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PEI Korean War Veterans Luncheon Hosted By The Embassy Of The Republic of Korea

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IMG_20210920_113547 Sep 20 2021 Korean Vets welcome sign at Borden Carleton Legion

Welcome Korean Vets sign greeted visitors for the luncheon.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

September 24, 2021. As summer ends and the lead-up to Remembrance Week begins, various events that honour our military veterans occur, and we were delighted to be able to participate in one special luncheon a few days ago….

On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted a luncheon for Korean War Veterans.  The event was organized by PEI Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, and held at the Borden-Carleton Legion.

Branch volunteers prepared a delicious roast beef dinner for the honoured guests.

CIMG5301 Sep 21 2021 Korean vets luncheon volunteers who prepared lunch and hall

Branch volunteers for the luncheon, left to right:  Sharon Noonan, Arthur Ranahan, Keith Sigsworth, Alma Sigsworth.  Not in photo: Kathy Henry.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG5298 Sep 21 2021 Korean vets luncheon table is set

The table setting.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….The Korean Delegation…

Representing the Embassy of the Republic of Korea were Col. Keun-sik MOON, the Defence Attaché, his wife Sun-ok BAN, and So-sun SUH, Assistant to the Defence Attaché.

CIMG5313 Sep 21 2021 Korean Embassy reps Korean vets luncheon

From left to right: So-sun Suh, Sun-ok Ban, and Col. Keun-sik Moon.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

 ….The Korean War Veterans…

Korean War Veterans present were:

CIMG5305 Sep 21 2021 Arthur Hiscock Korean vets luncheon

Arthur Hiscock. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

  • Arthur ‘Art’ HISCOCK of Summerside.
CIMG5304 Sep 21 2021 Victor MacFadyen & daughter Paula MacFadyen Korean vets luncheon

Vic MacFadyen with his daughter Paula MacFadyen. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

  • Victor ‘Vic’ MACFADYEN, formerly of Canoe Cove and now living in Cornwall.
CIMG5308 Sep 21 2021 Elsie and Elwin Sherren Korean vets luncheon

Elwin Sherren, with his wife Elsie. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

  • Elwin SHERREN, formerly of Crapaud and now living in Cornwall.
CIMG5311 Sep 21 2021 Joyce and Blaine Taylor Korean vets luncheon

Blaine Taylor, with his wife Joyce. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

  • Blaine TAYLOR of Burlington.
CIMG5306 Sep 21 2021 David and June Vessey Korean vets luncheon

David Vessey with his wife June. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

  • David VESSEY of Summerside.

….The Royal Canadian Legion Members…

Representing the Royal Canadian Legion from PEI Command were Provincial President Duane MacEwen, with his wife Ann, and Chairperson/Public Relations officer John Yeo, with his wife Norma. The Borden-Carleton Branch was represented by Mario Henry, Sgt at Arms, and Pieter Valkenburg, Public Relations Officer.

CIMG5310 Sep 21 2021 Duane and Ann MacEwen Korean vets luncheon

Duane MacEwen with his wife Ann.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG5315 Sep 21 2021 John and Norma Yeo Korean vets luncheon

John Yeo with his wife Norma.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The Korean War was a conflict fought between North and South Korea from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953.  Unfortunately, it has yet to be resolved.  During the welcome and greetings, John Yeo noted that “…it took a long time for the Canadian government to recognize Korean vets….” He explained that “…a dedicated monument was unveiled in Ottawa on September 28, 2003…”

…Remarks by Col. Keun-sik Moon…

The Korean hosts told us that September 21, 2021 was Korean Thanksgiving, called ‘Chuseok’, a harvest festival. This three-day holiday is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar on the full moon.  Therefore, the date of the luncheon was particularly appropriate.

Col. Moon explained that he was “…here to express our gratitude to the veterans and their families, on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Korea...”

Addressing the veterans, he continued. “…70 years ago, under the banner of the United Nations, more than 26,000 Canadians bravely fought communism in distant Korea.  What made you take on this journey was your mission to protect the noble cause of freedom and peace and great humanitarianism…. Thanks to your sacrifice, Korea now enjoys freedom and economic prosperity…”

Giving a brief summary of 1950s era Korea, Col. Moon told us that “…in 1950 Korea was a very poor, agrarian nation, where the fields were ploughed by oxen, the rice planted and reaped by hand, and where millions lived in small huts…”

He assured the veterans that “…your blood shed in an unknown land and the tears of your families who endured the pains and grief from missing family were never in vain….”  Because of the peace that followed the conflict, “…the Republic of Korea has achieved economic development and democratization….I sincerely hope the day will come when the veterans will see a peacefully reunified Republic of Korea…”

Following the lunch and speeches, the Korean hosts surprised and charmed us by singing two songs: ‘Amazing Grace’ in English, and ‘Arirang’, a Korean folk song that speaks about leaving, reunion, sorrow, joy, and happiness.

…A Wreath Is Laid …

The official events over, and after gifts were presented to the veterans, everyone moved outside for the wreath laying ceremony by the Cenotaph.

CIMG5324 Sep 21 2021 Mario Henry & Col Moon with wreath outside Cenotaph Korean vets luncheon

Mario Henry with Col. Keun-sik Moon prepare to lay at wreath at the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG5327 Sep 21 2021 Duane Col Moon Mario John by Cenotaph Korean vets luncheon

Left to right: Duane MacEwen, Col. Keun-sik Moon, Mario Henry, John Yeo.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG5330 Sep 21 2021 Flowers and wreath by Cenotaph Korean vets luncheon

Flowers and wreath laid by the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The luncheon and remembrance of their service was appreciated by the veterans and their family members.  Kudos go to the Borden-Carleton Legion, PEI Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for organizing this event.

Pieter encourages blog readers to contact him if they have a story to share about Canadians who served. You can email him at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. Remembering WWII Soldier Alfred Louis Pitawanakwat (Pitwanakwat)

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September 6, 2021. After an interview about the photo quest for soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands ran on APTN, Pieter was contacted by Joshua Manitowabi, who explained that Alfred Pitawanakwat’s “…brothers were Thomas Pitawanakwat and Valentine Pitawanakwat and all three fought in WW2. Two returned home, but Alfred is buried overseas in Holland. Alfred was my grandfather’s brother. He was my Great-Uncle on my mom’s side. ..”

