Monuments

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

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments
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/ 

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 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. 

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 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….. D-Day Commemoration at Borden-Carleton Legion – June 6, 2024

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Screenshot 2024-05-28 at 10-34-30 D-Day 80th Anniversary Banner Decoration - 1.2m

June 19, 2024.  June 6, 2024 marked the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord (the larger Normandy invasion) and Operation Neptune (the English Channel-crossing portion of Operation Overlord) – what we refer to as D-Day.  

….80 years ago, Canadians landed on Juno Beach….

DDay 80 Newsletter - 3

On June 6, 1944, 14,000 Canadians and 7,000 Brits landed on Juno Beach. (Photo source: 2023 Juno Beach Centre Association (Canada))

An excerpt from the Juno Beach Centre Association (Canada) noted that “…between 7:45-8:15 am, units from the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, supported by tanks of the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, launched attacks along an eight-kilometre stretch of beach between Saint-Aubin and Graye-sur-Mer.

Despite the heavily entrenched enemy, the Canadians overcame the German defences and started inland. By evening, a Canadian bridgehead had been solidly established on the coast of Normandy. So started the Battle of Normandy….”

….The Borden-Carleton Legion commemorated the anniversary….

On June 6, 2024, members of the Borden-Carleton Legion gathered by the Cenotaph to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.  It was duly noted that two of the Legion veterans present had been born BEFORE June 6, 1944! 

CIMG6855 Jun 6 2024 2 veterans Pieter & George Palmer Borden Carleton Legion

Two veterans from the Borden-Carleton Legion, Pieter Valkenburg (left) and George Palmer (right), were born BEFORE D-Day on June 6, 1944! (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

 

CIMG6856 Jun 6 2024 Parade lineup Borden Carleton Legion

Members of the Borden-Carleton Legion lined up for the 80th Commemoration of the D-Day landings.  Front: Sgt At Arms Mario Henry.  Back, left to right: Pieter Valkenburg, George Palmer, Barry Bernard, Danny Bernard, Trish Taylor.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

 

CIMG6861 Jun 6 2024 Wreath at Cenotaph Borden Carleton Legion

The Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion after the laying of the wreath to honour the servicemen who were at D-Day on June 6, 1944.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….More information about D-Day….

Missed an earlier posting on the 80th anniversary of D-Day?  See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/06/01/on-the-war-memorial-trail-commemorating-the-80th-anniversary-of-d-day/

Want to know more about D-Day?  Follow the photos and text  in ‘D-Day: The story of 24 hours that changed the world’ at https://news.sky.com/story/d-day-the-story-of-24-hours-that-changed-the-world-11732907

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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…..Remembrance Week 2023 – We Remember

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November 12, 2023.  After a hectic week of activities, Remembrance Week is over for 2023.  However, in the Valkenburg household, remembrance of those who served continues all year round through Pieter’s research and the documentation of as much of his research as possible.

Here’s a whirlwind tour through some of the activities on Prince Edward Island in which we participated over this past week….

…Flags placed at graves of veterans….

On November 3, 2023, Pieter, along with fellow veteran Mario Henry, and Mario’s son Laurie, placed Canadian flags at the graves of veterans buried in 9 cemeteries, and at 4 cenotaphs, in the area covered by the Royal Canadian Legion’s Borden-Carleton Branch #10.  This has been done annually for over 20 years.

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Pieter Valkenburg (left) and Mario Henry at Bedeque Cemetery. (Photo credit: Laurie Henry)

 …Remembrance Week presentations at three schools….

Three Island schools were visited on November 6, 2023 – Somerset Elementary and Kinkora Regional High School in Kinkora, plus Amherst Cove Consolidated in Borden-Carleton.  Kinkora Regional High School even provided a delicious lunch! 

