On The War Memorial Trail…. Struck By Shellfire Part 2 The WWII Lieutenant From Saint John Who Lost His Life Trying To Get A Wounded Gunner To Safety

July 16, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

July 16, 2026. On February 26, 1945, the lives of three WWII soldiers intersected during the Battle of Keppeln in Germany. Private Harry BIZNAR, Lt Robert Joseph MARKEY, and Gunner Albert Donald AHLWARDT, all lost their lives when a shell burst near them as Private Biznar and Lt Markey were trying to get a wounded Gunner Ahlwardt to safety in a nearby house.

In Part 1 of Struck By Shellfire, the story of WWII soldier Harry BIZNAR was told. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/07/03/on-the-war-memorial-trail-struck-by-shellfire-part-1-the-wwii-soldier-born-to-ukrainian-immigrants-who-lost-his-life-trying-to-get-a-wounded-gunner-to-safety/)

Now, in Part 2, the Struck By Shellfire series continues with Robert ‘Bob’ Joseph MARKEY.

Born November 15, 1919 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Robert was the son of Ernest Thomas and Marion Marguerite ‘Marie’ (nee Nugent) Markey. He graduated from Grade 11 at St. Vincent Boys’ High School in Saint John, continued on to Saint John High School for Grade 12, and then enrolled in the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro, Nova Scotia in 1939. Winner of the Governor’s Award, 1941, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, he graduated in 1941 with a specialization in bacteriology.

Although Robert had a brother and two sisters, Pieter was unsuccessful in attempts to contact family members. However, archivists Creighton Barrett and Jennifer MacIsaac of Dalhousie University Libraries uncovered photos and information from the time he was at Nova Scotia Agricultural College, providing a picture of the man behind the soldier’s uniform.

….Robert was involved in student activities…

Robert Markey as a 1941 graduate. (Photo credit: Agricola Archives, Dalhousie University Archives)

A brief biography in the 1941 graduation issue of the student publication Agricola noted that over the past two years he had “…proven his ability as an all-around student, especially in public speaking and in basketball…”

Robert Markey was on the school’s basketball team, pictured here 4th from the left (red arrow) in the 1941 graduation booklet. (Photo credit: Agricola Archives, Dalhousie University Archives)

Robert, known as ‘Bob’ while a student, was involved in social activities of the College. “…Being very popular with his classmates, due to his wit and personality, he was elected chairman of the Social Committee for the first term of the year ’41. Bob also had the honour of being President of the Students’ Council while in his senior year…”

Robert was also known for being “…quite musical and full of jazz which was proven when he played the ‘Traps’ for the Sawfilers Orchestra at a few of the Saturday night dances…” Traps referred to drums, accompanied with other percussion instruments such as cymbals.

The account on Robert ended by stating that “… his main ambition is to specialize in Animal Husbandry but this coming summer he is joining the RCAF…”

….Robert enlisted on Boxing Day 1941 …

Robert never joined the RCAF. When he enlisted at the No. 7 District Depot’s recruiting office in Saint John, New Brunswick on December 26, 1941, it was noted that he had worked 3 summers at Atlantic Sugar Refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick. Just before enlistment, in the fall of 1941, he worked as an oiler and fireman, as well as a powerhouse technician in the plant where his father was employed as a superintendent. As a technician, he was responsible for testing the chemical content of water and keeping a log of engine efficiency, among other duties.

He began his basic training at No. 70 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre (CABTC) in Fredericton, New Brunswick, but was hospitalized with a bad cold from January 4 until January 20, 1942. He didn’t return back to No. 70 CA(B)TC until February 6, 1942, at which time he also received a promotion to Lance Corporal.

After completing his training, he was put on staff as an instructor at No. 70 CA(B)TC on May 16, 1942.

….Robert attended No. 30 Officers Training Centre in Brockville …

On September 2, 1942, an interviewer in Fredericton gave his assessment on Robert’s suitability as an Officer Candidate. He was described as a “….tall, lean, athletic type…” with a “….. pleasant, well-balanced personality...” and “…good leadership qualities, conscientious…” He had a “…history of commendable personal enterprise...” coupled with an “…above average level of learning ability…” and “…superior knowledge of tools and mechanical principles…” He was recommended for officer training and to remain in the Infantry as that was what Robert himself preferred.

On October 10, 1942, Robert was sent to No. 30 Officers’ Training Centre in Brockville, Ontario for 12 weeks of intensive training in preparation for going overseas. His time there would have overlapped with that of John ‘Weston’ CAMPBELL, from Prince Edward Island, who had arrived there in August for his 12 week course. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/09/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-clermont-killed-during-operation-veritable/)

After successfully completing his 12 week course, Robert was promoted to Provisional 2nd Lieutenant on January 16, 1943, and then sent for further training to A-17 Machine Gun Training Centre in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, a course that began on January 25, 1943 and ended on March 18, 1943….along with a promotion to Lieutenant.

….Robert was in Kiska as part of Operation Cottage …

On March 20, 1943, Robert was transferred to the 1st Battalion, Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun) and sent to Nanaimo, British Columbia. The battalion served in Canada in a home defense role as a part of the 18th Canadian Infantry Brigade which was first part of Pacific Command and then the 6th Canadian Infantry Division.

Summary of Canadian support for Operation Cottage in Kiska, Alaska. (Source: National Defence, National Defense University Press. Seen on the A Canadian Outlook FaceBook page)

On June 16, 1943, Robert was assigned to ‘C’ Company of the Saint John Fusiliers. On July 12, 1943, he was on ‘special duty’ as part of a planned Canadian support to Kiska, Alaska for the American led Operation Cottage. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Cottage and http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/operations/operationcottage.htm)

Map showing location of Kiska, part of the Aleutian Islands. (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

Map source: By of SVG: Kuara – Aleutian Islands, United States Army Center of Military History, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5209745

The intention was to liberate Kiska Island from Japanese forces, which had occupied it since June 7, 1942, after Japan seized Kiska and Attu in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. However, no one seemed to be aware that the Japanese had left the Island on July 28, 1943, using fog as cover for their escape.

Kiska was unoccupied by the time Allied troops arrived on August 15, 1943, of which ‘C’ Company was a component of the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group. They were sent into fog, surf, volcanic rock, confusion, and uncertainty. Expecting a brutal fight, the soldiers found the island empty of Japanese troops, but they had left behind reminders of their presence in the form of mines and booby traps.

As noted in Project 44’s Operation Cottage: Invasion of Kiska Island: “…Despite the lack of Japanese soldiers, there still were American and Canadian casualties. Some were wounded and killed in friendly fire as nervous soldiers fired into the fog amongst the confusion. Others were wounded and killed by enemy mines, booby-traps, and explosive ordinance left on the island. The Canadians sustained eight casualties, four dead and four wounded…” (See https://www.project44.ca/kiska)

While the Americans left Kiska by September 1, 1943, the Canadians remained for over 3 months longer.

C.P. Stacey’s ‘Official History of the Canadian Army in the Second World War: Volume I: Six Years of War: Canada, Britain and the Pacific’ recorded that troops lived “…in ‘winterized’ tents, and engaged in road and pier construction, transport fatigues, building and manning defences, and carrying on such training as conditions permitted. Fog, rain and wind made the island an acutely unpleasant residence, and the troops were heartily glad when the withdrawal to British Columbia began in November 1943. The last shipload of Canadians left Kiska on 12 January 1944….”

Robert returned to Canada on January 3, 1944, and given 30 days leave, from January 6 until February 4, 1944. ‘C’ Company disbanded on January 31, 1944, and when Robert returned to duty, he was assigned back to the 1st Battalion, Saint John Fusiliers (Machine Gun).

….Two soldiers whose stories have been told were also in Kiska …

Elie ANTONYSZYN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/09/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-rorketon-whose-sister-never-forgot-him/
George Glenn ‘Dusty’ MILLAR: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/01/25/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-pilot-whose-spitfire-ran-out-of-fuel/

…Robert was sent for more training…

On February 11, 1944, Robert was sent for two courses at the S-17 Canadian School Of Infantry in Vernon, British Columbia. He began with a Junior Battle Wing Course. 10 days later, however, he was admitted to Vernon Military Hospital for 16 days with pneumonitis, an inflammation of lung tissue, typically caused by inhaling airborne irritants. (See https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24810-pneumonitis)

After completing the Junior Battle Wing Course, Robert next undertook a 4.2 Mortar Battle Wing course at S-11 Canadian Chemical Warfare School (CCWS) in Suffield, Alberta, which ran from April 16 to April 29, 1944.

….Robert qualified as a Driver for a flamethrower…

While in Suffield Robert took specialized carrier-driver training for a flamethrower-equipped variant of a Universal Carrier, qualifying as Driver i/c Class III (MC) on June 23, 1944. (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’. Class III meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars, but not tanks. MC meant he was also a qualified Motorcycle Despatch Rider.)

A June 16, 1944 Officers’ Survey report described Robert as “…a very good officer. A good leader. Has the confidence of all…” and noted that he “…speaks clearly and concisely….” with a “…self-composed manner and confident approach. Has a strong personality. Makes friends easily…”

Robert was keen to go overseas, and the report stated that he had “…volunteered for the British Army. Passed but not taken…” It went on to say that he “…now has special authority to go overseas with some forty or fifty men including his own Platoon who have volunteered to go active on the understanding he will go with them. This is a fulfillment of his wishes….” (NOTE: No mention was ever made if this happened when Robert ultimately left Canada for overseas service.)

On June 29, 1944, Robert returned to the S-17 Canadian School Of Infantry in Vernon, British Columbia for an Officers Refresher course, taken between July 1 and August 18, 1944.

The August 19, 1944 course assessment for the Junior Battle Wing Course noted that “…his knowledge and application of tactics was good. He has ability as a leader. His knowledge and handling of weapons were quite good….” but that “…at times he appeared disinterested and did not always put as much into the work as he could give…” The final comment was that with more experience, Robert would be “…a capable platoon commander…”

The August 19, 1944 assessment for the Mortar Battle Wing course was positive. “…This officer was interested and enthusiastic. He has quite a sound knowledge of the weapon and its tactical employment…” The final comment was that with further field experience, Robert “…should make a good mortar platoon commander…”

….Robert left Canada for overseas service…

Robert Joseph Markey. (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial. Photo restoration by Pieter Valkenburg)

From August 20 until August 26, 1944, Robert was granted embarkation leave, for what turned out to be the last time he saw his family.

On August 27, 1944, Robert reported to No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia, for final training and preparation before going overseas. The Brigade was a final staging point for troops waiting to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

On September 7, 1944, Robert boarded a ship that left the following day from Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving in the United Kingdom on September 20, 1944. He was placed with No. 4 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).

A few weeks later, on October 23, 1944, Robert was sent to No. 3 Wing (Weapons) Canadian Training School (CTS) for a Canadian Military Headquarters (CMHQ) Conversion Course at the Canadian Army Battle Drill School in Stansted Park in Rowland’s Castle, Hampshire, England. The 42 day course trained officers and NCOs to standardize infantry and joint-force tactics before deployment. After successfully completing the course, he returned to No. 4 CIRU, which had been re-designated at No. 3 CIRU, on December 2, 1944.

….Robert joined the Lincoln & Welland Regiment……

On January 11, 1945, Robert was transferred to the 13th Battalion’s X-4 Reinforcement List of the Canadian Infantry Corps (CIC). The following day he left for North West Europe, arriving on January 12, 1945.

On January 29, 1945, Robert was transferred to the Lincoln & Welland Regiment as a Platoon Officer in ‘C’ Company, joining them in the midst of Operation Elephant, also known as the Battle of Kapelsche Veer, a brutal and freezing battle to clear German paratroopers from Kapelsche Veer, a low-lying, water-logged island north of the Maas River in The Netherlands.

