On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWI Letters of Lawrence Ivy Marshall – Part 5: Returning Home With A War Bride

March 29, 2024April 18, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

March 29, 2024. In Part 1 of the WWI letters of Lawrence Ivy MARSHALL, of Covehead, Prince Edward Island, which had been shared by his granddaughter, Connie Birt Paynter, Lawrence was among the first Canadians to volunteer for WWI in 1914. After his initial training in Valcartier, Quebec, he informed his family that he was about to go overseas. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-1-valcartier-camp/)

In Part 2, Lawrence described his experiences aboard one of the first troop ships to England. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/08/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-2-the-voyage-to-england/)

In Part 3, Lawrence was on the front lines in trenches in Belgium and France, when he dislocated his elbow and was sent back to England for treatment. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-3-in-the-trenches/)

In Part 4, Lawrence spent weeks in England recuperating before returning to active service at the front …. until he was wounded and sent back to England. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/21/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-4-back-at-the-front/)

Now, in Part 5, Lawrence’s story concludes as his wartime service in England ended, and he returned to Canada with a war bride….

…Lawrence worried that his brother Merrill would be sent to the front….

As 1916 turned into 1917, Lawrence remained in England, working at the Canadian Convalescent Hospital at Wood Cote Park in Epsom, Surrey. His younger brother Merrill was also in England.

On January 29, 1917 in a letter to his father, he explained that he had received “…a letter from Merrill yesterday. He is still at Shorncliffe and having a good time of it….”

After Lawrence’s experiences in France and Belgium, he worried that his brother might also be sent to the front. “… I hope and pray that he never sees the trenches, because you have a pretty slim chance of getting back alive out there, and by the talk of things there are going to be harder fighting out there this spring than there has been yet at all. They are putting every man that’s fit out there this spring and try to make one big drive for the last time, but I don’t think that there is much use of doing it. Germany ain’t beat yet nor won’t be for a while…”

Lawrence may have heard inklings of the preparations for what we would come to know as the Battle of Vimy Ridge. His worries continued as expressed in a February 11, 1917 letter to his father. “…Have you heard from Merrill since he went to France? I have been expecting a letter from him the last week, but did not receive any. He will find quite a difference over there to what he had in England, but still he will get a good job as he is a signaler. He may never have to go into the trenches at all….”

…Lawrence was devastated to learn his brother had died during the Battle of Vimy Ridge….

On April 16, 1917, Lawrence wrote his mother to let her know that he’d received “…a letter from Merrill. He was fine when he wrote. He said that it wasn’t too bad out there yet. I only hope that he will come through it all safe and sound….” Unfortunately, by the time Lawrence wrote this letter, Merrill was dead. He had died April 9, 1917 during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/06/14/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-signaller-from-covehead-killed-during-the-battle-of-vimy-ridge/)

By May 11, 1917, Lawrence had heard about Merrill and wrote to his parents. “…I suppose that you have heard by this time about poor Merrill being killed on Easter Monday…I know what a shock it will be to you all.…Something was telling me all the time that he was gone. But never mind….he was a hero and died for his country….”

…Lawrence fell in love….

On May 26, 1917, Lawrence wrote his mother from D Company, No. 1 Platoon Regiment, 1^st Canadian Command Depot, St Leonard’s on Sea, Sussex, England: “…I am not at Epsom now. Am down on the south coast of England at my command depot. It is a very nice place but they drill you pretty hard here….”

When he was sent to Epsom, Lawrence met Evelyn ‘Eve’ Martha Williams. At the time, he already had an English girlfriend named Ada, who his parents expected he would marry. But love takes its own path, and Lawrence had to inform his family that he and Ada had broken up. “...The one that I have now is a dear little girl …. I loved this girl near nine months and kept it to myself and tried to keep Ada but couldn’t love two girls when you love one more than the other….”

…Evelyn was a volunteer with the Women’s Legion….

20230530_100619 Evelyn Marshall from Connie

Evelyn ‘Eve’ Martha Williams. (Photo courtesy of Connie Birt Paynter. Photo colourization by Jim Paynter)

Evelyn was a member of the Women’s Legion, Royal Air Force. The Women’s Legion was a volunteer organization that began in 1915. Volunteers wore military style uniforms and took on various duties. (See https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/community/3891)

Members of the Women’s Legion, Royal Air Force, worked as drivers, despatch riders, clerks, or telephonists. They were billeted in women’s accommodations, usually near the places where they worked. (See http://www.rafhornchurch.thehumanjourney.net/History/women.htm)

Lawrence knew his parents were still grieving the loss of Merrill and hoped that his news would be welcome. “…She is still at Epsom yet. She is a girl doing her bit too….I know how you all feel at home….I feel bad enough myself…. The only comfort I had was Eve, my girl…”

The daughter of a soldier, William ‘Edwin’ Williams, Evelyn was born in India and would have known how to deal with wartime loss.

…Lawrence and Evelyn married in England….

1917 group photo with Lawrence Ivy Marshall, bottom centre. (Photo courtesy of Connie Birt Paynter)

A November 24, 1917 letter from Lawrence to his father, written from No. 1 Company 5^th Reserve Battery, West Sandling, Kent, indicated that war had taken it’s toll. “…about that photo I sent you of some of the boys, you were right, I am in the middle on my knees. It is hard to tell it’s me in that but it is me alright. I guess that I don’t look the same as I used to….”

On April 29, 1918, 26 year old Lawrence and 23 year old Evelyn were married at the parish church in Figheldean, Wiltshire.

…Lawrence and Evelyn travelled to Canada aboard HMS Melita….