(To read the APTN article, see https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/dutch-born-p-e-i-man-on-a-mission-to-find-photos-of-first-nations-soldiers-killed-overseas-in-wwii/)

2232439_1 Alfred Pitwanakwat from Cdn Virtual War Memorial

Alfred Louis Pitawanakwat (Pitwanakwat) (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

Alfred Louis PITAWANAKWAT (PITWANAKWAT) was born September 12, 1924 in Little Current, Ontario, son of Samuel and Agatha Pitwanakwat, of Wikwemikong, Ontario. Like Clarence Wilfred WAKEGIJIG, he was from the Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. (For more information on the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiikwemkoong_First_Nation. To read the posting on Clarence Wilfred Wakegijig see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/08/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-clarence-wilfred-wakegijig/.) 

….Alfred enlisted in 1943….

Alfred enlisted on August 23, 1943 in Toronto, Ontario.  At the time, he had been working for 2 months as a farmer’s helper for George McCluny of Caledonia, Ontario.  His two older brothers were already serving overseas with the Canadian Army.  Thomas was with the #14 Company of the Canadian Forestry Corps, and William ‘Valentine’ was with the #24 Anti-Tank Battery.

In an interview with the Personnel Selection Board, it was noted that he was “…able to express himself clearly….He gives the impression of being shy, but proved a very interesting character, when encouraged to talk about himself...”  The interviewer also remarked that Alfred was good with his hands as he was “…in the habit of carving miniature boats...”

Someone in the recruitment office was paying attention as a note on his attestation form was stamped with the warning that he wouldn’t be 19 years old until September 12.  This was a caution as enlistees were not to be sent overseas before the age of 19.

Alfred’s service file also noted that as he was both underage and underweight at the time of enlistment he was sent to the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps and took basic and advanced infantry training.

….Alfred left Canada for overseas service….

On June 6, 1944 he was sent to the No 1 Transit Camp in Windsor, Ontario for ‘rations and quarters’, in preparation for going overseas with #24 Canadian General Hospital.  By June 26, 1944 he was on board a ship bound for the United Kingdom, arriving in early July 1944.

He was a runner with the hospital, but in September 1944 Alfred requested a transfer to an anti-tank battery or the infantry, explaining that as he was now fit he wanted more active employment.

The transfer request was granted and Alfred joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles as a rifleman.  He was wounded on October 23, 1944 by a gunshot wound during the Battle of the Breskens Pocket in Belgium, but returned to his Regiment after being discharged from hospital on November 15, 1944. (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/breskenspocket.htm)

On November 2, 1944, the Regiment was sent to Ghent, Belgium for a rest period before the Rhineland Campaign began.  From Ghent they moved into The Netherlands, stopping near the Dutch-German border.

The Regimental history, ‘Little Black Devils: a history of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles’, by Bruce Tascona and Eric Wells, describes the movement of the Regiment as it moved from The Netherlands across the border into Germany, beginning on February 8, 1945.  “… After heavy artillery and bombardment, the tanks moved in, followed by infantry. Their assignment was to push south-east from the salient at Nijmegen, clearing a corridor between the Rhine and Maas Rivers…”

A salient is a piece of land or section of fortification that juts out to form an angle. Nijmegen is in The Netherlands, not far from the German border.  This area had been cleared by December 1944.  Canadian troops were kept busy here, clearing the ice on the Waal River to protect bridges further downstream.

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

The Regimental history account continued as the Regiment moved into Germany, “… approaching the village of Louisendorf in ‘Kangaroos’, armoured personnel carriers converted from Ram tanks. Getting within 50 yards of the enemy, the Rifles charged the remaining distance, and in close combat took 240 prisoners and occupied the village. The next day the Regiment joined the Regina Rifles and the Canadian Scottish in the attack on Moyland Wood….”

They advanced into an area “…beset with booby traps, mines, snipers, and machine guns….”

Moyland Woods map from Little Black Devils

Map source: ‘Little Black Devils: a history of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles’ by Bruce Tascona and Eric Wells.

An account by Terry Copp in the article ‘Clearing Moyland Wood: Army Part 43’ in the November 2002 issue of Legion Magazine explained that: “…The Royal Winnipeg Rifles left their slit trenches near Louisendorf and moved into position south of Moyland Wood. Brig. E.R. Suttie, who had replaced Brig. Stanley Todd in command of the divisional artillery, prepared an elaborate fire plan involving medium and field artillery plus mortars, anti-tank guns, machine-guns and the tanks of the Fort Garry Horse….”

Lt Col Alan Gregory, temporary commander of the Regina Rifles, “….and Lt.-Col. Lockie Fulton, the aggressive young commander of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles or Little Black Devils, devised a plan to clear the eastern end of the wood combining Wasps with tank support and air attacks. …”

The plan was successful, but came at a cost. “…The Royal Winnipeg Rifles displayed outstanding skill as well as courage in the day-long battle that cost the battalion more than 100 casualties, 26 of them fatal….” (See https://legionmagazine.com/clearing-moyland-wood/) Alfred was one of the fatalities, losing his life on February 21, 1945.

Map

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

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

Grave of Alfred Pitwanakwat

Grave of Alfred Louis Pitwanakat.  (Photo credit: Ad Scheepers)

Thank you to Joshua Manitowabi for contacting us about his great-uncle, and to Ad Scheepers for taking the photo of Alfred’s grave at the cemetery.  If you have information to share about Alfred Louis PITAWANAKWAT (PITWANAKWAT) or other Canadian soldiers, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The Search For A Photo Of John ‘Clifford’ Rogers Is Successful

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August 24, 2021. A few months ago, a posting summarized an ongoing search for a photo of WW2 soldier John ‘Clifford’ ROGERS of Hope River, PEI, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/01/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-continued-search-for-a-photo-of-john-clifford-rogers/)

Nothing happened for several months, but then Pieter received an email from Janet ‘Jan’ O’Reilly, who wrote that “…Clifford was my uncle, Gladys is my mom, and is still alive….”  Gladys is the sister of John ‘Clifford’ Rogers.

DSC_0547 john clifford rogers

John ‘Clifford’ Rogers. (Photo courtesy of Gladys O’Reilly)

Jan went on to explain that “…We live in Ontario – my mom left the island in the late 1950s, I believe. Her Mom and Dad remained on the island, but her Dad died in the 1960s and my grandma later came to live with us here in Ontario. She died here in 1980 and Mom brought her home to be buried on the island. We all travelled to PEI that Christmas…” This explained why Pieter’s search on the Island was unsuccessful.

DSC_0242 janet o reilly and mother

Jan and Glady O’Reilly.  (Photo courtesy of Janet O’Reilly)

Clifford was born August 19, 1925 in Hope River, Prince Edward Island, the son of Andrew Rogers and Phoebe Gallant. The family later moved to Charlottetown.