CIMG6592 Nov 6 2023 Somerset Elementary in Kinkora

Somerset Elementary School in Kinkora. Left to right:  Arthur Ranahan, Pieter Valkenburg, Kathy Henry, Sea Cadet Makia MacLean, Roger Leboeuf, Air Force Cadet Alessandria Recio, George Palmer, Sea Cadet Olivia Bulman, Mario Henry, Abigail Bulman, Trish Taylor, PEI (17th Recce) Canada Cadet Thomas Palmer, Dawn Gradwell.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG6603 Nov 6 2023 Somerset Elementary in Kinkora children with poppy posters

Children at Somerset Elementary in Kinkora presented poppy posters to the Legion members.  Pieter and Dawn Gradwell hold up two of the posters.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG6601 Nov 6 2023 Somerset Elementary in Kinkora children with poppy posters

Poppy poster presented by one young artist to Pieter.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…Remembrance Day in Borden-Carleton….

November 11 was bitterly cold this year, with intermittent rain throughout the day, and light snow flurries in the afternoon.  Luckily it stayed dry during the two Remembrance Day ceremonies in which Pieter participated.

In the morning we were at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Borden-Carleton.

CIMG6623 Nov 11 2023 Borden Carleton Pieter Valkenburg & Danny Bernard with Canada wreath

Danny Bernard carried the Government of Canada wreath which Pieter placed at the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG6634 Nov 11 2023 Borden Carleton Cenotaph

Cenotaph at Borden-Carleton Legion with the official wreaths.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…Remembrance Day in Kinkora….

It was so cold that we went home to warm up before going on to Kinkora for the Remembrance Day ceremony in the afternoon.

CIMG6636 Nov 11 2023 Kinkora Valkenburg Hall MacDonald Dean

A chance to warm up before the service in Kinkora began. Left to right:  Pieter, RCMP Cst Nicole Hall (ret), The Honourable Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, Rev William Dean of the North Tryon Presbyterian Church.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG6641 Nov 11 2023 Kinkora Heath lays wreath that Pieter carried

The Honourable Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, and Pieter after laying the wreath in Kinkora.  Flag bearers: Roger Leboeuf (left) and Arthur Ranahan (right).  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Following the ceremonies we were very happy to return to our warm house and reflect on how lucky we are to live in a country where we could return to a pleasant home, free of war and strife.  May we never forget the sacrifices made by so many, and may we never forget that so many people today live in a war zone and are experiencing death, uncertainty, and insecurity in not knowing what will happen next.  Lest we forget is never more appropriate.

Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.  

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to 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…..Remembrance Week 2023 – Updates To Previous Stories

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November 10, 2023.  When we write a story on the blog, we often receive additional information.  As we reflect on the service and sacrifices made by those who’ve served, it’s a good time to provide updates on previous stories and share our visit to the beautiful Springhill Cenotaph in Springhill, Nova Scotia.

…Update to the story about WWII pilot Jack MacKenzie….

After reading the story about WWII pilot Jack MacKenzie, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who died at the controls of his plane, Halifax DT630, after being attacked on February 3, 1943 over The Netherlands, Yannic Wethley, a board member for the Air Research Drenthe Foundation (Stichting Luchtoorlog Onderzoek Drenthe) contacted us.

Memorial panel Halifax DT630

Memorial panel honouring the crew of Halifax DT630.  (Photo courtesy of Stichting Luchtoorlog Onderzoek Drenthe – http://www.slodrenthe.nl)

The Foundation, which began in 2015, had installed a memorial panel for the crew of Halifax DT-630 near the crash site, and to explain the circumstances of what happened.  (See Halifax Mk.II DT630 VR-T – Stichting Luchtoorlog Onderzoek Drenthe.)

You can read Jack’s story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/02/19/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-pilot-killed-at-the-controls-of-his-halifax-bomber/ and about the 2022 Christmas Eve candle lighting ceremony at Sleen General Ceremony, where Jack is buried, at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/12/26/2022-christmas-eve-candle-lighting-in-the-netherlands/

Several photos of crew members were missing, and Yannic explained that the panel would be updated once pictures of all crew members were found.  “…We are still searching for the pictures of Warrant Officer Second Class Raymond Hepton ‘Ray’ Hill and Sergeant Eric Raymond Marquand...”

