of the Netherlands.

Ralph was in the Regiment at the same time as Harry DAVIS of Yukon Territory, whose story has previously been told. See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/09/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-only-yukon-territory-soldier-buried-in-holten/

Henk Vincent, one of the research volunteers at the Cemetery Information Centre in Holten, The Netherlands, explained that during the “… the winter of 44/45, the Lake Superior Regiment, together with other Canadian regiments, was tasked with guarding the northern front line, in this case the Maas River. ….”

Most of February saw the Regiment based in the ‘s-Hertogenbosch area as they continued their patrols in the surrounding area.

….The Battle of Hochwald Gap was a fierce tank battle….

Screenshot 2024-04-16 at 11-06-16 Google Maps

Map shows location of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Kleve, Hochwald, Xanten, and Groesbeek. (Map source: https://www.google.ca)

On February 21, 1945, the Regiment began moving towards Germany for the upcoming Operation Blockbuster, which would begin at dawn on February 26, 1945. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

The February 21, 1945 war diary entry noted that “…in the afternoon the men were told of our future role and intentions in Ops Blockbuster….”

On February 22, 1945, the war diary recorded that “…the companies spent the day making final preparations for the move into Germany tonight…” By 2:00 am in the early morning of February 23, 1945 the Regiment had arrived at their initial position in the Reichswald Forest, just over the border from The Netherlands. The next afternoon the Regiment moved to Kleve.

On March 1, 1945, the war diary for the Lake Superior Regiment recorded that instructions had been received for “…the assault on the Hochwald Forest Gap….” This attack was codenamed Operation Churchill.

Clearing the very narrow Hochwald Gap was a difficult task, given that the weather was anything but cooperative. An early thaw meant that the tanks got bogged down in mud, making them ‘sitting ducks’ for German troops who were positioned to pick them off, one by one. Troops had no choice but to press on, as the Battle of Hochwald Gap, part of Operation Blockbuster, was the final push towards the Rhine River. (See https://the-hochwald-gap.project44.ca/)

….A video shows how the Battle of Hochwald Gap was fought….

A 46 minute YouTube video on the Battle of Hochwald Gap explained the fierce battle that took place. Watching it made it clear to us that it was a miracle that anyone survived at all, a testament to the determination and courage of those who were in the midst of it.

….Ralph lost his life during Operation Churchill….

March 2, 1945 was a “…cold, blustery day with several snow flurries…” according to the war diary. The after-action report on Operation Churchill noted that the Regiment “…had been fighting already since the 26^th of February. Little sleep was had and the Motor Companies had been holding the general line for 24 hours without food….”

They’d last eaten on February 28 due to the ground being “…impassable to all vehicles…” and “…incessant shelling by the enemy….”

The men may have been tired, cold, and hungry, but there was still a battle to be fought. By the end of the day, “…the south of the Gap bore the signs of intense shellfire – the ground pitted, scarred, and torn by fire of all kinds. The trees in the gully were cut to ribbons. The houses were heaps of rubble….”

A burial party the following day went out onto the battlefield to look for casualties, and recorded how they were found. “…Further back where two Kangaroos had been knocked out as they lunged across an enemy trench, two more Lake Superior men lay dead. Pte Carriere, F. had been shot through the head as he was de-bussing. Another, Pte Silliker, R. K. was killed as he raced to take up the first position…..” Dutiful and responsible to the end, Ralph lost his life at the age of 27 during the March 2, 1945 battle.

Private Frank CARRIERE was the son of Emma Carriere of Elm Creek, Manitoba, and the brother of Rifleman William Joseph CARRIERE, who had lost his life on June 8, 1944 while serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

NOTE: Kangaroo is the nickname given to a Canadian armoured personnel carrier (APC) during the WWII, which was created by converting a tank chassis. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo_(armoured_personnel_carrier))

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

Ralph was temporarily buried on March 6, 1945 in Xanten, Germany before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

CIMG9016 Sep 16 2017 Groesbeek Cemetery grave of RK Silliker by Daria

Grave of Ralph Kenneth Silliker in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Watson Silliker for sharing a photo. Thank you also to Henk Vincent for additional information on the patrols made along the Maas River. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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/

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier From Barney’s River Who Lost His Life During The Battle of Groningen

April 12, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

April 12, 2024. One of the biases faced by many soldiers during the war was the perception that an excellent education would result in an intelligent and capable leader of those in battle. This was not always the case, unfortunately, and often an otherwise obvious candidate for promotion into an officer rank was not chosen, solely based on his early educational background.

In researching the story of Joseph Taylor MACLEOD of Barney’s River, Nova Scotia, Pieter encountered a well-respected, capable, and intelligent man, who was rightfully promoted several times. However, due to having left school after completing Grade 5, he did not rise as high in rank as he might have if he had been a high school graduate. What he did achieve during his military service is a testament to what can happen when promotions are based on merit.

….Joseph enlisted with The Pictou Highlanders….

Screenshot 2024-03-22 at 12-32-28 Avondale Station

Map shows Avondale Station, Nova Scotia, where Joseph Taylor MacLeod was born. (Map source: http://www.mapcarta.com)

Born November 11, 1914 in Avondale Station, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Joseph Taylor MACLEOD was the son of Robert and Ella Margaret MacLeod. He was the youngest in his family and had 5 brothers and 1 sister. Two of his brothers also served during WWII.

When Joseph enlisted with The Pictou Highlanders in Mulgrave, Nova Scotia on August 5, 1940, he was married and living in Barney’s River, Nova Scotia. He had left school at age 13, after completing Grade 5, and was working as a tallyman in a sawmill for Robert Gillis. He’d also worked as a truck driver for his father, a butcher, for several years.

His Personnel Selection Record noted that Joseph enjoyed playing baseball, hockey, and softball, and liked to read about history.

….Joseph’s son Cyril provided a photo….

On September 10, 1935, Joseph had married Irene Elizabeth McGregor and they had 4 children. One son, Cyril Raymond, kindly provided a photo of his father when Pieter contacted him.

Joseph Taylor MacLeod van zoon Cyril MacLeod

Joseph Taylor MacLeod. (Photo courtesy of Cyril MacLeod)

….Joseph was in the Intelligence Section of The Pictou Highlanders….

After completing basic training, Joseph took advantage of training opportunities, such as a chemical warfare course in January 1941 in Long Branch, Nova Scotia. He qualified as a Motorcyclist Class III on May 5, 1941. On October 6, 1941, he was promoted to Lance Corporal, and was assigned to the Intelligence Section under Major Manning, Intelligence Officer for The Pictou Highlanders, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

A month later, he was promoted to Lance Corporal, and then, in April 1942 to Corporal. On June 1, 1942 he was promoted again, to Lance Sergeant. All this time he worked in the Intelligence Section of The Pictou Highlanders.

….Joseph was temporarily assigned overseas….

On June 2, 1942, Joseph was sent overseas as a NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer), serving as Acting Platoon Sergeant with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada until September 21, 1942. He was then posted to the NETC (Non-Effective Transit Depot) until October 7, 1942, when he was transferred back to Canada.

On November 1, 1942, he returned to The Pictou Highlanders and was sent to the No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, before being transferred to Sussex Camp in Sussex, New Brunswick.

On March 16, 1943, he was sent to Newfoundland as Acting Platoon Sergeant. He continued taking training, completing a Junior Leaders Course in Gander from May to June 1943.

Joseph’s lack of higher education, which was attributed to the distance he lived from school, would eventually hinder his chances at further promotion. While in Newfoundland he was recommended for a commission – which would mean he would become an officer – but his education level “…spoiled his chances…” according to his Personnel Selection Record.

On August 22, 1943, he returned from Newfoundland and was assigned to Debert, Nova Scotia. Upon his return, Joseph had been told that his rank as Acting Platoon Sergeant was to be confirmed, but then bad luck intervened when the 7^th Division was disbanded.

On October 1, 1943, Joseph was sent to No. 1 Transit Camp in Windsor, Nova Scotia, in preparation for overseas service.

….Joseph left Canada for overseas service….

On November 26, 1943, Joseph left Canada for the United Kingdom, arriving on December 1, 1943, and assigned to No. 7 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU). He arrived in the United Kingdom as Lance Sergeant, but was then reduced to Corporal.

In a December 14, 1943 interview to update his Personnel Selection Record, the interviewer noted that Joseph felt “…somewhat let down by the non-confirming of his rank in Canada, in view of his long and varied service and qualifications, but has decided to take it philosophically…”

A listing of qualifications noted that Joseph qualified as a Driver I/C (Driver, internal combustion), and Motorcyclist Class III (MCIII), Assistant Quartermaster Instructor (AIQI), and Chemical Warfare Q2.

The Personnel Selection Record continued by recording that Joseph “…liked his work with Intelligence Section Pictou Highlanders, but could not carry rank of Lance Sergeant there, so was obliged to become Acting Platoon Sergeant…”

On March 22, 1944, with the rank of Corporal, Joseph was transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. In May 1944, he requested to revert to the rank of Private.

Joseph remained with the North Novies in the United Kingdom until July 24, 1944, when he was sent to France as part of the 21^st Army Group. Now a Private, he was transferred to the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (nicknamed The Rileys) on July 27, 1944.

….Joseph was wounded during the Battle for Clair Tizon….

Map with location of Clair Tizon. (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

On August 12, 1944, the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry was ordered to advance towards Clair Tizon, France. At a small crossroads near the abandoned hamlet of Barbery, they encountered fierce German resistance as they moved through wheat fields.

The German counterattacks were an attempt to hold the Falaise pocket, but by dusk the Germans withdrew. The Canadians had won, but at a cost of 20 soldiers killed and 100 wounded. (See http://canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/clairtison.htm)

Among the wounded was Joseph. He was admitted to the 43^rd Battalion General Hospital, and then the 110^th Battalion General Hospital. He didn’t return to his Regiment until October 2, 1944.

On October 18, 1944, he was promoted to Lance Sergeant. On January 7, 1945, he received what would be his final promotion – to Acting Sergeant.

….As the Rileys travelled towards Groningen they were attacked by the Dutch SS guarding a concentration camp….

Screenshot 2024-03-20 at 11-47-11 Groningen - Westerbork route planner - journey distance time and costs – ViaMichelin

Map shows route taken by the RHLI as they moved from Westerbork towards Groningen. (Map source: http://www.viamichelin.co.uk)

An excerpt from Semper Paratus: The History of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) 1862-1977 by Kingsley Brown, Sr, Kingsley Brown, Jr, and Brereton Greenhous, recorded that “…the RHLI crossed the Ijeselson Canal by a small foot bridge on April 10 and, moving quickly on tanks and Kangaroos, reached the outskirts of Groningen within two days. At this point the battalion again became the spearhead for 4^th Brigade and 2^nd Division…”

A description of the fight that followed noted that “…. ‘it took more than a day for the Battalion to fight its way into Groningen’ John Lisson recalled. ‘The Germans were not only firing light arms, but blasting us with four-barreled flak guns. They had developed a nasty technique of firing at the glazed tile roofs of the buildings and bringing them crashing down on top of us. The tiles would fly off in sharp fragments just like shrapnel’….”

As if this wasn’t enough to deal with, the Rileys had encountered members of the Dutch SS who had been guarding the Westerbork concentration camp, who “…were fighting desperately because they had nothing to expect but the firing squad if they were caught…” (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westerbork_transit_camp)

….Joseph was killed by sniper fire during the Battle of Groningen….

After travelling from Westerbork to Assen and then on towards Groningen, the War Diary for the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry for April 13, 1945 stated that by 4 pm they had arrived “…approximately one mile from Groningen, our final objective. Tactical Headquarters was set up in a farm house while the Companies continued to their objective in the town. The opposition in this sector was increasing, consisting mainly of medium machine gun and small arms fire…”

The Battle of Groningen would not be an easy victory. (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/groningen.htm and https://library.mcmaster.ca/battle-groningen-april-1945)

Conditions had deteriorated by the evening of April 13. “…Word was received that the forward elements are meeting serious resistance in the form of small arms fire, road blocks, and mines….”

At the same time as over 100 prisoners of war began surrendering, sniper fire continued. By 8:30 pm, the War Diary entry stated that “…we have suffered several fatal casualties from snipers…” Among the casualties was Joseph.