NOTE: Eli Ambrose SNAKE, whose story was previously told, had lost his life in the battle. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-eli-ambrose-snake/)

Robert had survived his first active battle, and continued with the Regiment as they moved into Germany.

….Robert lost his life during the Battle of Keppeln…

Map shows location (green circle) where the Lincoln & Welland Regiment was in support of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division during the Battle of Keppeln on February 26, 1945. (Map source: Project 44)

On February 26, 1945, the Regiment was involved in the Battle of Keppeln, with the objective of breaking the German Siegfried Line during Operation Blockbuster, the last part of Operation Veritable. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster) Troops encountered heavy artillery and mortar fire in intense fighting from German paratroopers, and had to make their way through heavy mud and minefields.

The war diary for February 26, 1945 noted the orders given for the battle. The 4th Canadian Armoured Brigade, which the Lincoln & Welland Regiment was part of, “….was divided into five forces….” ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies of the Regiment were part of ‘JERRY FORCE’.

Movement began at 6 am, but “…the route from the area at KLEVE to the concentration area was through mud fields and was extremely heavy going for all vehicles. Heavy vehicles bogged down in the mud….”

By 9 am, “… JERRY FORCE moved into the attack passing through 2 Canadian Infantry Division….”

The battle finally ended when Canadian troops used flame-throwing Wasp carriers to clear German-held houses in Keppeln. The village needed to be secured as part of a push towards Uedem. The capture of Keppeln allowed Canadian forces to clear the Kalkar Ridge and proceed towards the Hochwald Forest gap, and later to break through to the Rhine. Unfortunately, Robert did not live to see the end of this battle….

….What happened?…

Lance Corporal John SYMCHYCH stated in an official report that on February 26, 1945, the platoon that Robert commanded was tasked with defending a house located 9.1 metres (30 feet) from a slit trench. Visibility was poor due to smoke from machine gun and rifle fire. One Ram carrier had been struck by shell fire and burned, and a gunner, later identified as Albert Donald AHLWARDT of the 6th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, had been slightly wounded and evacuated to the slit trench that L/Cpl Symchych was in.

Around 2 pm, “…Pte Biznar and Lt Markey pulled the driver of the Ram carrier out of L/Cpl Symchych’s slit trench and were taking him to the house 15 yards away. A shell lit four or five feet away from the three of them while L/Cpl Symchych was still in his slit trench. L/Cpl Symchych crawled to the house and remained in the house until relieved by RHLI Regiment between the hours of three or four o’clock of the morning of February 27th. The bodies of the three men were still there when L/Cpl Symchych returned to his slit trench for his equipment…” NOTE: RHLI refers to Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Regiment.

Robert, aged 26, lost his life on that afternoon of February 26, 1945, as he and Pte Harry Biznar tried to move Gunner Alwardt to safety.

NOTE: For an idea of some of the places that the Regiment travelled through in Germany, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/02/06/on-the-war-memorial-trail-we-follow-the-route-taken-into-germany-by-canadian-troops-in-1945/

….Robert is buried in Groesbeek…

Pieter placed Canadian and New Brunswick flags at the grave of Robert Joseph Markey. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Robert was initially buried in Keppeln, Germany before being reburied on February 25, 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. During our 2025 European War Memorial Tour, Pieter placed Canadian and New Brunswick flags by his grave.

Thank you to Jennifer MacIsaac and Creighton Barrett of Dalhousie University Libraries for finding photos of Lt Markey while he was at Nova Scotia Agricultural College.

The flags placed at Robert’s grave during our 2025 European War Memorial Tour were donated. Our thanks go to:

Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flag.
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MLA for Edmundston-Madawaska Centre, Minister responsible for Military Affairs, with the help of Cécile LePage, Province of New Brunswick, for the New Brunswick flag.

…. to be continued…..

Coming up in Struck By Shellfire Part 3 will be about Albert Donald AHLWARDT of Olds, Alberta.

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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/

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….Struck By Shellfire Part 1 The WWII Soldier Born To Ukrainian Immigrants Who Lost His Life Trying To Get A Wounded Gunner To Safety

July 3, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

July 3, 2026. It seems as though every time we go away for a short holiday, Pieter receives good news about a soldier he’s researching and in the search to find a photo and family. Last year, we were delayed by a week for our annual wedding anniversary getaway, but while in Moncton, New Brunswick on the first day of our trip, we found out that the Windsor Star had published Pieter’s Letter To The Editor, asking for help in finding family and a photo of WWII soldier Harry BIZNAR. (See Reader asks: Anyone in Windsor know family of WW2 vet Harry Biznar? | Windsor Star https://windsorstar.com/opinion/letters/reader-letter-dutch-veteran-asks-anyone-in-windsor-area-know-family-of-ww2-veteran-harry-biznar)

Harry’s story intersected with two other soldiers: Lt Robert Joseph MARKEY and Gunner Albert Donald AHLWARDT, as all three lost their lives when a shell burst near them as Harry and Lt Markey were trying to get a wounded Gunner Ahlwardt to safety in a nearby house.

….The Letter To The Editor was successful…

On our way to Moncton, we had spent much of the day in Memramcook (see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/11/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembrance-week-2025-reflections-and-updates/), so it wasn’t until we were settled in our hotel room and had a brief time to rest before dinner with two other couples that we noticed emails in reply to the Windsor Star letter.

One email from Carol Cox made Pieter’s heart beat faster! She wrote that “…a friend of mine who reads the Windsor Star faithfully sent me the letter this morning that you had printed in the newspaper regarding Harry Biznar.

It was very emotional for me to read the letter as I seem to have some kind of connection to him although I never met him. I did some research back in 2017 and found a great deal of information on Uncle Harry… It was like piecing together the life of a very young man who gave up his life for our freedom. I have 3 grown sons of my own so I suppose my gratitude is three fold as my sons did not have to leave home and go to war at such a young age.

My mother was Florence Ducharme, Harry’s sister. My mom was the last of the family to pass at the age of 94 in 2018….

I am truly touched and grateful for the effort that you and the Canadian War Cemeteries in the Netherlands are continuing to put into this important endeavour. May God Bless you….”

….Harry’s parents were Ukrainian…

Harry Biznar. (Photo courtesy of the Biznar Family)

Born February 8, 1917 in Montreal, Quebec, Harry was the son of Frederick ‘Fred’ (born Toader Dmitrievich Bezhenariu) and Katherine (nee Benec aka Binuk) Biznar. In addition to Harry, “… his sisters Lena, Dora, Mary and brother Mike were all born in Montreal. Sisters Florence and Irene were born in Windsor, Ontario….” Carol wrote. Mike also served during WWII, and survived the war.

Harry with his parents and sisters Dora (left), Mary (sitting), and Lena (right) in Montreal in 1921. (Photo courtesy of the Biznar Family)

Carol shared a number of photos, and explained that her grandparents – Harry’s parents – had met in Montreal, Quebec, but both were Ukrainian immigrants. Frederick had been born in Velykyi Kuchuriv (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velykyi_Kuchuriv) and Katherine in Chernivtsi (See https://www.britannica.com/place/Chernivtsi-Ukraine).

After completing Grade 8 at Gordon MacGregor School in Windsor, Ontario, Harry took a 2 year auto mechanics course at the Windsor Vocational School. He worked as a seasonal farm hand, and a machine operator for the printing press at a bag manufacturing company.

….Harry enlisted in 1942…

On January 10, 1941, Harry enrolled in the Essex Scottish Reserve Force militia. Then, on October 8, 1942, he enlisted under the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA) at the No. 1 NRMA Clearing Depot in London, Ontario. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Resources_Mobilization_Act)

At the time of his enlistment, Harry was employed as a machine operator by Bendix-Eclipse of Canada Ltd., a manufacturing facility and division of the Bendix Corporation that operated in Windsor, Ontario. During World War II, the Windsor plant was a vital part of the Canadian motor vehicle parts industry, manufacturing essential components for military vehicles and aircraft.

On October 31, 1942, Harry was sent to the No. 12 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre (CABTC) in Chatham, Ontario. His Personnel Selection Record noted that he spoke both English and Ukrainian, and that he enjoyed sports – boxing, baseball, rugby, soccer, and swimming. He was described by an interviewer as someone who “…makes friends easily…”

After completing his basic training, on January 6, 1943 he was sent for advanced training at A29 Canadian Infantry Training Centre at Camp Ipperwash, Ontario. A few weeks later, he was transferred to the Kent Regiment on January 25, 1943, and sent on a 6 Pounder Anti-Tank Gun course in Terrace, British Columbia.

He next was sent for a month to the Canadian Small Arms School (Western Canada) in Nanaimo, British Columbia, before returning to the Kent Regiment in Terrace on June 8, 1943.

Harry Biznar in December 1943. (Photo courtesy of the Biznar Family. Photo restoration by Pieter Valkenburg)

On June 17, 1944, he enlisted in the Active Army in Courtney, British Columbia, remaining with the Kent Regiment. His Personnel Selection Record was updated with an interviewer noting that Harry had “…trained as an anti-tank gunner…” and was “…presently in rifle company…”

The interviewer’s appraisal went on to say that Harry was “…keen on getting overseas. Impresses as the ‘strong and silent type’. Rather uncommunicative but gets along with his fellow soldiers. Well motivated and well adjusted to army life…” Harry was recommended for overseas service with the Canadian Infantry Corps.

….Harry wanted to join the paratroops…

Harry, however, was interested in joining the paratroops, and after being re-interviewed in July 1944, he was sent to the A35 Canadian Paratrooper Training Centre at Camp Shilo, Manitoba. He quickly realized he’d made a mistake. Shortly after arriving, he learned he’d have to retake the basic infantry training he’d already taken, and told an interviewer on August 9, 1944 that “…the nature and duration of training at A35 were misrepresented to him…” He asked to be transferred to A15 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) at Camp Shilo, a request which was granted.

….Harry returned to the infantry before leaving Canada for overseas service…

Harry’s final infantry training course in Canada took place at No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia from October 16 to October 30, 1944. The Brigade provided refresher courses and was a final staging point for troops waiting to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Harry’s training evaluation recorded him as being “…well trained and efficient…” with a “…knowledge of work and good judgment…”

On November 20, 1944, he left Canada for the United Kingdom, arriving on November 28, 1944, where he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR), and underwent more intensive training that included battle drills, tactical field exercises, and physical conditioning.

After being rated as fully qualified and operational, he was transferred to the X-4 Reinforcement List Infantry General Unit (IGU) of the Canadian Infantry Corps (CIC) on January 6, 1945. The following day he left for North West Europe, arriving on January 8, 1945.

….Harry joined the Lincoln & Welland Regiment…

On January 28, 1945 Harry was transferred to ‘C’ Company of the Lincoln & Welland Regiment, joining them in the midst of Operation Elephant, also known as the Battle of Kapelsche Veer, a brutal and freezing battle to clear German paratroopers from Kapelsche Veer, a low-lying, water-logged island north of the Maas River in The Netherlands.

NOTE: Eli SNAKE, whose story was previously told, had lost his life that same day in the battle. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-eli-ambrose-snake/)

Harry had survived his first battle, and continued with the Regiment as they moved into Germany.

….Harry lost his life during the Battle of Keppeln…

Map shows area where the Lincoln & Welland Regiment was in support of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division during the Battle of Keppeln on February 26, 1945. (Map source: Wikipedia)

By 9 am, “… JERRY FORCE moved into the attack passing through 2 Canadian Infantry Division….”

The battle finally ended when Canadian troops used flame-throwing Wasp carriers to clear German-held houses in Keppeln. The village needed to be secured as part of a push towards Uedem. The capture of Keppeln allowed Canadian forces to clear the Kalkar Ridge and proceed towards the Hochwald Forest gap, and later to break through to the Rhine. Unfortunately, Harry did not live to see the end of this battle….