On March 12, 1943, he enlisted in Charlottetown, and it was noted that he had served in the PEI Light Horse Regiment (17th Reserve Armoured Regiment) since 1942. At the beginning of April 1943 he was transferred to the Advanced Infantry Training Camp in Aldershot, Nova Scotia.

On October 30, 1943 he was transferred to the Advanced Driving and Maintenance School in Woodstock, Ontario, a facility where soldiers learned to drive and repair military vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks.

….4 Islanders trained together at Coldstream Ranch….

After receiving his qualification, he was transferred to the Canadian School of Infantry, located at Coldstream Ranch in Vernon, British Columbia, arriving on January 27, 1944.  Over 11,000 acres, the training area on the ranch included a log village for village fighting, an obstacle course, a bayonet assault course, a trench blasted from solid rock on the side of hill that gave trainees experience from being fired on from overhead, an ‘English’ type lane with hedges and gates, and a dam for river crossing drills.

When Pieter spoke with Gladys, she told him that 3 other Islanders were at the Coldstream Ranch at the same time as Clifford: 

Later, Jan reflected that “…Mom remembered him getting along with Pte Blanchard who was also from PEI. There were just four of them and I imagine that created a bond….”

In September 1944 Clifford was sent to the transit camp at Camp Debert in Nova Scotia, in preparation for going overseas.  He arrived in the United Kingdom on November 28, 1944.  On January 8, 1945 he was in Northwest Europe as part of the contingent of reinforcement troops.

On January 26, 1945 he was transferred to the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.  Not long after, the Regiment travelled just over the Dutch border into Germany for Operation Blockbuster, the last part of Operation Veritable, during the Battle of the Rhineland. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

….Action in Balberger Wald was fatal for Clifford….

Clifford survived the Battle of Keppeln, in which fellow Islander Barney McGuigan lost his life, but his luck ran out a few days later in the Balberger Wald, a forested ridge southeast of Keppeln.  This area protected the approach to the Rhine with concrete fortifications.

Map

The North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment moved into the area on March 1 to support other Regiments in an attempt to clear part of the forest on the eastern side, not easy in a thick forest where German snipers could easily hide. In addition to shells and grenades, many open areas were mined.  With such dense forest cover, it wasn’t difficult to get separated from the platoon.  By the time the area was cleared several days later, 6 members of the North Shore Regiment had lost their lives, including Clifford, who died on March 3, 1945.

The other 5 members of the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment who lost their lives in the Balberger Wald were:

  • Patrick Marshall BUCKLEY, of St. John, New Brunswick, died March 2, 1945.
  • Claude Wilber DERRICK, of Canterbury, New Brunswick, died March 2, 1945.
  • Royden Blake FOURNIER, of Perth, Ontario, died March 2, 1945.
  • Wilfred MELANSON, of Bathurst, New Brunswick, died March 2, 1945.
  • Harold Freeman STEVENS, died March 1, 1945.

Clifford was initially buried in a cemetery in present day Bedburg-Hau and later reburied at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. 

CIMG3331 Oct 5 2019 Groesbeek John Rogers

In 2019, we visited the grave of John Clifford Rogers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Jan was correct in saying that “…Their family sacrificed so much…” Clifford and his brother Ferdinand (Ferdy) lost their lives in WW2 while a third brother, Walter, had a career in the military.

Gladys O’Reilly “…is the last of their immediate family….”  Walter “…left as a young man as well.  He served in Korea and later lived overseas with his family during his military service for a time in Germany. He eventually settled in Kingston and died there 10 years ago at the age of 82….”

We thank Jan and Gladys O’Reilly for sharing family photos and information about John ‘Clifford’ Rogers.  If you have information to share about Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands, memories to share about John ‘Clifford’ Rogers, or the other soldiers mentioned, please email us at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.  

….Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

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© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. The Search For A Photo Of WW2 Soldier Allan Gordon Coutts

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No photo available

August 20, 2021. In 2017, Pieter received a photo wish list from researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  There were 6 names, all serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when they lost their lives.  How hard could that be?  Pieter thought.

Over the past years, families of 4 of the six have been found, along with photos of the soldiers.  Two remain elusive. One of these is Allan ‘Gordon’ COUTTS, born January 11, 1923 in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, the son of Benjamin and Susan Coutts.  During his childhood, the family moved to Olds, Alberta, where his father was a firefighter on a government experimental farm.

After enlisting in Calgary, Alberta on January 15, 1943 with the #13 District Depot, he went to the Canadian Basic Training Centre in Camrose, Alberta on February 1, 1943. About 6 weeks later he caught mumps and was placed in isolation in the military hospital.

Once recovered from mumps, he was sent to the Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) in Calgary, then on January 1944 he went to Camp Debert in Nova Scotia for final preparations before being sent overseas to the United Kingdom in March 1944.  In April 1944 he was transferred to the Canadian Scottish Regiment, then in June 1944 to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.

On July 25, 1944 he was wounded by a gunshot wound in the right shoulder during an offensive called ‘Operation Spring’ in Tilly-la-Compagne, France, and was hospitalized for a few weeks before returning to duty.  (For more information on Operation Spring see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Spring)

In early May, just before the end of the war, the Regiment went to Norden, Germany, “…the first Recce party there...” according to ‘No Retreating Footsteps – the story of the North Novas’ by Will Bird.  Once they arrived, the German Commandant of the area was “...ordered to concentrate all his troops in the barracks area, to disarm them, and deliver all arms and ammunition to a selected arms dump, the Grattin Theda School….”

However, Bird continued in his account, “….A German Army deserter reported the organization of Werewolves in the Novas area who wanted to destroy Norden because it had surrendered without a fight, and wanted to prevent German ammunition falling into Allied hands….” The ammunition dump was then moved away from the school to the Sports Field.

An Explosion in Norden was fatal

On May 11, 1945, Gordon was monitoring the unloading of ammunition at the Sports Field.  Around 4:30 pm, there was an explosion which cost him his life.  The witness testimony of Private J. J. JONES of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders confirmed that the sports field was used as a dumping ground for “…enemy ammunition and equipment…”

As one of the drivers of these loads, his truck was parked at the dump and stated that he “… was standing by the tailboard of the truck, watching some German soldiers unloading a mixed load of ammunition and equipment.  I heard someone shout out a warning, and then I saw something come out the ground and land on the ground on the edge of the dump itself…. ”

Pte Jones noted that “… the object made a hissing sound and gave off a cloud of orange smoke….” As he ran to take cover, “… a loud explosion went off….” As he returned to the dump, he saw “…a German Officer kick the smoking object away from the dump…”  When he reached the dump, he noticed “…one of our soldiers lying on the ground...” with a hole in his head.  He immediately went to get medical help.