….Joseph is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

Screenshot 2024-03-20 at 16-29-08 53.205625168048 6.5339885049894 156A Peizerweg Groningen GR - MapQuest

According to the GPS coordinates provided at the time, Joseph was initially buried beside what is today the Peizerweg in Groningen. The black circle marks the spot. (Map source: Mapquest)

On April 15, 1945, Joseph was initially buried beside a road in Groningen, before being reburied the following year in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Grave of Joseph Taylor MacLeod in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. (Photo courtesy of the Information Centre Canadian Cemetery Holten)

….Sam Matvichuk also died during the Battle of Groningen….

Sam MATVICHUK, whose story was previously told, also lost his life during the Battle of Groningen, while serving with the Royal Regiment of Canada. You can read his story here: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/08/19/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-born-in-broadacres-who-died-during-the-battle-of-groningen/

Thank you to Cyril MacLeod for sharing a photo of his father, Henk Vincent for sharing the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry War Diary for April 1945, and to David Ryan for sharing an excerpt from Semper Paratus: The History of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) 1862-1977.

Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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/

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier From Manitoba Who Died Shortly After Being Liberated From Stalag VII-A

February 18, 2024August 30, 2025 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 4 Comments

February 18, 2024. A few years ago, we translated ‘Holtense Canadezen’, Jan Braakman’s book about some of the soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands, which was published in English in October 2023 as ‘Holten Heroes: Stories from a Canadian Field of Honour’. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/11/01/new-book-about-soldiers-buried-in-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-holten-the-netherlands/)

One very sad story related how 6 newly liberated prisoners of war – 5 Canadians, 1 Australian – died after accepting what turned out to be alcohol containing methanol from liberated Soviet prisoners of war.

The story resonated as my father, who had been in a displaced persons camp in Post-WWII Germany, had told me of similar stories. Refugees who had survived the war, many under brutal conditions, died or became blind after drinking alcohol that contained methanol (methyl alcohol) or alcohol made in containers that had once held gasoline, oil, and other substances. Only a few sips could result in death or permanent disability.

One of the six soldiers, whose story was not told in ‘Holtense Canadezen’, was on the photo wish list from Holten – James ‘Jimmy’ Oliver THOMAS, born July 4, 1912 in St. Peters, Manitoba, the son of Henry ‘Harry’ Curtis James and Margaret Thomas.

Screenshot 2024-02-15 at 12-28-03 St. Peters

Map shows location of St. Peters and Hodgson in Manitoba. (Map source: http://www.mapcarta.com)

St. Peters was an area familiar to me as childhood summers were spent in Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg and we travelled often in that direction from Winnipeg, which was just a bit further south.

Jimmy’s parents left St. Peters in the fall of 1912 and moved to Hodgson, where Jimmy grew up with his siblings – 7 brothers and 1 sister.

The Peguis First Nation, whose members are of Ojibway (Saulteaux) and Swampy Cree (Maškēkowak) descent, is nearby, and the Thomas family has its roots here. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peguis_First_Nation)

….Jimmy’s niece provided a photo….

James ‘Jimmy’ Oliver Thomas. (Photo courtesy of the Thomas Family)

In the search for a photo, Pieter was in contact with Theresa Cooper, daughter of Jimmy’s brother, Rodney Thomas, one of two brothers who also served in the Canadian Army during WWII in addition to Jimmy. The photo was emailed to us by Theresa’s son, Rodd Cooper. “…Thank you for your work and recognition in honouring him and the other Canadian soldiers….” Rodd wrote.

….Jimmy was hard-working and versatile….

After his father died in 1925, Jimmy left school at the age of thirteen to help out at home. He spent 6 years working on the family farm, 2 years as a mechanic in a garage in Virden, Manitoba, 6 years in a hard rock quarry in Ontario and Manitoba, plus casual labour wherever he could find work. In his Estate Form, his mother noted that he “…would look for a job anywhere he could make good money…”

By the time Jimmy enlisted at the No. XI District Depot in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 21, 1943, he was working as a plumber’s helper for a plumbing and heating company based in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, in a wartime housing project.

The interviewer for Jimmy’s Personnel Selection Record noted that he had “…above average learning ability….” and that his “…occupational background indicates versatility and adaptability. Has been farmer, garage mechanic, fisherman, and latterly miner…”

The Record went on to describe Jimmy as having a “….robust appearance…” and that he was “…of quiet nature but self-confident and unhurried…”

Among his hobbies and interests, Jimmy “…played hockey. Enjoys hunting and fishing. Can swim. Doesn’t dance. Reads true detective stories. Attends movies…”

….Jimmy’s military career began in British Columbia….

On June 3, 1943, Jimmy was sent for basic training at No. 110 Canadian Army Basic Training Camp (CABTC) in Vernon, British Columbia. After completing basic training, he was transferred to A16 Canadian Infantry Training Camp (CITC) in Calgary, Alberta on August 4, 1943.

At the beginning of October 1943, Jimmy was given a week’s embarkation leave, the last chance he had to visit his family before being sent overseas.

On November 3, 1943, he left Calgary when he was transferred to No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia.

On December 15, 1943, Jimmy left Canada for the United Kingdom, arriving on December 21, 1943. He most likely had been on the same ship as Eli Ambrose SNAKE. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-eli-ambrose-snake/) While Jimmy was assigned to No. 1 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU), Eli was sent to No. 3 CIRU.

…Jimmy joined the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in Italy….

On February 19, 1943, Jimmy was sent to Italy as part of the Allied Armies In Italy (AAI) and assigned to the 2 Battalion X-4 Reinforcement. Then, on May 5, 1944, he was transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.

The Regiment had finished in Ortona and continued to move north, fighting through the Liri Valley. Next, the Regiment received orders to work with other Regiments to break through the Hitler Line, the Germans’ second defensive line. (See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler_Line and https://liri-valley.project44.ca/)

Screenshot 2024-02-18 at 09-56-04 Liri Valley

Placement of troops for breaching the Hitler Line on May 23, 1944. (Map source: https://liri-valley.project44.ca/)

On May 22, 1943, the War Diary for the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada recorded that at 4 pm, “…the Commanding Officer received orders from 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade that Seaforth Highlanders of Canada would attack the Adolph Hitler Line… The attack was ordered for 0600 hours 23 May 1944. The PPCLI to attack on right, Seaforths on left, Edmonton Regiment reserve to exploit through PPCLI….” (PPCLI refers to Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry.)

A fierce battle occurred the following day. The War Diary recorded that by 7:30 pm “…it was now apparent that the Adolph Hitler Line had been broken. The enemy were in full retreat, jamming the roads with his transport, which provided a good target for our Air Force…”

…Jimmy became a POW during the breaking of the Hitler Line….

The war diary noted that there were many casualties: 51 killed, 110 wounded, and 72 missing. Among the missing was Jimmy Thomas, who became a prisoner of war and taken to Stalag VII-A in Moosburg, Germany, where he was recorded as POW number 131885. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalag_VII-A and https://www.pegasusarchive.org/pow/S7A/cSt_7A_Description.htm)

32898f4eaba6b4904152e84b63f6f18e--bavaria-vii

Entrance to Stalag VII-A. (Photo source: Moosburg Online)

Stalag VII-A was captured on April 29, 1945 by Combat Command A of the 14th Armored Division of the US Army. (See https://www.moosburg.org/info/stalag/14theng.html) Jimmy and his fellow POWs couldn’t believe how lucky they were, after all the hardships they had experienced. Reports stated that 110,000 Allied POWs were freed from that camp alone.

The POWs were now free, but with the war still ongoing, it was impossible to evacuate all of them immediately. They were instead moved west in large groups and placed in temporary transit camps while they waited impatiently to be transported out of Germany.

Unfortunately, there were not enough planes to quickly transport them to Reims, France, and from there to England. So they waited for their turn.

…A drink containing methanol proved fatal….

On May 1, 1945, Jimmy was in a temporary camp in Ettringen, Bavaria, Germany, along with other former prisoners of war. A translated excerpt from Jan Braakman’s ‘Holtense Canadezen’ related what happened that day. “…Canadians John Decoine, Robert Consterdine, Joe Giguire, Steven Motkaluk, James Thomas, and Australian Joe Brydon could not believe their luck when they were liberated by the Americans ….. The six met a group of Russian prisoners of war near Ettringen (Bavaria), who apparently had a large amount of liquor at their disposal….”

The men were unaware that they were being offered liquor that contained methanol, which was fatal for all six. “…Captain C.T. Sutherland wrote a report for the Department of National Defence about the incident …. According to him, on May 1, on the street in Ettringen, the Canadians had been given alcohol by members of a Russian labour command. (The prisoner of war camp had numerous labour commands, consisting of prisoners of war of different nationalities)….”

Most likely, the Russians were not aware that the alcohol had been poisoned. “…British prisoner of war Tom Tate, who was captured in Germany in early 1945 after his Royal Air Force bomber was downed, said that Russian prisoners of war had found and binged on methylated spirits on the estate (Ost-Ettringen). He recalled two Russian prisoners of war who died of it and more who had severe symptoms of poisoning….”

…Jimmy died on May 2, 1945….

Captain Sutherland’s report did not include the names of Steve Motkaluk and James ‘Jimmy’ Oliver Thomas, who had both been in Stalag VII-A in Moosburg. They had been taken to the US Hospital in Thannhausen, Germany. Both men died on May 2, 1945.

A medical report for Steven Motkaluk stated that the amount of alcohol he’d drunk was only 1 pint (2 cups). Likely Jimmy had drunk the same amount or less.

The other 4 men had been under the care of British physician John “Sandy” Rutherford, a former prisoner of war himself.

It was a sad ending to soldiers who had endured so much during the war and their time in a POW camp. During the investigation into this incident and others involving the poisoning of Allied soldiers, the Canadian Intelligence Service “…managed to obtain an October 1944 document from the Kriminaltechnisches Institut der Sicherheitspolizei (Forensic Institute of the Security Police), describing the various possibilities of deliberate poisoning. One of these was the addition of methyl alcohol (methanol) to bottled drinks. It is conceivable that the prisoners of war were victims of this practice….”

…The other 5 victims of methanol poisoning….

In addition to Jimmy, the other 5 victims of methanol poisoning were:

· Robert James CONSTERDINE of Vancouver, British Columbia, died May 2, 1945

· John DECOINE of Wabaska, Alberta, died May 1, 1945

· Joseph ‘Joe’ August GIGUIRE of Conklin, Alberta, died May 3, 1945

· Steven MOTKALUK, of Toronto, Ontario, but born in Lviv, Ukraine, died May 2, 1945

· Joseph ‘Joe’ William BRYDON of Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia, died May 2, 1945

….Jimmy is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

Along with Steven Motkaluk, Jimmy was initially buried in the US Military Cemetery in Reutti, Germany, before being reburied in the British Military Cemetery in Durnbach, Germany. Then, on June 4, 1948, they were reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Grave of James ‘Jimmy’ Oliver Thomas in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

…..Jimmy is listed on the National Métis Veterans Memorial Monument….

Jimmy is listed on the National Métis Veterans Memorial Monument just outside of Batoche, Saskatchewan. (See https://www.metismuseum.ca/metisveteransmonument/)

His name can be found on Column 8 on the outside, Row 67. (https://www.metismuseum.ca/metisveteransmonument/column.php?v=XCHRVC)

….Thomas Esker in northern Manitoba is named in Jimmy’s honour…..

Screenshot 2024-02-21 at 08-38-47 Thomas Esker

Thomas Esker is named in honour of James ‘Jimmy Oliver Thomas. (Map source: http://www.mapcarta.com)

Thomas Esker in northern Manitoba, east of Tadoule Lake, was named after Jimmy in 1995. This mountain has an elevation of 246 metres (807 feet). (See https://mapcarta.com/24676318)

Thank you to Theresa and Rodd Cooper for providing a photo of James ‘Jimmy’ Oliver Thomas, to Shawn Rainville for helping with the initial newspaper search for family and information, to Judie Klassen for finding the geographic commemoration in ‘A Place Of Honour’, and to Jan Braakman for researching the May 1, 1945 incident in which 6 men lost their lives.

Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Trooper From Rexton Who Lost His Life Three Days Before His Birthday

February 3, 2024February 24, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

20230918_094802 Sep 18 2023 Rexton village sign

Stanley McBeath’s family lives in Rexton, New Brunswick. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

February 3, 2024. When Pieter looks for family of a soldier whose name is on a photo wish list for one of the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands, he never knows what to expect. After he decided to research Stanley Leigh MCBEATH, whose family lived in Rexton, New Brunswick, Pieter wrote to St. Andrews United Church in Rexton and also called the minister. He did that after finding a newspaper article about a Memorial Service held in August 1945 for Stanley and another WWII soldier from Rexton, James Edward SULLIVAN.

Shortly after his inquiry, Pieter received a call from Janice Little, who explained that she was Stanley’s niece, daughter of his sister Audrey, and yes, she had a photo.

…Stanley enlisted in 1939….

Stanley McBeath Coloured improved_photo(27)

Stanley Leigh McBeath. (Photo courtesy of the McBeath Family. Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

Born April 24, 1916 in Peter’s Mill, Kent County, New Brunswick, Stanley was the eldest son of Richmond Noble and Lilly Victoria (nee Peters) McBeath. Before enlisting with the 15^th Heavy Battery of the 3^rd (New Brunswick) Coast Brigade in St. John, New Brunswick on September 12, 1939, Stanley had been working for two years for H. Gauvin, who owned a garage in Rexton. He also helped his parents on their farm. In his Occupational History Form, he indicated an interest in remaining in the army after the war ended.

After completing his basic training in St. John, Stanley was sent to Halifax to complete a Range Finders course. A Range Finder was a key piece of equipment, used in machine guns, to measure distances to remote objects, and required expertise and skill to operate. Soldiers selected for this specialist training were machine gunners, or mortarmen, with good eyesight and an elementary knowledge of mathematics. Stanley completed this course on April 20, 1941.

…Stanley served with the 108^th Battery as part of Atlantic Command….

On May 15, 1942, Stanley was transferred to the 108^th Battery and posted to Ives Point, Nova Scotia. The battery was part of Atlantic Command, whose role was to strengthen and administer home defence facilities on Canada’s Atlantic Coast.

Screenshot 2024-01-30 at 12-44-04 Ives Point

Location of Ives Point. (Map source: https://mapcarta.com)

…Stanley was in Goose Bay as a gunner with an anti-aircraft battery….

Atlantic Coast Defences during WWII. (Source: https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/Canada/CA/SixYears/maps/SixYears-1.jpg)

On October 15, 1942, Stanley was posted to Goose Bay, Labrador, temporarily attached to 30^th Anti-Aircraft Battery. (NOTE: Newfoundland and Labrador became part of Canada on March 31, 1949.)

Canada had built a massive air base at Goose Bay, Labrador as an alternative to Gander for transatlantic operations. This base became operational in late 1941. (See https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/politics/goose-bay-base.php) The bases at Gander and Goose Bay were vital links in the ferrying of military aircraft to Britain. Anti-aircraft crews were part of coastal defence.

Stanley remained in Goose Bay until July 23, 1943 when he was posted to Gaspe, Quebec, and reassigned back to the 108^th Battery. On November 26, 1943 he was sent to Shelburne, Nova Scotia for further training.

…Stanley qualified as a Canadian Armoured Corps Operator….

On April 18, 1944 Stanley was transferred to No. 1 Transit Camp in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Not long after that, on May 17, 1944, he was posted to No. 1 Canadian Armoured Corps Training Regiment (CACTR) in Borden, Ontario for additional training. On October 7, 1944 he was qualified as a Canadian Armoured Corps (CAC) Operator.

Then, in preparation for overseas service, Stanley was assigned to No. 1 Canadian Armoured Corps Trained Soldiers Regiment (CACTSR), still in Borden, Ontario.

…Stanley left Canada for overseas service….

On November 25, 1944 Stanley left Canada, arriving in the United Kingdom on December 5, 1944, where he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit (CACRU).

On December 10, 1944, Stanley wrote a letter to his Aunt Janie McBeath, the sister of his father, who was a nurse in New York. He gave his impression of England and noted the differences he saw for Christmas, which would be in two weeks.

“…Suppose that over in the US and Canada everything is taking on the holiday season, but here there is nothing at all. But considering what this country has been through, I suppose it is a wonder it still exists. What has impressed me most is the sense of great age and changelessness (if there is such a word) – wars may come and go and times may have great changes, but this island goes on undisturbed by it all…”

While in the United Kingdom, Stanley was temporarily attached to No. 2 Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit (CACRU) while he took a gunnery course, which he completed on January 9, 1945.

…Stanley left the United Kingdom for Northwest Europe….

On March 24, 1945, Stanley was assigned to the X-4 Reinforcement list of the Canadian Armoured Corps as a Gunner Operator ‘C’ of the 9^th Battalion and sent to North Western Europe.

On April 1, 1945 he was assigned to the 28^th Canadian Armoured (British Columbia) Regiment, joining the Regiment in Germany as it travelled along the road between Calcar and Kleve, and crossed the Rhine River.

By April 3, 1945 the Regiment had crossed the border back into The Netherlands, near Lochem, for a few days before returning to Germany.

In a letter to his Aunt Janie, written on April 7, 1945, Stanley mentioned an experience in The Netherlands. “….Seen a show under kind of odd surroundings the other nite (sic.. night) – it was put on with a Dutch cow barn used as a theatre. But the cattle didn’t seem to mind…. At any rate the smell was familiar to me….”

Stanley went on to explain that he was in a Regiment. “…Belong to a unit now – not a bad outfit but don’t know any of them. It’s taken a long, long time to get this far but am getting nearer the goal of ’39 all the time…” Stanley was referring to 1939 when he enlisted for active service.

The Regiment reached Oldenburg, Germany on April 10, 1945 and the war diary daily reported encountering fierce resistance from the Germans.

The Battle for the Küsten Canal near Friesoythe and the advance slightly northwards towards Edewecht resulted in many casualties. Just after midnight on April 17, 1945, Stanley was in ‘B’ Squadron as the Regiment’s tanks supported the Algonquin Regiment during the first crossing of the Küsten Canal in assault boats. (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/kustencanal.htm)

On Friday, April 20, 1945, the war diary entry for the 28^th Canadian Armoured (British Columbia) Regiment noted that “… ‘B’ Squadron was still under command of the Algonquin Regiment…” and had moved to the location of the Regimental Headquarters between Friesoythe and Edewecht.

…Stanley lost his life on the road between Friesoythe and Edewecht….

Screenshot 2024-02-01 at 13-05-30 The Coordinate Translator

Map shows the location where Stanley McBeath lost his life, using the coordinates from the war diary of the 28th Canadian Armoured (British Columbia) Regiment. (Map source: Google maps)

The war diary entry for Saturday, April 21, 1945 for the 28^th Canadian Armoured (British Columbia) Regiment: “…Weather mild and warm….. ‘A’ Squadron remained under command of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada and worked troops up with the forward infantry…. Lt Warmald was wounded and only two tanks of his troop reached their objective. Another tank of ‘A’ Squadron was bazooked…” Troops were sent to “…assist infantry in the evacuation of the wounded…”

Somehow, in the confusion Stanley was initially reported missing, but later it was confirmed that he had been mortally wounded and died on April 21, 1945, three days before his 29th birthday.

Stanley’s parents received a telegram from the Department of Defence on April 30, 1945, informing them that Stanley was missing. This was followed up with a May 3, 1945 telegram saying he was ‘officially killed in action on April 21, 1945’.

…An error by the Director of Records left Stanley’s family with false hope….

However, on May 7, 1945 the Moncton Times newspaper published a list of soldiers from New Brunswick who had been liberated from prisoner of war camps, and among the names was Stanley Leigh McBeath!

You can imagine the confusion, mixed with hope, for the McBeath family. Richmond McBeath, Stanley’s father, wrote to the newspaper and asked where the information came from. In a May 10, 1945 letter to the Department of Defence’s Director of Records, Richmond noted the response he got from the Moncton Times, saying that “…in their reply, they said ‘The Canadian Press’ which got the information from the Director of Records…”

Richmond quite correctly stated that “…we do not understand this and ask for prompt confirmation or denial of your telegram of May 3…”

On May 14, 1945, Richmond received a telegram from the Director of Records, confirming that Stanley had died on April 21, 1945, as per the May 3, 1945 telegram. “…Trooper McBeath’s name was erroneously released to the press as a liberated prisoner of war, but appeared on the official casualty list dated 10^th May as killed in action…”

An apology was also provided. “…Sincerely regret the anxiety caused by the release of your son’s name as a liberated prisoner of war in error…” It was small comfort for a family left in limbo for several days, hoping to hear that Stanley was alive.

….Stanley is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

Stanley was initially buried in the Temporary Canadian Military Cemetery in Friesoythe, Germany before being reburied on March 9, 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Grave of Stanley Leigh McBeath in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

….We met Stanley’s nieces….

20230918_104650 Sep 18 2023 Pieter with Janice Little & Gail McBeath

Janice Little (left), Pieter, Gayle McBeath (right). (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

In researching Stanley’s story, we were delighted to have the opportunity to meet Janice Little and her cousin, Gayle McBeath, who is the daughter of Stanley’s brother Harold.

In both of his surviving letters to his Aunt Janie, Stanley had mentioned that he hadn’t seen his brother Harold, who was with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment. Janice and Gayle told us that they did have a chance to talk to each other – two days before Stanley passed away.

20230918_100300 siblings of Stanley McBeath from Janice Little

Stanley’s surviving siblings. Standing left to right: Helen, Audrey. Seated, left to right: Harold, Dorothy. (Photo courtesy of the McBeath Family)

Janice and Gayle shared a photo of Stanley’s surviving siblings, and explained that the houses they themselves live in were part of the family farm where Stanley had grown up.

20230918_111450 Sep 18 2023 View from the street Stanley McBeath grew up on in Rexton

View from the street where Stanley grew up. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Stanley’s parents never forgot their son, ensuring his name was engraved on their gravestone. Janice and Gayle took us to visit the grave at the St. Andrews United Church Cemetery in Rexton.

20230918_112949 Sep 18 2023 Stanley is listed on his parents grave at St Andrews United Church Cemetery in Rexton NB

Stanley is listed on his parents’ grave at St Andrews United Church Cemetery in Rexton, New Brunswick. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Janice Little and Gayle McBeath for sharing photos and information. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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/

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The Successful Search For A Photo Of WWII Soldier Thomas Alfred Brown Left Us With A Mystery

January 25, 2024January 28, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

January 25, 2024. Even when Pieter needs a break from extensive research, he still likes to test his detective skills. Last year he decided to help the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands find photos of a few soldiers for which research had already been done, but no photo had been found. A relatively simple project, you might think – but although he has now nudged past 319 successful photo searches, we’ve learned that it isn’t.

One of the soldiers whose photo search he undertook was that of Thomas ‘Tom’ Alfred BROWN of Altario, Alberta. Born October 20, 1924, Thomas was the son of George Stuart and Alice Brown. (You can read Tom’s story here: https://www.facestograves.nl/LifeStories/BROWN%20Thomas%20Alfred-JLE-bio-EN.pdf )

….Tom lost his life during the Battle of Moyland Wood….

Grave of Thomas Alfred Brown at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

While serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Tom lost his life on February 17, 1945 during the Battle of Moyland Wood in Germany. He was 20 years old. (See https://legionmagazine.com/clearing-moyland-wood/)

Norman Victor Holgate BUCHANAN, whose photo search story was told last year, had lost his life one day earlier in the same battle, while also serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/11/08/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-monument-in-st-claude-led-to-a-photo-of-a-wwii-soldier/)

….The search for a photo of Tom began with a Letter To The Editor….

When no family could be readily found, Pieter submitted a Letter To The Editor in a newspaper covering the Altario area – the East Central Alberta Review – and his letter was published on April 27, 2023.

Letter to Editor ECA Review

The very same day that the newspaper was published, we received an email from Eleanor Kreiser, with an attached document, explaining that “…. I saw your request in the paper. This is the Brown info in the Pioneer Heritage history book. Book 2, 1981. My husband used to live in Altario. My husband’s mother and six siblings were also born in Altario….”