….What happened?….

Lance Corporal John SYMCHYCH stated in an official report that on February 26, 1945, Lt Robert Joseph MARKEY’s platoon, which Harry was in, was tasked with defending a house located 9.1 metres (30 feet) from a slit trench. Visibility was poor due to smoke from machine gun and rifle fire. One Ram carrier had been struck by shell fire and burned, and a gunner, later identified as Albert Donald AHLWARDT of the 6th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, had been slightly wounded and evacuated to the slit trench that L/Cpl Symchych was in.

Harry, aged 28, lost his life on that afternoon of February 26, 1945, as he and Lt Markey tried to move Gunner Ahlwardt to safety.

NOTE: For an idea of some of the places that the Regiment travelled through in Germany, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/02/06/on-the-war-memorial-trail-we-follow-the-route-taken-into-germany-by-canadian-troops-in-1945/

….Harry is buried in Groesbeek…

Harry was initially buried in Keppeln, Germany before being reburied on February 25, 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. During our 2025 European War Memorial Tour, Pieter placed Canadian and Quebec flags by his grave.

Pieter at the grave of Harry Biznar after placing Canadian and Quebec flags. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to the Windsor Star for publishing the Letter To The Editor asking for a photo of Harry Biznar, to Debbie McGivney for sending us the published letter to the editor, to Harry Biznar’s niece Carol Cox for photos and information, plus niece Shelly French. This Letter To The Editor resonated with those who read it, and we thank all who took the time to get in touch with both us and Harry’s family.

Carol Cox, niece of Harry Biznar. (Photo courtesy of Carol Cox)

As the information and photos about Harry were being compiled, Carol Cox told Pieter that “….you have resurrected emotions and gratitude for our freedom that is too easy to take for granted….”

Another niece, Shelly French, also contacted us, writing to say “…thank you for your hard work in locating all this information and caring deeply about our lost souls….” Shelly explained that her mother, Irene Peleshok, was “…Harry’s sister….” and reflected that her grandmother “…never got over the loss of her son Harry. She cried many tears over his passing….”

The flags placed at Harry’s grave during our 2025 European War Memorial Tour were donated. Our thanks go to:

Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flag.
Mario Henry and his brother Etienne Henry, who donated the Quebec flag.

…. to be continued…..

Struck By Shellfire Part 2 will be about Robert Joseph MARKEY of Saint John, New Brunswick.

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….The WWII Signalman From Charlottetown Buried In Tryon People’s Cemetery

July 1, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

July 1, 2026. In 2025, Pieter became a volunteer under the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)’s National Volunteer Program, and was assigned 4 cemeteries in the South Shore area on Prince Edward Island. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/08/08/on-the-war-memorial-trail-cwgc-volunteer-at-cape-traverse-community-cemetery/)

The 4 cemeteries are:

Cape Traverse Community Cemetery (3 CWGC graves)
Tryon People’s Cemetery (2 CWGC graves)
Kelly’s Cross (St Joseph) Parish Cemetery (1 CWGC grave)
Seven Mile Bay (St Peter’s) Cemetery (4 CWGC graves)

….There are 2 CWGC graves at Tryon People’s Cemetery…

Pieter at the entrance to Tryon People’s Cemetery with Jack Sorensen, President of Tryon People’s Cemetery Board of Directors. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

There are 2 CWGC graves in Tryon People’s Cemetery, with the story of one soldier previously told on this blog:

WWI soldier Harry ROBINSON, of Augustine Cove, Prince Edward Island, contracted blood poisoning from a cellulitis infection while in Valcartier, Quebec for training, and died on June 27, 1916, aged 34. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/03/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-photo-for-wwi-soldier-harry-robinson/ and https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/04/29/the-ww1-soldiers-who-never-left-canada/

The other grave is of WWII soldier William Thomas HENNESSEY, son of WWI veteran George Stanley HENNESSEY, whose story was told several years ago on this blog. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/02/14/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww1-soldier-who-served-in-the-1st-canadian-engineers-battalion/)

As part of his duties as a CWGC volunteer, Pieter snaps a photo of the grave of William Thomas Hennessey. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….William enlisted with the No. 6 District Signals…

Born September 28, 1921 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, William was the son of George Stanley and Eleza May (nee Thomas) Hennessey. When he enlisted with the No. 6 District Signals of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in Charlottetown on October 27, 1939, he was only 18 years old and stated that he’d served as a member of the militia of that unit since May 1937. No. 6 District Signals was the regional home-defense and administrative unit for Military District 6, which had its headquarters in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and covered the Maritimes, including Prince Edward Island.

Prior to enlistment, William had worked for a short period for Chief Justice John Alexander Mathieson of the Court of Appeal of Prince Edward Island, a former Premier of the province. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Alexander_Mathieson)

William Thomas Hennessey. (Photo courtesy of Pam Ing)

When we were first in contact with Pam Ing about her grandfather, we asked if she had a photo of her Uncle William. “….I found the picture of William Hennessey – son of George Hennessey and brother of Harry Raymond ‘Ray’ Hennessey (my father)….” she wrote. “… He was quite the handsome guy for sure!...” Ray had also joined the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in 1939, and served until 1945.

After completing his basic training, William was sent to the A14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) at Camp Aldershot, Nova Scotia on January 13, 1940 for more intensive combat training in tactical firearm use and field exercises.

….William never fully recovered following surgery…

William’s time at Camp Aldershot was very short, as on January 24, 1940 he was admitted to Halifax Military Hospital with acute appendicitis. He was on sick leave until February 20, 1940, but a month later, on March 27, 1940, he was admitted to hospital with nephritis (a kidney infection). He remained in hospital until May 6, only to be readmitted a few weeks later, on May 29, with the same diagnosis. When he was discharged on July 22, 1940, his condition was assessed as ‘unimproved’.

On September 5, 1940, William was discharged from the army for reasons of being ‘physically unfit’ due to asthenia (a general weakness of the body). At the time of his discharge, he declared in writing that “…I was never sick until I joined the C.A.S.F. I was operated on for appendicitis in January. I have never been well since…” (C.A.S.F. refers to Canadian Active Service Force)

It could be that William’s appendix had burst prior to or during his operation, resulting in peritonitis, an inflammation in the peritoneum —the thin membrane that lines the inner abdominal wall and covers the organs. It most commonly occurs due to bacterial infections caused by a ruptured organ (like a burst appendix). If the infection never fully cleared up, it may be why he never completely recovered, but developed nephritis.

After his discharge, William worked on a temporary basis at a freight shed, but contracted pulmonary tuberculosis, and was admitted to the Provincial Sanatorium in Charlottetown. He died on June 7, 1944, aged 22, with the cause of death listed as pulmonary tuberculosis due to asthenia.

….William is buried next to his parents…

Pieter stands behind the grave of William Thomas Hennessey at Tryon People’s Cemetery. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

William was buried in Tryon People’s Cemetery in Tryon, Prince Edward Island, with his parents later buried next to him. In addition to his own separate gravestone, he is commemorated on his parents’ gravestone, a testament to a young life cut short, and who was never forgotten by his family.

Pam Ing, centre, with husband David on left, and Pieter on the right. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Pam Ing for providing a photo of her uncle. Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWI Soldier From Piusville Who Enlisted In The Veterans Guard Of Canada in WWII

June 20, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

June 20, 2026. Since Pieter began the On The War Memorial Trail research project in 2014, we’ve met many families of those who served in one or more wars. Brenda Graves of North Tryon, Prince Edward Island, explained that her paternal grandfather served in WWI and then served in the Veterans Guard of Canada until his death during WWII.

Cyrus Joseph GALLANT was born in Piusville, Prince Edward Island on March 21, 1897, the son of Joseph ‘Joe Smoke’ and Marie Marguerite (nee Bernard) Gallant. He worked on the family farm until he was conscripted under the Military Service Act and sent for a medical exam in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, on November 29, 1917. However, he wasn’t drafted until months later.

After relying exclusively on volunteers for the first few years of WWI, the Canadian government passed the Military Service Act in August 1917 to make military service compulsory for male citizens aged 20 to 45. (See https://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/life-at-home-during-the-war/recruitment-and-conscription/conscription-1917/)

…..Cyrus enlisted in the 1st Depot Battalion…..

Cyrus Joseph Gallant. (Photo courtesy of Brenda Graves)

In 1917-1918, when it was difficult to recruit enough men for infantry battalions, depot battalions were organized in Canada to obtain personnel who would then be sent to various Canadian Reserve Battalions in England.

Cyrus wasn’t drafted until July 4, 1918, when he enlisted with ‘H’ Company, 1st Depot Battalion, Nova Scotia Regiment, in Charlottetown, and began his basic training.

Per Nova Scotia’s Part In The Great War, compiled and edited by M. S. Hunt, the 1st Depot Battalion had been organized “….on September 25, 1917, for the purpose of looking after the draftees under the Military Service Act…”

However, due to “…destruction of property caused by the Halifax Explosion in December 1917….” quarters for military personnel were in short supply, which is likely the reason why Cyrus didn’t have to enlist until months after passing his medical exam. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosion)

…..Cyrus left Canada for England…..

On August 2, 1918, Cyrus was transferred to the 102nd Draft Battalion Nova Scotia, one of 1,700 men to be sent overseas. An account in Nova Scotia’s Part In The Great War noted that the men “…paraded at 8 PM on August 3, 1918; the roll was called, documents checked, etc. The men were then dismissed and ordered to parade and entrain at 4:30 AM on August 4th….”

After leaving Halifax, Nova Scotia aboard SS Ixion, the ship arrived safely in Liverpool, England on August 15, 1918, with the men disembarking the following day.

Map showing routing from Liverpool to Bramshott. (Map source: Google Maps)

From Liverpool, the men travelled 396 km (246 miles) towards Bramshott, where they were transferred to the 17th Reserve Battalion of the Canadian Infantry on August 22, 1918. Bramshott Camp was a massive training facility for the Canadian Army, with thousands of soldiers living there. The camp included hospitals, an open-air theatre, and an extensive network of corrugated iron and wooden huts.

The 17th Reserve Battalion was a training and reinforcement depot based in England. Its primary role was to train newly arriving soldiers, and dispatch them to combat battalions.

By the time Cyrus arrived in England, just a few months before WWI ended on November 11, 1918, his time with the 17th Reserve Battalion never went beyond training. Instead of being sent to a frontline unit he stayed in England until returning home.

Map showing routing from Bramshott to South Ripon. (Map source: Google Maps)

The Battalion remained in Bramshott until January 12, 1919, when it moved to South Ripon, a distance of 413 km (257 miles), from where soldiers would be demobilized and started returning back home to Canada.

…..Cyrus returned back to Canada in 1919…..

HMT Mauretania with geometric dazzle camouflage scheme designed by Norman Wilkinson (Photo source: New-York Tribune December 8, 1918, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84709365)

On June 28, 1919, Cyrus was on his way back to Canada aboard HMT (Hired Military Transport) Mauretania. He was officially discharged on July 3, 1919 in Charlottetown.

…..Cyrus raised a family in the inter-war years…..

After his return back to Prince Edward Island, Cyrus married Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Marie Gallant on November 22 1922 in Bloomfield, and they became the parents of 9 children. Cyrus ran a barber shop in Bloomfield and worked as a labourer.

…..Cyrus enlisted in the Veterans Guard of Canada in WWII…..

Cyrus Gallant in his Veterans Guard of Canada uniform, with his wife Lizzie, in 1941. (Photo courtesy of Brenda Graves. Photo restoration and colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

On February 1, 1941, when Cyrus enlisted with 6A Company of the Veterans Guard of Canada in Charlottetown, his two youngest children were still toddlers. Mary Delma had been born in June 1938, and Joseph Walter in August 1939.