Hill was from Montreal, Quebec, and Marquand was from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and we offered to help the Foundation in their photo search quest.  A newspaper photo of Hill was subsequently found.  Jamie Nelson-Dixon, the granddaughter of Eric ‘Raymond’ MARQUAND’s sister Louisa, provided a photo of her great-uncle.

Eric Raymond Marquand

Eric ‘Raymond’ Marquand.  (Photo courtesy of Jamie Nelson-Dixon)

With all the photos of the crew members of Halifax DT630 now found, the memorial panel will be updated, likely in 2024.

…Update to the story about WWII soldier Adam Klein….

After we did a story about WWII soldier Adam KLEIN, from Disley, Saskatchewan, who died in The Netherlands while crossing the Maas River in January 1945, , and is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands, we heard from Peter-Willem Langebeeke of the War Museum in Veen, The Netherlands.

“…Nice to read your story about Adam Klein. We also have contact with the family, two sisters and their daughters…. Adam’s story is also an important part of our battlefield tour….” Peter-Willem wrote. (Translation from the original Dutch) 

We asked if tours were available in English as well as Dutch, and the answer was yes.  It’s on our ‘must visit’ list for our next trip to The Netherlands! For more information, please visit their website: www.oorlogsmuseumveen.nl or send an email to oorlogsmuseumveen@gmail.com.

Adam’s story was told in this posting: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/07/20/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-disley-who-lost-his-life-while-swimming-across-the-maas-river/  

His story was close to home as Pieter and I are very familiar with the location where he lost his life.  Many of Pieter’s ancestors are from this area and we have been there many times over the decades in tracing his family history. 

Adam’s great-nephew Mike Wilson wrote on behalf of himself and his mother Joyce: “…Thank you so much or including Adam Klein in your project and blog. We are very honoured and moved by your work…”

…Family member of WWII soldier Robert Theodore Cole contacted us….

We love hearing from family members and very much appreciated it when Susan (Cole) Getson contacted us through our blog about Robert Theodore COLE of Coles Island, New Brunswick.  Robert’s story was briefly told as part of the Atlantic Canada Remembers series we did in 2021 (see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/27/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-5/).  He’s buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

“…I sincerely appreciate all the hard work you do. Mr. Robert Theodore Cole which you have listed is my great uncle. My father was only 8 when his uncle died but the stories of Uncle Robert have lived on. I have his medals and his military records which I cherish. My own grandchildren know of their 3x great uncle and his sacrifice and as a family, we go to the monument in our area which lists his name and place flags and poppies for him and other relatives who served. Thank you so much for your hard work, I for one truly appreciate it....”

…Family members of WWII soldier Sanford Saulis visited Holten….

We were delighted to hear from Conrad Saulis, nephew of WWII soldier Sanford Steven SAULIS of Maliseet, New Brunswick, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/02/27/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-sanford-steven-saulis/)

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The Saulis family at the grave of Sanford Steven Saulis in Holten. (Photo courtesy of Conrad Saulis.)

Conrad wrote us, saying “…Woliwon. I’m sending you some pics from a trip I made this July to the Netherlands, in particular to visit my Uncle Sanford’s grave. It was very emotional for sure. I thought about my dad as we stood at Sanford’s grave playing a Wolastoqey honour song…”

Crew at Holten welcome centre

The Saulis family at the Holten Canadian Cemetery Information Centre. (Photo courtesy of Conrad Saulis)

“…We had good talks with the folks from the Welcome Centre in the ‘Crew’ pic.  (L to R) Robert (a volunteer for the Centre) – my sister Vickie, her hubby Terry, their daughter (my niece) Torie, Jan (from the Centre), me and my son Garrett. The folks from the Centre were so welcoming to us and helped us in so many ways including Robert’s wife Rosa…” 

…We visited the Springhill Cenotaph….