Brown brothers, Altario 2 corrected by Pieter

Tom Brown with his sister Mary. (Photo source: Pioneer Heritage Book 2. Pioneer Heritage of Altario, Compeer, Kirriemuir and Burnbrae, Published by Wheatsheaf Women’s Institute, 1981)

The book excerpt included a photo of Tom and his sister Mary, along with a short writeup contributed by Mrs L. H. Walker. “….Thomas Alfred Brown was born in Altario on November 20, 1924. He took all of his schooling in Altario. After leaving school he worked for Bob Kewley and for Bert Caldwell. Tom was a great lover of horses. One of the things I remember about him the most was his coming home at night on his horse, singing one of Wilf Carter’s songs….”

The excerpt ended with a bit of family history. “….Tom’s father died when Tom was still very young, and his step-father, Lester Walker, passed away in August of 1975. Thomas has one sister, Mrs. Alice Mary Robbins (nee Brown) of Flatbush, and a half-sister, Mrs. Marion Stewart (nee Walker) of Ohaton….”

…. Tom’s family provided photos and information….

Pieter was next in contact with June Beier, whose mother was Tom’s sister Mary, and with Ken Stewart, whose grandmother was Tom’s mother. Both provided more information and photos.

IMG-3254 Photo of Tom Brown from Ken Stewart

Thomas Alfred Brown. (Photo credit: Courtesy of the Family of Thomas Alfred Brown)

…. Tom’s last letter was written two days before his death….

With the help of her granddaughter, Shaylyn Beier, June shared the last letter received from Tom, written on February 15, 1945, two days before he lost his life, and which arrived after his death.

Feb 15 1945 letter from Tom Brown ENVELOPE

Envelope poignantly marked as ‘Tom’s last letter’. (Letter courtesy of the Family of Thomas Alfred Brown)

In the February 15, 1945 letter to his mother, Tom noted that he was in ‘D’ Company of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. “…I guess it is about time I wrote to you. I have been pretty busy in the last few days and so I did not get time to do any writing at all….” Left unsaid was that Tom and his Regiment had been heavily involved in Operation Veritable in Germany, part of a pincer movement to cut into Germany in order for Allied troops to advance towards Berlin. The Regiment had just moved into Kleve, Germany. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable)

Tom wrote that he had sent some money home in previous letters, and after asking about his mother’s health, assured her that he is “…nothing but the best and aim to stay that way…” He explained that he had received a parcel from his aunt and advised that “…all I mostly need is writing paper and envelopes…”

Sadly, Tom lost his life two days later, and was temporarily buried around Calcar, Germany before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands a year later.

A March 8, 1945 letter to Tom’s mother was written by Major Latimer Hugh DENISON, his commanding officer. “…Corporal Brown’s presence is missed by the entire company. He was a fine and gallant soldier and you may well be proud of him, as we are, for the man’s part he has played in helping to win this war….”

He went on to write “…please rest assured that you are not alone in your hour of trial – gallant comrades once known are never forgotten…” Major Denison lost his own life on March 30, 1945, during the battle for Emmerich, at the age of 24, and is also buried in Groesbeek.

…. A September 1947 letter left us with an unsolved mystery…

image_6487327(1) man at Tom Browns original gravestone in Groesbeek

Man believed to be H. P. J. van Loon at Tom Brown’s original grave in Groesbeek. (Photo courtesy of the Family of Thomas Alfred Brown)

We thought this would be the end of Tom’s story, but there was another mystery, which up to now we have been unable to solve. June shared another letter, written in September 1947 by an unidentified relative still in the Army, who signed his letter as Tom. He wrote that he had visited Tom Brown’s grave in Groesbeek. Tom’s letter was written on the stationery of a schoolteacher (onderwijzer) from Groesbeek, H. P. J. van Loon, and he explained that Mr. Van Loon had taken photos of graves at the cemetery.

Ken Stewart had a photo of a man beside Tom Brown’s grave, and as the man was in a suit, not in a military uniform, it’s believed this is Mr. Van Loon. When we asked Ken if he knew anything more, he said that “….My grandmother said Thomas stayed with a Dutch family in Holland when he had time off and was planning to marry one of the daughters when the war was over. So this may be the father of that family. I do not know for sure…”

We sent the letter and photo to friends who live in Groesbeek, in the hope that they might be able to find out more, but up to now, they too have been stymied. If you recognize the man in the 1947 picture by Tom Brown’s grave, please let us know.

June Beier with her husband Edward. (Photo credit: Courtesy of June Beier)

Thank you to Joyce Webster, Publisher of ECA Review, for publishing Pieter’s Letter to the Editor, and to the family of Thomas Brown for sending photos and information – June Beier, Shaylyn Beier, and Ken Stewart. Thank you to Eleanor Kreiser for sending the Brown family information from the Pioneer Heritage book.

Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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/

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier From Feltzen South Killed During The Attack On Weener

January 21, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

January 21, 2024. After Pieter noticed that four names on the photo wish lists from the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten had lost their lives on April 24, 1945, and that all four were with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment – 2 from New Brunswick and 2 from Nova Scotia – he began to investigate what had happened that day.

Nine men from the Regiment died during the Attack On Weener in Germany. Pieter decided to research all four soldiers and was able to find family and photos for two. Unfortunately, while family was found for the other two soldiers, there were no photos. Those two soldiers ended up on our Cold Case List when all other research possibilities were exhausted. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/our-cold-cases/

In the last blog posting, the story of François ‘Frank’ GUIMOND was told. See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/01/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-st-louis-killed-during-the-attack-on-weener/

….The search for a photo of Sydney was successful….

The photo search for Sydney Guy MOSHER of Nova Scotia was ultimately successful. After quite a bit of research, Pieter was able to get in contact with Shirley McIlmoyl and John Gosling, the children of Sydney’s sister Myrtle Gosling, and it was John who had a photo of their uncle. John’s son John sent us a photo.

Sydney Guy Mosher. (Photo courtesy of the Gosling Family)

Sydney was born August 22, 1914 in Feltzen South, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, the son of James Roger and Ida Selena (nee Spindler) Mosher. He was one of four children, and had a brother and two sisters.

…. Sydney enlisted in the fall of 1943….

On August 9, 1941 he married Olive Sarah Copeland in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. When he enlisted on October 19, 1943 at the No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he was working as a meat cutter for J. A. Leaman Co. Ltd., a wholesale business, in Halifax.

Sydney was sent to No. 60 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC) in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia for basic training on November 19, 1943. Then, on January 23, 1944, he was assigned to A14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) in Aldershot, Nova Scotia.

On March 25, 1944, Sydney had embarkation leave until April 7, the last time he would see his family before leaving Canada.

He sailed to England on April 30, 1944, and upon arriving on May 7 was assigned to No 4 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU). Coincidentally, he arrived there on the same day as James ‘Jim’ Andrew MACLEOD of New Brunswick, whose story was previously told. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/11/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-killed-by-mortar-fire-when-his-brother-was-two-years-old/)

On June 1, 1944 he was transferred to the 12^th Battalion, Canadian Base Reinforcement Group (CBRG) for a very short period before being sent to the 11^th Battalion of the 21^st Army Group and the unallocated list for the North Nova Scotia Highlanders on June 12.

…. Sydney left the United Kingdom in July 1944….

On July 22, 1944, he left for France, joining the Regiment as part of a reinforcement group. He remained with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders until October 20, 1944, when he was transferred to the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment. Both Regiments were in Mollekot, a rural area on the Belgium/Dutch border at the time, for the tail end of the Battle of the Scheldt. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Scheldt)

The War Diary for the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment for October 19, 1944 noted that at 5 pm they were ordered to replace the North Nova Scotia Highlanders of 9^th Brigade. “…We were to take charge at first light. The Battalion moved to IJzendijke for the night…”

Sydney was with the Regiment as they moved deeper into The Netherlands, fighting near the Bergsche Maas River at Kapelsche Veer. In February 1945, the Regiment moved into Germany, fighting in the Rhineland, the Hochwald, before returning to The Netherlands.

On April 3, 1945, the Regiment was back in The Netherlands for the liberation of Zutphen, on the east bank of the IJssel River, an attack that began on April 6, 1945 and ended on April 8. Canadian and Polish troops then worked until April 19, 1945 to liberate the Dutch towns of Heino, Meppel, and Makkum.

…. Sydney’s Regiment was ordered near Weener to relieve Polish troops….

On April 20, 1945, the Regiment’s war diary reported new orders, requiring them to advance 140 km (87 miles) back into Germany, to relieve a Polish Armoured Division near Weener. “…We are to take over from the Poles on the night of April 21…”

On April 23, 1945, the Regiment’s war diary reported that the “…plan is for North Shore to capture Weener….” The Attack on Weener began. “…At 1045 hours C Company reported sniper fire was bothering them and the road was cratered. The tanks were trying to get around the crater. At 1100 hours enemy were reported … and a heavy gun was firing… At 1245 hours C Company and the tanks were moved back a short distance to allow the artillery to engage a road block which was now holding up our progress …”

After encountering quite a bit of resistance, the Regiment noted that “….by 1800 hours all companies were on objectives and were taking prisoners of war from houses and cellars…. A total of 103 prisoners of war were taken from the town. These were identified as Kriegsmarine fighting as infantry…” Kriegsmarine was the navy of Nazi Germany.

…. Sydney lost his life on April 24, 1945 ….

Screenshot 2024-01-16 at 18-10-13 The Coordinate Translator

The distance between Weener and Leer is 11 km (7 miles). The red marker shows where the carriers were attacked, according to the map coordinates provided in the war diary. They were 3 km from Weener and 8 km from Leer. (Map source: Google maps)

The war diary entry for April 24, 1945 was not as positive. The Battalion was unsure if the bridge over the Ems River to Leer was intact and sent out a reconnaissance party to check it out. This was important information needed for the upcoming push to Leer a few days later.

“…This morning at 0900 hours a battle group consisting of A Company mounted on the Carrier platoon were sent to recce the bridge to see if it was intact, but ran into heavy enemy fire… It was found the enemy was using a new device for mining the roads, which had not been encountered before…The first two carriers passed over the mined area, but the third was blown up and created a crater approximately 40 feet by 20 feet…”

All on board of that third troop carrier were casualties. Things got worse as two German self-propelled guns then opened fire and a second carrier took a direct hit. Among the casualties was Sydney Guy Mosher, dead at age 30.

…. It turned out the bridge to Leer no longer existed ….

In ‘Fields of Valour’ by Ken Smith, it was noted that soldiers had been killed trying to locate a bridge that was no longer there. Lives might have been saved if information from air surveillance had been received.

Smith wrote that “….the attack on Weener was supposed to be an easy affair using ‘A’ Company, but ‘C’ Company had to be brought in to outflank the enemy, as ‘A’ Company was attempting to take the Leer bridge when a carrier was lost to a mine with casualties. At the same time several dreaded 88 guns began firing. The men were pinned and Typhoons had to be called in to finally silence the big guns.

The whole affair was useless as the Leer Bridge was already out of commission, with the attack costing the lives of men, mostly by mines or shelling….”

Either an Allied strike took out the bridge or the Germans had blown it. Given that the area was mined, it suggests that it was the Germans who had blown up the bridge to delay the Allied advance.

….Other soldiers from the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment who lost their lives on April 24, 1945….

Besides Sydney Guy Mosher and Frank Guimond, those who were killed on April 24, 1945 included:

Private Emile Joseph ARSENEAULT of Lewisville, New Brunswick, age 22
Private Ronald Burton DOHERTY of St. John, New Brunswick, age 19
Private Wallace Herbert LARLEE of Perth, New Brunswick, age 19 (on our Cold Case List)
Private Andrew MEEHAN of Hammondvale, New Brunswick, but born in Ireland, age 21
Private Owen Burton MILLER of Deseronto, Ontario, age 21
Private Francis Leslie MULCAHY of Halifax, Nova Scotia, age 21 (on our Cold Case List)
Private Edmund SAMPSON of Cannes, Nova Scotia, age 30

….Sydney is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

Sydeny was initially buried on April 26, 1945 “…in front of the school…” in Niew Schans, “…about 4 miles southwest of Weener…” before being reburied the following year in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Grave of Sydney Guy Mosher in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

Thank you to John Gosling Sr, John Gosling Jr, and Shirley McIlmoyl for ensuring we received a photo of Sydney Guy Mosher.