With a growing family, the pay that Cyrus received as a member of the Veterans Guard would have been very helpful. Volunteers for the Veterans Guard were WWI veterans that had served in Canadian or British forces, were fit, and had been honourably discharged. They received the same pay ($1.30 a day) and allowances as other soldiers. As a local defence force to guard against enemy attacks, and guard duties at internment and prisoner-of-war camps in Canada, Cyrus wouldn’t have been sent overseas. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Guard_of_Canada)

He was posted to Valcartier, Quebec, but in July he ended up in hospital with stomach pains, and spent a month in Saint-Sacrament Hospital in Quebec City.

After his discharge from hospital, he was working at Camp B/70, an internment camp in Fredericton, New Brunswick, when he was hospitalized, again with stomach pains, in January 1942. (See https://powsincanada.ca/pows-in-canada/internment-camps/camp-70-fredericton/)

On February 21, 1942, he was sent to Camp Hill Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he was diagnosed as having pancreatic cancer.

Cyrus was discharged from the Veterans Guard on March 2, 1942 for being medically unfit due to carcinoma. He remained at Camp Hill Hospital for post-discharged treatment before returning home, where he died on October 31, 1942, aged 45, at Prince County Hospital in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

….Cyrus is buried in St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Bloomfield…

Cyrus was buried on November 2, 1942 in St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Bloomfield, Prince Edward Island.

Brenda Graves by the grave of her grandfather, Cyrus Joseph Gallant. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

One cloudy and wet Thursday in May of this year, Brenda and I travelled to St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, located just outside the church, to find her grandfather’s grave. Brenda’s father, Edmund Joseph, was one of the children born to Cyrus and Lizzie.

Lizzie remarried in 1954, to Fred Louie Arsenault. They are both buried in the same cemetery as Cyrus.

NOTE: Various records provide differing birth years for Cyrus. When he enlisted in the Veterans Guard in 1941, he stated that he was born on March 21, 1894. However, the regimental number and information he provided about his WWI service matched his WWI attestation where he stated he was born in 1897. His medical record lists him as aged 44 in 1941, confirming he was born in 1897, not 1894. Finally, his headstone incorrectly lists him as being born in 1898.

….Another soldier from Prince Edward Island in the 17th Reserve Battalion died of illness…

Also in the 17th Reserve Battalion was Bruce Sutherland MCKAY (MACKAY), who contracted scarlet fever during the voyage to England and died a short while later. Your can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/04/22/the-ww1-soldier-who-never-made-it-to-the-front/

Thank you to Brenda Graves for providing photos and information on her grandfather. Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier From The Pas Who Died When A Flame Thrower Hit A Mine In Germany

June 12, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

June 12, 2026. It’s wonderful when the search for a photo of a soldier takes flight, with many people actively involved in helping in this quest. That’s what happened when Pieter looked for a photo of WWII soldier Samuel George ENGEN of The Pas, Manitoba. It was a search that took 18 months and involved many family members.

Near the end of December 2024, while we were on our way to a winter vacation, we woke up in our hotel room in Virginia with the wonderful news that a photo of Samuel had been found, and sent to us by Ralph McLean, a researcher that we’d written to earlier in 2024, and Samuel’s nephews Eric and Wilfred Sanderson.

Eric explained that he’d received the photo from Ralph who “…got the picture from Devyn Rusk. … I was so excited to receive the photo. I hope Diane and I can make the journey to see my uncle’s grave site….” Eric and his wife Diane were the people Pieter first talked to about finding a photo of Samuel. At the time, Eric explained that the photos were lost when his mother’s house burned down.

But, the search continued amongst family members and eventually a photo was found. Devyn, a teaching assistant at a school in The Pas, Manitoba, is the great-granddaughter of Samuel’s brother Aaron. She explained that the photo had been found “…in an old album. It had all of Samuel’s Dad’s old post cards….”

…A cookbook connection with the Opaskwayak Cree Nation…

Born February 15, 1918 in The Pas, Manitoba, Samuel was the son of Louis Julius, a WWI veteran, and Mary Helen (nee Buck) Engen. His mother was a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opaskwayak_Cree_Nation)

The search for a photo of Samuel had a personal connection. More years ago than I care to remember, I taught for one semester at Keewatin Community College (now called University College of the North) in The Pas, and one group of community leaders from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation learned basic computer skills that led to a practical outcome with the development of a cookbook. Eric told us that he was familiar with the names of some of the community leaders listed in the cookbook.

Cover of the Northern Cookbook designed and prepared by students from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. (Photo courtesy of Valkenburg Family)

…Samuel enlisted in 1941…

Samuel had married Miriam Susan Pranteau on January 16, 1940, and was working for The Pas Lumber Company in The Pas, Manitoba, and as a trapper, when he enlisted at the No. 10 District Depot Recruiting Office in Dauphin, Manitoba on September 6, 1941.

On September 13, 1941, he was sent to No. 100 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre (CABTC) in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. After successfully completing basic training, he went on to A15 Infantry Advanced Training Centre (Rifle) at Camp Shilo, Manitoba on December 4, 1941. His training included battle drill tactics, marksmanship, bayonet drill, and field exercises that simulated actual combat environments.

On January 6, 1942, Samuel was hospitalized in Winnipeg, Manitoba for 13 days with mumps, and returned to Camp Shilo upon recovery. After completing advanced training as a rifleman, he was posted to the A15 Canadian Infantry Training Centre, also located in Camp Shilo, on May 15, 1942.

…Samuel left Canada for overseas service…

In preparation for being sent overseas, Samuel given embarkation leave from May 29, 1942 until June 2, 1942, the last chance he had to see his family. In the end, Samuel didn’t report back to base until June 15, understandable considering the distance he would have had to travel to go so far up north and then back again.

On July 21, 1942, he left Canada for the United Kingdom, arriving on July 29, 1942, where he was assigned to No. 2 Canadian Divisional Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CDIRU).

A few weeks later, on August 21, 1942, Samuel was transferred to the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada (C of C), joining the regiment in Hassocks, Sussex. Training continued in anticipation of going into Normandy, France, and to implement lessons learned from other regiments that participated in Operation Jubilee, also known as the Dieppe Raid, on August 19, 1942. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieppe_Raid)

On December 16, 1942, Samuel was admitted to hospital. Upon being discharged on January 14, 1943, he was assigned to No. 2 Canadian Divisional Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CDIRU). He was hospitalized again, from April 23, 1943 until May 27, 1943.

On June 25, 1943, he returned to the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada (C of C), to participate in Exercise ‘Smashex’, part of ongoing intensive amphibious and infantry training to prepare soldiers before being deployed to Normandy the following year.

Unfortunately, Samuel was hospitalized again, from July 30, 1943 until August 14, 1943, when he was discharged.

…Samuel joined the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor)…

Samuel George Engen. (Photo courtesy of the Engen Family. Photo restoration and colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

On August 27, 1943, Samuel was transferred to the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor), the infantry component of an Armoured Brigade serving in an Infantry Division. Canada fielded only two such Motor battalions in WWII – Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) of the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division was one and the other was the Westminster Regiment (Motor) of the 5th Canadian (Armoured) Division.

Map showing the Dieppe Raid in 1942, which marks the location of Red Beach. (Map source: https://cbf-fccb.ca/)

Training continued in Britain until July 26, 1944, when Samuel, along with the rest of the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor), left the United Kingdom aboard ‘SS Houston City’ and landed in Normandy, France as part of the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Brigade, 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division. Over the next two days, vehicles disembarked near Graye-sur-Mer on Red Beach, a codename for the heavily fortified Dieppe waterfront during the 1942 Dieppe Raid (Operation Jubilee), while the main battalion went ashore shortly after to join the Normandy campaign, which had begun on June 6, 1944 (D-Day).

They began active service on the front as of July 30, 1944, and over the next two months the Regiment battled its way through Normandy, Falaise, and across northern France into Belgium and The Netherlands. The men did whatever they could to increase the Regiment’s firepower with weapons, including those salvaged from destroyed Sherman tanks and 50 calibre machine guns from downed aircraft. These were fitted onto their universal carriers and other vehicles.

‘The Mad Dash’ on August 14, 1944 through the Falaise Pocket to surround the Germans as part of Operation Tractable fought from August 14-21, 1944. (Photo source: Posted by George Romick on Facebook page of Canadian Military Photos Lost and Found – Research Group)

…The Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) sank 3 German naval vessels in Zeeland…

By October 1944, the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division was in The Netherlands, tasked with clearing the Germans from an area south of the Maas River. When fighting brought the Lake Superior Regiment into the village of Sint Philipsland in the province of Zeeland on November 4, Dutch civilians told troops that there were German naval vessels in the harbour of Zijpe on the island of Schouwen en Duiveland, just across the strait.

The Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) bombed German naval vessels in Zijpe’s harbour. (Map source: Google Maps)

The next day, with help from the tanks of the British Columbia Regiment, the Regiment bombarded the ships with their 6 pounder antitank guns and mortars. Within 15 minutes the Germans ceased fire. Due to high winds, it wasn’t until a day later that the Regiment’s boarding party later found a corvette burning and 3 other vessels sinking, with 20 fatalities and 80 wounded.

…The Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) advanced into Germany in 1945…

Most of February saw the Regiment based in the ‘s-Hertogenbosch area of The Netherlands as they continued their patrols, but on February 21, 1945, the Regiment began moving towards Germany for the upcoming Operation Blockbuster, which began at dawn on February 26, 1945. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

By 2:00 am in the early morning of February 23, 1945 the Regiment had arrived at their initial position in the Reichswald Forest, just over the border from The Netherlands. The next afternoon the Regiment moved to Kleve.

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

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

Miraculously, Samuel survived these difficult battles, and was with the Regiment when it returned to The Netherlands for a short rest, before going again into Germany at the end of March. The Regiment then fought battles in Meppen, Sögel, and Friesoythe.

The 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division crossed the Twente Canal on April 4, 1945 and reached the Ems River. However, flooded terrain made it difficult for the tanks to maneuver. On April 17, 1945, the Battle of the Küsten Canal began, with several Regiments involved in trying to capture and cross it. The Küsten Canal was a 30.5 metre (100 feet) wide obstacle that was a challenge to cross due to the soft ground and German defences. (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/kustencanal.htm)

….Samuel lost his life right after the Battle for the Küsten Canal…

Map showing movement of troops towards Bad Zwischenahn along the Küsten Canal. NOTE: Date on map is incorrect – it should say 1945, not 1944. (Map source: ‘In The Face Of Danger – The History Of The Lake Superior Regiment’)

An account by author Lt-Col George Stanley of ‘In The Face Of Danger – The History Of The Lake Superior Regiment’ told what happened as Allied troops moved beyond the Küsten Canal towards Bad Zwischenahn. “….Lieutenant-Colonel Keane and several of his officers visited the bridgehead to get a clear idea of the tactical picture; for it was the Lake Sups who were expected to achieve the break out.

With the support of the tanks of the Canadian Grenadier Guards, they were to drive due north astride the road which led from Friesoythe to the little spa on the shores of Zwischenahn lake just ten miles away.

The next day the battalion began to move forward. The road had been badly damaged by gun fire and the holes hastily filled with rubble, thus making it passable for armoured vehicles. The fighting on the perimeter of the bridgehead was, however, very sticky and the Brigade commander decided that, rather than strike hard ahead over the mine strewn, body-littered fields ahead, the Lake Sups should stab eastwards along both sides of the Küsten Canal, in the hope, not only of widening the base of the bridgehead, but also of relieving some of the pressure upon the forward infantry battalions.