HMS Melita. (Photo source: wwiwarbrides.blogspot.com)

Just over a year after their marriage, Lawrence and Evelyn left the United Kingdom for Canada on May 5, 1919, aboard HMS Melita. The ship, with soldiers and military dependents, departed from Liverpool and arrived in Quebec City, Quebec on May 12, 1919. Two days later, Lawrence was officially discharged from military service in Quebec City.

…Lawrence and Evelyn lived in Covehead…

20230530_102548 Pieter and Connie with photo of Evie

Pieter with Connie Paynter, who is holding a photo of her grandmother, Evelyn Marshall. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Lawrence returned to Covehead, with Evelyn, and they raised three children. Their granddaughter Connie recalled that Evelyn was known as “…Little Eve. She became a midwife on Prince Edward Island and worked with Dr. Wendell MacDonald…”

Lawrence “…farmed in West Covehead and Marshall’s Dam is named after him. He was a carpenter and a fantastic gardener….”

improved_photo Jul 4 2023 Lawrence drying fish from Connie Paynter colourization by Pieter

Lawrence Ivy Marshall drying fish on Prince Edward Island. (Photo courtesy of Connie Birt Paynter. Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

Grave of Lawrence Ivy Marshall at West Covehead United Church Cemetery in West Covehead, Prince Edward Island. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

Lawrence died on November 2, 1959 and is buried at West Covehead United Church Cemetery, which is also known as St. James United Presbyterian Cemetery. Evelyn died on February 26, 1982 and is buried in the same cemetery.

This concludes the 5 part series on the WWI letters of Lawrence Ivy Marshall. Thank you to Connie Paynter for providing photos and sharing letters written by her grandfather. If you can identify any of the other soldiers in the 1917 group photo, please let us know.

Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…. Sydney enlisted in the fall of 1943….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

January 13, 2024January 21, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

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

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

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

…. Frank’s niece provided a photo….

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

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

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

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

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

…. Frank enlisted in June 1941….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…. We met another niece in Richibucto….

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

20230918_120957 Sep 18 2023 Pieter with Irene and Rheal Caissie

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

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

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

Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..Remembrance Week 2023 – Updates To Previous Stories

November 10, 2023 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

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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 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. (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/)

358120622_10168075551440442_8702984731432200329_n grave of Sanford Saulis

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…”

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/

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In Memoriam To John Robinson and Donald Moore

November 4, 2023 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

In_memoriam

November 4, 2023. Over the past years, the On The War Memorial Trail Research Project has been telling stories of those who have served our country. This isn’t done in isolation but with the help of many families who contributed photos and personal recollections.

..John Robinson was the nephew of WWI soldier Arthur Clinton Robinson…

This week, we received word that Arthur ‘John’ Robinson, nephew of Arthur Clinton ROBINSON, a WWI soldier with the 26^th (New Brunswick) Battalion, from Tryon, Prince Edward Island, who is buried in Belgium, passed away. (See https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/obituaries/arthur-john-cm-robinson-94002/)

Hazel and John Robinson. (Photo courtesy of the Robinson Family)

We visited Arthur’s grave in La Laiterie Military Cemetery in 2017. Up to now, however, neither we nor the family have been able to find a photo of this WWI soldier, who is listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion in Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island.

For more information on Arthur Clinton ROBINSON, see:

…Donald Moore was the nephew of WWII soldier Archie McLean…

Today we learned that Donald Allan Shadrach Moore, nephew of WWII soldier Archibald Phillip ‘Archie’ MCLEAN of Edmundston, New Brunswick, passed away. (See https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/obituaries/donald-allan-shadrach-moore-94043/)

CIMG6452 Aug 29 2023 Pieter Don Moore Tina Mundy

Pieter with Donald Moore and Tina Mundy. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Archie, who was serving with the Carleton & York Regiment at the time of his death on April 17, 1945, is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. You can read his story here: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/09/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-archie-was-a-good-guy/

Our deepest condolences go to the families of John Robinson and Donald Moore.

If you are able to help with a photo of Arthur Clinton Robinson, please let us know. You can email us at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Previous In Memoriams….

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On The War Memorial Trail….. Successful Conclusion To The Search For Wilfred Giroux

July 3, 2023September 3, 2023 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

July 3, 2023. Last year, following an interview published on May 4, 2022 in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Pieter received an email from Adje van der Sanden-van Lisdonk in The Netherlands, asking if he could help with an unusual request. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/05/04/article-in-de-telegraaf-quest-for-faces-zoektocht-naar-gezichten/)

…Adje wanted to repatriate a photo and Christmas cards sent to a Canadian soldier and found at her parents’ house….

Adje had a photo of a WWII soldier from Canada, and two Christmas cards. All had been found in her parents’ house and she wanted to return them to the soldier’s family. The challenge Pieter faced was that she knew nothing about the soldier or his family.

Photo found in the house of Adje’s parents. The front of the photo reads ‘Best Wishes Wilf Giroux December 1944’. On the back was written ‘my baby sister and myself’. (Photo submitted by Adje van der Sanden-van Lisdonk)

The photo and the names listed on the Christmas cards helped Pieter to identify him as Wilfred Octave Joseph GIROUX, the son of Octave Joseph and Elizabeth Ellen (nee Hickey) Giroux. Wilfred was born September 25, 1912 in Mattawa, Ontario, and survived WWII. Unfortunately, Pieter was never able to determine in which Regiment Wilfred served. We posted an article about the search in June 2022 and hoped a family member would come forward. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/06/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-wilfred-giroux/)

…Research continued….