Every year we try to visit a memorial or monument honouring a soldier or airman whose story we told.  This past summer we visited Springhill, Nova Scotia, home of the Anne Murray Centre.

CIMG6421 Jul 8 2023 Pieter by Anne Murray Centre

Pieter outside the Anne Murray Centre. The singer is a favourite of his! (Photo credit:  Daria Valkenburg)

Down the street from the Anne Murray Centre is the Springhill Cenotaph. (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/467)

CIMG6423 Jul 8 2023 Pieter by Springhill monument

Pieter by the Springhill Cenotaph. (Photo credit:  Daria Valkenburg)

We were there to pay our respects to Lt Donald Charles MACKENZIE of Springhill, Nova Scotia, who lost his life on April 22, 1945, during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket, while serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.   Donald was initially buried in Loppersum General Cemetery in Groningen, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. 

For more information on Donald, please see:

Jul 8 2023 Pieter by Springhill monument with MacKenzie name

Pieter by the listing for Donald Charles MacKenzie on the Springhill Cenotaph.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…Looking for a photo of one name listed on the Springhill Cenotaph….

WWII soldier Logan Elwood LESLIE is also listed on the Springhill Cenotaph, but unfortunately no photo for him has been found to date.  He was born in Oxford, Nova Scotia, the son of John J. and Georgie Mary Leslie who moved to Moncton, New Brunswick.  Logan died April 9, 1945, while serving with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, and is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  

Thank you to Yannic Wethley of the Air Research Drenthe Foundation for letting us know about the memorial panel for the crew of Halifax DT630.  Thank you to Jamie Nelson-Dixon for sharing a photo of her great-uncle, Eric ‘Raymond’ Marquand.

Thank you to Peter-Willem Langebeeke of the War Museum in Veen, The Netherlands for letting us know that Adam Klein is remembered in the battlefield tours.  Thank you also to Adam’s great-nephew Mike Wilson. 

Thank you to Susan (Cole) Getson for contacting us about Robert Theodore Cole.  Thank you to Conrad Saulis, nephew of Sanford Steven Saulis, for sharing photos of his family’s visit to Holten.

If you can help with the photo search for Logan Elwood Leslie, or have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. You can email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.  

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail….. A Monument In St Claude Led To A Photo Of A WWII Soldier

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November 8, 2023.  Sometimes Pieter needs a break from extensive research. This past winter he decided to help the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands find photos of a few soldiers for which research had already been done, but no photo could be found.  It seemed like a relatively simple project, but there was a reason no photos were available – they were hard to find!

One of the soldiers whose photo search he undertook was that of Norman Victor Holgate BUCHANAN of Miami, Manitoba.  Born October 25, 1914, Norman was the son of Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Oakes and his birth certificate was registered with the surname Oakes. He received the surname Buchanan after Lizzie married Jim Buchanan, who adopted him. (You can read Norman’s story here: https://www.facestograves.nl/LifeStories/BUCHANAN%20Norman%20Victor%20Holgate-JLE-bio-EN.pdf)

N. Buchanan 3 from Gordon Warren

Grave of Norman Victor Holgate Buchanan at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. (Photo courtesy of Gordon Warren)

….The search for a photo of Norman Buchanan had many roadblocks….

Norman had many half-siblings – Jeff, Archie, Cliff, Tom, Barney, and Hazel – and it was a reasonable assumption that somewhere in that extensive family a photo of Norman would be found.  Unfortunately, every descendant of Norman’s family that was contacted did not have a photo. 

Pieter then began to look at Norman’s wife, Lillian Warren, from St Claude, Manitoba.  They had married on Christmas Eve in 1941, while Norman was on furlough.  They were not long together as Norman left Manitoba in March 1942 for further training, and then, following a brief leave in November, was sent to the United Kingdom for overseas service in December 1942. 

While serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Norman lost his life on February 16, 1945, after receiving a gunshot to his head during the Battle of Moyland Wood in Germany. (See https://legionmagazine.com/clearing-moyland-wood/) 

Lillian and Norman had no children, and research showed that Lillian never remarried.  Pieter was at a standstill where to look next and so we asked Judie Klassen, who has helped with really tough cases in the past, if she could take a look. 

