Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands

On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Soldier From Clyde River Who Lost His Life During The Attack On Hoogerheide

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CIMG6927 Jul 31 2024 Cornwall Cenotaph Pieter by WWII & WW1 memorial

The Cenotaph site in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island. The WWI cenotaph is on the right, and the WWII cenotaph on the left. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

October 12, 2024. When Pieter was asked to give a presentation on September 22, 2024 at the 105th Annual Remembrance Service in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, one of the names on the WWII Cenotaph was that of Private William Ernest STONE, who was serving with the Black Watch of Canada, when he was killed during a fierce battle in Hoogerheide, The Netherlands on October 10, 1944, at the age of 25.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/09/26/on-the-war-memorial-trail105th-annual-remembrance-service-at-cornwall-cenotaph/)

CIMG6928 Jul 31 2024 Cornwall Cenotaph WWII memorial

William Ernest Stone was one of 4 casualties listed on the WWII Cenotaph in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg).

William is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands, located near the Belgian border.  2024 is an important anniversary for this area as 80 years ago, in October 1944, Belgium and the southern part of The Netherlands were liberated, following tremendous casualties during the Battle of the Scheldt. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Scheldt and https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canada-and-the-battle-of-the-scheldt)

It seems only fitting that 80 years after his death, William’s story is told.  He was born August 19, 1919, in Clyde River, Prince Edward Island, the son of Edward Earnest and Sadie Stone.  

William had two brothers and two sisters.  With the help of Brenda Graves and Arlene Roberts, a photo was soon provided by Faye MacNutt, the daughter of William’s sister Ruth.

…..William enlisted under the NRMA in 1941….

William originally enlisted under the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on April 17, 1941 and underwent basic training at No. 62 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC) in Charlottetown. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Resources_Mobilization_Act)

At the time of his enlistment he had been working for two years as a stoker at Storms Construction Company Ltd in Charlottetown. Among his tasks he also worked at Charlottetown Airport for several months in 1940, tasked with running a cement mixer and doing odd jobs, when the airport was transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the airport and runways were enlarged in preparation for using the airport to train pilots and aircrew. 

William also noted that he also had six years of farming experience from helping on his family’s farm.  He had an interest in mechanics, played tennis, volleyball, and baseball, and enjoyed singing. 

…..William received training in both Canada and the USA….

William Ernest Stone colourized

William Ernest Stone. (Photo courtesy of Faye MacNutt.  Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

On June 6, 1941, he transferred to active service at No. 62 CABTC in Charlottetown, and was immediately sent to No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia for trades training in motor mechanics and welding at the Halifax Technical School.

After successfully completing the two month course in Halifax, William was attached to No. 14 Infantry Training Centre in Aldershot, Nova Scotia as of August 2, 1941.  A few days later, he was sent ‘on command’ to Automatic Course in Motor Mechanics at the Quartermaster Motor Transport School at Fort Holabird in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.  He successfully completed the course on October 15, 1941.

Next, he was sent to the Canadian Army Trade School (CATS) in Hamilton, Ontario for more training in motor mechanics.  His time there was from October 28, 1941 until June 6, 1942, when he was transferred to the A9 Canadian Armoured Corps (Advanced) Training Centre (CACATC) at Camp Borden in Ontario for wireless training.

William received a furlough from May 20 to June 2, 1942, during which time he returned to Prince Edward Island to marry Eileen Younker in Winsloe on May 27, 1942.  The couple only had a few days together before he had to return and continue his training.

On July 26, 1942, he was assigned to the 28th Armoured Regiment in Debert, Nova Scotia for final training before going overseas.  On August 4, 1942, William received embarkation leave until August 7, the last chance he had to see his family. 

….William left Canada for overseas service….

William left Canada with the 28th Armoured Regiment on August 22, 1942, arriving in the United Kingdom on September 1, 1942. He was sent for more training, and qualified as a Driver i/c Class III (Wheeled) on December 6, 1942.  (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’.  Class III meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars, but not tanks.)

On May 15, 1943 he was sent to 21 Canadian Armoured Regiment (CAR) for a few weeks and then on to receive training as a Driver Mechanic (Tank) Class ‘C’.  He successfully completed this training on December 3, 1943.

William was transferred to No. 3 Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit (CACRU) on January 29, 1944.  Then, on July 25, 1944, he was transferred again, this time to No. 1 Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit (CACRU), and re-mustered from the Canadian Armoured Corps (CAC) to the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA).

On August 13, 1944 William was temporarily assigned to the Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) before being placed on the X-4 Canadian Infantry Corps Reinforcement List, part of the 10th Battalion, on September 21, 1944 and sent to France.

On September 28, 1944, William was transferred to the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, and joined them in Rijkevorsel, Belgium.  The war diary for that day noted that “….in the last two days, 42 reinforcements have joined us, 11 for general duty, the remainder being for the most part signallers and drivers...”

The Regiment had surged through France and into Belgium, where William joined the Regiment.  From Belgium, the Regiment made its way into The Netherlands on October 7, 1944.  While the main goal was helping to clear the Scheldt Estuary, necessary to liberate the vital port of Antwerp, their first task was to attack the town of Hoogerheide.

….Attack On Hoogerheide….

Screenshot 2024-10-11 at 10-41-57 Google Maps

Map shows location of Calfven, Hoogerheide, and Ossendrecht in The Netherlands, just over the Belgian border. (Map source: Google maps)

The War Diary for October 7, 1944 noted that the Regiment had begun their journey into The Netherlands “…at 0930 hours and shortly thereafter crossed the frontier into Holland at the town of Putte…and went on to our area at a farm….In the afternoon we moved forward again into the Calfven area….”

On October 8, 1944, as the troops moved up to the attack on Hoogerheide in the early morning, they found that the Start Line hadn’t been secured.  When the attack did begin, at 10:30 am, troops came under machine gun and mortar fire.

The War Diary entry for October 8, 1944 stated that “…very heavy fighting ensued and it was over two hours before the enemy decided that he had had enough….”  The respite didn’t last.

The following day, the War Diary recorded that “…during the night, mortaring and shelling continued on a heavy scale….It is apparent that there has been heavy reinforcement of this area, and that the enemy is determined to make a stand. The troops we are now meeting are definitely the cream of the crop.  They belong to paratroop battalions, with a sprinkling of glider troops and Luftwaffe personnel…..”

The war diarist noted that the German troops were young and in good physical condition, “…keen to fight and with excellent morale.  All day long there was heavy fire from artillery and mortar on our positions, and his snipers are very busy.  At 1600 hours the Germans opened an artillery barrage which lasted for two hours, then came in on a counter attack…”

On October 10, 1944, the War Diary continued the account of the attack.  “…Weather – Misty and rain.  The heavy mortaring and shelling to which we have been subjected continues without respite…”  The attack continued for the Black Watch until 3:00 pm, when they were relieved by the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.

The Black Watch casualties for the Hoogerheide attack were counted, and totalled 81, with 12 fatalities.  Among those who were recorded as having died on October 10, 1944 was William Ernest Stone.

….William is buried in Bergen Op Zoom….

William was initially buried in the village cemetery in Ossendrecht, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands.

William Ernest Stone from find a grave

Grave of William Ernest Stone in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands.  (Photo courtesy of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

Later this month, the cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom is holding its 80th Anniversary of Liberation Commemorations.  Private William Ernest Stone will be one of the 968 Canadians buried there who will be remembered.

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

Pieter at the entrance to the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Brenda Graves and Arlene Roberts for their help in finding a photo. Thank you to Faye MacNutt for submitting a photo of her uncle.

If you have photos or information to share, please 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/

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier From Clermont Killed During Operation Veritable

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September 30, 2024. When you visit a Canadian War Cemetery and place down a flag by a soldier’s grave, it stays with you, and makes you wonder about the person who is buried there.  Before our first war memorial tour in 2017, Pieter asked the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands for a list of soldiers from Prince Edward Island who are buried there, and we made sure to place flags at their graves.

Screenshot 2024-09-30 at 09-15-25 Clermont - Google Maps

Clermont is located in Prince County, Prince Edward Island.  (Map source: Google)

Over the years, Pieter has researched many of the soldiers from Prince Edward Island who are buried in The Netherlands, and he continues to do so. One of these WWII soldiers was John ‘Weston’ CAMPBELL, born May 29, 1916 in Clermont, Prince Edward Island, the son of Archibald Joseph and Lavinia Helen (nee Brennan) Campbell.  

brant

C.G.S. Brant in Charlottetown around 1930.  (Photo source: https://sailstrait.wordpress.com)

Weston’s father was Captain of the Canadian Government Ship ‘Brant’, a buoy and lighthouse tender that operated from the Charlottetown Marine Wharf.  The family also operated a farm, and Weston worked there after leaving school upon completing Grade 10.

On June 29, 1937, Weston joined the 1st Battalion of the Prince Edward Island Highlanders Militia, before enlisting in active service with the Regiment on October 3, 1939. His basic training was taken in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Edward_Island_Highlanders)

….Weston was transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders…

Weston was promoted to Corporal and then Acting Sergeant by the time he was transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, 3rd Division, on June 20, 1940, and joined them at their headquarters in Amherst, Nova Scotia.  Training in preparation for overseas service continued.