Meanwhile, research continued, in case information about Wilfred’s military service or living family could be found. Sometimes interesting connections were made, as when Judie Klassen found that Wilfred’s brother Joseph married Zita Rellis, who had been Wilfred’s teacher. Judie wrote us that “…They must have been school sweethearts as she is in a school photo with the rest of the Giroux kids. Looks like his sister Lillian was a witness at his wedding….” (See https://vitacollections.ca/whitbynews/details.asp?ID=69906)

DSCN2427 Ste Annes Church from Don Coutts

Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church in Mattawa, Ontario. (Photo credit: Don Coutts)

We had been unable to find the Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church that the family had attended when we went through Mattawa, Ontario last year, but Don Coutts was kind enough to send us a photo. “…I was in Mattawa delivering bags of PEI potatoes to the Mattawa Food Bank several weeks ago and made a detour to the Sainte-Anne Roman Catholic Church.…” (See Paroisse Ste-Anne https://stannemattawa.com/)

….One family member identified the woman in the photo with Wilfred….

Not long after the article was posted online, Bev Dahlinger contacted us, saying “…Imagine my surprise while I was searching online for information about some of my ancestors when I came across this article about my Great Uncle Wilfred Giroux. My Grandmother Marguerite Mann (Giroux) was Wilfred’s sister. The woman in the picture with Wilfred is his sister Addie. I don’t know a lot about Wilfred, other than he lived in Toronto and my mother used to go into Toronto to visit him years ago….”

….Addie’s daughter got in touch….

FB_IMG_8065410907851165341 Laurie Kane left with friend Kim

Laurie Kane (left) with friend Kim on holidays in Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Laurie Kane)

Months went by, and then in December 2022, we received a most welcome email. “…My name is Laurie Kane, daughter of Addie (Adelaide) Giroux and Howard Kane. I have a sister Mary Frances.

That is 100% my Mom pictured with Wilfred that you posted! I knew as soon as I saw it!! She was the youngest of 11 children. Their parents were originally from Rivière-du-Loup in Quebec. They moved to a large farm in Whitby, Ontario.

My parents adopted me when my mom was 40 years old. I don’t have many memories of Wilf, but he owned a gas station and was a mechanic, so perhaps was also a mechanic in the war.

20230422_132618~2 Aug 1954 Addie and Howard with Wilf in Toronto

Laurie’s parents Howard Francis Kane and Addie with Wilf at his garage in August 1954. (Photo courtesy of Laurie Kane)

Thank you so much. The article was an absolute delight to read!!...” Laurie ended with the words Adje was pleased to hear. “…And please thank Mrs Van der Sanden for making such a reconnection possible!! What an amazing woman! I would love to have the Christmas cards and photo….”

When she wrote, Laurie explained that she was on a winter vacation in Mexico, and sent a lovely photo from the beach. Nice!

20230422_132649~2 Group photo undated Wilf identified

Giroux family photo. Wilfred identified by red arrow. (Photo courtesy of Laurie Kane)

Laurie included a group photo, saying “…I believe this is the last big family photo…Wilf is third from left to right top row….”

….Wilfred Giroux passed away in 1991….

Judie Klassen answered one research question when she found Wilf’s obituary in April 30, 1991 edition of The Oshawa Times. Wilfred had died April 29, 1991 at the Rockliffe Nursing Home in Scarborough, Ontario, predeceased by 5 of his sisters and 3 of his brothers. He was survived by his sisters Antoinette (Toady) and Addie. He’s buried at St John The Evangelist Cemetery in Oshawa, Ontario.

….The photo and cards were repatriated….

20230517_154351~2 Laurie Kane with Xmas cards

Laurie Kane with the two Christmas cards and a note from Adje van der Sanden. (Photo courtesy of Laurie Kane)

This spring, Laurie received the photo and Christmas cards from Adje, and wrote to Adje, saying “…I was more than thrilled to receive the Christmas cards and your note. Wilf was my uncle on my mother’s side…Giroux. Peggy, Toady, Dot and Katie were all my aunts. I was very close to them and spent half my childhood at their house.

We called them ‘down home’…it was my second home. They were all lovely and giving people and made anyone who walked through their door feel at home and part of the family. I was very lucky to have had them all in my life for so many years. Toady (Antoinette) was the last of them and she died in 2014. Thank you so much for finding me and sending the cards and picture. I am forever grateful….”

Adje’s quest to repatriate the cards and photo was successfully completed!

Thank you to Laurie Kane for contacting us and providing photos and further information on her uncle. Thank you also to Judie Klassen for the research done in uncovering family members and where Wilfred settled post WWII, and to Don Coutts for taking a photo of the church in Mattawa.

This story began with a quest and thanks go to Adje van der Sanden-van Lisdonk for preserving the cards and photo in order to return them to Wilfred’s family.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Another WWII soldier from Mattawa….

Howard Milo NICHOLLS, who served in the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, lost his life on April 28, 1945 in Germany, also came from Mattawa. Born March 21, 1924 in Mattawa, Ontario, he was the son of Albert and Frances Nicholls. We briefly told his story during a feature on the soldiers who lost their lives in the same incident, but up to now family for this soldier have not come forward. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/05/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-tragic-drowning-on-the-leda-river-in-germany-part-4/)

…How to follow our research…

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The Search For A Photo Of WWI Soldier Joseph ‘Arthur’ Desroches Is Over

May 31, 2023September 6, 2023 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

CIMG8474 Sep 6 2017 Pieter at base of cross of remembrance at Ligny St Flochel British cemetery where Desroches is buried

Pieter at the base of the Cross of Remembrance in Ligny Saint-Flochel British Cemetery. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

May 31, 2023. Whenever Pieter visits the grave of a soldier he has researched, he always hopes to have a photo that puts a face to a name. Sometimes, that’s not possible, as was the case when we visited Ligny St. Flochel British Cemetery in France where WWI soldier Joseph ‘Arthur’ DESROCHES is buried. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/09/23/paying-our-respects-to-private-joseph-arthur-desroches/)

The On The War Memorial Trail research project began when Pieter first started researching the 48 names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion in 2015. His goal? To put a face and story to each name. Over the years we’ve told the story of each one in the County Line Courier newspaper, plus shared our visits made to their graves or memorials.