Pte H. K. KEDDY of the Nova Scotia Highlanders was on guard duty at the German ammunition dump at the Norden Sports Field. He too heard a hissing noise and saw orange smoke and ran to safety.  After the explosion he testified that he “…went back to the scene of the explosion which was about 10 to 12 feet from the rear of the ….truck….”  He saw “…Sgt Coutts, AG lying on the ground quite near the truck….” and a wounded German soldier lying nearby.  He helped apply a bandage to the wounds while waiting for medical assistance to arrive.

Capt Alan E. DE FOREST of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders testified that the pile of ammunition contained “…all types of German mines, grenades, bazookas, small arms etc, which included several steel cases of German stick grenades (potato mashers)...”  It appeared that the explosion was caused by one of the stick grenades.  The explosion was ruled an accident and not an act of sabotage.

Gordon was temporarily buried in the Leer Lutheran Cemetery in Germany, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

CIMG3228 Oct 3 2019 Holten Allan Coutts

We visited the grave of Allan Gordon Coutts at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands in 2019. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

In March 1948, Mr. G. F. Struik of Deventer, The Netherlands sent a letter to Veterans Affairs, asking that it be forwarded to the next of kin.  He wanted the family to know that he had adopted the grave, a volunteer program that was organized by the Netherlands War Graves Committee.

This was not an unusual occurrence. Many family members of soldiers that we have met over the years have explained that their families had been in contact with Dutch citizens who adopted a grave.

Unfortunately, although he’s tried since 2017 to find family of Allan Gordon Coutts, Pieter has been unsuccessful.  Earlier this month, he did an interview with Galen Hartviksen, News Director at 96.5 CKFM/ROCK 104.5 in Olds, Alberta, in the hope that someone will see the appeal and come forward.  Here is the link to the web article and interview: https://ckfm.ca/2021/08/09/11202/.  Up to now, no one has come forward, unfortunately.

Thank you to Galen Hartviksen at CKFM for helping to publicize the search for a photo. If you can help with a photo or information about Allan Gordon Coutts, please contact Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

 The North Nova Scotia Highlanders Wish List

The other North Nova Scotia Highlanders on that 2017 photo wish list from the researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, for which photos were found, were:

In addition to Allan Gordon COUTTS, one more photo is yet to be found for:

  • Archibald Henry NELSON, born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, son of William Henry and Winnifred Frances Nelson, who lost his life on April 18, 1945, aged 32.

….Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog.

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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.

© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. 7 Indigenous Soldiers Buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery

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August 18, 2021. After reading the posting about WWII Soldier Clarence Wilfred Wakegijig, Pieter was contacted by Willy van Ee of Sas-van-Gent, The Netherlands, who explained that he is the son of Indigenous soldier Walter MEKAJI of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and Hendrike Herber of The Netherlands.  “…My father also came from Wikwemikong and met my mother in Utrecht during the liberation of The Netherlands…”

Willy’s compelling story has been extensively told.  See:

In a translation of Willy’s email exchange with Pieter, he wrote “…I live 20 km from the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium.  Every year, on the second weekend of September, there is a ceremony with many VIPs, and a lot of people.  This year it’s on September 12. I’ve been going there for about 40 years, because of a veteran from Vancouver Island, Art BRIDGE, who has visited us a number of times.  His friend L MORGAN is buried there....”   Most likely, Willy is referring to Lionel Albert MORGAN, son of Reuben and Pearl Morgan, of Toronto, Ontario, who died on September 8, 1944 while serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s).

Map showing Adegem Canadian War Cemetery

Willy wanted to let Pieter know that he believed that 7 Indigenous soldiers are buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery.  He visited the cemetery and sent the names:

No photo available

  • Maurice BELLEGARDE, son of Moise and Margaret Bellegarde, of Abernethy, Saskatchewan. Died November 3, 1944 while serving with the Regina Rifle Regiment.
Jacob Shelby Brant

Jacob Shelby Brant. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

  • Jacob Shelby BRANT, born February 12, 1925 in Hagersville, Ontario, son of Austin and Bessie Brant.  Died September 11, 1944 while serving with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, aged 19.
Harvey Dreaver

Harvey Dreaver. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

  • Harvey DREAVER, born November 29, 1914 in Leask, Saskatchewan, son of Joseph and Evelyn Dreaver of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Husband of Mary Dreaver of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Died October 6, 1944 while serving with the Regina Rifle Regiment, aged 29.

No photo available

  • Joseph HENRY, son of Thomas and Philomene Henry. Husband of Alice Henry, of Roseau River Reserve, Manitoba.  Died October 2, 1944 while serving with the Algonquin Regiment, aged 22.
Roland David Riel

Roland David Riel. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

  • Roland David RIEL, born December 8, 1925 in St Vital (now Winnipeg), Manitoba, son of Henry and Yvonne Mary Eugenie Riel.   Died October 15, 1944 while serving with the Regina Rifle Regiment, aged 18.
Kenneth Scribe

Kenneth Scribe. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

  • Kenneth SCRIBE, son of John and Jessie Scribe, of Norway House, Manitoba. Died October 11, 1944 while serving with the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, aged 23.

No photo available

  • Charles William Myers ST GERMAINE, son of John and Lillian St. Germaine, of Rama, Ontario. Died September 16, 1944 while serving with the South Saskatchewan Regiment, aged 23.

Thank you to Willy van Ee for sharing his story and letting us know about the soldiers buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery.  If you have photo or information to share about any of the men mentioned in this posting, or other Canadian soldiers, please contact 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 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/

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On The War Memorial Trail…..In Conversation With RCAF Pilot Captain Scott Nantes

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August 14, 2021. In researching the service of many courageous air crew who lost their lives during WW2, Pieter Valkenburg, who served in the Dutch Air Force, thought how much he would have liked to talk to them.  So, Pieter was pleased when a trip to Kinkora for ice cream and a visit with Bonnie Rogerson of Chez Shez Inn led to us meeting RCAF pilot Captain Scott NANTES. (RCAF is the acronym for Royal Canadian Air Force.)

Scott was on the Island with his husband Felix Belzile for a short family visit, and told us that “…My mother Rhonda is from Kinkora and still lives here with my stepfather, Damien Coyle….”  His father, Michael Croken, lives in Moncton, New Brunswick.