According to his Personnel Selection Record, Weston played hockey, soccer, baseball, and softball.  His brother Vernon was a Chief Petty Officer in the Canadian Navy.  He had 4 sisters and 1 other brother.  The interviewer described Weston as “…sturdy, good-looking, well-balanced, with keen pride in regiment….”

CAMPBELL John Weston

John ‘Weston’ Campbell as a Sergeant.  (Photo courtesy of North Nova Scotia Highlanders Museum)

On July 5, 1941 he was promoted to Sergeant, just as the Regiment moved to Debert, Nova Scotia for final preparations before going overseas.  In ‘No Retreating Footsteps’ by Will Bird, he noted that “…the 3rd Division units were moving to Debert….Word came that the North Novas would be included in the 9th Highland Brigade along with the Highland Light Infantry and the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders…”

….Weston left Canada for England….

On July 19, 1941, Weston and his Regiment left Halifax, Nova Scotia aboard the Orion, arriving in Avonmouth, England on July 29, 1941.  Two days later, they were allowed to disembark and left by train for Aldershot, where “…the North Novas arrived at Albuhera Barracks…”

He continued to train and take courses, and then was transferred to the No. 1 Non-Effective Transit Depot (NETD) on July 7, 1942.  Tweedsmuir Camp in Surrey, near the village of Thursley, was set up as Number One Transit Depot for handling thousands of medical and psychological cases during WWII.  

It was also used as a base for returning Canadian and American troops, and that appears to be why Weston was there, as shortly after his arrival he was sent back to Canada, arriving on July 29, 1942.  The following day he was assigned to No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a short period.

….Weston returned to Canada for officer training….

On August 14, 1942, Weston was sent to the No. 30 Officers Training Centre in Brockville, Ontario for training. After successfully completing his 12 week course on November 7, 1942, he was recommended for promotion and appointment to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

With his new officers’ rank, he was transferred to the A-14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre in Camp Aldershot, Nova Scotia on November 13, 1942.  He was sent for additional training to the A25 Canadian Army Small Arms Training Centre (CSATC) in Long Branch, Ontario from November 14 to December 12, 1942, after which he was promoted to Lieutenant.

On January 9, 1943, Weston was transferred to No. 61 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia for additional training, before returning to A-14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre in Camp Aldershot on April 14, 1943.

….Weston left Canada again for overseas service….

On June 19, 1943, Weston left Canada for overseas service.  After arriving in the United Kingdom on June 24, 1943, he was assigned to No. 7 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).   He arrived there just as a fellow Islander, Harold ‘Hal’ Gabriel BULGER, whose story was previously told, was transferred to the Princess Louise Fusiliers.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/08/05/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-bulger-brothers-part-i-the-wwii-soldier-from-foxley-river-killed-during-the-battle-of-moerbrugge/)

On July 29, 1943, Weston returned to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, who were still in the United Kingdom. Training and exercises continued, as extensive preparations began for Operation Overlord (the larger Normandy invasion) and Operation Neptune (the English Channel-crossing portion of Operation Overlord) on June 6, 1944 – what we know today as D-Day.

In ‘No Retreating Footsteps’ by Will Bird, he recorded that among “…the officers selected to land in France on D Day with the North Novas….” was Lt. J.W. Campbell who would be leading an anti-tank platoon.

…Weston survived D-Day….

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

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

After landing on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, as part of the 9th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, 21st Army Group, the war diary noted that the Regiment had 10 casualties that day– 4 killed, 6 wounded. 

Weston had survived D-Day and received a promotion to Acting Captain on June 22, 1944. The Regiment continued to fight in North-West Europe, including the Battle of the Scheldt, which began October 2, 1944. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Scheldt)  Weston was confirmed as Captain on October 4, 1944.

On December 19, 1944, he was promoted again.  The war diary entry for that day reported that “…Captain J. W. Campbell was made Acting Major today, and is to command ‘B’ Company…”

On January 10, 1945, while on leave in the United Kingdom, he married Mary Margaret Taylor in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. 

He returned to the Regiment on January 15, 1945 and the war diary entry for that day recorded that “…the battalion officers held a party for Major J. W. Campbell who has just returned from his privilege leave to the United Kingdom.  It appears that he was married during this leave….”

….Weston lost his life during Operation Veritable…

Screenshot 2024-09-30 at 11-09-38 emmerich germany - Google Search

Map shows Emmerich, Germany located on the Rhine River. Allied troops had to cross the river in amphibious vehicles.  (Map source: Google maps)

The Regiment was informed that they were to take part in Operation Veritable. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable) After leaving Nijmegen in The Netherlands, they reached Kellen, Germany near Kleve, just on the other side of the border with The Netherlands, on February 12, 1945. 

On February 14, using amphibious vehicles, the North Novies made their way towards Emmerich.   The war diary for that day reported that “….we have been given the job of taking out the triangle formed by the road running southwest … and the canal running south east….”

Three Companies were involved. “…The attack is to be made across the river which has overflowed its banks and now forms a barrier over 200 yards wide. Buffaloes are to be used for the attack…”

The action began at noon, with ‘C’ Company on the left, and ‘A’ Company on the right of the road.  “… ‘B’ Company, which arrived late at the rendezvous, set out at 12:10 hours with their axis along the main road…”

The war diary entry continued, explaining that “…the assault companies landed on the shore with terrific fire support from field and medium artillery, plus the machine guns of the Buffaloes…”

The attack, which ended at 6:15 pm,  was ultimately successful, but “…our total number of casualties for today’s action was 3 killed and 8 wounded, including Major J. W. Campbell, commanding ‘B’ Company, who was killed…”  Both ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies had been heavily mortared during the day.

….Weston is buried in Groesbeek…

Weston was initially buried in a churchyard in Warbeyen, Germany, located halfway between Emmerich and Kleve, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  He was 28 years old and had been married just over a month.

CIMG9018 Sep 16 2017 Groesbeek Cemetery grave of JW Campbell from Daria

Grave of John ‘Weston’ Campbell in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Seven years after we placed flags at his grave, we finally know John ‘Weston’ Campbell’s story! If you have photos or information to share, please 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/

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail……105th Annual Remembrance Service At Cornwall Cenotaph

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September 26, 2024. On Sunday, September 22, 2024, the 105th Annual Remembrance Service was held at the Cornwall Cenotaph in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island.  Pieter was invited by fellow Legion member John Yeo to be the keynote speaker at this event. 

John asked that excerpts from Pieter’s presentation in July for the 75th Anniversary of NATO be included in the presentation. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/07/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail75th-nato-anniversary-commemoration-at-seacow-head-lighthouse/)

….There were two Cenotaphs – 1 for WWI and 1 for WWII….

After Pieter agreed to give a presentation, we visited Cornwall and saw that there were actually two Cenotaphs – one listing casualties from WWI and the other listing casualties from WWII.

A preliminary visit to the Cenotaph site in Cornwall. The WWI cenotaph is on the right, and the WWII cenotaph on the left. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The WWII Cenotaph listed 4 names, with one of the men killed in The Netherlands.  In preparation for the presentation, a decision was made to briefly mention these 4 men. 

There were 4 casualties listed on the WWII Cenotaph in Cornwall.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

 ….Pieter explained why he researches Canadian soldiers….

The PEI Regimental Band led a march past the Cenotaph just prior to the start of the ceremony.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Sunday, September 22, 2024 saw many citizens, veterans, and dignitaries arrive in Cornwall.  The PEI Regimental Band led the march past the Cenotaph just prior to the start of the ceremony.  Following the laying of the wreaths, Pieter was introduced as the keynote speaker.

He began by thanking the organizers for the invitation to speak “…as we gather around these two Cenotaphs commemorating those who died in WWI and WWII, on this, the 105th annual service ….” 

Pieter then briefly explained the motivation for researching Canadian soldiers.  “…If it wasn’t for the Allied soldiers fighting against tyranny in WWII, I might not be here. I was born in The Netherlands during the Hunger Year of 1944, when there was little or no food.  Our family lived in the countryside and my father spent many nights, sneaking out after curfew, looking to trade items for food to feed his family.  He wasn’t alone.  Anyone caught with food by the Nazis had it confiscated. 

So many people starved to death that winter! Allied soldiers – in particular the Canadians in our area of The Netherlands – not only liberated us from Nazi rule, they saved us from starvation.

In gratitude, now that I’m retired, one way for me to honour those who lost their lives in war is to research and share the stories of Canadians who served and died in the First and Second World Wars, helping to ensure that they will never be forgotten…”

…. 2024 was a year of important anniversaries ….

Pieter at the podium in Cornwall, with the WWII Cenotaph on the left, and the WWI Cenotaph on the right. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Pieter reflected that 2024 was a year of important anniversaries, and referenced the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the 75th anniversary of NATO.  He then explained that “…80 years ago, in October 1944, Belgium and the southern part of The Netherlands were liberated, following tremendous casualties during the Battle of the Scheldt. 