The Cenotaph Wall of Remembrance in the Borden-Carleton Legion displays photos of the men listed on the Cenotaph, with empty frames for those photos still waiting to be found. Pieter has never given up on finding a photo, reaching out to the media to help publicize the photo search of soldiers, including Arthur Desroches.

…The media helped publicize the search for a photo of Arthur Desroches…

In 2020 he did a radio interview on CBC Radio-Canada Acadie with Anne-Marie Parenteau, ‘La quête d’un homme de l’Î.-P.-É. pour retrouver des photos d’un soldat acadien’. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/11/15/the-continuing-search-for-a-photo-of-ww1-soldier-joseph-arthur-desroches/)

In 2021 Pieter wrote a Letter To The Editor in Prince Edward Island’s newspaper The Guardian:

Letter to the Editor re Desroches

…A photo of Arthur Desroches is found…

Now, thanks to Louis and Janet Arsenault of Summerside, there is one less empty frame! “…Arthur was my great-uncle…” Janet explained. “…My grandfather Anthony was Arthur’s brother and my mother Margaret was his niece…”

Angeline and Anthony Desroches. Anthony was the brother of Arthur Desroches. (Photo courtesy of Louis and Janet Arsenault)

In going through a box that had belonged to her mother, Janet and Louis found a photo that they believe must be Arthur. “…No one else in the family served in WWI, and he looks similar to my grandfather…”

Pieter noted that the uniform was from the 105^th Battalion, C Company, where Arthur had enlisted on March 9, 1916 in Summerside, and the photo was in a protective mat from a Summerside photo studio.

Joseph ‘Arthur’ Desroches. (Photo courtesy of Louis and Janet Arsenault)

Born August 8, 1891 in Miscouche, Joseph ‘Arthur’ DESROCHES was the son of Zephirim Desroches and Priscilla Gaudet. Unlike many WWI soldiers, he was married, to Mary Ann Wedge (Aucoin), and the father of four children.

Before enlisting, Arthur worked as a farmer for Howard McFarlane of Fernwood. After completing basic training, Arthur was on his way to the United Kingdom, leaving Halifax on July 15, 1916 aboard the S.S. Empress of Britain. He arrived in Liverpool, England 10 days later. On December 17, 1916 he was on the front line in France.

While serving with the 14^th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, Arthur was severely wounded on September 2, 1918 by a gunshot wound to his head. Arthur died on September 4, 1918 at No.7 Casualty Clearing Station at Ligny-St. Flochel, aged 27.

CIMG6236 May 16 2023 Pieter with Louis and Janet Arsenault

Pieter (centre) with Louis and Janet Arsenault. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The 8 year photo search has been successfully concluded! The photo of Arthur Desroches is now on the Legion’s Cenotaph Wall of Remembrance.

…8 photos still being sought for the Cenotaph Wall of Remembrance…

Pieter hopes that more of the empty frames will be filled over the coming year. “…Unfortunately, photos for 7 from WWI and 1 from WWII have yet to be found….” he said. Can YOU help with this photo wish list?

Names still without faces from WWI

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

Names still without faces from WWII

Ernest Ramey GALLANT, born in Borden

Thank you to Louis and Janet Arsenault for sharing a photo. Thank you also to CBC Radio-Canada Acadie and The Guardian for helping to publicize the photo search.

If you can help with the photo search request or have a story to tell, Pieter encourages you to email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

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On The War Memorial Trail…. The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Part 1: The Soldiers From Prince Edward Island

May 16, 2023September 7, 2023 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 10 Comments

CIMG6201 Apr 27 2023 Dutch flag by garage

The Dutch flag flew proudly at the Valkenburg household on Liberation Day. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

May 16, 2023. One of the events planned for the 75^th Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands in May 2020 was to place photos by the graves of soldiers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. Unfortunately, due to social distancing measures from Covid, this was postponed for a year.

In 2021, photos were placed at more than 1,600 graves for three weeks. The event was so successful that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which oversees the cemetery, gave permission for photos to be placed by the graves every two years.

…The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition 2023 includes almost 2,000 photos…

This year, The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition runs from April 30 to May 21, 2023, with almost 2,000 photos, just over 350 more than 2 years ago! Photos are printed onto an aluminum backing, making them impervious to rain, and reusable.

CIMG8927 Sep 15 2017 Entrance to Groesbeek cemetery

View as you enter the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek – before the photo exhibition. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Volunteers from Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, of which Alice van Bekkum is the Chair, worked tirelessly to make this exhibition possible, and to organize the Liberation Day commemoration events.

Pieter has been involved in finding photos of Canadians who are buried in all three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands since 2014, with many of their stories told on this blog.

…5 Islanders Commemorated…

In this posting, the graves and photos of five soldiers from Prince Edward Island, whose stories have previously been told, are featured.