Thus it was that “B” Company, as soon as it crossed the Canal, struck immediately to the eastwards in company with a troop of Grenadier tanks and a Wasp flame-thrower. There was a road that ran along the north side of the Canal, but the going here was slow and halting.…

The first streak of daylight on April 23rd was the signal for “A” and “B” Companies to resume their drive eastwards along the Küsten Canal. On both sides the enemy was active …. There was no steady advance; rather the move took the form of a series of short bounds preceded by heavy firing and not inconsiderable battling. There were casualties… One of the Lake Superior flame-throwers was blown high into the air by a mine, both of its crew members being killed….”

Example of a Wasp flame thrower. (Photo source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

The April 23, 1945 war diary entry for the Lake Superior Regiment verified that Samuel was one of the two crew members who died. “…At 0700 hours ‘B’ Company prepared to move forward…” of a crater “…to the road junction. The motor platoons went forward on foot with a Wasp flame thrower in support. Suddenly the flame thrower struck a mine and both members of the crew were killed, Pte Giving, R.V. and Pte Engen, S.G….” The other crew member mentioned was Royal Victor GIVING of Kenora, Ontario.

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

Grave of Samuel Engen with Canadian and Manitoba flags placed by Pieter. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

Samuel was temporarily buried in Oldenburg, Germany at the “…right hand side of the road running North near a red brick building…” before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands on March 23, 1946. During our 2025 European War Memorial Tour, Pieter placed Canadian and Manitoba flags by his grave.

Pieter at the grave of Samuel Engen after placing Canadian and Manitoba flags. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

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

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

His name can be found on Column 5 on the outside. Row 40. (See https://www.metismuseum.ca/metisveteransmonument/column.php?v=LWSBNZ)

…..Engen Lake is named in Samuel’s honour….

Engen Lake was named in Samuel Engen’s honour in 1961. (Map source: Google Maps)

Engen Lake in northwestern Manitoba, northeast of Reindeer Lake which straddles the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border, was named after Samuel in 1961.

Devyn Rusk. (Photo courtesy of Devyn Rusk)

Thank you to Ralph McLean, Devyn Rusk, Eric Sanderson, and Wilfred Sanderson for finding and sending a photo. Thank you to Judie Klassen for family history research.

The flags placed at Samuel’s grave during our 2025 European War Memorial Tour were donated. Our thanks go to:

Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flag.
Brad Robertson, Chief of Protocol, Government of Manitoba, on behalf of Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, who donated the Manitoba flag.

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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 CQMS From Kirkland Lake Who Died Bringing Meals To Troops Just 8 Days Before WWII Ended

May 30, 2026June 25, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

May 30, 2026. Several months ago, Judie Klassen wrote us about a book she’d read: ‘Untold: Northeastern Ontario’s Military Past Volume 2 WWII to Peacekeeping’ by Dieter K. Buse and Graeme S Mount. We asked if there was an index of soldiers mentioned in the book, as there were a few from that area on the photo wish lists that Pieter receives from researchers. Judie subsequently sent us an index, but had to return the book before we had a chance to cross reference the photo lists to the index, when we found 5 names on the photo wish lists.

However, it turned out that the book was in the library in North Bay, Ontario, and when we asked North Bay resident Don Coutts if he would take a look, he did and found that the references to the 5 soldiers were all succinct summaries from their service files.

One of the soldiers was William ‘Bill’ Steven STEELE, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

….Bill grew up in northeastern Ontario…

The distance between Charlton and Kirkland Lake is 52.6 km (32.7 miles). (Map source: Google Maps)

Born May 27, 1920 in Charlton, Ontario, Bill was the son of Thomas ‘Tom’ Emerson and Mary ‘Gertrude’ (nee Barton) Steele. The family moved to Kirkland Lake, Ontario when he was 15, and where his father worked as a miner. One of 6 children in the family, a photo was found after Pieter got in contact with a nephew named after him, retired teacher and volleyball coach Bill Steele, son of Clifford Ivan, the youngest brother of the soldier. Bill looked into finding a photo, which he received from Brandy Winter, his cousin’s daughter.

….Bill enlisted in 1941…

When he enlisted with the Algonquin Regiment on July 29, 1941 at Military District No. 2 in Kirkland Lake, Bill had been working as a butcher and store clerk at the P and A Store, a grocery and general merchant business, in Kirkland Lake.

William ‘Bill’ Steven Steele. (Photo Courtesy of the Steele Family)

Bill was sent for basic training to A15 Canadian Infantry Training Centre at Camp Shilo, Manitoba, which he completed at the end of August 1942. He remained in Shilo until November, when the Algonquin Regiment moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, tasked with guarding the Welland Canal and the Niagara River.

….Bill served in Newfoundland….

Location of Torbay and St. John’s in Newfoundland. (Map source: http://postalhistorycorner.blogspot.com/2012/12/wwii-canadian-forces-in-newfoundland.html)

After France was occupied by the Germans in 1940, Newfoundland’s defensive position became more precarious. That same year, Canada assumed responsibility for the defence of Newfoundland with the establishment of ‘W Force’, a Canadian garrison force responsible for defending Newfoundland against enemy invasion and attacks, and providing security for existing and proposed defence facilities during WWII. It included infantry, artillery, and anti-aircraft units. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Newfoundland_during_World_War_II)

On February 7, 1942, Bill, along with others in the Algonquin Regiment, was sent to Newfoundland, where they spent a year defending Cape Spear and the Torbay airport. In addition to the Algonquin Regiment, troops from the Black Watch of Canada, Royal Rifles of Canada, PEI Highlanders, Queens Own Rifles, also served at various times. (See https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/politics/botwood-base.php)

Cape Spear Battery. (Photo source: https://www.hiddennewfoundland.ca)

The most eastern point in North America, Cape Spear’s close proximity to convoy routes and the entrance to St. Johns Harbour was an essential place to have a coastal defense battery with 10 inch guns, post-war signal station, and searchlight emplacement during World War II. (NOTE: Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canada on March 31, 1949.)

On April 21, 1942, Bill was admitted to Botwood Military Hospital with mumps, and spent 22 days there before returning back to base.

…..Several other soldiers were in Newfoundland…..

Bill was in Newfoundland at the same time as several other soldiers whose stories have been told on this blog:

Harold ‘Hal’ Gabriel BULGER: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/08/05/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-bulger-brothers-part-i-the-wwii-soldier-from-foxley-river-killed-during-the-battle-of-moerbrugge/
Albert Joseph COTE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/07/27/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-stretcher-bearer-whose-compassion-cost-him-his-life/
Kevin Joseph DELORIE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/03/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-newport-who-lost-his-life-during-the-moro-river-campaign-in-italy/
Carman Edward GILLCASH: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/10/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-glenwood-killed-during-the-battle-of-the-delfzijl-pocket/
Albert Noel LAMONTAGNE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/02/05/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-saint-basile-who-lost-his-life-during-the-advance-towards-xanten/
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/
Daniel ‘Dan’ Peter MACKENZIE: (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/06/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-victoria-cross-fatally-wounded-during-the-liberation-of-posterenk/)
James ‘Frank’ MOSSEY: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/08/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-souris-killed-during-the-liberation-of-posterenk/
William Owen SELDON: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/02/19/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-caledonia-who-lost-his-life-during-the-struggle-to-capture-the-goch-calcar-road
James Edward SULLIVAN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/03/05/on-the-war-memorial-trail-tragedy-on-the-ems-part-1-the-wwii-soldier-from-rexton-who-drowned-during-operation-duck/

….Bill returned briefly to Canada….

In January 1943, the Algonquin Regiment was notified it would be going overseas. It returned to mainland Canada from Newfoundland on February 8, 1943, and sent to Debert, Nova Scotia to prepare for overseas combat.

Bill completed advanced training as a rifleman in February 1943, just prior to being given embarkation leave from March 5, 1943 until March 12, 1943, the last chance he had to see his family.

On April 6, 1943, in addition to being a rifleman, he was qualified as a company stores clerk. He was subsequently appointed Lance Corporal on May 21, 1943

….Bill left Canada for overseas service …

Empress of Japan. (Source: City of Vancouver Archives, reference number CVA 371-1264, Collection of Major James Skitt Matthews)

Bill, and the Algonquin Regiment boarded the RMS Empress of Japan in Halifax, Nova Scotia on June 10, 1943, leaving the following day for Liverpool, England with a complement of 4,500 troops. After disembarking on June 19, 1943, the regiment travelled to Heathfield, East Sussex, and was became part of the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade of the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division. Training continued in preparation for going into Normandy, France.

Bill asked to revert back to the rank of Private on September 14, 1943, a request that was granted.

….The Algonquin Regiment left for France in July 1944….

Training continued until July 20, 1944, when Bill and his Regiment boarded a ship in preparation for going to North West Europe. They arrived in Normandy on July 22, 1944, one and a half months after D-Day.

All four companies of the Algonquin Regiment landed on Juno Beach on the morning of July 25, 1944. Over the next days, they were informed that they were to support the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division, part of the 21st Army Group, in closing the Falaise Gap. The upcoming Battle of the Falaise Pocket (also called Battle of the Falaise Gap), part of the Battle of Normandy, was fought between August 12 and 21, 1944. (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falaise_pocket)

By the end of August, 1944, the Regiment was in Belgium, fighting in the toughest battles, including the Battle of the Leopold Canal, fought from October 6-13, 1944 on the border between The Netherlands and Belgium, and the Battle of the Scheldt. (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/scheldt and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Scheldt)

On September 22, 1944, Bill was promoted to Acting Corporal, then a few weeks later, on October 1, 1944, promoted again to Acting Sergeant.

By November 3, 1944, all four companies of the Algonquin Regiment had reached their target objectives and succeeded in the liberation of Welberg, and given a chance to have a much needed rest, from November 5 to 8, in the area of Steenbergen in The Netherlands.

Promotions continued for Bill. He was made Acting Company Quarter Master Sergeant on November 17, 1944, then confirmed as Sergeant on January 19, 1945, followed by his last promotion, to Company Quarter Master Sergeant on February 14, 1945.

The Regiment remained in The Netherlands until February 1945, when they travelled into Germany for the Battle of Hochwald Gap, part of Operation Blockbuster, the final push towards the Rhine River, along with several other Canadian Regiments. This offensive began at dawn on February 28, 1945 and ended on March 3, 1945, with the objective of clearing the Germans from the Reichswald, a heavily forested area between the Maas and the Rhine Rivers, driving them back over the Rhine, taking the fight well into German territory for a full-scale invasion of Berlin. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

The Algonquin Regiment continued to fight, still under the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division, for the final crossing of the Rhine River, an action that ended on May 4, 1945, an end that Bill was not part of.

Through all the battles in France, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany, Bill had survived and thrived…until April 30, 1945.

….Bill died while bringing lunch to troops….

The war diary for April 30, 1945 recorded that it was a “…cold, wet day. Rain turning at times to hail and snow. Visibility very poor…” The men of ‘C’ Company had been out all night since the day before, and about 2:30 am the Company’s two forward companies had “…got to within 400 yards of their objective….when they met heavy enemy small arms fire and were pinned down…”

‘C’ Company’s detailed report for April 30, 1945 explained that the men had “…dug in, if you want to call it that, in water and mud 2 feet below ground level. It rained continually all day, and the personnel in this company were wet and bedraggled, and lost all morale they ever had. They remained in this unhappy state all day…..”

Things got worse. “…Around noon, the jeep carrying the noon meal up to the company, by CQMS Steele, was blown up by a mine. It killed our quartermaster and wounded slightly Pte R.G. Fraser, our relief driver…” Bill died a month before his 25th birthday.