CIMG5278 Aug 10 2021 Felix and Scott Chez Shea Kinkora

Felix Belzile (left) and Scott Nantes (right).  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Growing up in Kinkora, Scott was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program 53 Squadron in Summerside.  “…It was through the Air Cadets that I received my glider and private pilot’s licence…” he said.

….The military covered the cost of tuition….

For the best chance of having a career in flying, he applied to the ROTP (Regular Officers Training Plan), a program that would give him an opportunity to earn a fully paid university degree and an officer’s commission in the Canadian Armed Forces, in return for a commitment to serve for a set period. (For more information, see https://www.rmc-cmr.ca/en/registrars-office/regular-officer-training-plan-rotp)

Scott was accepted into the program and began his first year of studies at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean (Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean) in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, 40 km south of Montreal. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Military_College_Saint-Jean)

After the first year in Quebec, Scott continued his studies at the Royal Military College in Kingston, majoring in Political Science.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Military_College_of_Canada) This is where he met Felix, who majored in Computer Engineering.  Both men were enlisted in the RCAF.

….Basic Flight Training gives an indication of who has the ‘right stuff’….

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts, Scott was sent to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan for 1 year of Basic Flight Training, even though he already had a private pilot’s licence. “…This is an RCAF requirement, even for commercial pilots, as there are differences from non-military pilot training. You are trained in formation flying, low level navigation, and aerobatics…” he explained.

While operational skills are essential, this period is where trainees are assessed on other characteristics that make a good military pilot.  “…Decision making is key…” Scott noted.  “…You can’t freeze up, as you must think quickly.  Training sorts out who can handle stress…”

Following this basic training, pilots are chosen for one of three streams: fighter pilot, helicopter pilot, or multi-engine pilot.  Scott’s first choice of multi-engine pilot was accepted, and he spent a further 5 months in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, for multi-engine training on a King Air C90. “…Here we learned to deal with a 2 person crew.  I received my wings in February 2015….”

….Flying the Airbus A310 …. even into a war zone….

DSC_1834(1) Scott Nantes in front of Airbus A310 at 2018 Summerside Air Show

Scott Nantes in front of an Airbus A310 at the 2018 Air Show Atlantic in Summerside.  (Photo courtesy Scott Nantes)

After receiving his wings, Scott was selected to fly the Airbus A310 (which has the military designation Polaris CC150) and was based in Trenton, Ontario.  This plane is used for three main functions: VIP transport, air to air refueling, and regular troop transport.

Scott gave examples of his experience with VIP transport.  “…I flew Prime Minister Trudeau to the first meeting with former US President Trump in Washington in 2017, and took former Governor General David Johnson on his last flight to China…”

Regular troop transport included flying troops to and from bases in Edmonton or Quebec City and overseas bases in Kuwait, Latvia, and Ukraine.

KW05-2016-00780

Scott Nantes in the cockpit of an Airbus A310 in Kuwait.  (Photo courtesy Scott Nantes)

Scott had three deployments to Kuwait as an air to air refueling pilot, flying into Iraq and Northern Syria during the ISIS Coalition.  Each deployment lasted 2 months.  Air to air refueling has been described as a ‘gas station in the sky’, where a plane with the fuel must connect with a plane requiring fuel, through a probe that attaches to each plane.  It’s like something out of a science fiction movie!  As someone who finds threading a sewing needle a challenge, I could only marvel at the skill required.

During this period, he and Felix had a long-distance relationship.  Felix explained that “…I was posted to Ottawa after receiving my Computer Engineering degree, and then started a software business on the side.  This turned into a full-time business after leaving the RCAF in 2017 and I was able to follow Scott to Trenton….”

….A new challenge in flying the Challenger….

In 2020, Scott received a new assignment and was posted to Ottawa, where he and Felix currently live.  “…Now I’m flying the Challenger 604 and the new Challenger 650 planes, which are used for VIP and Medivac transport…”

A passion for flying led Scott Nantes to a rewarding career serving our country and we thank him for sharing his story. If you have a story or photos to share, please contact Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

….Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog.

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On The War Memorial Trail….. Remembering WW2 Soldier Clarence Wilfred Wakegijig

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August 9, 2021. After an interview about the photo quest for soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands ran on APTN, Pieter was contacted by Annelind Wakegijig. (ee https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/dutch-born-p-e-i-man-on-a-mission-to-find-photos-of-first-nations-soldiers-killed-overseas-in-wwii/)

She sent us a photo of Clarence Wilfred WAKEGIJIG, and wrote that “…I recently saw your story featured on APTN. My great-uncle, Clarence WAKEGIJIG was from the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. He died in Holland on March 2, 1945. He is buried in Groesbeek…”  (For more information on the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiikwemkoong_First_Nation )

Annelind explained that “… He was the youngest son of Josephine (Shawanda) Wakegijig and Joachim Wakegijig. His siblings were:

  • Victoria Corbiere 
  • Christine Wakegijig 
  • Ethel Wakegijig –  who had suffered a childhood illness and died at 5 years of age 
  • John Wakegijig -also a veteran of WWII, who died in 1971 in a motor vehicle accident 

and 

  • Raymond Wakegijig – who drowned in his late 20s 

 Clarence was a Guardsman with the Canadian Grenadier Guards….” 

Clarence Wakegijig

Clarence Wilfred WAKEGIJIG.  (Photo Courtesy of Clarence Wakegijig Family)

Clarence was born January 9, 1925 in Cutler, Ontario, the son of Joachim and Josephine Wakegijig (nee Shawanda), of Krugersdorf, Ontario. He enlisted on September 25, 1941 with the Sault Ste Marie and Sudbury Regiment in Sudbury, Ontario, giving his birth year as 1922 and birthplace as Wikwemikong (Wiikwemkoong in Ojibwe).  The fact that he was only 16 years old, not 19, doesn’t seem to have been discovered.

He was sent to the Basic Training Centre in North Bay, Ontario.  In February 1942 Clarence was sent to the Driving and Maintenance Training School in Woodstock, Ontario, where he learned driver mechanics and how to drive a motorcycle.

On April 22, 1942 he was posted to Trois-Rivières, Quebec as reinforcement to Infantry (MG) TC A-17 – a Machine Gun Training Centre.

….Clarence arrived in Europe in 1942….

 By the end of September 1942, Clarence was on his way to the United Kingdom, arriving on October 9, 1942 and assigned to the Machine Gun Reinforcement Unit (MGRU), where he underwent additional training.