Ralph Schurman Boulter. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Ralph Schurman BOULTER of O’Leary was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 27. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-2-the-wwii-battle-drill-instructor-from-oleary/

Grave of George ‘Ivan’ MacKinnon. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

George ‘Ivan’ MACKINNON of Albion was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on December 4, 1944, during the defence of the Nijmegen Salient in The Netherlands, at the age of 27. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/11/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-albion-who-died-during-the-defence-of-the-nijmegen-salient/

Grave of Bernard ‘Barney’ Reuben McGuigan. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Bernard ‘Barney’ Reuben MCGUIGAN of Sturgeon was serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment when he was killed on February 26, 1945, during Operation Blockbuster in Germany, at the age of 16. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/08/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-barney-reuben-mcguigan/ and https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-photo-search-for-barney-mcguigan-is-successful/

Grave of John ‘Clifford’ Rogers. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

John ‘Clifford’ ROGERS of Hope River was a sapper with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment when he and six other soldiers died on March 3, 1945 in the Balburger Wald, Germany. He was 19 years old. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/08/24/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-a-photo-of-john-clifford-rogers-is-successful/

Edison Alexander Smith. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Edison Alexander SMITH of West Point was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 32. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-1-the-wwii-soldier-whose-body-shielded-a-wounded-major/

…The search for photos continues…

What is striking is how many photos have been found! Out of 2,619 graves in the cemetery, 2,338 are Canadian, with 103 in graves marked ‘unknown’. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if photos for all of the known graves of Canadians buried in Groesbeek will be found for The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition in 2025?

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum and Ad and Noor Scheepers for taking these photos. The Dutch continue to stress the importance of remembrance to the next generation so they can continue to remember those who lost their lives in WWII.

In Part 2, the graves and photos of Indigenous soldiers whose families contacted us will be featured.

If you have a photo of a soldier buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek or one of the other cemeteries in The Netherlands, Pieter encourages you to email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

…Previous postings about The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek…

William ‘Willie’ Alfred CANNON, Joseph ‘Joe’ Edmund HENNEBERY, Alfred Louis PITAWANAKWAT (PITWANAKWAT), George Preston SMITH, Eli SNAKE, Clarence Wilfred WAKEGIJIG, William WEATHERBIE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/05/05/commemorating-liberation-day-at-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-groesbeek/
Thomas Beresford BIG CANOE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/05/10/the-photo-tribute-at-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-groesbeek/

…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/.

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 Battle of Bienen – Part 11: The WWII Soldier From Canning Who Lost His Life In Germany

May 2, 2023September 2, 2023 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

May 2, 2023. On a list of 39 soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who were killed during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945 and are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands, photos were missing for several names.

The date of the battle was significant to Pieter as he was “…exactly one year old when this battle occurred. I was born on March 25, 1944!…”

…John, known as ‘Ducky’ to his friends, enlisted in 1940….

One of the names on the list of missing photos was John Lewis WALLACE, who was born June 1, 1921 in Canning, Nova Scotia. The son of William Edward and Amy Louis Wallace, he had 5 brothers and 5 sisters. The youngest, Gladys Pauline Archer, explained that she was the last of the siblings and had only a poor quality newspaper photo of her older brother.

Wallace, John, HCH, 9 April 1945. p.9._part1

John Lewis Wallace. (Source: Obituary in the April 9, 1945 issue of Halifax Chronicle Herald)

His obituary in the April 9, 1945 issue of the Halifax Chronicle Herald noted that he was “…known as ‘Ducky’ to his friends…” and that he had enlisted in 1942, “….shortly after his brother, Cpl James Wallace, was taken prisoner at Hong Kong…” This is incorrect. According to his attestation paper, John Lewis Wallace enlisted on June 21, 1940 – shortly after his 19^th birthday – at the West Nova Scotia Regiment Regimental Depot #6 in Aldershot, Nova Scotia.

His brother James was captured in Hong Kong on December 25, 1941, but survived his time as a prisoner of war. (For more information, see interview with Roger Cyr at https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/video-gallery/video/4538)

On June 25, 1940, he began his basic training at A14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre at Camp Aldershot in Nova Scotia.

After completing his basic training, John was transferred to the Royal Rifles of Canada on November 29, 1940 and sent to Sussex, New Brunswick. The Royal Rifles had been designated 1st Battalion, The Royal Rifles of Canada, CASF a few weeks earlier. (CASF referred to Canadian Active Service Force, a term renamed as Canadian Army (Active) in late 1940. It was the field force raised by the Canadian Army during WWII.)

… John was sent to Newfoundland….

Location of Botwood Military Base in Newfoundland. (Map source: http://postalhistorycorner.blogspot.com/2012/12/wwii-canadian-forces-in-newfoundland.html)

John joined the Battalion in Newfoundland. The Battalion was responsible for garrison duty at Botwood and Newfoundland Airport in Gander from early November 1940 until August 1941. An RCAF base in Botwood had aircraft patrolling the east coast of the Atlantic. Canadian Army personnel based at Botwood were charged with protection of military facilities that had been installed there, as well as in Gander. (See https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/politics/botwood-base.php)

… Appendicitis stopped John from going to Hong Kong with his Regiment….

On September 2, 1941, John arrived in Valcartier, Quebec with the Battalion. While the Battalion prepared for its next assignment, he ended up in hospital with appendicitis. Therefore, he did not travel with the Battalion when it left for Hong Kong on October 27, 1941 as part of C Force. John was still in Canada when his brother was taken prisoner of war.

After returning from convalescent leave, John was transferred twice, first to the Royal Rifles of Canada Wing and No. 5 District Depot in Quebec on October 20, 1941. He was then sent to the No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia and assigned to the Depot Police.

A June 16, 1942 medical specialist report noted that for the past 6 months, John had been assigned to do “…light duty such as waiter in Officers Mess and Police Duty…” but he was now fit for active duty again.