If you can help with photos for two other soldiers killed on April 24, 1945 who are currently on the Cold Case List, please let us know. The names: Wallace Herbert LARLEE of Perth, New Brunswick, and Francis Leslie MULCAHY of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or 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/

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Soldier From St Louis Killed During The Attack On Weener

January 13, 2024November 27, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

January 13, 2024. This past summer, Pieter noticed that four names on the photo wish lists from the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten had lost their lives on April 24, 1945, and all four were with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment – 2 from New Brunswick and 2 from Nova Scotia. What had happened that day?

We soon learned that nine men from the Regiment died during the Attack On Weener in Germany. Pieter decided to research all four soldiers and was able to find family and photos for two. Family was found for the other two, but, as occasionally happens, there were no photos. Those two soldiers ended up on our Cold Case List when all other research possibilities were exhausted. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/our-cold-cases/)

Thanks to the efforts of two cousins, Irene Caissie and Maria Mazerolle, the first photo found was that of François ‘Frank’ GUIMOND, born April 15, 1919 in St. Louis, Kent County, New Brunswick. He was the son of Théodore and Marie Leona (nee Doucet) Guimond. Frank had 5 brothers and 5 sisters, which helped in finding living family members who might have a photo.

…. Frank’s niece provided a photo….

Frank’s photo was delivered in person by his niece, Maria Mazerolle (nee Guimond), who stopped by while on her way to the Sea Glass Festival in Souris, Prince Edward Island. She explained that she was “….the eldest daughter of Frank’s brother Alcide, who served in Italy during WWII and died at the age of 52….” Alcide and his wife Margaret (nee Leblanc) had 11 children.

CIMG6436 Jul 29 2023 Pieter with Maria Mazerolle & photo of Frank Guimond

Maria Mazerolle and Pieter with a photo of Frank Guimond. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Maria explained that Delore, another of brother of Frank’s, “….was in England during WWII and married a lady from London. One of his daughters is still alive at the age of 80….”

Like in so many families, “…his two brothers, Alcide and Delore had left to go to war, so Frank wanted to go too…”

…. Frank enlisted in June 1941….

Frank Guimond from Maria Mazerolle photo circa Dec 1941 improved colourized _photo

Frank Guimond, circa December 1941. (Photo courtesy of Maria Mazerolle. Photo restoration and colourization: Pieter Valkenburg)

When he enlisted at the No. 7A District Depot in Richibucto, New Brunswick, on June 18, 1941, Frank was working with his father at Harry O’Leary’s sawmill in Richibucto, a job he’d held for six years already. His personnel file stated that Frank was fluent in French and English, and that he’d spent 30 days training in Fredericton with the New Brunswick Rangers militia.

On July 31, 1941, Frank was sent to No. 70 Canadian Army Basic Training Camp (CABTC) in Fredericton, New Brunswick for basic training. After completing his basic training Frank was assigned to No A14 Infantry Training Camp in Aldershot, Nova Scotia on August 1, 1941.

…. Frank left Canada for service overseas in December 1941 ….

Frank’s training in Canada was not long, as by December 12, 1941, he was on his way to the United Kingdom, arriving on December 26, 1941, where he was assigned to No. 1 Canadian Divisional Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CDIRU).

While in the United Kingdom, Frank, along with other Canadian soldiers, undertook further training, as well as being tasked with defending the coastal regions of the United Kingdom, particularly Sussex, until early in 1944.

On January 16, 1944, Frank was sent for an educational course at 3 Wing Canadian Training School (CTS), remaining there until November 10, 1944 when he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR), in preparation for being sent to Continental Europe.

…. Frank was transferred to the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment….

On December 27, 1944, he left the United Kingdom as part of the unallocated reinforcement troops needed in Northwestern Europe. On February 14, 1945, he was transferred to the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, joining them in Nijmegen, The Netherlands as they prepared to go across the border into Germany for the Battle of Keppeln, followed by the Battle of the Balberger Wald, and then for the push across the Rhine River.

Screenshot 2024-01-10 at 08-52-00 weener germany map at DuckDuckGo

Map shows location of Weener, Germany where several soldiers from the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment lost their lives on April 24, 1945. Below Weener is Stapelmoor, where the soldiers were initially buried. The dotted line shows the border between The Netherlands and Germany. (Map source: http://www.viamichelin.com)

On April 23, 1945, the Regiment’s war diary reported that the “…plan is for North Shore to capture Weener….” After encountering resistance, the Regiment noted that “….by 1800 hours all companies were on objectives and were taking prisoners of war from houses and cellars…. A total of 103 prisoners of war were taken from the town. These were identified as Kriegsmarine fighting as infantry…” Kriegsmarine was the navy of Nazi Germany.

…. Frank lost his life on April 24, 1945 ….

“…This morning at 0900 hours a battle group consisting of A Company mounted on the Carrier platoon were sent to recce the bridge …” over the Ems River at Leer “…to see if it was intact, but ran into heavy enemy fire… It was found the enemy was using a new device for mining the roads, which had not been encountered before…The first two carriers passed over the mined area, but the third was blown up and created a crater approximately 40 feet by 20 feet…”

All on board of that third troop carrier were casualties. Things got worse as two German self-propelled guns then opened fire and a second carrier took a direct hit.

Among the casualties was Frank Guimond, dead at age 26.

The whole affair was useless as the Leer Bridge was already out of commission, with the attack costing the lives of men, mostly by mines or shelling….”

Either an Allied strike took out the bridge or the Germans had blown it. Given that the area was mined, it suggests that it was the Germans who had blown up the bridge to delay the Allied advance.

….Other soldiers from the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment who lost their lives on April 24, 1945….

Besides Frank Guimond, those who were killed on April 24, 1945 included:

Private Emile Joseph ARSENEAULT of Lewisville, New Brunswick, age 22
Private Ronald Burton DOHERTY of St. John, New Brunswick, age 19
Private Wallace Herbert LARLEE of Perth, New Brunswick, age 19 (on our Cold Case List)
Private Andrew MEEHAN of Hammondvale, New Brunswick, but born in Ireland, age 21
Private Owen Burton MILLER of Deseronto, Ontario, age 21
Corporal Sydney Guy MOSHER of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, age 30 (upcoming story)
Private Francis Leslie MULCAHY of Halifax, Nova Scotia, age 21 (on our Cold Case List)
Private Edmund SAMPSON of Cannes, Nova Scotia, age 30

….Frank is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

Frank was initially buried on April 26, 1945 “…in front of the school…” near the German village of Staplemoor, before being reburied the following year in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Grave of Frank Guimond in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. (Photo courtesy of the Information Centre Canadian Cemetery Holten)

On January 3, 1948 a letter from Mrs. A. C. Alberts-Fredricks of Deventer, The Netherlands, was sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs, in which she explained that she had adopted Frank’s grave and asked if her letter could be forwarded to the family. A note at the bottom of the letter verified that it had been forwarded to Frank’s mother.

…. We met another niece in Richibucto….

It’s not often that we get to meet more than one group of family members, but a few months after meeting Maria Mazerolle, we met her cousin, Irene Caissie, along with Irene’s husband Rheal in Richibucto. Irene explained that Frank’s brother, Edgar, was her father.

20230918_120957 Sep 18 2023 Pieter with Irene and Rheal Caissie

Pieter with Irene and Rheal Caissie. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Irene Caissie and Maria Mazerolle for ensuring we received a photo of Frank Guimond.

Sydney Guy MOSHER’s story will be coming up. If you can help with photos for two other soldiers killed on April 24, 1945 who are currently on the Cold Case List, please let us know. The names: Wallace Herbert LARLEE of Perth, New Brunswick, and Francis Leslie MULCAHY of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter 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 our research, you are welcome to do so. Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.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 Liscomb Who Lost His Life Due To Sniper Fire In Germany

January 6, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

January 6, 2024. In going through the photo wish lists for soldiers buried in The Netherlands, Pieter often picks a name based on location – especially if we are planning to visit that area – or by name. Lawrence Arthur RUDOLPH, listed as being from Guysborough, got his attention for both reasons. We’d had very good luck with soldiers from Guysborough, and the surname Rudolph was one he thought might be easier to trace.

Pieter was in luck as he was soon in contact with Elsie Hartling, whose mother, Lillian M. Rudolph, was Lawrence’s sister, and she had a photo, which was kindly sent to us by her nephew Andrew Hartling.

Born December 31, 1923 in Liscomb, Guysborough County in Nova Scotia, Lawrence was the son of Basil Melbourn and Elsie Rudolph. Before enlisting with the No. 6 District Depot on April 21, 1943 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he was employed as a pipe fitter.

Lawrence Arthur Rudolph. (Photo courtesy of Elsie Hartling)

On April 30, 1943, Lawrence was sent to No. 60 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC) in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia for initial training. After completing his basic training, he was assigned to A2 Canadian Artillery Training Centre (CATC) in Petawawa, Ontario for training as a gunner.

On November 1, 1943, Lawrence was transferred to No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia, in preparation for overseas service.

… Lawrence left Canada for overseas service in December 1943…

On December 15, 1943 Lawrence left Canada for the United Kingdom. Upon arriving on December 21, 1943 he was assigned to 2^nd Canadian Artillery Reinforcement Unit (CARU).

Then, on January 14, 1944, Lawrence was transferred to the 5^th Canadian Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and underwent further training, qualifying as a Driver i/c (Wheeled) on May 9, 1944. (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’. Wheeled refers to wheeled vehicles.)

Preparations for going to the front were ongoing, but, as noted in ‘The History of the 5^th Anti-Tank Regiment’, a compilation edited by John P. Claxton, “….at first light on 18^th July 1944, the Regiment moved off in convoy, destination was Tilbury Docks, and the trip to the Marshalling Area was made without incident….”

It took time to load vehicles and equipment onto the ships, but “…in due course and with numerous pauses for tea, civilian longshoremen completed the task of loading vehicles into the holds of ships….”

… Lawrence left for France in July 1944 with his Regiment…

“…After a couple of days at anchor at South End…” Lawrence left for France with his Regiment on July 21, 1944 when “…the convoy moved out of the Thames Estuary and through the channel under cover of darkness and a light mist…”

Screenshot 2024-01-05 at 09-00-49 courcelles sur mer at DuckDuckGo

The 5th Canadian Anti-Tank Regiment arrived at Courceulles-Sur-Mer and then travelled down towards Caen and Falaise. (Map source: Wikipedia)

They arrived “…off the beaches at Courceulles-sur-Mer, Normandy in a blaze of anti-aircraft fire…Further delay was caused by rough weather and scarcity of landing craft…..”

Finally, after several days, all personnel and equipment reached land, and “…the Regiment proceeded through pulverized villages and over the remains of country roads to our concentration area near Graye-sur-Mer….”

The Regiment fought its way across France, going past Caen to the Falaise Gap, into the Somme. By September 1944 they reached Belgium, and began the push towards Antwerp, and then, in mid-October, into The Netherlands.

… Lawrence lost his life during Operation Blockbuster…

Screenshot 2024-01-05 at 09-09-05 kleve germany at DuckDuckGo

The 5th Canadian Anti-Tank Regiment left The Netherlands for Germany. On February 27, 1945 Lawrence Rudolph lost his life near present day Bedburg-Hau, Germany, during Operation Blockbuster. (Map source: Wikipedia)

The Regiment’s time in The Netherlands ended on February 22, 1945, “… when the Regiment moved to concentration areas south of Cleve in Germany….” to participate in Operation Blockbuster. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

“…..Operation Blockbuster began at dawn on the 26^th February, in abominable weather. The state of the ground precluded use of towed 17-pounder guns, but our Crusader Towers did outstanding work. Loaned with drivers to the assaulting formation, they were used as armoured troop carriers to get the infantry through heavy fire on their objectives, and then were employed to move casualties and supplies….”