One of the names on this Cenotaph, that of Private William Ernest STONE, was serving with the Black Watch of Canada, when he was killed during a fierce battle in Hoogerheide on October 10, 1944, at the age of 25.  He’s buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, which is near the Belgian border. 

The cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom is holding its 80th anniversary of liberation commemorations next month, and Private Stone will be one of the 968 Canadians buried there who will be remembered….”

…. The other 3 names on the WWII Cenotaph were mentioned….

As was decided back in July when we first visited the Cenotaph location in Cornwall, Pieter briefly mentioned the other three names on the WWII Cenotaph.

“…Gunner John White BELL was serving with the Royal Canadian Artillery when he died on October 3, 1944 in Italy, at the age of 21. He’s buried in Ravenna War Cemetery in Italy.

RCAF Flight Sergeant Ronald Harris BUTLER died over Germany on October 22, 1943, at the age of 24. He was the bomb aimer aboard Lancaster ED366, which was on its way to bomb a target in Kassel, Germany when it was damaged by flak and finished off by a night fighter over Obermeiser, Germany. He’s buried in Hannover War Cemetery in Germany. Out of 7 crew members, only the pilot managed to bail out safely and survived. 

RCAF Flight Sergeant Terris Haggie MILLER died on the night of August 28, 1942, at the age of 23.  He was the wireless operator aboard Halifax W7809 which was shot down over Belgium by a German night fighter, and crashed southeast of Brussels, at Overijse-Tombeek.  The bomber was on its way to a bombing mission in Nürnberg in Germany, but never made it. All 7 crew members lost their lives and are buried near the crash site in the Overijse-Tombeek Churchyard.….” 

…. An appeal for photos ….

Pieter at the podium in Cornwall.  (Photo courtesy of Heath MacDonald)

Pieter had been invited to give a presentation because of his research, and he wasn’t going to let an opportunity go by without reminding those present of the need to preserve the past.  “…Volunteers like me work diligently to find photos of the Allied casualties in the many cemeteries in which they are buried. This is my 10th year of research.  There are over 7,600 Canadians who lost their lives during WWII that are buried in The Netherlands.

While many photos have been found, there is still much research to do. It gets harder as each year passes, with so many photos, letters, and other mementos of those who served and didn’t return home get lost to the dustbin of history….” 

…. ‘They’re not just names on a Cenotaph’ ….

The presentation ended with Pieter saying that “…those who sacrificed their lives in war are not just names on a Cenotaph or buried in a war grave.  They were children, siblings, spouses, parents, friends… Each one has a story that can be told and they should not be forgotten.

Let us always remember the memories and sacrifices made by those who did their best to answer the call to fight for freedom.  Thank you….”

As Pieter left the podium and returned to where he had been seated, he was both humbled and surprised as the audience gave him a standing ovation. Afterwards, many people came up to him and told him how his speech had touched them. 

Thank you to John Yeo and the organizers of the Annual Remembrance Service at Cornwall Cenotaph for inviting Pieter to speak. 

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/ 

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 Clarence Who Lost His Life During Operation Cannonshot

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September 7, 2024. When Pieter has to choose which name on a photo wish list to research, we never know what to expect. Sometimes a name is chosen because of the location where the soldier came from, sometimes it’s because of a particular battle in which he died, or because the surname seems to be rare enough that any information found would be relevant….and might lead to a family member who has a photo.

..…A lion featured in an old TV program led to one successful photo search …..

Sometimes, word association helps us decide on a name to search.  That’s what happened when scanning the list of names of Nova Scotia soldiers, and I noticed that one soldier, Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Eugene SMITH, came from Clarence.  That reminded me of Clarence, the cross-eyed lion, from a TV program I watched as a child. 

Daktari was a children’s program that followed the work of Dr. Tracy, a veterinarian at the fictional Wameru Study Centre for Animal Behaviour in East Africa, his daughter Paula, his staff, and a cross-eyed lion named Clarence.

“…That’s the soldier whose photo you need to look for next….” I told Pieter.  The look on his face when I told him why was priceless!  But, Pieter began his research and quickly found a great-niece, Jennifer Wallis, the granddaughter of Ronnie’s only sibling – his brother Allison, who confirmed that yes, the family had a photo of the soldier.  A few months later, Jennifer wrote to let us know that photos were “… found after searching many boxes at my father’s home….”

Before telling the story of the Canadian soldier from Clarence, Nova Scotia, take a look at the opening sequence from Daktari…

..…Ronnie enlisted in January 1944 …..

Screenshot 2024-09-02 at 12-28-34 Clarence · Annapolis County NS B0S 1C0

Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Eugene Smith was born in Clarence, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.  (Map source: Google)

Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Eugene SMITH was born in Clarence, Nova Scotia on August 28, 1925, the son of Floyd Murdock and Ruby Gertrude (nee Palmer) Smith.  When he enlisted with the No. 6 District Depot in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on January 3, 1944, he stated that he had left school after 2 years of high school and was working on his parents’ farm in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia as a farm hand.

Ronnie Smith colourized improved_photo(44)

Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Eugene Smith. (Photo courtesy of Donnie Smith. Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

On January 4, 1944, he was sent to the No. 6 Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia for basic training, and then on January 14, 1944 to No. 60 Canadian Infantry (Basic) Training Centre (CIBTC) in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, where his father, Captain Floyd Smith, was a trainer at this centre.

From February 11, 1944 until April 17, 1944, Ronnie was in and out of Yarmouth Military Hospital.  While he was recuperating he worked as a clerk in the Quartermaster stores between March and May 1944, after which he returned to general duties.

On July 30, 1944, Ronnie was transferred to A14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) in Aldershot, Nova Scotia for further training.  He received embarkation leave, from September 23 to October 6, 1944, the last chance he had to see his family.

….Ronnie left Canada for overseas service….

On November 25, 1944, Ronnie left for Great Britain, part of a group to provide reinforcements to the Canadian Army in the field.  Upon arrival on December 6, 1944, he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR). 

Ronnie continued receiving further training until January 23, 1945, when he left the United Kingdom for Italy, as part of the X-4 Reinforcements of the 1st Infantry Battalion, arriving on February 7, 1945.

As he arrived at No. 3 CITR a few days after Frank GALLANT of Prince Edward Island, perhaps the two Maritime soldiers had a chance to meet. The two men also left the United Kingdom for Italy on the same day. Once in Italy, although they were in the same location, their paths diverged as they were assigned to different regiments. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/06/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-mount-carmel-killed-during-the-liberation-of-posterenk/)

Screenshot 2024-09-07 at 11-06-35 Project '44

The West Nova Scotia Regiment was near Rossi, indicated by the soldier in the centre of the map, on February 20, 1945.  (Map source: Project ‘44)

On February 20, 1945, Ronnie was transferred to the West Nova Scotia Regiment, joining them north of Rossi (Russi), part of a group of reinforcements, at the tail end of the Italian Campaign. (See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_campaign_(World_War_II))

Ronnie Smith colourized improved_photo(43)

Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Eugene Smith joined the West Nova Scotia Regiment in February 1945. (Photo courtesy of Donnie Smith. Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

On March 20, 1945, he left Italy at the port in Livorno as part of Operation Goldflake, arriving in Marseilles, France two days later.  Operation Goldflake was the codename for moving troops from Italy to North-West Europe.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Goldflake)

After one night of rest, the Battalion left Marseilles for Belgium, arriving in Berlaer on March 28, 1945. 

….Ronnie was part of Operation Cannonshot….

On April 4, 1945, the Battalion arrived at a concentration area in the Reichswald Forest in Germany, where they stayed briefly for training in preparation for Operation Cannonshot.  The 49th British Division was to clear Arnhem in The Netherlands, and launch the 5th Canadian Armoured Division on a drive northwards. The 1st Canadian Division would bridgehead the IJssel River and head west to meet them.

On April 10, 1945, they moved to Hummelo, The Netherlands. Operation Cannonshot began on April 11, 1945, with Allied troops preparing to cross the IJssel River the following night and then advance towards Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. (See https://www.liberationroute.com/stories/190/operation-cannonshot)

The Battalion moved to the Royal Canadian Regiment area at Zutphen, just across the IJssel River on the night of April 12 into 13, 1945, crossing it at 2:30 am and establishing its Tactical Headquarters.

On April 13, 1945 the Regiment was committed to a breakout of a bridgehead on the IJssel River. According to the war diary for that day, the attack was expected to begin at 8:30 am “…but the attack did not begin until approximately 1100 hours, at which time ‘A’ Company, supported by tanks, started for their first objective.  They were barely on their way when, due to an artillery concentration called down by Carleton & York Regiment, it was necessary to hold up until 1130 hours….”

By noon, ‘A’ Company was making good progress allowing both ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies to advance on a two-company front. Progress slowed as resistance increased and ended at 7:45 pm.

….Ronnie lost his life near Zutphen….

On April 14, 1945, Tactical Headquarters was established in Zutphen area early in the morning. Companies sent out reconnaissance patrols during the rest of the night and into the early morning hours. The battalion was now in brigade reserve with the Royal 22nd Regiment on the left and the Carleton & York Regiment on the right. The Battalion attacked at 3:30 pm through the Royal 22nd Regiment to clear the woods on both sides of the highway leading to Apeldoorn but was held up by enemy fire and the attack was postponed.