John requested a transfer to the Provost Corps in Aldershot. On July 1, 1942, he was transferred to the Staging Camp in Aldershot, Nova Scotia. Then, on December 29, 1942 he was transferred to the training camp in Debert, Nova Scotia.

… While in service John became a husband and father….

John had requested permission to marry Doris Avanelle Crowe, which was granted on December 5, 1942. The couple married in Wolfville, Nova Scotia on January 15, 1943.

On May 1, 1943, John was transferred to the Infantry Training Camp in Windsor, Nova Scotia. While there, son William Lewis Wallace was born on October 17, 1943.

On September 28, 1944, John was transferred to the No. 1 Infantry Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia for final preparation and training before being sent overseas.

… John went overseas in November 1944….

He left Canada for the United Kingdom on November 21, 1944 – from Halifax, most likely on the same transport as John Joseph BOHON, Marven Glenroy HARVEY, Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE, and Marvin William MCGREGOR. Like Bohon, Harvey, Langille, and McGregor, John was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).

Screenshot 2023-04-30 at 13-45-17 Project '44

Map shows location of North Nova Scotia Highlanders (red arrow) as troops begin making their way towards Xanten, Germany. (Map source: https://map.project44.ca/)

On January 25, 1945 he was sent to Northwest Europe as part of 21 Army Group, and then on March 4, 1945, was assigned to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, joining them in the area near Xanten, Germany.

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

Operation Plunder (Map source: https://www.canada.ca Army Headquarters (AHQ) reports #19)

The Regiment continued its movement through Germany. By March 20, 1945, Allied troops were on the banks of the Rhine River for Operation Plunder, a military operation to cross the Rhine on the night of March 23, 1945. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Plunder) They got as far as Bienen, when troop movement stopped due to blown bridges across the Rhine in that area.

March 25, 1945 was Palm Sunday, one week before Easter. The Regiment’s task was to pass through the 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who had been stopped in front of Bienen. The problem with Bienen? 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…”

Plunder 015 Aerial of Bienen from 23 March 45, just prior to the Rhine Crossing (Courtesy Becker) ww2talk

Aerial view of Bienen taken on March 23, 1945, just prior to the Rhine Crossing (Map source: http://www.WW2Talk.com and identified as ‘Courtesy Becker’)

In the article ‘Too Close To The Guns!’ in Canadian Military History, Volume 12, Numbers 1& 2, Winter/Spring 2003, pp.5-28, author Lee Windsor explained that “…terrain conditions magnified the enemy’s force ratio advantage. In the flat, featureless topography …. villages were the decisive high ground. From the many two, and sometimes three story stone houses found in those villages, German infantry and artillery fire controllers easily observed and dominated the ground around them for thousands of yards. Furthermore, the level countryside enabled the numerous German machine guns to fire at extreme ranges of up to 1,500 yards, maximizing their effectiveness while limiting the ability of Canadian artillery observers to locate and engage them…”

In ‘Operation Plunder and Varsity: The British and Canadian Rhine Crossing’ author Tim Saunders noted in Chapter 9 that “…the attack was divided into two phases, with H Hour at 0900 hours. The first problem was to get the attacking troops across three hundred yards of open country and to help with this support by heavy artillery fire, including plenty of smoke fired by both field guns and the battalion’s 3-inch mortars…”

There were 6 platoons of riflemen involved in the fight. By late afternoon, the North Novies “….methodically set about the task of clearing each and every building in the main part of the village. It took the remainder of the day, yielding a mixed bag of Fallschirmjäger and Panzergrenadier prisoners….” (Note: ‘Fallschirmjäger’ are ‘Paratroopers’. ‘Panzergrenadier’ are ‘Armoured Infantry’)

This battle, that began in the morning and didn’t end until late that evening, was devastating in terms of casualties, both dead and wounded, including John Lewis ‘Ducky’ Wallace. As we don’t know which Company he was in, we don’t know the circumstances of his death.

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

Like Clifford BATEMAN, John Joseph BOHON, Ralph Schurman BOULTER, and Charles ‘Marshall’ CARSON, Marven Glenroy HARVEY, Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE, Marvin William MCGREGOR, Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph POWER, and Louis Allan SEXTON, John was temporarily buried on Monday, March 26, 1945 in the military cemetery in Rees, Germany before being reburied the following year in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

Grave of John Lewis Wallace in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

….4 Wallace sons served in the military….

The Wallace family had three sons who served in WWII: John lost his life. James, who had been a prisoner of war, returned home. Another brother, Keith, was discharged on compassionate grounds after his wife died, leaving their 8 children motherless. A fourth brother, Paul, who was serving with the United Nations Emergency Force, died in Gaza on November 27, 1964 when the vehicle he was in ran over a land mine.

Thank you to Gladys Archer for sending us information about her brother, to Judie Klassen for finding his obituary, research into the Wallace brothers who served, and helping find family, and to Margie Welin and Carrie Hogan of the Royal Canadian Legion Hants County Branch #9 in Windsor, Nova Scotia for helping in the initial search for family members.

Thank you to all who have helped Pieter to find family members of North Novies killed in this battle. Coming up in Part 12: Austin Havelock Munroe.