By June 1943 he had received a promotion to Trooper and was assigned to the 32nd Reconnaissance Regiment.  On September 18, 1943 he was awarded a Good Conduct Badge.

On March 19, 1944 he was assigned to the 22nd Armoured Regiment, known as the Canadian Grenadier Guards, taking further training as a driver mechanic in preparation for the Regiment moving into action in France.

The Regiment arrived in France on July 23, 1944, and underwent heavy fighting in Normandy during Operation Totalize and Operation Tractable, which led to the capture of Falaise. (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Totalize and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Tractable)

Clarence survived these actions, and continued on with the Regiment as they left Normandy, France for North West Europe, fighting in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany.

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

According to the war diary for the Canadian Grenadier Guards, the Regiment had travelled from The Netherlands just over the border into Germany, to participate in the Battle of Hochwald Gap, part of Operation Blockbuster, the final push towards the Rhine River, along with several other Canadian Regiments. (For more information, see https://canadianbattlefieldtours.ca/operation-blockbuster/ and https://civilianmilitaryintelligencegroup.com/10742/the-battle-of-hochwald-gap-one-of-the-largest-armor-engagements-you-probably-have-never-heard-of)

On February 26, 1945 they were travelling southeast from Kalkar, Germany, getting bogged down in mud and clay, and through farm fields in which mines had been hidden by the Germans, causing many casualties.

Map showing route thru Hochwald Gap

The Regiment’s objective was to reach Xanten, the last town on the western side of the Rhine, but first they had to get through the very narrow Hochwald Gap. They reached the west end of the Hochwald Gap just after dawn on February 28, 1945.

The weather continued to be uncooperative. An early thaw meant that the tanks got bogged down in mud, making them ‘sitting ducks’ for German troops who were positioned to pick them off, one by one.

The Canadian Grenadier Guards war diary entry for March 2, 1945 noted “… Weather – cloudy, gusts of rain. ...” Artillery fire had caused a temporary halt before starting up again.

“…Charge was successful and the 1st objective taken, despite the fact that 6 tanks bogged before then. Confused fighting took place from here on – Lt Ferris (2 tanks) and C Company passed through, but ran into opposition in the form of a Tiger….” Clarence was in C Company.  A Tiger was a German tank.

The war diary entry continued.  “…Somewhere in here, Lt Ferris and his other tank were knocked out, and Lt Ferris was wounded by a sniper...”

At some point in this chaos, Clarence lost his life, most likely when one of the tanks was hit by German fire. A 46 minute YouTube video on the Battle of Hochwald Gap explained the fierce battle that took place.  Watching it made it clear to us that it was a miracle that anyone survived at all, a testament to the determination and courage of those who were in the midst of it.

Clarence was temporarily buried in Xanten, Germany before being reburied in 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

Grave of Clarence Wakegijig

Grave of Clarence Wilfred Wakegijig.  (Photo credit: Ad Scheepers)

Thank you to Annelind Wakegijig for sharing a photo and information about her great-uncle.  If you have information to share about Clarence Wilfred WAKEGIJIG or other Canadian soldiers, please contact 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/

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The Children Who Died Along With WW2 Soldier George Edward Mahar

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August 6, 2021. After reading the posting about George Edward MAHAR and how he lost his life while the soldiers were lining up to go to church, Alice van Bekkum, Chair of Faces To Grave Project for the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, wrote with information about the two little girls who died in the same attack on November 26, 1944 as George Edward Mahar and Douglas Reginald SCHOFIELD.  (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/08/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww2-soldier-killed-while-lining-up-to-attend-church/)

The two little girls were sisters, Christobel and Lisette Jurgens, children of Jan Jurgens and Joy Anderson.  At the time of their deaths, Christobel was 9 years old, and Lisette was 5 years old.

Alice explained that “…The parents from the two little girls that died in this tragic moment wrote a message on their memory card, which is touching! The father was Dutch and the mother was British, parents of four children, before this tragic event took their two youngest children. They honoured the Allied soldiers in the Memorial card for their children…”

The message, addressed to ‘Allied soldiers, Airbornes, and Workshop Boys’, was;

‘What good friends you were to us. How we loved you,
How you spoiled us, and how we enjoyed your kindness.
We regret we had to part from you so suddenly, be sure
That we shall not forget you. We pray God that He
will bless you, and reward you for your splendid effort.’

Alice was kind enough to send the memory card for Christobel and Lisette Jurgens:

Alice also identified the names of the two soldiers who subsequently died of their injuries following the attack:  Lyle L. BOICE and Francis K. BLACK.

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum for sharing the memory tribute to the Jurgens sisters.  It’s a reminder of the many civilian casualties in war.  If you have photos or information to share on the November 26, 1944 incident please email Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

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© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. Remembering WW2 Airman Robert ‘Bob’ James Dickie

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July 27, 2021. Several weeks ago, as Pieter was jogging back home after a long run through our neighbourhood, he was stopped by Wayne Quigley.  “…Pieter, I’ve got a story for you!...” Wayne said. “…My great-uncle, Bob Dickie, died in a plane that crashed off the English coast during WWII. The plane was returning from a bombing sortie in Germany...”

With an intro like that, Pieter couldn’t resist learning more.  That evening, we visited with Wayne and Janet Quigley of Augustine Cove.

CIMG5248 Jun 14 2021 Wayne Pieter Janet

Pieter, centre, with Wayne and Janet Quigley.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Born October 13, 1921 in Carleton (now Borden-Carleton), Robert ‘Bob’ James DICKIE was the son of John William Dickie and Mary Ann McClure.  His sister, Marion Waddell, was Wayne’s grandmother.

At the time Bob was born, the family lived on Dickie Rd in Carleton, so named because the family had been the first to build a house on that road.  Wayne thought that Bob’s father worked “… at the CNR yard in Borden….”  (CNR refers to Canadian National Railways.)  “…There used to be a railway crossing that went right through the road...”

CIMG5249 Jun 14 2021 Dickie Rd in Carleton

Dickie Rd in Borden-Carleton was named after the Dickie family.  (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

The railway is long gone, but the street is still called Dickie Rd.  “…The family moved to Charlottetown ….” where Bob’s father worked for the CNR.

As Wayne didn’t have a good photo of Bob Dickie, he contacted his cousin, Betty Lou Wood, whose father, John Thomas, was the brother of Bob and Wayne’s grandmother Marion.

Betty Lou recollected that before the family moved to Charlottetown, her grandfather “...worked as a lobster fisherman during lobster season, an ice-boatman during winter, as well as operating a family farm year round…”   The ice boat stopped running in 1917, when it was replaced by a ferry operated by the CNR.