At some point on April 14, 1945, Ronnie lost his life.  He was only 19 years old.  He was killed near a house beside a wooded area, and was initially buried in a field behind a house on the crossroads near Wilp/Achterhoek, The Netherlands. 

Henk Vincent, a volunteer at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, explained that “…only from December 1945, when the construction of the cemetery in Holten was completed, did the final burial take place….”

Ten zuid oosten van Apeldoorn(1)

Red marker shows temporary burial in Wilp/Achterhoek area southeast of Appeldoorn. (Map source: Google maps)

….Ronnie is buried in Holten…

After being exhumed from the temporary cemetery in Wilp/Achterhoek, Ronnie was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands on January 26, 1946.  When the cemetery was first opened, metal crosses were used to mark each grave.

Ronald E Smith - Marker in Holten

The original metal grave marker at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten for Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Eugene Smith.  (Photo courtesy of Donnie Smith)

 

smith, ronald eugene gravestone photo from Holten Info Centre

Grave of Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Eugene Smith in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  (Photo courtesy of the Information Centre Canadian Cemetery Holten)

..…We met with Ronnie’s family …..

We love meeting family members, and were delighted when we had a chance to meet Jennifer Wallis and her husband Kevin at a restaurant in Enfield, Nova Scotia.

CIMG6571 Oct 25 2023 Kevin & Jennifer with Pieter in Enfield

Kevin and Jennifer Wallis with Pieter in Enfield, Nova Scotia.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Jennifer and Kevin Wallis and Jennifer’s father Donnie Smith.  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/

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The Bulger Brothers – Part 2:  The WWII Stretcher Bearer From Foxley River Killed During The Battle of Bienen

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August 19, 2024. During WWII, the Bulger family of Foxley River, Prince Edward Island, suffered a double tragedy, losing two sons:  Harold ‘Hal’ Gabriel BULGER, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium, and Lawrence William BULGER, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

We were aware of Lawrence Bulger from last year’s series on soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders who lost their lives during the Battle of Bienen on March 25, 1945. Since his name was not on a photo wish list, we didn’t research his story at that time. The date of the Battle of Bienen was significant to Pieter as he was “…exactly one year old when this battle occurred….” and it’s why he made such an effort to research so many of the North Novies that died that day.

….Another story in the Battle of Bienen series….

This year, when we decided to tell the story of one more soldier killed during the Battle of Bienen, we asked Edison Smith for help in contacting a family member for Lawrence Bulger.  Edison’s grandfather, Edison Alexander SMITH, and great-uncle Ralph Schurman BOULTER, both lost their lives in the Battle of Bienen.  Edison put us in contact with Bev Jeffery, niece of the Bulger brothers.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Hal’s story was told.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/08/05/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-bulger-brothers-part-i-the-wwii-soldier-from-foxley-river-killed-during-the-battle-of-moerbrugge/).  Now, in Part 2, we tell Lawrence’s story.

To learn more about the Bulger brothers, we were delighted to meet with Bev, the family’s historian, who explained that her “…mother was Harold and Lawrence’s sister Agatha….”

CIMG6828 May 27 2024 Bev Jeffery & Pieter Mill River Resort

Pieter with Bev Jeffery at Mill River Resort in Mill River, Prince Edward Island.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Born May 31, 1924 in Portage, Prince Edward Island, Lawrence was the son of Gabriel and Anne ‘Annie’ Marion (nee Milligan) Bulger of Foxley River, Prince Edward Island.  One of 16 children, Lawrence had two brothers and thirteen sisters. 

Lawrence Bulger with Guitar

Lawrence Bulger with his guitar at home on Prince Edward Island. (Photo courtesy of Bev Jeffery)

…Lawrence enlisted at the age of 17 ….

Before enlisting at the No. 6 District Depot in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, on March 10, 1942, Lawrence had worked on his family’s farm. He’d also worked at J.N. Kenny Contractors, a building contracting firm in Halifax, Nova Scotia until December 24, 1941.  He was only 17 when he enlisted, but tried to get around that by adding a year to his birth year, saying he was born in 1923. 

Lawrence Bulger colourized by RU

Lawrence Bulger, shortly after enlisting in 1942.  (Photo courtesy of Bev Jeffery.  Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

After completing his basic training at No. 62 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre (CABTC) in Charlottetown, Lawrence was transferred to the Princess Louise Fusiliers (Motor), an infantry regiment, in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 14, 1942.   

Then, on November 21, 1942, his real age was discovered and he was sent to No. 6 District Depot in Halifax while a decision was made about his future in the army.  Lawrence was described as a “…quiet but friendly man...” who was “…accustomed to hard work…” It was also noted that he “…cannot drive a car….” and “…hasn’t had any trades experience of any kind…”  It was recommended that he be given infantry training.

On November 30, 1942, Lawrence was transferred to the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Formation Camp in Bedford, Nova Scotia.  He remained there until September 1, 1943, when he was sent to No. 61 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre (CABTC) in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.  It was the second time he had to go through basic training.

…Lawrence was transferred from the Infantry to the Medical Corps ….

lawrence bulger Sep 1943 colourized

Lawrence Bulger in the fall of 1943.  (Photo courtesy of Bev Jeffery.  Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

On September 17, 1943, he was reallocated to the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC) and, once his basic training was complete, was transferred to A22 Canadian Army Medical Corps Training Centre in Camp Borden, Ontario on October 6, 1943.  While at Camp Borden, Lawrence received advanced training to prepare him as a stretcher bearer, with three key responsibilities when dealing with the wounded in a war zone: stop the bleeding, treat for shock, and evacuate. 

In an interview on October 26, 1943, it was noted that Lawrence was “…very disappointed about reallocation to RCAMC, as he was enthusiastic about the Infantry.  A sturdy active chap….”

…Lawrence married Violet May Bedgood ….

Violet(Bedgood) & Lawrence Bulger 1943 001

Violet May Bedgood and Lawrence Bulger in 1943.  (Photo courtesy of Bev Jeffery)

Just before his transfer to Camp Borden, Lawrence married Violet May Bedgood in Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 2, 1943, a few days after receiving permission to do so.  According to his application for permission to marry, they had known each other for a year.

Lawrence completed his advanced training in Camp Borden and was deemed ready for overseas service. He was granted special embarkation leave from December 15 to 23, 1943, the last extended period of time to visit with his wife and family.

On January 19, 1944, he was sent to No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia, for further training and in preparation for overseas service. 

….Lawrence left Canada for overseas service….

On March 6, 1944, Lawrence left Canada, arriving in the United Kingdom on March 13, 1944, where he was assigned to 1 Canadian General Reinforcement Unit (CGRU).  He was sent for further training while in the United Kingdom and worked as an orderly at No. 18 Canadian General Hospital.

Bev Jeffery had written that Violet was “…pregnant when Lawrence shipped out….” On May 16, 1944, their son Lawrence ‘Larry’ William was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia – a child that Lawrence would never meet in person.

Lawrence was transferred from RCAMC to No. 1 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR) on December 14, 1944.  As part of the Canadian Infantry Corps, he would be putting his training as a stretcher bearer to use in an infantry regiment in an active war zone.

….Lawrence was transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders….

Screenshot 2022-11-07 at 10-07-46 Bienen

The North Nova Scotia Highlanders made their way from Xanten towards Bienen in Germany in March 1945.  (Map source: Mapcarta)

On February 17, 1945, Lawrence was sent by plane to northwest Europe as part of the CIC-X4 reinforcement troops, and then was assigned to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders on March 11, 1945, joining the Regiment as they left Xanten, Germany for the Reichwald forest.

The Regiment was in the midst of preparations for Operation Plunder, which began March 21, and involved Allied troops crossing the Rhine River to the north of the Ruhr industrial region in western Germany. With aerial and military support, this took place on the night of March 23, 1945 near Rees, a town situated on the right bank of the Rhine River, approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) east of Kleve. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Plunder)

…Lawrence lost his life in the Battle of Bienen ….

On the next afternoon, March 24, 1945, Allied troops encountered fierce German resistance near the village of Bienen. They got as far as Bienen, when troop movement stopped due to blown bridges across the Rhine in that area.

In ‘No Retreating Footsteps’ by Will Bird, he noted that the 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders had made “… three attempts …. to capture the village, but they were turned back by very heavy machine gun fire from the front of the village, supported by heavy mortar fire…”

On March 25, 1945, the North Nova Scotia Highlanders reached Bienen, Germany for the climax of 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade’s role in Operation Plunder. The Regiment was tasked with passing through the 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who had been stopped in front of Bienen during the night. 

Bienen was a difficult challenge as the road through it was the only access point.  In ‘No Retreating Footsteps’ author Will Bird explained that it was “… an isthmus of solid land about half a mile wide with one road, the main Rees-Emmerich highway, which passed through Bienen exactly at the narrowest point…”

Aerial Bienen post-war

Post-war aerial of Bienen (view to the southeast towards Rees). The aerial clearly demonstrates the tactical importance of Bienen, laying astride the narrow neck of land. The main road from Rees to Emmerich (nowadays Emmericher Strasse) runs straight through Bienen. (Photo source: http://www.WW2Talk.com and identified as ‘Courtesy Becker’)

March 25, 1945 was Palm Sunday – one week before Easter. The battle began in the morning and didn’t end until late that evening.  Right from the start, troops were pinned down, “…suffering heavy casualties…” per the Regiment’s war diary for that day.  Worse, in terms of communications, “….contact between platoons was next to impossible because of the murderous fire and heavy mortaring….” 