If you have a better photo of John Lewis ‘Ducky’ Wallace, or a story to tell, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

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

Clifford BATEMAN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/16/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-4-the-wwii-soldier-from-a-small-fishing-village-in-newfoundland-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/
John Joseph BOHON: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-5-the-wwii-soldier-whose-parents-immigrated-to-save-their-family-from-war/
Ralph Schurman BOULTER: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-2-the-wwii-battle-drill-instructor-from-oleary/
Charles ‘Marshall’ CARSON: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-3-the-wwii-soldier-from-cape-tormentine-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/
Harry William DOUCETTE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-6/
Marven Glenroy HARVEY: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/26/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-8-the-wwii-soldier-with-7-brothers-who-also-served/
Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/21/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-6-the-wwii-soldier-from-new-glasgow-nicknamed-kitty/
Marvin William MCGREGOR: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/04/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-9-the-wwii-soldier-from-west-jeddore-killed-in-germany/
Austin Havelock MUNROE, plus a list of the 39 soldiers: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/11/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-a-photo-of-austin-havelock-munroe-is-on-youtube/
Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph POWER: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/04/10/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-10-the-wwii-soldier-who-wanted-to-be-a-paratrooper/
Louis Allan SEXTON: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-7-the-wwii-soldier-from-quebec-who-has-never-been-forgotten-by-his-family/
Edison Alexander SMITH: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-1-the-wwii-soldier-whose-body-shielded-a-wounded-major/

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The Battle of Bienen – Part 9: The WWII Soldier From West Jeddore Killed In Germany

April 2, 2023September 2, 2023 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 6 Comments

April 2, 2023. On a list of 39 soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who were killed during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945 and are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands, photos were missing for 12 names. One of the names on the list of missing photos was Marvin William MCGREGOR.

The date of the battle was very meaningful as Pieter explained to Shirley Corbett when she shared photos of her uncle. Shirley’s mother, Gertrude Margaret Kent, was Marvin’s sister. “…I was exactly one year old when Marvin was killed. I was born on March 25, 1944!…”

Marvin William McGregor (Photo courtesy of Shirley Corbett)

Born January 16, 1925 in West Jeddore, Nova Scotia, Marvin was the son of Norman William and Laura McGregor. After leaving school at the age of 15, Marvin took a number of short term jobs before being employed as a truck driver with Woodlawn Dairies in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

…Marvin enlisted at the age of 18 ….

He’d also been in the Second Battalion of the Halifax Rifles Reserve Army since August 1943. Before enlisting at the No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 13, 1943, Marvin reported for a medical on October 2, 1943. In an interview for his Personnel Selection Record on that day, it was noted that his “…mother died 2 years ago. Father is mail and bus driver in Jeddore, Nova Scotia. Has 3 brothers – all younger – and 3 sisters…”

Marvin’s ability to drive cars and trucks was recorded, and he was described as being “…friendly and sociable….” It was recommended that he be considered for the Canadian Infantry Corps as a non-tradesman.

On January 1, 1944 he was transferred to No. 60 Canadian Infantry Basic Training Centre (CI (B) TC) in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

After turning 19 years of age, he was sent to A14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) in Aldershot, Nova Scotia for additional training on February 28, 1944. In a follow-up interview after completing basic training, his examiner noted that Marvin was “…interested in driving in the Army….” He was approved for the Canadian Infantry Corps – Automotive Trades – Driver.

On July 21, 1944, he was sent to the S-5 Canadian Driving and Maintenance School (CD & M School) in Woodstock, Ontario, where he successfully completed a 6 week driving course to qualify as a Driver i/c Class III Wheeled Vehicles. This meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars.

Marvin William McGregor (Photo courtesy of Shirley Corbett)

After finishing the course and returning to Aldershot, Marvin received embarkation leave, which allowed him to go home and say farewell to his family before being transferred to the No. 1 Infantry Training Brigade Group in Debert, Nova Scotia on October 27, 1944 – in preparation for going overseas.

He left Canada for the United Kingdom on November 21, 1944 – from Halifax, most likely on the same transport as John Joseph BOHON, Marven Glenroy HARVEY, and Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE.

Upon arrival in the United Kingdom on November 28, 1944, like Bohon, Harvey, and Langille, he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).

Map showing Emmerich am Rhein, Germany. To the left of the map is The Netherlands. Many of the North Novies killed during the Battle of Bienen would be initially buried near Rees. (Map source: https://duckduckgo.com)

On January 25, 1945 he was sent to Northwest Europe as part of 21 Army Group, and then on February 14, 1945, was assigned to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, joining them in the area of Emmerich am Rhein, Germany, located along the Rhine River, not that far from the Dutch border.

Marvin was a needed addition to the Regiment, as the war diary for February 14, 1945 reported that “…our total number of casualties for today’s action was 3 killed and 8 wounded…” following a successful attack the Regiment made to clear “… a triangle formed by the road running southwest and the canal running southeast…”

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

The Regiment continued its movement through Germany, past Calcar and Udem. By March 20, 1945, Allied troops were on the banks of the Rhine River for Operation Plunder, a military operation to cross the Rhine on the night of March 23, 1945. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Plunder) They got as far as Bienen, when troop movement stopped due to blown bridges across the Rhine in that area.

Palm Sunday in Siena, Italy in April 2009. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

On March 25, 1945, the Regiment’s task was to pass through the 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who had been stopped in front of Bienen. It was Palm Sunday, one week before Easter.

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’)

The war diary for March 25, 1945 noted the challenges the North Novies faced. “…The weather – sunny and clear. The day of the battle, 25 March 1945. …. The battalion objective was to be the town of BIENEN… code name ASTOR, which was formerly the objective of the 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. They had penetrated as far as farm buildings … but had had two attacks on BIENEN beaten off with heavy casualties.

BIENEN was of tremendous importance to the Germans because it was the focal point of a narrow bottleneck controlling two main roads, the one to EMMERICH… and the other to MILLINGEN. Secondly, it was of extreme importance that the narrow bridgehead was expanded quickly North and North-East to protect it from enemy mortaring and shelling and allow bridging to be put up.