20210712_153936 Bob Dickie

Robert ‘Bob’ James Dickie.  (Photo courtesy Betty Lou Wood)

… Uncle Bob was always the hero of the family….

When we met with Betty Lou and her daughter Louann, Betty Lou told us that her uncle “…was always the hero of the family.  His picture is always displayed from late October to Christmas in my house...”

CIMG5262 Jul 12 2021 Pieter with Betty Lou Wood at Tim Hortons Ctown

Pieter with Betty Lou Wood.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Betty Lou’s granddaughter, Eve Johnson, did a Heritage Fair Project on Bob Dickie.  In her project, she wrote about his youth and hobbies.  Eve wrote that “…he was an excellent skater and swimmer and he also loved to dance….. As a young man he was recognized as having saved two young boys from drowning...”

After graduating from high school, he “…enrolled in a business course, and family legend is that he said he eventually wanted to study to become a lawyer….”

… The training received in the RCAF was extensive….

On October 25, 1940, Bob enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in Charlottetown.  A month later his training began, first in Brandon, Manitoba at the RCAF Training Facility No 2 Manning Depot.  (For a photo of the building, see   http://pastforward.winnipeg.ca/digital/collection/berman/id/2366)

20210712_154649 1940 train photo

Group photo taken in front of the train in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, which was enroute to the RCAF Training Facility in Brandon. (Photo courtesy Betty Lou Wood)

NOTE:  The back of the back photo identifies the men.  Back, left to right: Leonard BERRIGAN, BANKS, Jim ROSSUMS, John HANSON, Foster FISHER, Bob DICKIE, Charles WOODSWORTH.  Front, left to right: WRIGHT, Prentis ANDREW, Bill MACDONALD, Rolf BOYLE.

A month later he was sent to the No 7 Equipment Depot in Winnipeg for additional training.  On January 27, 1941, he went to Regina, Saskatchewan to the No 2 Initial Training School (ITS) for 4 weeks before returning back to Brandon on March 10, 1941. (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_Commonwealth_Air_Training_Plan_facilities_in_Canada)

On April 27, 1941 he was sent to the No 2 Wireless School in Calgary, Alberta for training as a wireless operator.  He was entitled to wear a Wireless Operator’s Badge (called Wings) as of September 14, 1941, according to his training report.

On September 12, 1941 he was sent to the No 3 Bombing and Gunnery School in MacDonald, Manitoba to train as an air gunner.  On October 13, 1941 he was authorized to wear an Air Gunner’s Badge (called Wings).  The chief instructor noted that he was ‘responsible and conscientious’.

20210712_154126 1941 Boys from PEI left Bob Dickie centre Cliff Campbell

Three from PEI: Bob Dickie, far left, after receiving his Air Gunner’s Badge.  Centre: Cliff Campbell of Charlottetown.  Right: unknown. (Photo courtesy Betty Lou Wood)

… Bob is assigned to the RAF….

On October 14, 1941 he was posted to the No. 1 ‘Y’ Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the embarkation point for leaving Canada for the United Kingdom the next day.  Upon arrival in England on November 2, 1941, he was assigned to the RAFTP (Royal Air Force Trainees Pool).

He was first at the No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre in Bournemouth.  On January 20, 1942 he was sent to the No 22 Operational Training Unit (OTU), RAF Wellesbourne in Mountford, Warwickshire, which trained aircrew for night bombing raids in Wellington aircraft.

By June 1942 he was participating in bombing runs with No 115 Squadron, RAF.  On June 27, 1942, during a bombing run to Bremen, the plane was attacked by a German nightfighter.  Records indicate that the bomb aimer and Bob were wounded, but rear gunner Sgt Bill MCCANN was killed.

Eve Johnson recorded in her Heritage Project that “…Uncle Bob came home to Charlottetown to recover from his wounds…”  It wasn’t a long stay as by August 9, 1942 he was back in England and participating in more flying missions.

On November 11, 1942 he was sent to the Bomber Development Unit.  Then, on September 17, 1943 he was assigned to No 97 Squadron, RAF.  This was a Pathfinder unit, whose responsibility was to locate and mark targets with flares, which a main bomber force could aim at, increasing the accuracy of their bombing.

Pathfinders had to fly at a lower altitude than the main bomber force, making their sorties more dangerous than if they could fly at a higher altitude.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathfinder_(RAF) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._97_Squadron_RAF)

After flying in a number of aircraft, by October 1943 Bob’s squadron was using Lancaster aircraft.

… The last flight of Lancaster JB312….

20210712_154508 Group photo Bob on right

Crew beside Lancaster JB312.  Bob Dickie is on the far right.  (Photo courtesy Betty Lou Wood)

Just after midnight on February 21, 1944, the crew of Lancaster JB312 left RAF Bourn Airfield for Stuttgart, Germany. It was Bob Dickie’s 37th sortie and his last flight, one that he and the rest of the crew did not survive.  (It’s unlikely that the photo above was taken just before this last flight, as crew would fly the same plane several times.)

According to the crash report, while over Stuttgart, the plane “…collided with another aircraft and probably received flak damage. The H2S blister was torn away, the fuselage was badly damaged, and flaps also received damage.…”

By a miracle, the plane did return to England.  However, on return to the base, the plane “…crashed on approaching runway, presumably as the result of the damage received over the target…”  All of the crew members lost their lives.

The crew members for this last flight of Lancaster JB 312 were:

  • R. S. EMERSON, Captain
  • A. J. NEWELL, Flight Engineer
  • J. WORTH, Navigator
  • J. A. BARTHOLOMEW, Air Bomber
  • Robert ‘Bob’ James DICKIE, Wireless Operator
  • W. G. DUNCAN, Mid Gunner
  • G. W. WOOD, Rear Gunner

Bob was buried at Cambridge City Cemetery on February 24, 1944, along with other comrades who lost their lives. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge_City_Cemetery)

CIMG5269 Bob Dickie original grave marker

Original grave marker for Bob Dickie.  (Photo courtesy Betty Lou Wood)

Although Bob’s original grave marker said Warrant Officer, he had received a promotion to Pilot Officer the day before his death. His permanent Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone indicates this.  (See https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32378762/robert-james-dickie)

Thank you to Wayne and Janet Quigley, Betty Lou and Louann Wood, and Eve Johnson for the photos and information about Bob Dickie.  Thank you also to Historic Interpretation/Museum Planner Don Smith, who helped with plane identification and the planes used in RCAF training schools, as well as clarifying the Pathfinder role of No 97 Squadron and the final flight of Lancaster JB312.