The one day battle proved devastating in terms of casualties, both dead and wounded, as they fought in a deadly battle on open ground.  Among the casualties was 20 year old Lawrence William Bulger.  He was one of several stretcher bearers who lost their lives that day, killed by machine gun fire while attending to the wounded on the battlefield.

….Lawrence is buried in Groesbeek….

Like Clifford BATEMAN, John Joseph BOHON, Ralph Schurman BOULTER, Charles ‘Marshall’ CARSON, Harry William DOUCETTE, Marven Glenroy HARVEY, Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE, Marvin William MCGREGOR, Austin Havelock MUNROE, Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph POWER, Louis Allan SEXTON, and John Lewis WALLACE, Lawrence was temporarily buried in the military cemetery in Rees, Germany. According to his military file, he was buried on April 5, 1945. The following year he was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

In October 2019, Pieter and I visited the cemetery and placed Canadian and Prince Edward Island flags by Lawrence’s grave.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/12/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-our-2019-visit-to-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-groesbeek/)

CIMG3356 Oct 5 2019 Groesbeek Lawrence Bulger from Daria

Grave of Lawrence William Bulger in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….Lawrence and his brother Hal are remembered on the Ellerslie Monument….

CIMG6817 May 27 2024 Pieter by Ellerslie Monument - Bulgers

Pieter points to the names of Lawrence and Hal Bulger on the Ellerslie Monument.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

In May 2024 we visited the Ellerslie Monument in Ellerslie, Prince Edward Island, just 13.4 km (8.3 miles) from Foxley River, where the names of Lawrence and his brother Hal, who lost his life on September 10, 1944 during the Battle of Moerbrugge in Belgium, are commemorated.  

This concludes the 2 part series on the Bulger Brothers. Thank you to Bev Jeffery for submitting photos and information on her Uncle Lawrence, and to Edison Smith for contacting the Jeffery family.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Previous stories about North Novies killed during the Battle of Bienen and buried in Groesbeek….

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier From Hallowel Grant Who Lost His Life During The Battle For The North Shore Of The Scheldt

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July 24, 2024.  On November 7, 2022, Pieter was interviewed by Ceilidh Millar of CTV Atlantic News At 5 about the search for 4 soldiers of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who died during the Battle of Bienen on March 25, 1945.  (You can read the article and watch the video.  See P.E.I. man identifying Canadian soldiers in the Netherlands | CTV News https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/maritime-man-appealing-to-public-for-help-identifying-lost-canadian-soldiers-1.6143236)

Following the broadcast, several people got in contact to help with the photo search request, and to let him know about other soldiers buried in The Netherlands or Belgium. Among these was Martin Sullivan, who emailed Pieter, saying “…My uncle Edward died October 20, 1944 near Brasschaet. Buried in Bergen Op Zoom.  He was in the Algonquin Regiment, C Company. Thank you to the Dutch people for taking care of Pte E. D. Chisholm’s grave and doing this research….”

It took a while, but we eventually had a chance to meet Martin and look at the treasure trove of information and photos he had about his uncle, Edward ‘Ed’ Dalton CHISHOLM.

20230918_150701 Sep 18 2023 Pieter with Martin Sullivan in Cap Pele

Pieter with Martin Sullivan. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Born November 5, 1924 in Hallowell Grant, Antigonish County, Nova Scotia, Ed was the son of Willliam John and Annie Jane Chisholm. He had 7 brothers and 5 sisters. Martin explained that his mother Josephine was one of Ed’s older sisters.

Ed Chisholm with siblings

A young Edward Chisholm and his older brother John William Chisholm identified in ‘Limbs’ by Lewis B. Chisholm.  (Photo courtesy of Martin Sullivan)

… Ed first enlisted in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve…

After leaving school at age 15, Ed worked on his parents’ farm, and then on a dairy farm, before going on to work as a stevedore for Scotia Stevedore Company in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  (A stevedore works at a dock to load and unload cargo from ships.)  

On March 22, 1943, at the age of 17, Ed left his employer and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve as an ordinary seaman.  However, he was discharged as ‘medically unfit’ on May 12, 1943 due to being colour-blind. 

… Ed enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1944…

Ed Chisholm from Martin Sullivan

Edward ‘Ed’ Dalton Chisholm. (Photo courtesy of Martin Sullivan)

Ed returned to work as a stevedore in Halifax, this time with Cunard White Star Ltd, until January 4, 1944, when he enlisted at the No. 6 District Depot of the Canadian Army in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

His Personnel Selection Record noted that red-haired Ed had “…considerable experience in hockey and other sports. Attends dances ….” and reads “….popular fiction magazines and follows the news…”  His height of 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 metres) was remarked upon, and he was described as having “…a fine physique and a steady, calm, well balanced spirit…General characteristics point to suitability for vigorous activity along general combatant lines….”

On January 14, 1944, Ed was sent to No. 60 Canadian Infantry Basic Training Centre (CIBTC) in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.  After completing his basic training, Ed was transferred to A14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) in Aldershot, Nova Scotia on March 12, 1944.

Next, Ed was attached to S-5 Canadian Driving and Maintenance School (CD & M School) in Woodstock, Ontario on May 5, 1944, for a Driver Course. He successfully completed this on June 29, 1944 and was qualified as a Driver i/c Class III (W).  (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’.  Class III meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars. ‘W’ refers to ‘Wheeled’.)

He was reassigned back to A14 CITC in Aldershot in preparation for overseas service, and granted two weeks embarkation leave, from July 7 to 20, 1944, the last chance he had to see his family.

… Ed left Canada for overseas service in August 1944…

On August 4, 1944, Ed left Canada for the United Kingdom.  Upon arriving on August 10, 1944 he was assigned to No. 4 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).

On September 2, 1944 he was sent to France with the X-L infantry reinforcement troops of the 21st Army Group.

… Ed joined the Algonquin Regiment in Belgium…

Screenshot 2024-07-20 at 12-30-12 Sijsele · 8340 Damme Belgium

Edward ‘Ed’ Dalton Chisholm joined the Algonquin Regiment in Sijsele, Belgium, as they travelled eastward. (Map source: Google maps)

On September 15, 1944 he was assigned to the Algonquin Regiment, joining them in Sijsele, Belgium, located not far from the Dutch border.  The Regiment had suffered heavy losses during the battles to capture the canals around Moerkerke and needed reinforcements as they slowly advanced towards the Scheldt and the need to liberate the port of Antwerp.

By October 18, 1944, the Regiment was near Westmaele, north-east of Antwerp.  In ‘Warpath The Story of the Algonquin Regiment 1939-1945’, author Major G. L. Cassidy wrote that “… on October 19th, a battalion reconnaissance party went north to Camp de Brasschaet for a look at the terrain where the next day’s battle was to be fought…..” This was the Battle for the North Shore of the Scheldt.

The Algonquin Regiment war diary for October 19, 1944 stated that “…at 13:15 hours, the battalion left on its journey north, arriving at our destination, a badly bombed sanitarium, about 16:30 hours.  Here the men were briefed on the forthcoming operation and after digging in, settled down to spend another quiet night…”

The ‘Warpath’ entry for that day stated that when the orders were issued on the evening of October 19, the “…divisional plan was to advance and capture the town of Esschen, moving along two centre lines in two brigade groups…”

….The Battle for the North Shore Of The Scheldt was fatal for Ed….

The Battle for the North Shore of the Scheldt began on October 20, 1944 at 7:30 am, with “… ‘B’ Company leading, ‘A’ Company on the right, and ‘D’ Company on the left...” according to the Algonquin Regiment’s war diary for that day.

Ed Chisholm was in ‘C’ Company, which didn’t go into position until later in the morning, as noted in the war diary.  “…At 11:30 hours, ‘C’ Company was placed under command of 28 Canadian Armoured Regiment, and with ‘C’ Squadron of that unit, made a flanking attack and captured the cross roads.  During this operation, one ‘C’ Company man was killed, and one tank was knocked out with one man killed and one officer wounded. Twenty one prisoners of war were captured….”

The ‘C’ Company man killed was Ed, as was confirmed in ‘Warpath’. “… ‘C’ Company suffered only one fatal casualty, Pte E.D. Chisholm….”  He was 19 years old, only two weeks away from his 20th birthday.

Martin Sullivan had been given an eyewitness account by Stanley Cameron with a bit more information on what happened to his Uncle Edward. Stanley, from Grande Prairie, Alberta, was with the Royal Canadian Engineers 2nd Division.  “…When a German 30 mm cannon took out the tank, Edward was hit by tank shrapnel and was pushed into a ditch until taken to hospital.  He died in a field hospital, with a priest who gave him his last confession…” 

Map page 169 Warpath - Algonquin Regt Oct 20 1944 Chisholm_Page_3

Notes made by Martin Sullivan about Ed Chisholm’s last battle. (Map source: ‘Warpath The Story of the Algonquin Regiment 1939-1945’)

….Ed is buried in Bergen Op Zoom….