A Crusader Tower was a tracked vehicle with room for a gun crew. (Photo source: YouTube WW2TV Crusader Gun Tractor)

Casualties were heavy, due to “…high velocity gun, artillery, and extensive minefields…” The weather deteriorated. By February 27, 1945, “…continuous deluges of rain with occasional wet snow, combined with the volume and weight of traffic, were rapidly converting roads into impassable masses of mud and dislodged cobblestones…”

Lawrence was in the midst of this, as the Crusader Towers were needed “….to move ammunition to the field guns…” followed by moving “….the guns themselves which were up to their muzzles in bog…”

At some point on the morning of February 27, 1945, Lawrence lost his life due to sniper fire. The War Diary entry for February 27, 1945 for the 14^th Battery of the 5^th Canadian Anti-Tank Regiment recorded that at 9 am the battery was “…. ordered to proceed further ….” towards Keppeln. “…Half-track, while being towed, struck a carrier. Captain Gerla, Sergeant Carmicheal take Lt Sheid’s carrier to lead convoy. Lt Sheid proceeded back to Ech at Hau with carrier. On route to battery area, convoy fired on by snipers. Gunner Rudolph was killed and died instantly….” Hau is present-day Bedburg-Hau, just a few km from Kleve.

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

Lawrence was initially buried in a temporary cemetery 4.8 km (3 miles) south of Kleve, Germany. In 1946, he was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

Grave of Lawrence Arthur Rudolph Find a grave

Grave of Lawrence Arthur Rudolph at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. (Photo source: Find A Grave)

Thank you to Elsie and Andrew Hartling for sharing a photo of Lawrence Arthur Rudolph, and to the contributors at WW2Talk for information on the Crusader Tower. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter 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 our research, you are welcome to do so. Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/

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

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2023 Christmas Eve Candle Lighting In The Netherlands

December 31, 2023July 21, 2025 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

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December 31, 2023. For over 30 years, it’s been a Christmas Eve tradition in The Netherlands to light candles by the graves of Allied soldiers and Dutch resistance fighters who are buried in War Cemeteries, including all three Canadian War Cemeteries, or in a municipal cemetery.

These candles are funded by various non-profit groups at each cemetery participating in the candle-lighting ceremony. In many of the cemeteries, children are active participants, placing candles at each grave. On a day when many of us in Canada are thinking of presents, a visit by Santa, and preparations for our Christmas Day meal, Dutch volunteers spend their day in an act of commemoration across the country.

This year, we include photos from two municipal cemeteries – Donia Protestant Church Cemetery in Makkum, and Eindhoven General Cemetery in Eindhoven – and a short video from the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

The weather was not cooperative on Christmas Eve, with rain and strong winds, but it didn’t deter the volunteers.

….Donia Protestant Church Cemetery in Makkum….

Remko de Jong, a resident of Makkum, coordinates the candle lighting ceremony in his village. Candles were placed at the graves at 38 airmen who are buried in the Donia Protestant Church Cemetery in Makkum, located by Lake IJsselmeer in the province of Friesland.

Every year, he is kind enough to send a few photos. There was a lot of rain and strong winds this Christmas Eve, and Remko went back to the cemetery early on Christmas morning to relight the candles, accompanied by his wife Barbara, seen in the photo below, wearing the Santa hat.

Lichtjes op oorlogsgraven 2023. Foto`s Remko de Jong (5)

Candles were placed at the graves of airmen buried in the Donia Protestant Church Cemetery in Makkum. This year candles were relit on Christmas morning. (Photo credit: Remko de Jong)

Tabor Lichtjes op oorlogsgraven 2023. Foto`s Remko de Jong (6)

Candle placed at the grave of John Francis Edward Tabor. (Photo credit: Remko de Jong)

One of the airmen buried in Makkum is RCAF Flying Officer John Francis Edward TABOR of Ottawa, Ontario, who lost his life when the plane he was in, Halifax LK879 crashed at sea on the night of December 16, 1944 into December 17, 1944.

Nisbet Lichtjes op oorlogsgraven 2023. Foto`s Remko de Jong (7)

Candle placed at the grave of George David Nisbet. (Photo credit: Remko de Jong)

Another of the Canadian airmen buried in Makkum is RCAF Air Gunner Sgt George David NISBET of Conquest, Saskatchewan, whose body was recovered from the sea on June 7, 1944, after being reported missing on May 24. He was aboard flight Halifax W1217 which was shot down by a nightfighter.

…Eindhoven General Cemetery in Eindhoven…

Grave WA Hood in Eindhoven with candle Noella Rehwald

Grave of William Andrew Hood with a Christmas Eve candle. (Photo credit: Noella Rehwald)

Remko arranged for a photo of the grave of William Andrew HOOD of Little Bras D’or, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, an airman with the RCAF, who lost his life on June 29, 1943 when the plane he was in, flight Halifax JD215, was shot down over The Netherlands. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/09/19/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-airman-from-bras-dor-who-was-aboard-the-last-flight-of-halifax-jd215/)

….Children placed candles at the graves in Holten…

Henk Vincent, a volunteer at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, confirmed that “…the weather was harsh on Christmas Eve…” he explained that in Holten, the ceremony is organized by the SVNF (National Holiday Celebration Foundation) and sponsored by Holten’s carnival association and the municipality of Rijssen-Holten. It’s not funded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

After the candles have been lit, all the volunteers are thanked and the sacrifices of those buried in the cemetery are acknowledged in a commemoration ceremony held at dusk.

Henk sent a short video of children placing candles at the graves. Take a look:

….Over 7,600 Canadian soldiers are buried in The Netherlands!…

Kudos to the Dutch, who never forget the sacrifices made by Allied soldiers! Over 7,600 Canadian soldiers are buried in The Netherlands and they are not forgotten. Pieter gets emotional each year at this time. “…It makes me proud that the Dutch never forget the sacrifices made by Allied soldiers and Dutch resistance fighters that liberated them. By involving the children, this helps ensure that they will continue to be remembered…”

Thank you to Remko de Jong for sharing photos from Makkum, to Noella Rehwald for the photo from Eindhoven, and to Henk Vincent for sharing the video from Holten

If you have a story or photo to share about Canadian military personnel buried in The Netherlands, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

…Previous postings about Christmas Eve Candle Lighting…

…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/

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

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Happy Holidays From The Valkenburgs – And Our Year In Review!

December 23, 2023December 3, 2025 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 5 Comments

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December 23, 2023. 2023 has simply raced by, and Pieter is currently preparing his research plan for 2024.

It was another busy year and yes, Pieter remains committed to this research project. While several long-standing searches for photos were successful, allowing Pieter to complete his files for those soldiers, many files still remain open. In most cases, family members were found, but no photo was available for one reason or another.

A number of these files have been carried over from year to year, with no luck in finding photos, and so we now have a Cold Case Files page on the On The War Memorial Trail website. Hopefully, by featuring a list of the cold cases, someone will see a name and realize that they have a photo. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/our-cold-cases/)

A research project that began in the fall of 2022 to find photos and family of several soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment that died on March 25, 1945 during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, and who are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands was completed, with the stories told in a 12 part series that ran between March and May.

New research files were added, and Pieter was able to finish his research for many of the unfinished files from 2022. As always, there is a lag between him completing his work and me getting a chance to document his research, but that is on my ‘to do’ list for this winter.

He began a new project this fall, to upload photos to the Canadian Virtual War Memorial website, and has earmarked this as his winter project.

This year, we were able to meet several more families, which we very much appreciated. We were grateful that so many families came forward to share photos and information, and were thankful for continued media interest in helping to find photos. What follows in the rest of this posting is a summary of what happened in 2023 with this research project.

…Book ‘Holten Heroes: Stories from a Canadian Field of Honour’….

Book cover front and back

Daria and Pieter were the translators for ‘Holten Heroes: Stories from a Canadian Field of Honour’ by Jan Braakman, translated from the original Dutch book ‘Holtense Canadezen’. For more information, see the press package prepared by the author: https://janbraakman.nl/press-package-holten-heroes/ or the Amazon Canada entry: https://www.amazon.ca/Holten-Heroes-Stories-Canadian-Honour/dp/B0CM25LRD3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QEQCI0LBFLPK&keywords=holten+heroes&qid=1698840141&sprefix=holten+heroes%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-1

…We received a 2023 Heritage Recognition Award from the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation….

A February 9, 2023 letter offered Congratulations and notified us that “… the Board of Governors of the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation has selected you for a Heritage Recognition Award for your powerful research project, ‘On The War Memorial Trail’….” (See https://www.peimuseum.ca/pieter-and-daria-valkenburg-heritage-recognition-award)

The Heritage Awards ceremony, which celebrates the Island’s heritage and recognition of those who preserve and share it, was held on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Beaconsfield Carriage House in Charlottetown. Unfortunately we were unable to attend as we were not on the Island at the time. Jack Sorensen, Chair of the Tryon and Area Historical Society, accepted the award on our behalf. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/05/15/we-receive-a-2023-pei-heritage-recognition-award/)

…We received a Legionnaire of the Year Award ….

On June 10, 2023, we received a Legionnaire of the Year award from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 10 in Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island.

CIMG6369 Jun 10 2023 Cropped - Daria and Pieter receive Legionnaire of the Year Award

Pieter and Daria receive a Legionnaire of the Year Award. (Photo credit: Kathy Henry)

…Presentation ‘Up Close With A Halifax Bomber’….

Crapaud Hall Nov 7 2023 Presentation title page

On November 7, 2023, we gave a presentation at Crapaud Hall in Crapaud, Prince Edward Island, ‘Up Close With A Halifax Bomber’ about our tour of a Halifax bomber and a summary of two Island airmen who lost their lives in one. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/11/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-presentation-up-close-with-a-halifax-bomber/)

…. Soldiers Listed On The Cenotaph Outside Borden-Carleton Legion …….

This year we added more information on soldiers whose stories had previously been told:

We updated the story of the battle in which WW1 soldier Arthur Clinton ROBINSON lost his life on March 27, 1916 and how the burials in La Laiterie Military Cemetery, where he was buried, included a message in a bottle.
We shared a September 23, 1942 letter that WWII airman Joseph ‘Joe’ Charles MCIVER wrote while posted in northern Russia near the Arctic Circle, while serving in RAF Coastal Command.
After an 8 year search we received a photo for WWI soldier Joseph ‘Arthur’ DESROCHES of Miscouche, Prince Edward Island, who died after receiving a gunshot wound to the head and is buried in France.

… WWI Related Stories….

We updated the story of what happened when we repatriated to Nova Scotia the portrait of WW1 soldier Lloyd Clifton SHORTLIFF of Barton, Nova Scotia, whose name is inscribed on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.

… WWII Related Stories….

We shared a story about the 2022 candle lighting at graves of Canadian soldiers in The Netherlands.
We did a multi-part series about The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition – 36 photo tributes by the graves of soldiers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. The Exhibition ran from April 30 to May 21, 2023. Part 1 featured 5 soldiers from Prince Edward Island. Part 2 featured 4 Indigenous soldiers. Part 3 featured 8 soldiers from Nova Scotia whose stories were told in 2021’s Atlantic Canada Remembers series. Part 4 featured 6 soldiers from New Brunswick whose stories were told in 2021’s Atlantic Canada Remembers series. Part 5 featured 7 soldiers from the Battle of Bienen series. Part 6 featured 6 soldiers from photo wish lists. We also shared some of the feedback received from families whose relatives were featured in the photo tributes.
We updated the 2022 story about the search for WWII soldier Wilfred GIROUX who was in Gilze Rijen, The Netherlands in December 1944 and befriended a Dutch couple whose daughter wished to repatriate a photo and two Christmas cards to the Giroux family. This story had a successful conclusion with the photo and cards going to Wilfred’s niece.
We did an update to the Battle of Bienen series with a brief feature on the Bienen Memorial and shared the short video we made to honour those North Novies whose stories we told this spring (S4E1 Battle of Bienen on our YouTube Channel).
We shared an account of our visit to the National Air Force Museum of Canada in Trenton, Ontario, to tour a Halifax Mark VII Bomber.
We shared the story of how a letter written from the POW camp Stalag Luft III by WWII pilot John ‘Hubert’ HALL impacted not only his family, but the family of WWII pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART. Both men were from Prince Edward Island.
We shared the story about the successful search for a photo of WWII soldier Norman Victor Holgate BUCHANAN, from Manitoba, who lost his life in Germany on February 16, 1945, during the Battle of Moyland Wood, while serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.
In a two-part series, we shared excerpts from the WWII letters of Edison Reynolds SMITH, who lost his life in The Netherlands on October 16, 1944 during the Battle of the Scheldt.