The Regiment’s war diary verified ‘C’ Company’s report, and went on to say that Bill and Captain Donald William DYMOND of Chatham, Ontario, another casualty that day had “…arrived in France with the unit, had come unscathed through many actions, and it seems rather ironical that they should be killed at this late stage of the game….”

The entry in ‘Untold: Northeastern Ontario’s Military Past Volume 2 WWII to Peacekeeping’ noted that Bill parents weren’t notified of his death until “…May 7, 1945, one day before V-E Day…”

Author Major G. L. Cassidy of ‘Warpath: The Story of the Algonquin Regiment 1939-1945’ noted the role played by Quartermaster Company Sergeants during WWII, writing that their “… fidelity to duty, particularly the prime job of getting the men fed under any conditions, is best attested by the casualties they suffered. In the last week of the fighting, for instance, C.Q.M.S. Barlow of ‘D’ Company, and C.Q.M.S. Steele of ‘C’ Company, were killed in bringing up rations to their respective charges….” C.Q.M.S. Joffre John BARLOW of North Bay, Ontario had died on April 24, 1945.

….Bill is buried in Holten…

On May 1, 1945, Bill was initially buried in Osterscheps, a rural village within the municipality of Edewecht in Lower Saxony, Germany, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands on March 8, 1946.

Grave of William ‘Bill’ Steven Steele in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. (Photo source: Find A Grave)

On October 6, 1945, Bill was posthumously awarded a ‘Mention In Despatches’ by King George VI “…in recognition of gallant and distinguished services…” during WWII.

Bill Steele. (Photo courtesy of Bill Steele)

Thank you to Bill Steele for sending a photo. “…My whole family has been very touched by your efforts to acquire a picture of Bill….” he wrote. “… On a personal note, it has reminded me that his brother named his first son after Bill to honour his memory in giving his life to fight for our country. I have again shed a tear as I did at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery when I was at his grave site. Thank you, your wife and all the volunteers in Holten for keeping Bill’s memory alive….”

Thank you to Shawn Rainville for newspaper searches, to Judie Klassen for letting us know about a book that mentioned soldiers from Northeastern Ontario, and to Don Coutts for visiting the North Bay Library and finding the references to William Steele in the book Untold: Northeastern Ontario’s Military Past Volume 2 WWII to Peacekeeping by Dieter K. Buse and Graeme S Mount.

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Gunner Who Died In A Vehicle Accident A Day After The Liberation Of Groningen

May 15, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

May 15, 2026. Since Pieter began receiving photo wish lists of soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands, we’ve found that many of the names came from towns and villages that we were unfamiliar with. We travel quite a bit in the Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, as well as our home province of Prince Edward Island. We also occasionally drive through Quebec towards Ottawa, Ontario, where we lived for several years before Pieter’s retirement.

Roger Sirois was born in Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska, New Brunswick. (Map source: Google Maps)

The hours of driving go by quickly as it seems that, over the years, we can put a soldier to every place name listed on the highway road signs. Such was the case last fall when we were on our way to Ottawa, and passed by a sign for Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska, 30 km (18.6 miles) southeast of Edmundston, New Brunswick. Now part of the town of Vallée-des-Rivières since 2023, it was the birthplace of WWII soldier Joseph ‘Roger’ SIROIS.

Born December 16, 1922, Roger was the son of John (Jean) and Catherine (nee Pelletier) Sirois, one of 12 children. With the exception of one brother, who moved to Sarnia, Ontario, the rest of the siblings immigrated to the USA…. and that is where Pieter found a relative with a photo.

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

An obituary for Angeline Hounjet, wife of Roger’s brother Aurele, led Pieter to get in contact with her son Roger. “…Roger Sirois was my uncle, who died shortly before I was born in New Brunswick….” he explained. “…. I have attached a picture of my uncle – he is the tall one on the left–with his friend, Joel. There is a strong family likeness; definitely a Sirois!…”

Roger Sirois (left) with his friend Joel. (Photo courtesy of the Sirois Family)

When he enlisted at the No. 7 District Depot in Fredericton, New Brunswick on August 21, 1942, he stated that he worked on the family farm, spoke English and French, but was more fluent in French, and for the past year had been employed as a boilerman for the Aluminium Company of Canada (Alcan) in Arvida, Quebec. (See https://arvida.saguenay.ca/en/the-city-of-aluminum/history-and-profile-of-arvida/the-second-world-war)

When asked about hobbies and interests, Roger noted that he hunted and fished, and could play the violin. He was described by a military interviewer as “…cheerful, sturdy, with good deportment, and appearance….”

On September 18, 1942, Roger was sent to No. 70 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC) for basic training. He remained there until December 2, 1942, when he was transferred to A1 Canadian Artillery Corps Training Centre (CATC) in Camp Petawawa, Ontario for advanced training as a gunner.

While still at A1 CATC, he qualified as a Driver i/c Class III wheeled vehicles on January 30, 1943. (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’. Class III meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars, but not tanks.)

As a driver in the Royal Canadian Artillery, Roger would be responsible for operating and maintaining military vehicles to transport crews, artillery such as 25-pounder field guns, and heavy ammunition loads to the front lines, often under fire. As a trained gunner, he could also be expected to double as a gun crew member, switching between driving and firing, depending on the situation.

Roger was there at the same time as Arthur GAUDET of Prince Edward Island, taking the same training and subsequently going overseas at the same time before their paths diverged. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/02/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-prince-edward-island-who-lost-his-life-in-germany-two-days-before-his-21st-birthday/)

On February 10, 1943, he was granted embarkation leave until February 23, 1943, the last chance he would have to see his family before going overseas.

….Roger left Canada for overseas service….

On March 24, 1943, Roger left Canada for the United Kingdom. Upon arriving on March 31, 1943 he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Artillery Reinforcement Unit (CARU), effective the following day.

On June 18, 1943, Roger was transferred to the 11th Light Anti-Aircraft (LAA) Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery for Light Machine-Gun and Rifle training. After this Regiment disbanded in March 1944, Roger was transferred to the 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft (LAA) Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.

Training continued until July 4, 1944, when the Regiment moved to an area near London and boarded a ship in preparation for going to North West Europe. They arrived in Normandy on July 7, 1944, one month after D-Day, in support of the 3rd Canadian Division, part of the 21st Army Group.

The role of 3rd LAA was to provide mobile anti-aircraft protection for ground troops and positions, and help defend against German Luftwaffe night raids by implementing barrages to combat low-flying aircraft.

They were soon tested as on July 11, 1944, right after the Regiment arrived near Carpiquet Aerodrome, twelve low flying Messerschmitt 109s appeared on the horizon. The German planes banked sharply towards the coast and flew directly over the Regiment’s guns. Every gun in the battery opened up, sending seven Messerschmitts down in flames, while damaging the other five. The following day, six more appeared and three were shot down. This was just one example of what the Regiment experienced.

….Roger was transferred to the 4th Field Regiment….…

On August 2, 1944, Roger was transferred to the 4th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, joining them in Fleury-sur-Orne, France as they prepared for Operation Totalize. This offensive, fought between August 7-11, 1944, was designed to break through the German defences south of Caen and toward Falaise, with the objective of closing the Falaise gap and cutting off the retreating Germany 7th Army. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Totalize)

The Regiment moved through Normandy, France, and then into Belgium and The Netherlands in at the end of September and into October 1944 for the Battle of the Scheldt, which began officially on October 2 and lasted until November 8, 1944, and in which the Regiment provided crucial artillery support.

The Battle of the Scheldt’s objective was to free up the way to the Port of Antwerp in Belgium for supply purposes. From Antwerp, they went into The Netherlands, fighting along flooded fields and dikes leading toward Woensdrecht in a battle that lasted until October 21, 1944. (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/scheldt)

The Regiment remained in The Netherlands until mid-February. On February 16, 1945, they arrived in Germany in preparation for Operation Blockbuster, which began at dawn on February 26, 1945 and ended on March 3, 1945. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

The Regiment’s war diary for March 4, 1945 noted that “…the Hochwald was cleared and the Germans began the withdrawal….so that we did very little firing…”

By the end of March the Regiment had returned to The Netherlands, and preparing for the upcoming Battle of Groningen, fought from April 14-16, 1945, an offensive to clear all approaches to the city and capture it. (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/groningen.htm and https://library.mcmaster.ca/battle-groningen-april-1945)

….Roger accidentally died after falling from a vehicle…

Roger had survived several major battles up to now, but his luck ran out on the morning of April 17, 1945, the day after Groningen was liberated from Nazi occupation.

According to testimony by Bombadier J.D. FLINT at a Court of Inquiry, Roger, Flint, and Gunner E. BROWN were returning from a battery position when another military vehicle passed by. Roger “…was standing on the near side of the vehicle as it approached us. We slowed right down as the road was very narrow…” Brown, the driver, “…pulled over as far as possible to the right hand side of the road….” and asked Flint “…if everything was clear….” Flint replied that as far as he could see “…there was plenty of room for both vehicles to pass…”

However, Flint went on to say that “…just as we were passing, Gunner Sirois leaned back as if waving to us. We stopped….” and saw Roger “…lying on the road…”

Lt. E. J. MACROW, a passenger in the other vehicle, said that neither vehicle showed “…evidence of a collision… The tracks of both vehicles showed that there should have been ample room to pass …” When asked if he was aware that Roger was standing on the side of the vehicle, he replied “…No. I did not see him as he must have been standing on the fender by the rear side door…”

The medical report showed that Roger died from injuries that included a “…crushed right chest with internal injuries, and fractured right humerus…”

The Court of Inquiry ruled it an accidental death. Most likely, Roger lost his balance and fell off the vehicle, and ended up being run over by one of the two vehicles as they passed each other.

Although Roger died on April 17, 1945, his death was incorrectly recorded a day earlier in the April 16, 1945 War Diary entry for the 4th Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery! “…Gunner Sirois, 2nd Battery driver, was accidentally killed…” He was 22 years old.

….Roger is buried in Holten…

Grave of Roger Sirois with Canadian, New Brunswick, and Acadian flags placed by Pieter. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

Roger was temporarily buried in Eelderwolde, 5 km (3 miles) south of Groningen, before being reburied on February 14, 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. During our 2025 European War Memorial Tour, Pieter placed Canadian, New Brunswick, and Acadian flags by his grave.

Pieter at the grave of Roger Sirois after placing Canadian, New Brunswick, and Acadian flags. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Roger Sirois and his wife Judy visited his uncle’s grave in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Roger Sirois)

Thank you to Roger Sirois for providing a photo. “…Thank you for the very worthwhile work you do….” he wrote. After visiting his uncle’s grave in 2024, and meeting Edwin van der Wolf, one of the volunteers at the Information Centre in Holten, Roger expressed his appreciation. “…Again, you folks do such great work to, among other things, provide a vehicle to allow families to piece together family histories and a means to remember soldiers who served their respective countries….”

The flags placed at Roger’s grave during our 2025 visit were donated. Our thanks go to:

Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flag.
Jean-Claude D’Amours, MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) for Edmundston-Madawaska Centre, Minister responsible for Military Affairs, with the help of Cécile LePage, Province of New Brunswick, for the New Brunswick and Acadian flags.

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. A Photo Found For A WWII Soldier From Moreton’s Harbour Killed By A Mortar Fragment While Transporting Wounded In An Ambulance

May 8, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 4 Comments

The Dutch flag was displayed on May 5 for Dutch Liberation Day. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

May 8, 2026. The first week of May is a time of reflection for Pieter, as it’s a bittersweet week in which The Netherlands remembers those who died during WWII and celebrates liberation from Nazi occupation during WWII. During last year’s 2025 European War Memorial Tour he placed flags at 383 graves of Canadian soldiers that he’d researched over the years. This posting is the story of the search for a photo of one of those soldiers.