Screenshot 2023-09-17 at 21-00-01 kalmthout belgie at DuckDuckGo

Edward ‘Ed’ Dalton Chisholm was temporarily buried in Kalmthout, Belgium. (Map source: DuckDuckGo)

On October 21, 1944, Ed was temporarily buried “…in a field opposite the house of Joseph Goosenaerts…” in the village of Kalmthout, Belgium, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands.

grave Chisholm from Find A Grave

Grave of Edward ‘Ed’ Dalton Chisholm in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands. (Photo courtesy of Find A Grave)

….A family was left to grieve their son….

Martin wrote in his copy of ‘Warpath’ that when his grandmother (Momma) learned about her son’s death, she “…went to church and Edward appeared in her hands to tell her he was in heaven…”  When asked if this anecdote could be shared, Martin agreed.

Martin explained that upon hearing such devastating news about their son “….our grandfather Billy John Chisholm (PaPa) went to the woods to cry, and then hitched up the team of horses to take Momma to church in town….”

His grandmother’s faith helped her to cope with the loss of a beloved son.  “…After several days of living in town and going to church all day, PaPa and the children were worried that their Momma would never be coming home. Momma prayed for her son to the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph. Then one day they smiled down on her. Her prayers were answered.  There in her open hands was Edward’s face saying ‘Thank you Momma, I’m in heaven and you don’t have to worry about me anymore’. Her boy’s soul had been received into heaven and Momma went home to take care of the remaining twelve children. Thanks be to God….” 

Thank you to Martin Sullivan 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/

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail…… The WWII Soldier From Donaldston Who Died In A Vehicle Accident In The Netherlands

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July 13, 2024.  In the 11 part Atlantic Canada Remembers series that ran in 2021, photos submitted about Atlantic Canadian soldiers buried overseas were featured. Pieter ensured that photos of soldiers who are buried in The Netherlands were forwarded to the appropriate cemetery for their digital archives. 

In Part 2 of the Atlantic Canada Remembers series, Helen O’Connell submitted a photo of her uncle, Francis ‘Frank’ Ivan DOUGAN.  She wrote that he “….was born in November 12, 1919 to Florence and John Dougan from Donaldston, Prince Edward Island.  He was the 2nd of 12 boys born in that family – no girls.  Frank left school at age of 15 and went to work to help his family.  He worked in Debert, Nova Scotia as a labourer and mechanic.  In 1941, he and 3 of his brothers enlisted….”  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-2/)

Screenshot 2024-07-03 at 11-24-35 Donaldston · Prince Edward Island C0A 1T0

Donaldston is located in central Prince Edward Island. (Map source: Google maps)

…..Frank enlisted under the NRMA in 1941….

Frank originally enlisted under the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on October 2, 1941 and underwent basic training at No. 62 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC). (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Resources_Mobilization_Act)

After completing his basic training, Frank was sent for 62 days of advanced training at No. A19 Canadian Army Service Corps Training Centre (CASCTC) at Camp Borden in Borden, Ontario.  

From there, he was transferred to the 6th Division Ammunition Company of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) in Valcartier, Quebec on April 7, 1942.

Frank would remain with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC), an administrative and transport corps of the Canadian Army.  Their role was to provide support to Canadian soldiers wherever they went, moving supplies from the rear areas to the front-lines. They delivered all rations, ammunition, petroleum products, and all other essentials, using vehicles ranging from three- to ten-ton trucks, and forty-ton tank transporters. (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Canadian_Army_Service_Corps)

….Frank enlisted for active service…..

Francis Ivan Dougan

Francis ‘Frank’ Ivan Dougan. (Photo courtesy of Helen O’Connell)

On June 1, 1942, Frank transferred from the non-active militia to active service in the Canadian Army, remaining with the 6th Division Ammunition Company in Valcartier.   

On July 7, 1942, Frank was sent to the Canadian Army Trades School in Hamilton, Ontario for a Motor Mechanics Course, which lasted 6 months. On January 20, 1943, Frank was attached to the Headquarters of the 6th Division Ammunition Company at Hastings Military Park in Vancouver, British Columbia.

On March 9, 1943, he was sent to the Headquarters of the 6th Division Company in Victoria, British Columbia.  Then, on September 2, 1943, he was transferred to the 28th Transport Company in Duncan, British Columbia, but sent on assignment with the Royal Rifles of Canada to Wainwright, Alberta, where he remained until October 19, 1943, when he returned to Duncan. 

Frank next was transferred to No. XI District Depot in Vancouver, British Columbia on February 4, 1944 for a short period before being sent, on February 16, 1944, to No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia, in preparation for overseas service. 

….Frank left Canada for overseas service….

On April 11, 1944, Frank left Canada, arriving in the United Kingdom on April 19, 1944, where he was assigned to the Canadian Army Service Corps Reinforcement Unit (CASCRU).

Frank was transferred to the 12th Battalion of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC), part of the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade (CIB) on May 1, 1944, qualifying as a Driver i/c on May 8, 1944.  (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’.) 

Helen had written that while overseas Frank “… worked as a driver in the war, mainly in the UK….”  This turned out to be incorrect, as Frank was in the United Kingdom for only a few short months – until July 25, 1944, when he, and the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade (CIB), arrived in France as part of the 21st Army Group.  He was with the Brigade until after WWII officially ended.

….Frank remained in Europe after the war ended….

On July 6, 1945, as a driver, Frank was assigned to the 4th Armoured Division Transport Company of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC), joining them in Almelo, The Netherlands.  He remained with the 4th Armoured Division until November 10, 1945, when he was reassigned to the 2/9 Canadian Infantry Brigade (CIB).

On April 7, 1946, Frank was transferred to the 48th Canadian General Transport Company of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC), part of the Canadian Army Occupation Force (CAOF) in Germany. 

….Frank lost his life in a vehicle accident….

Helen wrote that “….after the war Frank decided to work in peacekeeping as a Canadian soldier in Oldenburg, Germany.  On May 16, 1946, he was involved in road accident and was killed.  He was buried in Holland and was awarded the France and Germany Star 1939-1945….”

According to his service file, Frank died in a hospital in Nijmegen following a road accident during very bad weather in Nijmegen, while he was on his way from Grave, The Netherlands to Oldenburg, Germany. Mechanical failure in the steering mechanism led to the accident.  Frank was a passenger in the rear of the vehicle along with 2 others, plus the driver. 

There were two fatalities: Frank Dougan and another soldier who was also in the rear, Charles Ernest Edwin CRIDLAND, who had been born in England, but was from Vancouver, British Columbia.

….Frank is buried in Holten….

2227155_1 Grave of Frank Ivan Dougan CVWM

Grave of Francis ‘Frank’ Ivan Dougan in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. (Photo courtesy of Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

Frank was initially buried in the Canadian Cemetery in Groesbeek, near Nijmegen, before being reburied, on July 16 1946, in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Helen was able to visit The Netherlands and the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  “…My husband and I were very fortunate to visit his grave in 2016.  I was so proud and honoured to be there.  I will not forget.  This graveyard seemed almost like a sacred place for these solders who gave their life for us and since my visit I really appreciate that….”

In 1948, Frank’s grave was adopted by a family from Delden – jeweller Jan A. Zengerink and his wife Ria.  An English translation of the letter that they wrote to Frank’s family informing them of the grave adoption was forwarded to Frank’s mother by the Department of Defence.

Thank you to Helen O’Connell for submitting a photo and information on her uncle. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

…..The Atlantic Canada Remembers series….

Missed the Atlantic Canada Remembers series? See:

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…… The WWII Soldier From St. Nicholas Who Lost His Life During The Battle of Hochwald Gap

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July 6, 2024.  Back in 2015, Pieter received a photo of WWII soldier Edward Gabriel PERRY, whose name was on a photo wish list from the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. 

Edward was born in St. Nicholas, a small community west of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, on October 6, 1924, the son of John F. and Zelia Perry. He was one of 11 children, with 5 brothers, three of whom also served overseas during WWII, and 5 sisters.

….Edward enlisted at age 18….

PERRY Edward Gabriel

Edward Gabriel Perry.

When he enlisted at the No. 6 District Depot in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, on February 25, 1943, he was only 18 years old, too young to be sent into an active combat zone.  At the time, he stated that he grew up on a farm, but had spent the past two months working as a carpenter for Fred Cameron of Saint John, New Brunswick, who had a lumber business.

Edward’s Personnel Selection Record noted that he “…plays hockey…” and that his “…chief diversion is reading….”  It went on to describe him as “…reserved, determined…” and concluded that he would “…make an efficient soldier…”

From Charlottetown, Edward was sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and from there to No. 61 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre (CABTC) in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia on March 13, 1943. 

After completing his basic training, Edward was sent to the A1 Canadian Artillery Training Centre in Petawawa, Ontario on May 12, 1943 to be trained as a gunner. 