…. A monument in St Claude led to a photo….

Judie ran into the same roadblocks, but did find a poor resolution photo of Norman from a March 3, 1945 Winnipeg Free Press announcement of his death. But Judie didn’t give up!  She let us know that she had “….contacted the St. Claude library about a photo for Norman Buchanan, wondering if they could connect me to a museum/historian in the area….”

She received a note from Robert De Smet of the Societe Historique St Claude.  “…I am a member of the St Claude Historical society, which also cares for our veterans monument here. We unfortunately don’t have any photo of Norman. In fact we were not even aware that Norman had lived in St Claude. Norman’s story is quite remarkable, all the way from losing his father at 2, assumedly a Mr Brissenden, all the way up to his heroic service  during the war.….”

He went on to explain that “….Lillian was well known in St Claude, and that Norman and Lillian were married on Christmas Eve, 1941 in Rathwell, Manitoba while he was on furlough….”  He explained that Lillian had a son. “….Gordon Warren was born in 1936…” 

Then Robert continued, saying “…I have worked with Gordon Warren at the veterans monument in St Claude…”

I called Robert De Smet, who said he would speak with Gordon Warren and ask if there was a wedding photo, or perhaps other photos, of Norman Buchanan.  He explained that Gordon was the contractor who had renovated the war memorial in St Claude! (See http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/stclaudewarmemorial.shtml)

 “…Gordon is still working (at 86 years) with his son at Portage Memorials in Portage la Prairie…” Robert noted.  (See https://portagememorials.ca/about/)  He visited Gordon, who did have a photo! Success! 

N. Buchanan 2 from Gordon Warren

Norman Victor Holgate Buchanan. (Photo courtesy of Gordon Warren)

We invited Gordon to also send a photo of himself, which he kindly did.

Gordon Warren

Gordon Warren.  (Photo courtesy of Gordon Warren)

Thank you to Judie Klassen and Robert De Smet for helping in the search for a photo.  Many thanks go to Gordon Warren for sharing photos. Norman’s photo will be included in the 2025 Faces of Groesbeek Exhibition, where for 3 weeks in May photos of soldiers are placed by their graves.

Do you have a story to share?  Please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog. 

© Daria Valkenburg

….Previous story about a soldier who lost his life during the Battle of Moyland Wood….

Another soldier who lost his life during the Battle of Moyland Wood, and whose story was previously told on this blog, was Alfred Louis PITAWANAKWAT (PITWANAKWAT).  You can read his story at: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/09/06/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-alfred-louis-pitawanakwat-pitwanakwat/

….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….. Honouring The Memories Of The North Novies Who Lost Their Lives During The Battle of Bienen

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments
20210220_111030 Feb 20 2021 Pieter with photo wish lists

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

September 2, 2023. When Pieter decided to research the names of a number of soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment that lost their lives during the Battle of Bienen on March 25, 1945 last year, he undertook a mammoth challenge.

40 North Novies died in that battle, with 39 buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  We told the stories of 13 of them this spring. Several of the names were on the cemetery’s photo wish list, and Pieter was successful in finding all the photos. 

The research took months and spanned the country, with help from other researchers, Legion branches, and the media in trying to track down families and photos.  We heard a lot of heartfelt stories about loss of a loved one and met – virtually – many wonderful people.

As summer days start turning into autumn and we begin to think ahead to Remembrance Week activities, it’s a good time to reflect on almost a year’s work of research to honour and remember these men.

…Battle of Bienen video on our YouTube Channel….

A short tribute to honour some of the soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment that lost their lives during the Battle of Bienen can be seen here:

….A monument in Bienen commemorates those who died in battle….

Screenshot 2023-09-02 at 08-56-31 Bienen · 46459 Rees Germany

Map shows route between Bienen and Groesbeek.  (Map source: Google maps)

In 2000 a monument to honour the Allied soldiers that lost their lives in the Battle of Bienen was placed in Bienen by surviving veterans. 