Occasionally, Pieter helps the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands to find photos of soldiers for which research had already been done, but no photo could be found. He’s found that it’s almost as much work as it is do a complete research project on a soldier, as there is a reason photos aren’t readily available – they can be very difficult to find!

Since he’s always had a wonderful response when looking for soldiers from Newfoundland, when he saw a soldier from that province on a photo wish list, he thought it would be a slam dunk. Pieter had no idea of the twists and turns encountered when he began to look for a photo of John Frederick BARTLETT.

Yellow arrow identifies Moreton’s Harbour, Newfoundland. (Map source: Google Maps)

Born January 27, 1898 in Moreton’s Harbour, the son of Alfred and Jessie Lavinian (nee Taylor) Bartlett, John was serving with the South Alberta Regiment (29th Canadian Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment). As he was 47 years old, his normal duties included serving in the officers mess and being the batman (driver) for one of the officers.

He lost his life on February 27, 1945, aged 47, when fragments from a German mortar bomb hit the ambulance in which he was travelling. According to a casualty report, he had been “…riding in the half-track ambulance between stretchers. Mortar landed in field near road. Fragment entered back of canvas cover, passed clean through Bartlett’s head and out through the top of cover. Killed outright…” (You can read Jim Little’s story about John here: https://www.facestograves.nl/LifeStories/BARTLETT%20John%20Frederick-JLE-bio-EN.pdf)

….A great-nephew was contacted in Newfoundland…

Pieter was very quickly in contact with Gerald Bartlett, John’s great-nephew, grandson of John’s brother William Chesley Bartlett. But his hope of receiving a photo was dashed when Gerald explained that the family no longer had a photo. “…My dad, Morgan John Bartlett, did have a photo of Uncle John but in 1983 a first cousin from Mississauga, Ontario borrowed the photo but never received the photo back, although we tried for years to get it returned…”

Gerald’s father couldn’t get the photo back, the cousin died, and her daughter refused to have contact with the family. Pieter then tried contacting her and her family, with zero response.

Gerald went on to say that he did have “….Uncle John’s entire squadron photo. The 29th South Alberta Recc Regiment, taken in February 1943 in England….” No one was named in the photo, however. Perhaps the next step was a Regimental Association or Regimental History?

….We struck out with the Regimental history book and museum…

Donald E. Graves, author of ‘South Albertas – A Canadian Regiment At War’, about the South Alberta Regiment, mentioned Bartlett in the book. He was a 47 year old batman who had volunteered to accompany ambulance driver Eric Nichols.

An excerpt in the book explained that “…Nichols lost one of his helpers on 27 February when fragments from a German mortar bomb which landed near his halftrack killed Trooper John Bartlett, who was riding with him. This was a particularly tragic loss because Bartlett, a farm labourer from Edmonton, was, at 47 years of age, too old for combat and had only been retained in the Regiment because he served as a batman to the officers and a waiter in their mess. John Bartlett had nothing else to do that day so he volunteered to go out in the ambulance….”

There was a group photo on the inside cover – similar to the one that Gerald Bartlett had – and each man was numbered, suggesting that somewhere is a list identifying these men. We wrote the author and asked if there was an identification listing for the photo.

He said no, that he’d tried to get one himself, and suggested contacting the South Alberta Light Horse Museum in Medicine Hat, Alberta. We did. The curator was aware of the photo, but had no identification key. He said he would investigate further, but we never heard from him again.

….Did the ambulance driver have a photo?…

We then looked at the ambulance driver, wondering if perhaps he might have photos that could include John. We asked Judie Klassen, who has helped with really tough cases in the past, if she could find any information. Judie learned that “…the soldier who was with Bartlett when he died was Eric Nichols. He died in 2018….” She also found “….Rob McCue, who knew him since he was a boy, is a retired sergeant with the South Alberta Light Horse Regiment….”

It was a long shot, but Pieter contacted Rob McCue. He didn’t have a photo, but wrote that “…the driver of that Halftrack Ambulance was a Trooper by the name of Eric Nichols. He was my father’s best friend. Eric was still feeling guilt for the loss of the batman years after it happened…. My father’s friend Eric was accosted by the Officer who Tpr Bartlett worked as the Batman for. Before Eric was even able to wash the blood off of his hands the officer was screaming at him for taking Bartlett with him. Eric told me that he had asked for volunteers to help him clear casualties from a tank and Bartlett volunteered to assist him, even though his age should have prevented him from front line service…. I talked with Eric about this incident many times, and it was still a raw wound even 75 years later….”

….Did the medic whose place John took have a photo?…

Although he was well-known in the Regiment, he wasn’t a medic, so never should have been in that ambulance. One of the medics, Glenn Burgess, was ill which was why John had volunteered to take his place. (See https://calgaryherald.remembering.ca/obituary/glenn-burgess-1066026252)

Jim Little’s story noted that “…Trooper Glenn Burgess of C Squadron, 4 Troop, was Left Out of Battle (LOB) that day. It was a regular practice of the SAR to keep one Troop from each of its three fighting Squadrons LOB in the event of disaster, preserving a cadre of experienced personnel to rebuild with. Those who were LOB were assigned other duties, and Glenn was tasked with assisting the Regiment’s ambulance service in recovering their casualties from the field. However, Trooper Burgess had a bad case of strep throat so was excused from that duty, and John Bartlett went in his place…” (SAR refers to South Alberta Regiment)

Maybe Glenn Burgess had a photo? During our ongoing search, Judie came across an interview with poetess Vivian Hansen. “…Vivian Hansen was close to Glenn Burgess and wrote about him, calling him ‘the old man’. She talks about looking through pictures/papers he had in an interview….” (See https://freefallmagazine.ca/interview-with-vivian-hansen/)

Although Vivian didn’t have a photo that included John Bartlett, she replied to our inquiry. “… Sadly, I have no photo of Bartlett. In fact, since Glenn told me the story, I only just linked the mystery man who replaced him as John Bartlett….He never knew the name of the man who replaced him that fateful day….”

Vivian let us know that she had written “…a book of poetry entitled ‘A Tincture of Sunlight’, which chronicles some of Glenn’s stories during the war. Glenn’s great-grandmother was a Cree woman from the Swampy Cree nation in northern Ontario. He was fourth generation Cree, not eligible for treaty status. ….”

…What if we went backwards in time?…

With no luck in finding a photo during John’s military years, maybe we needed to look further back in time? Before enlisting in the South Alberta Regiment in 1940, John had worked as a farm labourer on the farm of W.B. Herder (William and Iva) in Ankerton, Alberta in the 1930s.

Judie’s research into the Herder family led us to Deborah Laidler, granddaughter of Will Herder. “…I am very excited to correspond with you, as I am the family historian…” she wrote in 2024.

Deborah did her best to find a photo and information, even going through a local history book. “….I have spoken to half a dozen local farm families. No one has knowledge of this soldier but that is not unexpected. My 95 year old Aunt Connie does not remember him, specifically. The family never had a hired man who stayed with them or worked full time for 12 years, as his attestation papers indicate. But, he may have worked May- September…”

Unfortunately, while Deborah, her family, and a neighbor, Angeline Brausen, had a number of unidentified photos of men, none could be identified as John Bartlett. “…My aunt thinks that the Brausens owned the threshing machine that my grandfather used in the 1930s.….”

….Success when John was identified in Gerald’s Squadron photo!…

John Frederick Bartlett identified in the 29th South Alberta Reconnaissance Regiment photo from 1943. (Photo courtesy of the Bartlett Family)

The trail had run cold. However, Gerald Bartlett and his family were able to identify John in the 29th South Alberta Reconnaissance Regiment photo he’d first told Pieter about, which had been taken in February 1943 in England. “…I went through the regiment photo and enlarged each man to see if there were any similarities. When I came to the photo I sent you it made me stop. I could see so many similarities to myself and my brothers and Uncle Elijah. The resemblance to us is quite remarkable….”

The photo search had come full circle and a heroic soldier was now identified!

….John is buried in Groesbeek…

John was initially buried in Kirsel, near Uedem in Germany. (Map source: Google Maps)

John was initially buried in a temporary burial ground in Kirsel near Uedem, Germany, before being reburied on February 25, 1945 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. During our 2025 European War Memorial Tour, Pieter placed flags of Canada and Newfoundland by his grave.

Pieter stands behind the grave of John Frederick Bartlett after placing flags of Canada and Newfoundland. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Grave of John Frederick Bartlett in Groesbeek, with the flags of Canada and Newfoundland that he placed. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

…. ‘You have honoured my great-uncle greatly’…

Gerald Bartlett and his wife Gail. (Photo courtesy of Gerald Bartlett)

After John was identified by his great-nephew Gerald Bartlett, successfully completing the photo search, Gerald shared his reflections with Pieter. “… I am so very impressed with the story of my great-uncle John. As a child, I always heard stories of his military time and how he died, but this story finally brings to life his life and heroism as a man who volunteered as he felt was his duty. Wow! I love this story and will share this with my children, my brothers, and sisters. When I saw his picture, I actually saw my grandfather. I have no doubt that this is John Frederick Bartlett… Many thanks to you, your wife, and Jim Little. You have honoured my great-uncle greatly….”

….Many to thank for this search …

The long but ultimately successful search for a photo of John Frederick Bartlett was like an unfolding detective story, with a number of people helping to find clues and leads.

Thank you to Gerald Bartlett for identifying his great-uncle in the squadron photo. Thank you to Judie Klassen for going above and beyond to find reference materials, and to Shawn Rainville for newspaper searches.

Thank you also to Vivian Hansen and Rob McCue for enriching our inquiries by providing input on the two medics whose lives were impacted by John’s death: Glenn Burgess and Eric Nichols. Thank you as well to Deborah Laidler for looking into John’s time as a farm worker on the Will Herder farm.

The flags placed at John’s grave during our 2025 visit were donated. Our thanks go to:

Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flag.
Gerald Bartlett in memory of Trooper John Frederick BARTLETT, who donated the Newfoundland flag.

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….2026 Faces of Holten Exhibition

May 3, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

Directional sign to the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

May 3, 2026. Readers of this blog are aware that Pieter has been involved in finding photos of Canadians who are buried in The Netherlands since 2014. Last year, when we were in The Netherlands and Belgium for the 80th Anniversary of Liberation Commemoration events, Pieter placed flags at the graves of 383 soldiers in 14 cemeteries.

Out of this total, flags were placed at 156 graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, the second largest Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands, with 1,394 burials, of which 1,355 are Canadian.

….The 2026 Faces Of Holten Exhibition included photos of 4 additional soldiers researched by Pieter …

This year, for the 81st Anniversary, photos were placed at graves for the second time. The 2026 Faces Of Holten Exhibition runs for three weeks in May. Photos were printed onto an aluminum backing, making them impervious to rain, and reusable. Each placard also had a QR code, allowing visitors with cell phones to scan the code and read a brief biography of the soldier.

In this posting, we feature the graves and photos of four WWII soldiers whose photos were submitted after our 2025 European War Memorial Tour.

Grave of Bramwell Ernest Churchill. (Photo courtesy of Henk Vincent)

Bramwell Ernest CHURCHILL, born in Pretolia, Ontario, was serving with the 5th Anti-Tank Regiment when he was killed in Germany on May 5, 1945, aged 40, after the half-track vehicle he was riding in struck a mine. His story will be told in an upcoming blog posting.