The enemy were strongly dug in around and in BIENEN itself. They were fresh troops of the 115 Panzer Grenadier Regiment, and fighting fanatically to hold this vital objective. The approach was over 300 yards of flat open country with only a dyke running from the Start Line up the left hand edge of the town….”

Right from the start, troops were pinned down, “…suffering heavy casualties…” Worse, in terms of communications, “….contact between platoons was next to impossible because of the murderous fire and heavy mortaring….”

The one day battle was devastating in terms of casualties, both dead and wounded, including Marvin William McGregor.

We don’t know which Company Marvin was in, so do not know the circumstances of his death. Shirley Corbett wrote Pieter a story that her mother had told her. “….Marvin’s commanding officer visited her family yearly with a fruit basket when he returned home from overseas. Apparently, he told her that Marvin was standing in for him at the time of his being shot and he felt responsible. I am not sure if this is fact but my Mum certainly believed it…” Perhaps the ‘commanding officer’ was a Platoon Commander?

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

Like Clifford BATEMAN, John Joseph BOHON, Ralph Schurman BOULTER, and Charles ‘Marshall’ CARSON, Marven Glenroy HARVEY, Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE, and Louis SEXTON, Marvin was temporarily buried on Monday, March 26, 1945 in the military cemetery in Rees, Germany before being reburied the following year in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

original mcgregor grave marker in Groesbeek

Marvin’s original burial cross in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. (Photo submitted by Wouter van Dijken. Photo source: ‘De historie van de Canadese begraafplaats en de Zevenheuvelweg te Groesbeek’ by G. G. Driessen)

Grave of Marvin William McGregor in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

Thank you to Shirley Corbett for helping for providing a photo and information. She explained that she was “…the oldest family member left, the people with the memories and knowledge are are all gone now. Good luck and Best Wishes with this fine work you are doing…”

If you can help identify Marvin’s commanding officer and/or verify the story that Shirley’s mother was told about Marvin’s death, please let Pieter know.

GG Driessen book about Groesbeek Thank you to Wouter van Dijken for sharing the photo of Marvin’s original grave marker at the cemetery, and for letting us know that the photo came from the book ‘De historie van de Canadese begraafplats en de Zevenheuvelweg te Groesbeek’ by G. G. Driessen.

Thank you to all who have helped Pieter to find family members of North Novies killed in this battle. Coming up in Part 10: Wilfred Joseph ‘Willy’ Power.

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

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

Clifford BATEMAN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/16/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-4-the-wwii-soldier-from-a-small-fishing-village-in-newfoundland-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/
John Joseph BOHON: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-5-the-wwii-soldier-whose-parents-immigrated-to-save-their-family-from-war/
Ralph Schurman BOULTER: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-2-the-wwii-battle-drill-instructor-from-oleary/
Charles ‘Marshall’ CARSON: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-3-the-wwii-soldier-from-cape-tormentine-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/
Harry William DOUCETTE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-6/
Marven Glenroy HARVEY: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/26/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-8-the-wwii-soldier-with-7-brothers-who-also-served/
Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE:https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/21/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-6-the-wwii-soldier-from-new-glasgow-nicknamed-kitty/
Austin Havelock MUNROE, plus a list of the 39 soldiers: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/11/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-a-photo-of-austin-havelock-munroe-is-on-youtube/
Louis Allan SEXTON: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-7-the-wwii-soldier-from-quebec-who-has-never-been-forgotten-by-his-family/
Edison Alexander SMITH: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-1-the-wwii-soldier-whose-body-shielded-a-wounded-major/

…Want to follow our research?….

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…Lawrence worried that his brother Merrill would be sent to the front….

…Lawrence was devastated to learn his brother had died during the Battle of Vimy Ridge….

…Lawrence fell in love….

…Evelyn was a volunteer with the Women’s Legion….

…Lawrence and Evelyn married in England….

…Lawrence and Evelyn travelled to Canada aboard HMS Melita….

…Lawrence and Evelyn lived in Covehead…

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

…. Sydney enlisted in the fall of 1943….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…. Frank’s niece provided a photo….

…. Frank enlisted in June 1941….

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

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

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

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

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

…. We met another niece in Richibucto….

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

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

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

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

…We visited the Springhill Cenotaph….

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

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..John Robinson was the nephew of WWI soldier Arthur Clinton Robinson…

…Donald Moore was the nephew of WWII soldier Archie McLean…

…Previous In Memoriams….

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…Adje wanted to repatriate a photo and Christmas cards sent to a Canadian soldier and found at her parents’ house….

…Research continued….

….One family member identified the woman in the photo with Wilfred….

….Addie’s daughter got in touch….

….Wilfred Giroux passed away in 1991….

….The photo and cards were repatriated….

….Another WWII soldier from Mattawa….

…How to follow our research…

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…The media helped publicize the search for a photo of Arthur Desroches…

…A photo of Arthur Desroches is found…

…8 photos still being sought for the Cenotaph Wall of Remembrance…

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…The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition 2023 includes almost 2,000 photos…

…5 Islanders Commemorated…

…The search for photos continues…

…Previous postings about The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek…

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…John, known as ‘Ducky’ to his friends, enlisted in 1940….

… John was sent to Newfoundland….

… Appendicitis stopped John from going to Hong Kong with his Regiment….

… While in service John became a husband and father….

… John went overseas in November 1944….

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

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

….4 Wallace sons served in the military….

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

…Want to follow our research?….

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…Marvin enlisted at the age of 18 ….

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

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

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

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