SONY DSC

Bienen Memorial. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Foundation. Photo by Kim Huvenaars)

The English version of the German text reads as follows:

 ‘BIENEN TABLET
This tablet has been placed by a group of surviving Canadian veterans of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, 3 Canadian Infantry Division, in proud and grateful memory of those forty members of their regiment who fell in battle at Bienen, Germany on Sunday, March 25, 1945 and in memory of those fellow combatants of 9 Canadian Infantry (Highland) Brigade and 51 British Highland Division who died in the same battle and in the same cause and as well, in respectful memory of those adversaries in the German army who died on that fateful day.

At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them.

Erected at Bienen on the 55th Anniversary of the event in the year 2000.‘

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

Did you miss the stories we told about 13 of these soldiers?

Thank you to all who provided photos and information that allowed these stories to be told this spring.  Each individual story identifies them. Thank you to post-production editor Wendy Nattress, who made the Battle of Bienen (S4E1) YouTube video a reality.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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 Trail Who Played The Cornet

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

August 14, 2023.  When Pieter begins his research into a soldier, and then contacts possible family members, he never knows what to expect.  Sometimes, his outreach surprises family members as they might not know a lot about the soldier he inquires about. 

During the search for a photo of Theodor ‘Ted’ HENSCHEL, who was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 19, 1914,  Pieter learned that Ted was living in Trail, British Columbia at the time of his enlistment on June 21, 1944 at the No. XI District Depot in Vancouver, British Columbia.

When Pieter was contacted Joy Roberts, daughter of Ted’s brother Emil, she wrote that “…My father didn’t talk about his brother.  So I am a little confused.  Ted Henschel is listed on the Trail, BC war dead. My father and their father lived in Trail…”  But – the family did have photos of Ted!

Theodor Henschel

Theodor ‘Ted’ Henschel (Photo courtesy of the Henschel Family)

Ted’s parents had immigrated to Canada from Eastern Europe.  They lived in Winnipeg until Ted was a year old, then in Saskatchewan for 12 years, before moving to British Columbia. “…One brother, Fred, lived and passed away in Vancouver.  He changed his name at some point during the war, because of Henschel sounding German.  He changed it to Hansel and was the only child that immigrated with the parents (though I believe one other son died on the ship while crossing to America).  Fred was about twenty years older than my dad, Emil…” explained Joy.

Besides Fred and Emil, Ted had a brother Rudolf and a sister Annie. When Ted enlisted after being called up for service under the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA), he had been working for a decade as a machine operator for the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company in Trail, British Columbia. In addition to English, it was recorded that he could speak German, and that he wore corrective lenses. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Resources_Mobilization_Act)

…Ted began his basic training in Camrose….

Ted was sent to No. 131 Canadian Infantry Basic Training Centre (CIBTC) in Camrose, Alberta.

Ted identified A Company Sep 1944 Camrose

September 1944 group photo of No 131 CIBTC , taken at the Military Headquarters  in Camrose, Alberta.  Ted Henschel is in the middle row, second from right.  (Photo courtesy of the Henschel Family)

Ted was a cornet player and played in the platoon band.

Musicians Ted 3rd from right with arrow

Ted Henschel, third from right.  (Photo courtesy of the Henschel Family)

On September 16, 1944, having completed his basic training, Ted was transferred to the A-16 Advanced Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) in Calgary, Alberta.

Ted remained in Calgary until December 9, 1944, when he was transferred to the No.1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia for final training and preparation for overseas service.

…Ted left Canada for overseas service…

On Christmas Eve – December 24, 1944 – Ted left Canada for the United Kingdom.  Upon arrival in the United Kingdom on the last day of the year, he was assigned to No. 1 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR) for further training.