…Indigenous Soldiers….

We were able to tell the stories of the service by these WWII Indigenous soldiers:

WWII Indigenous soldier John CULBERTSON from Ontario, who was killed in Germany on April 30, 1944 during the Battle of Edewecht.
WWII Indigenous soldier Harry Henry DAVIS from Yukon Territory, who died in The Netherlands on January 15, 1945 from wounds received the day before after being shot while on patrol.
WWII Indigenous soldier Sanford Steven SAULIS from New Brunswick, who died of a brain hemorrhage in The Netherlands on August 10, 1945.
WWII Indigenous soldier George TAYLOR from Ontario, who died accidentally in his sleep in The Netherlands on June 17, 1945.

…. Stories About Servicemen From The Maritimes…

We also featured stories about servicemen from The Maritimes:

WWII soldier Ralph Schurman BOULTER from Prince Edward Island, who was killed in action during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945.
WWII soldier Charles ‘Marshall’ CARSON from New Brunswick, who was killed in action during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945.
WWII airman John ‘Hubert’ HALL from Prince Edward Island, who was aboard the last flight of Wellington Z1203 when it crashed over The Netherlands on March 29, 1942. All crew members survived, and Hubert spent the remainder of the war years as a POW in Stalag Luft III.
WWII airman William Andrew HOOD from Nova Scotia, who was aboard the last flight of Halifax JD215 when it was shot down over The Netherlands on June 29, 1943, with no survivors.
WWII soldier Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE from Nova Scotia, who was killed in action during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945.
WWII soldier Lawrence Edward LUCAS from Nova Scotia, who was killed in action in Germany on April 23, 1945.
WWI soldier Angus Clayton MACDONALD from Prince Edward Island, who served with the 85^th Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders), and was injured in Belgium during the Passage of the Grande Honnelle Battle.
WWII soldier Daniel ‘Dan’ Peter MACKENZIE from Prince Edward Island, who died from wounds received on April 13, 1945 during the liberation of Posterenk in The Netherlands, part of Operation Cannonshot.
WWII soldier James ‘Jim’ Andrew MACLEOD from New Brunswick, who was killed in action in Belgium on October 23, 1944.
WWII soldier Archibald Phillip ‘Archie’ MCLEAN from New Brunswick, who died from wounds received on April 13, 1945 during Operation Cannonshot in The Netherlands.
WWI soldier Merrill Augustus MARSHALL from Prince Edward Island, who was killed in action during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France on April 9, 1917.
WWII soldier Austin Havelock MUNROE from Nova Scotia, who was killed in action during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945.
WWII soldier Leonard William PORTER from New Brunswick, who was killed in action during the Battle of Walcheren Causeway in The Netherlands on November 1, 1944.
WWII soldier Joseph ‘Edmond’ ROBICHEAU from Nova Scotia, who was killed in action during the Battle of Five Woods in The Netherlands on April 14, 1945.
WWII soldier Edison Alexander SMITH from Prince Edward Island, who was killed in action during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945.
WWII soldier John Lewis ‘Ducky’ WALLACE from Nova Scotia, who was killed in action during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945.

…. Stories About Servicemen From Outside The Maritimes…

WWII soldier Clifford BATEMAN from Newfoundland, who was killed in action during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945.
WWII soldier John Joseph BOHON, from Ontario, who was killed in action during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945.
WWII soldier Clive Elbert Steele GEROW, from Ontario, who was killed in action during the liberation of Deventer in The Netherlands on April 10, 1945.
WWII soldier Theodor ‘Ted’ HENSCHEL, born in Manitoba, but from British Columbia, who was killed in action during the Battle for Wagenborgen in The Netherlands on April 22, 1945.
WWII soldier Adam KLEIN, from Saskatchewan, who died in The Netherlands while crossing the Maas River in January 1945.
WWII pilot Jack ‘Douglas’ MACKENZIE, from Manitoba, who died at the controls of his plane, Halifax DT630, after being attacked on February 3, 1943 over The Netherlands.
WWII soldier Harold Edward Roy MARTIN, from Ontario, who was killed in The Netherlands during the Battle of the Scheldt on October 14, 1944.
WWII pilot George Glenn ‘Dusty’ MILLAR, from Manitoba, who died on September 28, 1944 in The Netherlands.
WWII soldier Joseph Hudson PALLISTER, from Alberta, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Leopold Canal on October 6, 1944.
WWII soldier Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph POWER, from British Columbia, who was killed in action during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945.
WWII soldier Louis Allan SEXTON, from Quebec, who was killed in action during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945.
WWII soldier Harry Elwood WRIGHT, from Nova Scotia, who was killed in action in The Netherlands on April 17, 1945.

…In Conversation And More….

We shared our condolences on the passing of Helen Coutts, sister of WWII pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART, in July 2023 at the age of 101.
We shared our condolences on the passing of Delbert Carr, nephew of WWI soldier Vincent CARR, in July 2023, and on the passing in April 2023 of Pam Alexander, whose father Reg Alexander was part of the Halifax L9561 crew in which WWII pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART lost his life.
We shared our condolences on the passing of John Robinson, nephew of WWI soldier Arthur Clinton ROBINSON in November 2023, and on the passing, also in November 2023 of Donald Moore, nephew of WWII soldier Archibald Phillip ‘Archie’ MCLEAN.
As part of our Remembrance Week 2023 feature, we shared updates on previous stories and about our visit to the Springhill Cenotaph in Springhill, Nova Scotia.
We wrote about the Remembrance Day ceremonies we attended in Borden-Carleton and Kinkora, two Prince Edward Island communities.

…. Interviews To Highlight Search For Photos….

Pieter did the following interviews:

Kevin Rollason of the Winnipeg Free Press wrote about Pieter’s search for photos and featured the story of WWII Medic John Lewis HUGHES, of Eriksdale, Manitoba, who died during the Battle of the Scheldt on November 2, 1944, and is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. The article, ‘A Picture Of Compassion’, ran online and in the print edition on Friday, November 10, 2023. See https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/2023/11/10/a-picture-of-compassion
Pieter was interviewed by Fraser Needham of APTN’s Nation To Nation program, about the search for photos of WWII Indigenous soldiers, Benjamin Roy ASHKEWE, from Cape Croker, Ontario, and Charles NANIBUSH, from Shawanaga, Ontario. Both are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. The interview ran on Thursday, November 9, 2023 and was subsequently posted on APTN’s YouTube Channel as ‘Their sacrifice should never ever be forgotten’: Extended interview with Pieter Valkenburg | N2N‘ To watch the 8:24 minute interview:

A subsequent 45 second clip was posted on APTN’s YouTube Channel as ‘Pieter Valkenburg explains the complications in locating the photos of veterans‘ https://youtu.be/b-kXWjL9R6w?si=cZYp8teF1sF8-nUV
On Thursday, April 27, 2023, Pieter was interviewed by Bob Murphy on CBC Radio’s program Maritime Noon. You can listen to ‘A Dutch-born man on PEI tells us about a project to help find photos of WW II veterans who are buried in the Netherlands. The photos are displayed at gravesites. | Maritime Noon with Bob Murphy | Live Radio | CBC Listen’ at https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-38-maritime-noon/clip/15981254-a-dutch-born-man-pei-tells-project-help-find

…. Letters To The Editor For Photo Searches….

Letters to the Editor in various newspapers were written in the quest for a photo for:

WWII soldier Austin Havelock MUNROE, who is buried in The Netherlands. A letter to the editor was published in the Guysborough Journal on November 2, 2022. This search was successful.
WWII soldier Thomas Alfred BROWN, who is buried in The Netherlands. A letter to the editor was published in The Consort Enterprise on April 26, 2023 and on ECA Review on April 27, 2023. This search was successful. (See https://ecareview.com/looking-for-photo-of-ww2-soldier/)

… Successful Search For Photos …..

Many WWII soldiers are buried in cemeteries in Europe. Pieter continues to work with photo wish lists from Canadian War Cemeteries for WWII soldiers buried in The Netherlands. This year we also received photos and information on soldiers buried in Belgium.

Photos of soldiers buried in Dutch cemeteries were forwarded to researchers there for their digital archive. Whenever possible, stories are featured on the blog but there is a backlog due to the success of Pieter’s research. I can’t keep up! This year, photos were found for:

Buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands:

Percy Joseph BARRY
Archibald BUNGAY
Harry Henry DAVIS
Theophile DUPERE
Gerald Edward FERGUSON
Arthur G. FLIEGER
Clive Elbert Steele GEROW
Frank GUIMOND
Merle Vincent HAMILTON
Lawrence Edward LUCAS
Neil Roderick MACLEAN
Joseph Taylor MACLEOD
Joseph ‘Felicien’ MALLEY
Stanley Leigh MCBEATH
Archibald ‘Archie’ Phillip MCLEAN
Ralph Foster MCLENAHAN
Sydney Guy MOSHER
Frank Eugene MUNROE
James ‘Gordon’ MURPHY
Seth Everett MURRAY
Herbert ‘Murray’ RAFUSE
Roslyn Ernest SANDS
Sanford Steven SAULIS
George Edward SHERWOOD
Ronald Eugene SMITH
James Edward SULLIVAN
James Oliver THOMAS
Gustav Evald ‘Ernie’ WINSA

Buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands:

Walter Conrad BENJAMIN
Thomas Alfred BROWN
Norman Victor BUCHANAN
Alexander Parke CALDWELL
Cyrille CAISSIE
Tom CHASKE
Henri CORMIER
Raymond Stavely ELLIOTT
John ‘Jack’ Charles FORWARD
Jean FRIGAULT
Edgar M. GUITARD
Lester L. HANLEY
Raymond Arthur HOSSACK
Maxwell KING
Albert Noel LAMONTAGNE
Gordon Archibald MACCALLUM
Leo Alexander MACDOUGALL
Neale Warren MERRITT
Reginald Vincent MOOERS
Austin Havelock MUNROE
Delphis ROY
Lawrence Arthur RUDOLPH
Oxaird J. SAVOIE
Thomas ‘Tom’ Hector SUTHERLAND
George TAYLOR
John Lewis WALLACE
Harry WRIGHT

Buried in Bergen Op Zoom Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands:

Earl AGNEW
Robert Oswald BLAKE
Gerald Joseph BOUCHER
James Burnes CARRUTHERS
Donald Whitman COOK
Adam KLEIN
Denis Joseph LANDRY
Harold Edward Roy MARTIN
James A. ‘Jim’ MACLEOD
Joseph Edmond NOELAN (NOWLAN)
Ernest Patrick OWENS
John Colin (Jack) POND
Peter William PORTER
Orville ‘Skip’ REEVES
Elmer Daniel SCHOFIELD
Leopold THERIAULT

Buried in Rotterdam (Crooswijk) General Cemetery in The Netherlands:

John PALMER

Buried in Sleen General Cemetery in The Netherlands:

Jack ‘Douglas’ MACKENZIE
Raymond Hepton ‘Ray’ HILL

Buried in Uden War Cemetery in The Netherlands:

George Glenn ‘Dusty’ MILLAR

Buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium:

Joseph Hudson PALLISTER

Buried in Ligny St. Flochel British Cemetery in France:

Joseph ‘Arthur’ DESROCHES

Listed On The Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France:

Merrill Augustus MARSHALL

Buried in Coriano Ridge War Cemetery in Italy:

Millard Emery ALLEN

Photo Search For Airmen For Air Research Drenthe Foundation in The Netherlands:

One of the projects of the Air Research Drenthe Foundation in The Netherlands is to install information panels near WWII air crash sites. While many of the airmen lost their lives and are buried in The Netherlands or just across the border in Germany, other airmen survived the crash and were in prisoner of war camps until the war ended. It can be difficult to find photos and families of airmen that survived, but Pieter took up the challenge. Photos were found for:

Barry Matthews GODDEN, of Harbour Breton, Newfoundland, Flight Sergeant on Lancaster ED916, which crashed June 13, 1943. He died December 1, 2002 in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Raymond ‘Ray’ Hepton HILL, of Montreal, Quebec, Air Gunner on Halifax DT630, which crashed February 3, 1943. He died in the crash and is buried at Sleen General Cemetery in Sleen, The Netherlands.
André Jean Jules HISETTE, of Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, Air Bomber on Halifax LW461, which crashed January 16, 1945. He died in the crash and is buried at Becklingen War Cemetery in Wietzendorf, Germany.
Eric ‘Raymond’ MARQUAND, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bomb Aimer on Halifax DT630, which crashed February 3, 1943. He died April 25, 2006 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Henry ‘Hank’ PANKRATZ, of Ottawa, Ontario, Wireless Operator on Halifax NP945, which crashed December 6, 1944.