On June 14, 1943, he was assigned to the 23rd Anti-Aircraft Regiment of the 50th Anti-Aircraft Battery of the Royal Canadian Artillery.  Edward’s new assignment was coastal defence in Sydney, Nova Scotia.  During WWII, Sydney was the second-most-important port for convoy formation after Halifax.

He remained in Sydney until March 23, 1944 when he was transferred to No. 1 Transit Camp in Windsor, Nova Scotia, in preparation for overseas service. Then, on May 15, 1944, he was reallocated to the Training Brigade Group in Debert, Nova Scotia for further training.

….Edward left Canada for overseas service….

On July 19, 1944 Edward left Canada, arriving in the United Kingdom on July 27, 1944, where he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).

A month later, on August 29, 1944, he was sent to France, and then transferred to the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s), part of the 21st Army Group, on September 2, 1944. On December 10, 1944, he was promoted to Lance Corporal.

….The Battle of Hochward Gap was deadly….

ASH Can map1

Map shows plan for the Battle of Hochwald Gap.  Note: Kanten on map should read Xanten.  (Map source: ‘The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) 1928-1953, edited by Lt-Col H. M. Jackson)

The end of February 1945 saw the Regiment in Germany for the Battle of Hochwald Gap, part of Operation Blockbuster, the final push towards the Rhine River, along with several other Canadian Regiments.  This offensive began on February 28, 1945 to clear the Germans from the Reichswald, a heavily forested area between the Maas and the Rhine Rivers, driving them back over the Rhine, taking the fight well into German territory for a full-scale invasion of Berlin.  (For more information, see https://canadianbattlefieldtours.ca/operation-blockbuster/ and https://civilianmilitaryintelligencegroup.com/10742/the-battle-of-hochwald-gap-one-of-the-largest-armor-engagements-you-probably-have-never-heard-of)

Troops faced a battlefield that was cold, wet, and muddy, and a ferocious fight by desperate Germans who recognized that they were about to lose the war. On March 1, 1945, Edward was badly wounded during the battle, and brought to a field hospital just after 6 pm “…in very poor condition…” and given “…1 pint of plasma….” 

He was sent on an urgent basis to No. 3 Casualty Clearing Centre, arriving at 9 pm. The medical report noted that he had “…shell fragment wounds with compound fracture of the right femur, injury of the femoral vessels, and multiple lacerations of both legs, and a penetrating wound to the abdomen…”  Edward was rushed into surgery, but died at 5:15 am on March 2, 1945. 

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

CIMG3330 Oct 5 2019 grave Groesbeek Edward Perry from daria

Grave of Edward Gabriel Perry in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Edward was initially buried in the Canadian Military Cemetery in Bedburg, Germany, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. 

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

© Daria Valkenburg

 ….Previous postings about soldiers who died during the Battle of Hochwald Gap….

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Soldier From Mount Carmel Killed During The Liberation Of Posterenk

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June 30, 2024.  In 2017, Pieter and I visited the village of Posterenk in The Netherlands with Edwin van der Wolf, one of the research volunteers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

CIMG9302 Sep 25 2017 Posterenk Windmill

Windmill in Posterenk, which has a memorial stone inscribed on the wall.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG9300 Sep 25 2017 Sign Posterenk freed by CYR Apr 13 1945

Translation of memorial stone on the windmill: Posterenk freed by the Carleton & York Regiment of Canada on April 13, 1945. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….The Island connection to Posterenk…..

Edwin wanted us to visit the village because it had an Island connection.  François ‘Frank’ GALLANT, son of Antoine and Eleanor (nee Poirier) Gallant of Mount Carmel, Prince Edward Island,  died there on April 13, 1945, while serving with the Carleton & York Regiment.

CIMG9296 Sep 25 2017 Edwin and Pieter by Posterenk windmill

Edwin van der Wolf (left) and Pieter in Posterenk.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The village had a list of 6 soldiers to commemorate from the Carleton & York Regiment, who had all been buried in the area.  Unfortunately, not all soldiers who died are included on this list, but Edwin worked towards including two more, who were not buried near Posterenk, but “…were temporarily buried in Lochem because they had previously died in a Canadian hospital there…” 

In total, out of the 8 soldiers, three were from Prince Edward Island!  The stories of Daniel Peter MACKENZIE and James ‘Frank’ MOSSEY were previously told.  In this posting, we feature the story of Frank GALLANT, the reason we were in Posterenk back in 2017!

Gallant Frank

François ‘Frank’ Gallant.  (Photo courtesy of the Information Centre Canadian Cemetery Holten)

….Three Gallant brothers served…..

Born November 24, 1914, Frank originally enlisted under the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on August 13, 1942 and underwent basic training at No. 62 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC), which he completed on October 12, 1942. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Resources_Mobilization_Act)

His Personnel Information Record noted that he could speak both French and English, and came from a rural farming background, which likely accounted for him having only a Grade 4 education.  In addition to farming, Frank had experience in carpentry work, and had worked in a lumber mill.  He could drive a vehicle, and played baseball and hockey. Two of his brothers, Georges and Simon, were also in the army. 

With his basic training successfully completed, Frank was transferred to A5 Canadian Engineer Training Camp (CETC) in Petawawa, Ontario for advanced training on October 13, 1942.  Upon completion of that training, he remained in Petawawa for an additional two months, doing general repair work. 

On January 28, 1943, Frank was transferred to No. 2 Engineer Services and Works Company (ES&W Company) of the Royal Canadian Engineers, where his task was to fire and repair boilers at No. 2 District Depot in Toronto, Ontario. He was with ‘D’ Wing, a ‘supernumerary to establishment’ reserve unit, while a decision about the direction his army career was to take was made.

Frank had expressed interest in being considered in the Tradesman category as a fireman or maintenance man, but it was determined that since his occupation background was “… erratic….” with no “…special training…” and he was considered very fit, in the “…A-1 category…”, he should be reallocated to “…Infantry (Non-Tradesman)…” and receive infantry training. 

Frank received special leave to return home to Prince Edward Island to help with the family’s farm operation on August 29, 1943, after which he returned to Toronto on November 1, 1943.

….Frank transferred to the Infantry…..

As a result of the assessment that he be assigned to an Infantry Unit, Frank was transferred to the 1st Battalion Victoria Rifles of Canada on November 10, 1943 and sent the following day to Stratford, Ontario to be re-mustered as a rifleman.

Frank remained in Stratford for training until February 18, 1944, when he was sent to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. 

On August 24, 1944, Frank transferred from the non-active militia to active service in the Canadian Army, remaining with the 1st Battalion Victoria Rifles of Canada in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

….Frank left Canada for overseas service…..

On November 21, 1944, Frank left for Great Britain with the 1st Battalion, to provide reinforcements to the Canadian Army in the field.  Upon arrival on November 28, 1944, he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR).

He continued receiving further training until January 23, 1945, when he left the United Kingdom for Italy, as part of the X-4 Reinforcements, arriving on February 7, 1945.  On February 13, 1945 he was transferred to the Carleton & York Regiment, joining them north of Rossi (Russi), part of a group of reinforcements, at the tail end of the Italian Campaign. (See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_campaign_(World_War_II))

He joined the Carleton & York Regiment at the same time as Archibald Phillip ‘Archie’ MCLEAN of Edmundston, New Brunswick.  Archie’s story was previously told on this blog.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/09/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-archie-was-a-good-guy/)

Screenshot 2023-09-04 at 16-28-14 Map of Russi Italy

The Carleton & York Regiment was north of Russi on February 13, 1945.  (Map source: http://www.gosur.com)

On March 17, 1945, he left Italy as part of Operation Goldflake, arriving in Marseilles, France three days later.  Operation Goldflake was the codename for moving troops from Italy to North-West Europe.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Goldflake)

The Carleton & York Regiment was now part of the 21st Army Group. From France, troops were moved up to the Belgian front, into The Netherlands, through the Reichswald Forest in Germany, and then back into The Netherlands.

…The Liberation of Posterenk…

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

Map western holland showing Posterenk

According to the April 12, 1945 war diary entry of the Carleton & York Regiment, they “…moved across the Ijssel River at 14:30 hours….” to relieve the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.

On April 13, 1945, the war diary entry noted that “…‘D’ Company’s objective is Posterenk…” The Regiment didn’t expect much opposition, but they “… met with stiff resistance just after starting at 11:25 hrs…”

In ‘Invicta – The Carleton and York Regiment in the Second World War’ author Robert Tooley explained that “…on the CYR front D Company was to lead off towards its first objective, the village of Posterenk: the opposition was expected to be light, and the company was instructed to continue to move forward until strong opposition was encountered.  The battalion now had in support a troop of M10 SP anti-tank guns, a troop of tanks, a platoon of medium machine guns, and a platoon of 4.2 inch mortars. D Company pushed off at 10:50 am….. Contrary to expectations, D Company met stiff resistance and suffered several casualties from small arms fire….”   

At some point during that day, Frank lost his life. 

…Frank is buried in Holten…

Frank was one of 6 soldiers initially buried along the main road to Posterenk, a village near Zutphen, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

Posterenk list of 6 CYR members

The 6 soldiers buried near Posterenk.