If you have information to share about Bob Dickie and the other airmen mentioned, or can help in identification of the men in the various photos, please contact 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/

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. 

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On The War Memorial Trail….. Remembering WWII Soldier William (Willie) Daniels

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July 23, 2021. Over the past months, Pieter has been diligently working his way through photo wish lists from Dutch researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  Two names on the lists were members of First Nations: William ‘Willie’ DANIELS, a Cree Nation member from Saskatchewan, and Stanley Owen JONES, a Haida Nation member from British Columbia.  Both men are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Pieter had no luck in finding family so, as he has done over the past years, he turned to the media for help, this time from APTN, where he was interviewed by Brett Forester.  (To read the article, see https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/dutch-born-p-e-i-man-on-a-mission-to-find-photos-of-first-nations-soldiers-killed-overseas-in-wwii/)

CIMG5084 Mar 17 2021 Pieter Valkenburg

Pieter on a Zoom interview with Brett Forester of APTN.  (Photo credit:  Daria Valkenburg)

Several readers of the article came forward to share photos and information about Indigenous soldiers, and these will be featured in future postings as Pieter completes his research.  (The story of Leo Francis TONEY was told previously.  See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/05/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-leo-francis-toney/)

… William Daniels was a member of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation…

What about the two soldiers mentioned in the article?  A photo of William ‘Willie’ DANIELS was sent by Dakota Ballantyne on behalf of Vince Daniels, with a note saying that “…Willie Daniels from Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan was his uncle….”

William Daniels

William ‘Willie’ Daniels. (Photo courtesy of Vince Daniels)

The son of John Daniels, Willie was born March 20, 1925 on the Big River Reserve in Depton, Saskatchewan.  On September 24, 1941, he enlisted in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, stating that he was born in 1922.  He was sent for training as a Sapper with the Royal Canadian Engineers, until it was discovered he was underage. He was discharged in March 1942 for being “…under 17 years of age at date of application….”

On October 19, 1943, Willie re-enlisted.  According to his military records, his parents were dead and he listed a brother, Narcisse Daniels, as his next-of-kin.  He also noted that he spoke English and Cree. This time he was allowed to stay in the army, but on Canadian soil as soldiers under 19 years of age were not to be sent overseas.

It wasn’t until May 1, 1944 that he left for the United Kingdom, arriving on May 8 for additional training.  On July 7, 1944 he was transferred to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles as a Rifleman and sent to Northwest Europe.

… The Royal Winnipeg Rifles were in Germany and The Netherlands in 1945…

The war diary of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles gives an indication of what Willie Daniels and his fellow soldiers experienced in 1945. By January 1945 the Royal Winnipeg Rifles were in The Netherlands, and spent the New Year in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.  The war diary for January 1, 1945 states that “…the Germans precipitated the New Year by opening up with considerable SA and mortar fire a few minutes before midnight.  Our artillery answered directly at midnight…..”

On February 1, 1945, the war diary recorded that the Regiment was informed of the part that the men “…would play in Operation Veritable…” This would take them into Germany. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable)

The Regiment arrived in Millingen, Germany on February 9, 1945.  The weather was uncooperative “…cloudy with rain….” and led to flooding.  In one area, the water rose “…another six feet, the only high ground in the area being in and near Keeken…”

They were ordered to move further back, but some of the men were stranded due to a shortage of equipment to get them out, or because the equipment itself got “…bogged down or diverted for other purposes….”

By February 16, 1945 the Regiment was based in Essen, Germany, as they cleared German positions in flooded areas of the Rhine flood plain and the Reichswald forest, which is close to the Dutch-German border.

On March 11, 1945 the Regiment began moving back towards ‘s-Hertogenbosch.  “…The whole day was spent in building the new camp….”  There were some peaceful days and time for training before the men moved back towards a base in Essen to participate in Operation Plunder. (See https://canadianbattlefieldtours.ca/operation-plunder/)

The war diary for March 27, 1945 reported that “…Orders to move came through in the early hours of the morning ….. and after many starts and stops we finally crossed the Rhine River at 1700 hours…”

On April 10, 1945 the war diary noted that the Regiment “….would take over from the Regina Rifle Regiment…” and returned to The Netherlands, this time based in Almelo.  Then, on April 18, they were ordered to Groningen.

Map showing Appingedam

Purple arrow on the map indicates movement from Groningen towards Delfzijl, and Appingedam, where Willie Daniels lost his life.  The map also indicates the location of Loppersum, where he was initially buried.

On April 21, 1945 the Regiment was ordered to move towards Appingedam.  The war diary noted that on April 21, 1945 “…civilian reports claim mines set in cement….Blown bridges, snipers, and machine guns make the going very difficult.  Our casualties are becoming very heavy….”

At some point on April 22, 1945, a few weeks after his 20th birthday, Willie Daniels lost his life.  The movement of troops through Appingedam was the very beginning of the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket. Willie was initially buried in Loppersum General Cemetery in Groningen.  After the war Willie was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

initial gravemarker for Willie Daniels

Initial burial marker for Willie Daniels.  (Photo courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, service file for William Daniels)

In March 1948, Mrs. W.G. Verbeek-Hermans of Enschede sent a letter to Veterans Affairs, asking that her letter be forwarded to a family member of Willie.  She wanted to let the family know that she had adopted Willie’s grave, a volunteer program that was organized by the Netherlands War Graves Committee. A separate letter for the family was enclosed, explaining that she was the mother of 4 children and felt it was her duty to look after the grave.  She also offered to send a photo of his grave.

This was not unusual. Many family members of soldiers that we have met over the years have explained that their families had been in contact with Dutch citizens who adopted a grave.

In 1995, the Stefanus Church in Holwierde placed a plaque to commemorate Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket.  Willie Daniels was one of the men commemorated.

Plaque at Stefanus Church in Holwierde

Plaque at Stefanus Church in Holwierde, The Netherlands.  (Source: https://www.tracesofwar.nl/sights/40531/Herinneringsplaquette-Stefanus-Kerk.htm)

Current grave of Willie Daniels

Grave of Willie Daniels at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  (Photo courtesy of Canadian Virtual War  Memorial)

Thank you to Dakota Ballantyne and Vince Daniels for sharing a photo of William ‘Willie’ Daniels.  Thank you also to Brett Forester and APTN for the article on the search for photos of Indigenous soldiers buried in The Netherlands.

If you have information to share about William ‘Willie’ Daniels or other Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Other soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket …..

For previous stories on soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket, please see:

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