… Unsuccessful Search For Photos …..

Not all searches have been successful, for one reason or another. Below is a listing of some of the outstanding files for which research has been done, but no photo has been found. If you can help with a photo, please let us know.

John Frederick BARTLETT of Moreton’s Harbour, Newfoundland, son of Alfred and Jessie Bartlett, died February 27, 1945, aged 47, while serving with the South Alberta Regiment.
Douglas Gordon BLACK of Amherst, Nova Scotia, son of Sherman and Alice Black, died March 3, 1945, while serving with the Algonquin Regiment.
Clifford Alexander BLAKE of Toronto, Ontario, son of William C. and Sarah L. Blake, husband of Ferne E. Blake, died February 16, 1945, aged 23, while serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.
James Lyman CAMERON, born in Victoria-By-The-Sea, Prince Edward Island, son of Edward H. and Susan (Harrington) Cameron, died July 24, 1916, aged 23, while serving with the 7^th Canadian Infantry Battalion (1^st British Columbia). (Listed on the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph)
Leigh Hunt CAMERON, born in Albany, Prince Edward Island, son of Anna Cameron, died May 5, 1916, aged 17, shortly after enlisting with the 105^th Battalion, C Company. (Listed on the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph)
William Galen CAMPBELL, born in Wellington, Prince Edward Island, son of John G. and Grace Emma Campbell, died April 24, 1953, aged 55, many years after being discharged from the ^8th Siege Battery of the 3^rd Brigade Canadian Garrison Artillery. (Listed on the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph)
Karl CHRISTENSEN, from Alberta, but born in Starheim, Nordfjord, Norway, son of Kristian Kristiansen Hafsas and Marie K. Hafsas, died April 10, 1945, aged 41, while serving with the 8^th Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers.
John Edward COLEMAN of Moncton, New Brunswick, son of Edward J. and Florence Coleman, husband of Della Coleman, died June 17, 1945, aged 32, while serving with the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
Lorne Mart COLFORD of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, but born in Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, son of Howard and Jeanette Colford, died April 14, 1945, aged 22, while serving with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.
Bazil CORMIER, born in Tignish, Prince Edward Island, son of Joseph Cormier and Mary Arsenault, died August 12, 1918, aged 20, while serving with the 2^6th (New Brunswick) Battalion. (Listed on the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph)
Eric John CRUE of Moncton, New Brunswick, son of John and Margaret Crue, died April 6, 1945, aged 23, while serving with the Algonquin Regiment.
James Frank DOLMAN of Flatlands, New Brunswick, son of Frank Dolman and Lydia Thompson, husband of Henriette Gertrude Lyons, died April 14, 1945, aged 32, while serving with the New Brunswick Rangers -10th Ind. Machine Gun Company.
Samuel George ENGEN of The Pas, Manitoba, died April 23, 1945, aged 27, while serving with the Lake Superior Regiment.
Douglas Bernard FARROW of Amherst, Nova Scotia, died April 26, 1945, aged 27, while serving with the Algonquin Regiment.
Clifford Glen FORSYTH born in Brandon, Manitoba, son of Alexander ‘Sandy’ Forsyth and Margaret McDougall, died April 11, 1945, aged 20, while serving with the Lake Superior Regiment.
Ernest Ramey GALLANT, born in Borden (now Borden-Carleton), Prince Edward Island, son of John P. and Mary Blanche Gallant, died May 20, 1943, aged 27, while with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment. (Listed on the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph)
William James ‘Jimmy’ Sutherland HOLE born in Carman, Manitoba, son of William and Eva Alise Hole, died April 22, 1945, aged 20, while serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.
Claude Pearley HUBLEY of Chipman, New Brunswick, son of Joshua and Adelia Hubley, husband of Agnes Myrtle Hubley, died April 25, 1945, aged 29, while serving with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.
John Lewis HUGHES born in Eriksdale, Manitoba, son of Ebenezer George and Ellen (nee Rogan) Hughes, husband of Irene (nee Goodwin) Hughes of Winnipeg, Manitoba, died November 2, 1944, aged 28, while serving with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corp – 10th Field Dressing Station.
George Mcdonald JOHNSTON of Toronto, Ontario, son of William and Annie Johnston, died April 2, 1945, aged 27, while serving with the Lake Superior Regiment.
Lloyd Edward KITCHING of Winnipeg, Manitoba, son of Robert Burns Lloyd Kitching, and stepson of Eva L. Kitching, died May 1, 1945, aged 25, while serving with the Royal Canadian Artillery – 6^th Field Regiment.
Wallace Herbert LARLEE of Perth, New Brunswick, died April 24, 1945, aged 19, while serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.
Logan Elwood LESLIE, born in Oxford, Nova Scotia, died April 9, 1945, son of John J. and Georgie Mary Leslie of Moncton, New Brunswick, while serving with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.
Charles W. LOWTHER, born in North Carleton, Prince Edward Island, son of Bessie Lowther, died September 25, 1918, aged 21, while serving with the 25^th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. (Listed on the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph)
John Redmond MAHONEY, born in Port Elgin, New Brunswick, son of John J. and Gertrude C. Mahoney, died April 12, 1945, aged 30, while serving with the New Brunswick Rangers-10th Independent Machine Gun Company.
Francis Leslie MULCAHY of Halifax, Nova Scotia, son of Daniel and Mary Mulcahy, died April 24, 1945, aged 21, while serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.
Archibald Henry NELSON born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, son of William Henry and Winnifred Frances Nelson, died April 18, 1945, aged 34, while serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment.
Arthur Clinton ROBINSON, born in Tryon, Prince Edward Island, son of Albert J. and Flora P. Scruton Robinson, died March 27, 1916, aged 19, while serving with the 26th (New Brunswick) Battalion. (Listed on the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph)
Harry ROBINSON, born in Augustine Cove, Prince Edward Island, son of Thomas and Sarah Robinson, husband of Clara J. Robinson, died June 27, 1916, aged 34, while serving with the 105^th Battalion, C Company. (Listed on the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph)
Charles Patrick SHEFFIED of Sundridge, Ontario, son of Charles and Mrs Sheffield, husband of Bessie Alice Butler from Botwood, Newfoundland, and father of Patrick William Wallace Sheffield, died May 4, 1945, aged 24, while serving with the Algonquin Regiment.
Charles Bernard STAFFORD of Halifax, Nova Scotia, son of Charles Bernard and Blanche Stafford, husband of Winifred Leitha Stafford of Intake, Sheffield, England, died April 18, 1945, aged 28, while serving with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps – 9th Field Ambulance.
Harry WHITE of Halifax, Nova Scotia, son of Wilfred and Mary White, died May 19, 1945, aged 27, while serving with the West Nova Scotia Regiment.

… The YouTube Channel….

In 2023 the following videos were posted on the YouTube channel: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ591TyjSheOR-Cb_Gs_5Kw

S4E1 Battle Of Bienen
S4E2 The Last Flight Of Halifax JD215

…Thank you for your support and encouragement of this research project!…

As 2023 comes to an end, we would like to thank all who helped with researching these stories and contributed photos. We also thank readers of this blog, and the On The War Memorial Trail column in The County Line Courier, who suggested some of stories you’ve read. A big thank you goes to Mike and Isabel Smith, owners of The County Line Courier.

Thank you to all the families that contributed photos and stories. Thank you to Judie Klassen and Shawn Rainville who volunteered their time to help find families of soldiers through newspaper and online searches. Thank you to Don Smith for answering any aircraft and military flight questions we’ve had. Thank you to Etienne Gaudet for visiting New Brunswick families on our behalf.

Thank you to the media who helped publicize the search for photos and information – APTN, CBC Radio’s Maritime Noon, ECA Review, Guysborough Journal, The Consort Enterprise, and the Winnipeg Free Press.

Last, but not least, the YouTube channel and videos would not be possible without the invaluable support of post-production editor Wendy Nattress. Wendy also designed and manages the book website: https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

….Happy Holidays…

Pieter and I wish you all the best for the holidays and in 2024. May we never forget those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Xmas greetings from Pieter and Daria

Pieter’s research work continues. If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

…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/

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

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….Ralph’s working life began in childhood….

….Ralph enlisted in 1943….

….Ralph left Canada for overseas service….

….Ralph was assigned to the Lake Superior Regiment….

….The Battle of Hochwald Gap was a fierce tank battle….

….A video shows how the Battle of Hochwald Gap was fought….

….Ralph lost his life during Operation Churchill….

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

….Want to follow our research?….

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….Joseph enlisted with The Pictou Highlanders….

….Joseph’s son Cyril provided a photo….

….Joseph was in the Intelligence Section of The Pictou Highlanders….

….Joseph was temporarily assigned overseas….

….Joseph left Canada for overseas service….

….Joseph was wounded during the Battle for Clair Tizon….

….As the Rileys travelled towards Groningen they were attacked by the Dutch SS guarding a concentration camp….

….Joseph was killed by sniper fire during the Battle of Groningen….

….Joseph is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

….Sam Matvichuk also died during the Battle of Groningen….

….Want to follow our research?….

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….Jimmy’s niece provided a photo….

….Jimmy was hard-working and versatile….

….Jimmy’s military career began in British Columbia….

…Jimmy joined the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in Italy….

…Jimmy became a POW during the breaking of the Hitler Line….

…A drink containing methanol proved fatal….

…Jimmy died on May 2, 1945….

…The other 5 victims of methanol poisoning….

….Jimmy is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

…..Jimmy is listed on the National Métis Veterans Memorial Monument….

….Thomas Esker in northern Manitoba is named in Jimmy’s honour…..

….Want to follow our research?….

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…Stanley enlisted in 1939….

…Stanley served with the 108th Battery as part of Atlantic Command….

…Stanley was in Goose Bay as a gunner with an anti-aircraft battery….

…Stanley qualified as a Canadian Armoured Corps Operator….

…Stanley left Canada for overseas service….

…Stanley left the United Kingdom for Northwest Europe….

…Stanley lost his life on the road between Friesoythe and Edewecht….

…An error by the Director of Records left Stanley’s family with false hope….

….Stanley is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

….We met Stanley’s nieces….

….Want to follow our research?….

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….Tom lost his life during the Battle of Moyland Wood….

….The search for a photo of Tom began with a Letter To The Editor….

…. Tom’s family provided photos and information….

…. Tom’s last letter was written two days before his death….

…. A September 1947 letter left us with an unsolved mystery…

….Want to follow our research?….

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….The search for a photo of Sydney was successful….

…. Sydney enlisted in the fall of 1943….

…. Sydney left the United Kingdom in July 1944….

…. Sydney’s Regiment was ordered near Weener to relieve Polish troops….

…. Sydney lost his life on April 24, 1945 ….

…. It turned out the bridge to Leer no longer existed ….

….Other soldiers from the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment who lost their lives on April 24, 1945….

….Sydney is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

….Want to follow our research?….

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…. Frank’s niece provided a photo….

…. Frank enlisted in June 1941….

…. Frank left Canada for service overseas in December 1941 ….

…. Frank was transferred to the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment….

…. Frank lost his life on April 24, 1945 ….

….Other soldiers from the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment who lost their lives on April 24, 1945….

….Frank is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

…. We met another niece in Richibucto….

….Want to follow our research?….

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… Lawrence left Canada for overseas service in December 1943…

… Lawrence left for France in July 1944 with his Regiment…

… Lawrence lost his life during Operation Blockbuster…

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

….Want to follow our research?….

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…Stanley served with the 108^th Battery as part of Atlantic Command….

*…Book ‘**Holten Heroes: Stories from a Canadian Field of Honour’….*

… *Unsuccessful Search For Photos …..***