…Ted was sent to The Netherlands…

finalphasecanscottish

Ted Henschel joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment near Zwolle. (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

On March 23, 1945 he was in North West Europe with the X-4 reinforcement troops of the 21st Army Group. Then, on April 18, 1945, he was transferred to the Canadian Scottish Regiment, joining the unit in the area around Zwolle, The Netherlands.  The Regiment had established patrols around Zwolle over an area of 161 square kms (100 square miles), rounding up German stragglers.

…The Battle for Wagenborgen was fierce…

wagenborgen

The Canadian Scottish Regiment’s movements during the Battle for Wagenborgen.  (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

On April 19, 1945, the Regiment moved to a concentration area at Hoogezand, near Groningen. Allied troops next worked to clear the area around Groningen of enemy troops. Patrols reported that Wagenborgen was still held by Germans. 

“…Roads leading in and out of Wagenborgen had been blocked, and covered by machine guns and anti-aircraft guns…. The terrain surrounding Wagenborgen was flat, unobstructed by dense foliage, and criss-crossed by numerous canals and drainage ditches which limited the avenues of approach for the attackers….”  (Excerpt from https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/wagenborgen.htm)

On April 21, 1945,  an attack on Wagenborgen, located south of Delfzijl, began, in what turned out to be a terrible fight.  This was the preliminary battle before the Battle of Delfzijl Pocket. The Canadian Scottish Regiment began the attack with only ‘D’ Company, but very quickly realized that this was insufficient. There were many casualties.

However, a subsequent attack with three companies was successful and troops were able to repel counter-attacks. By the time it was over, Canadian Scottish casualties at Wagenborgen were 23 killed and 41 wounded.

…Ted lost his life during the Battle for Wagenborgen …

The war diary for the Canadian Scottish for Sunday, April 22, 1945 recorded that “… ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ Companies patrolled extensively to their fronts:  ‘A’ Company met small arms fire from the town of Wagenborgen…’B’ Company patrolled…also meeting small arms fire…. ‘C’ Company established 4 strong-points to their front on the dyke running southwest to northeast….”

Ted was in ‘A’ Company, which late in the evening “…pushed east towards the northern part of WAGENBORGEN with the 4.2’s firing on the Company’s left flank. ‘C’ Company sent one Platoon to secure the dyke…with the other two Platoons pushing towards the dyke ….”

The after-action report for ‘A’ Company summarized what happened: “…At 2200 hours on the night of 22 April 45 A Company began their advance on the northern end of the village of WAGENBORGEN. Supporting fire commenced at 2230 and continued until 2245 during which time the Company advanced unmolested. At 2245 the assault commenced and for the first time enemy fire was apparent. The Company advanced through considerable shell –fire which caused several casualties…”

By 11 pm, the war diary reported that “… ‘B’ Company’s attack was started on the southern part of WAGENBORGEN. …. ‘A’ Company secured the northern part of the village…”

Sadly, at some point during the Battle for Wagenborgen on April 22, 1945, Ted lost his life. He likely hadn’t even had time to get to know the soldiers he was with, since he had only joined the Regiment a few days earlier.

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

Ted was temporarily buried in Siddeburen before being reburied on February 15, 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Foto graf Theodor Henschel, 21-1-013

Grave of Theodor ‘Ted’ Henschel in Holten, The Netherlands.  (Photo courtesy of the Information Centre Canadian Cemetery Holten)

…Ted is remembered on memorials in Trail and Wagenborgen …

As Joy wrote in her initial email, Ted is listed on the war memorial in Trail, British Columbia: see https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMN9QE_Trail_Cenotaph_Trail_BC

He is also listed on the war memorial in Wagenborgen, which commemorates the residents of Wagenborgen who died in the Second World War, and 27 fallen Canadian soldiers – 23 of them from the Canadian Scottish Regiment.  See https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/24193/War-Memorial-Wagenborgen.htm

Thank you to Joy Roberts, who wrote “…Thank you very much for your work. Joy, Gail, and Dennis – Nieces and Nephew of Ted Henschel…” A big thank you to Judie Klassen, whose genealogy research helped to find family members of Ted Henschel.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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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