CIMG3198 Oct 3 2019 Holten Frank Gallant

Grave of François ‘Frank’ Gallant at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…Frank is remembered on the war memorial in Wellington…

In May 2024, we visited the war memorial in Wellington, Prince Edward Island, where Frank’s name is listed.

CIMG6840 May 27 2024 Wellington Monument - Francis Gallant - photo by Pieter

François ‘Frank’ Gallant is remembered on the war memorial in Wellington, Prince Edward Island.  (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

…Previous stories about soldiers commemorated in Posterenk….

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/

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Lumberjack From Belledune Killed By Stray Mortar Fire In The Nijmegen Salient

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June 24, 2024.  It’s surprising how often a chance meeting will lead to a photo.  In September 2023, while staying at a hotel in Ottawa, Ontario, we were approached by a fellow guest, Victor Richard, who had seen us coming out of our car the day before and had noticed the Prince Edward Island licence plate.  The following day, when he saw us in the lobby, he explained that he was from New Brunswick, the province next to ours. 

….The road to a soldier’s photo can be circuitous….

Victor showed an interest in the On The War Memorial Trail research project.  Pieter asked for his help in finding a photo of a particular soldier, and after we all returned back home, Victor put us in contact with Jean Gaudet.  In the meantime, Pieter had found a photo of the soldier online, as it had recently been posted on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial by Captain (Retired) Etienne L.L. Gaudet. 

Jean knew Captain Gaudet well and very quickly Pieter was put in contact with Etienne, who works diligently in ‘…promoting the memory of soldiers in New Brunswick…’ – as Jean put it.  During the Covid period, Etienne had visited 244 cemeteries, documenting the graves of soldiers across New Brunswick. (See https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-veteran-journey-cemeteries-1.6237590)

After learning about the On The War Memorial Trail research project, Etienne emailed Pieter. “…God bless you for the work you are doing. I certainly share your passion in ensuring none of these heroes are ever forgotten. I have worked very hard to build the Canadian Virtual War Memorial especially for those soldiers buried in New Brunswick who lacked pictures on the site.

I am now the person responsible for Veterans in Memramcook, which involves organizing our Remembrance Day ceremony and all other things related to honouring those that have served from …Memramcook….”

Etienne ended by making an offer to help.  “…Please don’t hesitate to write if I can assist you in any way…”

Etienne and Pieter 2

Pieter with Etienne Gaudet.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….An offer to help led to a photo….

Pieter soon asked for Etienne’s assistance with a photo search, asking if he would be willing to contact the family of an Acadian soldier, Edgar M. GUITARD.  “….He lost his life in The Netherlands on the 15th of January 1945. He had 6 brothers and 4 sisters. This morning I called the daughter of his youngest sister Emelia, Nicole Lagace, but she said that she had never heard of Nicole Lagace or Emelia Guitard. I have a feeling that she thought that I was a scammer and did not trust me….. Would you be able to help?….”

Pieter hoped that a French-speaking voice on the phone might reassure Nicole Lagace, but Etienne decided to pay a visit in person the following morning.  That evening he reported back. “…I was able to speak with Nicole in person. She has a photo of Edgar in her albums, but didn’t have time today to go through them. She apologized for her reaction to your phone call and stated that she has been scammed before and is incredibly careful now….” 

A few days later…success!  Etienne reported that he’d “…received the photo from Nicole Guitard Lagace, who confirms that the gentleman in the photo is her uncle, Edgar M. Guitard.…I do hope his memory can live forever although he died way too young. It was an honour to assist you and help preserve his memory in perpetuity. We will remember them….”

Nicole also contacted Pieter, explaining that “…the photo donated by me belonged to my mom.  Thank you very much….” 

….Edgar was born in Belledune….

Screenshot 2024-06-21 at 12-03-44 belledune new brunswick - Google Search

Map shows location of Belledune, New Brunswick, located on Chaleur Bay.  (Map source: Google maps)

Edgar was born on September 17, 1917 in Belledune, New Brunswick, a port village on Chaleur Bay, the son of Jean ‘Mickey’ and Bridgitte Guitard.  One of 11 children, Edgar grew up on his parents’ farm. 

When he enlisted at District Depot No. 5 in Rimouski, Quebec on April 8, 1941, he stated that he had served in the Active Militia since January 1941 – with No. 71 Centre Militaire out of Edmundston, New Brunswick.  He also stated that he was a fisherman during the spring and summer, and had worked as a lumberjack since 1930 for Fraser Brothers, out of Causapscal, Quebec.  Edgar enjoyed snowshoeing and fishing.

His Soldiers Qualification Card noted that he was illiterate, due to not having attended school, and was French speaking.

colourized improved_photo(37)

Edgar M. Guitard. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Lagace.  Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

Based on his extensive experience as a lumberjack with Fraser Brothers, Edgar was transferred to No. 12 Company of the Canadian Forestry Corps (CFC) in Valcartier, Quebec on April 12, 1941.

Unlike other members of the Canadian Army, members of the Canadian Forestry Corps were not expected to be in combat.  Their role was to help the British with their need for timber.  As stated in an article on http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/corpsbranches/forestrycorps.htm  “…wood was needed for living quarters, messes, and recreation facilities, as well as crates for vital supplies such as food, ammunition and even vehicles, and for the creation of explosives, stocks for weapons, the construction of ships, aircraft and factory facilities….”

Canada agreed to send workers and equipment to Great Britain, with the Corps Headquarters based in Scotland.  The British designated the areas of work, and the final disposal of the lumber created, but all military operations were under the control of Canadian Military Headquarters in London, England.

Although the men serving in the Canadian Forestry Corps were not in a combat role, they were provided with very rudimentary basic training in using firearms, only because of the impending threat of German invasion.

….Edgar left Canada for overseas service….

After about 6 weeks of basic training, Edgar left Halifax, Nova Scotia for the United Kingdom on June 18, 1941, arriving in Gourock, Scotland on July 2, 1941. He remained with No. 12 Company until September 29, 1943, when he was transferred to No. 11 Company, and then on March 19, 1944 to No. 5 Company. 

The work done by the Canadian Forestry Corps (CFC) included building barracks, roads, bridges, and setting up power plants. They also helped with snow clearance on the highland roads in Scotland. Each company of the CFC had two sections, one cutting in the bush and bringing out the timber, and the other sawing it into lumber at the company mill.

For an idea of the hard work done by the Corps, take a look at this very short British Pathé video Canadian Forestry Corps In Britain (1941)….

It was work that Edgar thrived at, but things were about to change.  By the spring of 1943, a desperate need for more soldiers in the Canadian Army caused several hundred soldiers to be redeployed.  Edgar was able to remain in the United Kingdom until after D-Day on June 6, 1944.

….Edgar was sent to France….

The above referenced Canadian Soldiers article explained that “…..after the landings in Normandy in June 1944, ten companies eventually moved to the Continent to continue operations there; 77 square timber rafts and 54 round timber rafts had been created in Southampton to move timber across the English Channel with them. By the end of August 1944, operations had commenced on the continent….”

No. 5 Company was one of these ten companies, now part of the 21st Army Group.  On July 26, 1944, Edgar left for France with No. 5 Company, arriving a day later.

Edgar remained with the No. 5 Company until November 25, 1944, when he was transferred to the X-4 Reinforcement List of the 10th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry Corps.  The lumberjack was now a soldier, even though his training had not prepared him for combat.

….Edgar’s transfer to Le Régiment de la Chaudière was his last….

On January 13, 1945, Edgar was transferred to Le Régiment de la Chaudière and allotted to ‘A’ Company.  The Regiment had wintered in the Nijmegen Salient, while preparing for the upcoming fight in the Rhineland in February 1945.  They were based on the Holthurnsche estate in The Netherlands, near the German border, between the cities of Berg en Dal and Nijmegen.

While on the estate, Edgar was one of two casualties hit by stray mortar fire.  The Regiment’s War diary entry for January 14, 1945, written at 10:30 am….  “…La cie A:  2 casualties par l’action des mortiers allemands….” (English translation: ‘A’ Company: 2 casualties by the action of German mortars.)  He died the following day, aged 27.

Map Jan 14 1945 position of Regt

Location of Le Régiment de la Chaudière on January 14, 1945, near the Dutch/German border. (Map source: Project ’44)

Today the area where the Regiment overwintered is the Hotel Holthurnsche Hof.

footer banner_holthurnsche_hof

Hotel Holthurnsche Hof is now where Le Régiment de la Chaudière was located in mid-January 1945. (Photo source:  http://realhealth.nl/hotel-holthurnsche-hof/)

..…Edgar is buried in Groesbeek …..

Edgar was initially buried in a temporary Canadian cemetery in Nijmegen on January 16, 1945, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands on August 7, 1945.

grave stone Edward Guitard from Find A Grave

Grave of Edgar M. Guitard in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  (Photo source: Find A Grave)

Thank you to Etienne Gaudet for going above and beyond to meet a family member of Edgar Guitard, and to Nicole Lagace for submitting a photo of her uncle. Many thanks also to Victor Richard and Jean Gaudet for connecting the dots that led to us meeting Etienne! Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

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