Grave of John ‘Jack’ Lewis Hughes. (Photo courtesy of Henk Vincent)

John ‘Jack’ Lewis HUGHES, from Eriksdale, Manitoba, was a nursing orderly serving with the No. 10 Canadian Field Dressing Station when he was killed at a beach dressing station during Operation Infatuate on Walcheren Island in The Netherlands on November 2, 1944, aged 28, when 3 Allied tracked vehicles exploded after being hit by German shellfire. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/12/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembrance-week-2025-the-wwii-nursing-orderly-killed-when-3-tracked-vehicles-exploded-near-a-field-dressing-station-on-walcheren-island/

Grave of Edward Alexander Munro. (Photo courtesy of Henk Vincent)

Edward Alexander MUNRO, of Birch River, Manitoba, died in a road accident in Germany on October 6, 1945, aged 27, while serving with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, 219 Infantry Brigade Company. His story will be told in an upcoming blog posting.

Grave of Alphonse Louis Skalicky. (Photo courtesy of Henk Vincent)

Alphonse Louis SKALICKY, of Humbolt, Saskatchewan, was killed in The Netherlands on April 14, 1945, aged 25, while serving with the Saskatoon Light Infantry. His story will be told in an upcoming blog posting.

Thank you to Henk Vincent 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.

Pieter encourages readers with photos to come forward so that eventually all of the known graves of Canadians buried in Holten will have a photo displayed by their grave. If you have a photo of a soldier buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten or one of the other cemeteries in The Netherlands, please email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

….Missed the stories about the 2025 Faces Of Holten Exhibition?…

Missed the stories about the 2025 Faces of Holten Exhibition? Here are the links:

….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 Mystery Of Who Placed Flowers At One Airman’s Grave Was Solved In A Story Spanning Two Continents

April 18, 2026April 18, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 4 Comments

April 18, 2026. When we were in The Netherlands last year on our 2025 European War Memorial Tour, we visited the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, where Pieter placed 120 flags at the graves of soldiers he’d done research on over the years. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/06/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-2025-faces-of-groesbeek-exhibition-part-1-flags-placed-at-120-graves/)

….There was a surprise when we visited the grave of WWII airman Arnold Freeman Hupman…

After placing flags of Canada and Nova Scotia, Pieter stands behind the grave of Arnold Freeman Hupman. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

One of the graves visited, and where Pieter placed flags of Canada and Nova Scotia, was that of WWII airman Arnold Freeman HUPMAN, of East Side of Ragged Island, Nova Scotia.

Arnold Freeman Hupman. (Photo submitted by Marilyn Hupman)

Arnold was serving with 419 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and lost his lost his life, at the age of 30, when the Lancaster bomber he was in crashed on the outskirts of Arnhem on the night of June 16 to 17, 1944, after being shot down by a German nightfighter. (You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-6/)

Arnold Hupman’s grave is between two of his crewmates: Donald Morissen and Edward Fahy. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

There was a surprise at his grave as we found a note from Saskia Peters, a member of the Faces To Graves Groesbeek Foundation Board, asking if whoever had been annually placing flowers at the grave to get in contact with her.

Note left by Saskia Peters beside the graves of Hupman, Morissen, and Fahy. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….The last flight of Lancaster X KB728 …

Map shows the plane’s path from Middleton St. George to Holten, Germany and then to where it crashed in Elden, The Netherlands. (Map prepared by Wendy Nattress)

On the night of June 16, 1944, at 11:08 pm, Lancaster X KB728 took off from RAF Middleton St. George, England for a bombing operation against the synthetic oil plant at Sterkrade/Holten in Germany.

On its return back to England in the early hours of June 17, 1944, the plane was attacked by a nightfighter and exploded following combat with nightfighter pilot Hans Schadowski of the 3./NJG 3 based at Vechta airfield in Germany, who was flying a Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4.

The Lancaster crashed close to the Dutch Reformed Church at Elden in the province of Gelderland, 4 km (2.5 miles) southwest of Arnhem.

All seven crew members lost their lives. In addition to Flying Officer Arnold Hupman, the navigator on that flight, the other crew members were:

Pilot : RCAF Pilot Officer Donald MORISSEN of Winnipeg, Manitoba
Bomb Aimer: RCAF Pilot Officer Gerald Edgar QUINN of Montreal, Quebec
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner: RAF Pilot Officer Harold FLETCHER of Bolton, Lancashire, England
Air Gunner: RCAF Pilot Officer Clifford JOHNSTON of North Bay, Ontario
Air Gunner: RAF Pilot Officer Philip Joseph MCMANUS of Herne Hill, London, England
Flight Engineer: RAF Pilot Officer Edward FAHY of Rhyl, Flintshire, Wales

They were temporarily buried in the Netherlands Reformed Church Cemetery in Huissensedijk on June 29, and later reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. (More information can be found in this English translation of an article by the late Willem Tiemans: https://airbornearnhem.nl/WillemTiemens/Elden%20bomber%20crash.htm)

….The mystery of who placed the flowers was solved by Saskia…

Almost a month later, we met Saskia when we were honoured by the Faces To Graves Groesbeek Foundation at one of their meetings, and asked if she had received any response. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/05/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-pieter-and-daria-honoured-by-faces-to-graves-groesbeek-foundation/)

“…Yes!…” she replied and said she would follow up with a few photos and emails, which she did. “….As I told you at our Research meeting, I have indeed found the person on May 4, who put the flowers at Arnold Hupman’s place for the past few years….”

She said she’d placed the sign at Arnold’s grave in mid-April. “…I had also asked the gardeners for permission and they were eager to help me keep an eye out if they saw anyone walking by his grave….”

To Saskia’s disappointment, however, “….before we had the opening ceremony of The Faces of Groesbeek, there were still no flowers….” We attended the Opening Ceremony on May 2, 2025 and Saskia was correct – the sign was still there, but no flowers. (For our story on the Opening Ceremony, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/07/19/on-the-war-memorial-trailwe-attended-the-ceremony-at-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-groesbeek/)

Then, on May 4, 2025, “….it was our National Remembrance Day. I wasn’t on duty to host The Faces of Groesbeek, but I saw that no one was scheduled so I went anyway. Around noon, my colleagues came to ‘relieve me’ as they were scheduled for the afternoon....”

Saskia should have gone home to rest at this point as she was scheduled to lay a wreath at the cemetery that evening with Alice van Bekkum, Chair of the Faces To Graves Groesbeek Foundation. “…. But my heart said, ‘Go to Hupman’s grave one more time and ask for his help’….”

Saskia explained that as she “… walked back across the wide grassy area in the middle that runs from the Stone of Remembrance to the Sacrificial Cross.…” she noticed “…a man walking into the cemetery with a bouquet of flowers in his hands….”

After asking if the man had come to visit a particular grave, he said yes, but couldn’t remember where it was located, but explained that the grave was “…. different from the others, the stones are closer together….”

Saskia immediately knew he was looking for Arnold Hupman’s grave from this description. The headstones of 3 graves were closer together than with other graves as, according to the crash reports, only 5 bodies were ever found – not the 7 that were known to be in the plane. It was surmised that the remains of 2 had burned beyond recognition in the crash.

“….Tears sprang to my eyes ….” Saskia wrote. “… I tell him that I think he is looking for the grave of the flying officer I stood by about a minute ago before, asking for help to find the person who has been putting flowers at his grave for years. We walk together up the side to Hupman’s grave, the man enthusiastically confirming that this is indeed the grave he was looking for…..”

Frans Nijsen with Saskia Peters. (Photo courtesy of Saskia Peters)

The mystery was solved! The man who had brought the brought the bouquet was Frans Nijsen, a resident of Berg en Dal, which is very close to the cemetery.

Frans Nijsen beside the grave of Arnold Hupman. The flags of Canada and Nova Scotia had been placed several days earlier by Pieter. (Photo courtesy of Saskia Peters)

….The story of why the flowers were placed spanned two continents…

We were curious to know why a Dutch guy chose Arnold Hupman’s grave to place an annual bouquet. Perhaps Frans had been in the Royal Netherlands Air Force, as Pieter had been? We wrote to him and asked. To our surprise, the answer circled back to a neighbouring Maritime province, not that far from where we live.

“….I work with a company called QPS, in the Netherlands and we have a Canadian office in Fredericton, New Brunswick…..” Frans wrote. “…. I’m a hydrographer, and I work for a software company that produces software to map the seabed and to produce maritime charts.

I used to have a colleague, Graham Nickerson, who lives in Freddy. At some point he came over to our office in the Netherlands for training in our software, and when the weekend was almost there, I asked him what his plans were. He told me that he has a relative who was killed in action, shot down over Arnhem and that he was visiting his grave in Oosterbeek…. I learned that the cemetery in Oosterbeek is a British one and that there is a Canadian cemetery close to where I live now. I started looking on internet and found his grave at the cemetery in Groesbeek, which is 5 minutes from my home town, Berg en Dal.

I invited him to come over, so I could bring him to the cemetery. In the meantime I did some more digging around and found that there is a small monument at the crash site….”

Memorial plaque for the crew of Lancaster X KB728 in Elden, The Netherlands. (Photo source: Facebook RAF Bomber Command Memorials, photo taken by Chris de Vries)

“…So, he came over, we visited the cemetery, which meant a lot to him, it was emotional for him to not have his relative buried close to home, but he was very happy how the cemetery…” cared for the graves. “...After that I told him about the monument of the crash site and that I’m going to take him there. He was very surprised and interested in it…. He was very glad that the sacrifice was not unnoticed….”

“…Since his visit I made it my personal goal to visit this grave every year around the 4th of May to bring flowers. I have two young kids that I bring with me as well, and we try to explain what happened and why it’s important to honour the men and women who are buried at the cemetery. Every year I send a picture to Graham with fresh flowers at the grave…..This year I was there as well, and I bumped into Saskia. The rest is history….”

Quite a story, in which serendipity certainly played a big part! As we near the 81st Anniversary of the Liberation of Europe, it’s a poignant reminder that those who gave their lives in war should never be forgotten.

Thank you to Saskia Peters and Frans Nijsen for unlocking the mystery behind the note, and for sharing the story about the flowers placed each May at the grave of Arnold Freeman Hupman. Thank you to Wendy Nattress, who prepared the map showing the flight path for Lancaster X KB728.

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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….Robert was involved in student activities…

….Robert enlisted on Boxing Day 1941 …

….Robert attended No. 30 Officers Training Centre in Brockville …

….Robert was in Kiska as part of Operation Cottage …

….Two soldiers whose stories have been told were also in Kiska …

…Robert was sent for more training…

….Robert qualified as a Driver for a flamethrower…

….Robert left Canada for overseas service…

….Robert joined the Lincoln & Welland Regiment……

….Robert lost his life during the Battle of Keppeln…

….What happened?…

….Robert is buried in Groesbeek…

…. to be continued…..

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….The Letter To The Editor was successful…

….Harry’s parents were Ukrainian…

….Harry enlisted in 1942…

….Harry wanted to join the paratroops…

….Harry returned to the infantry before leaving Canada for overseas service…

….Harry joined the Lincoln & Welland Regiment…

….Harry lost his life during the Battle of Keppeln…

….What happened?….

….Harry is buried in Groesbeek…

…. to be continued…..

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….There are 2 CWGC graves at Tryon People’s Cemetery…

….William enlisted with the No. 6 District Signals…

….William never fully recovered following surgery…

….William is buried next to his parents…

….Want to follow our research?…

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…..Cyrus enlisted in the 1st Depot Battalion…..

…..Cyrus left Canada for England…..

…..Cyrus returned back to Canada in 1919…..

…..Cyrus raised a family in the inter-war years…..

…..Cyrus enlisted in the Veterans Guard of Canada in WWII…..

….Cyrus is buried in St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Bloomfield…

….Another soldier from Prince Edward Island in the 17th Reserve Battalion died of illness…

….Want to follow our research?…

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…A cookbook connection with the Opaskwayak Cree Nation…

…Samuel enlisted in 1941…

…Samuel left Canada for overseas service…

…Samuel joined the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor)…

…The Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) sank 3 German naval vessels in Zeeland…

…The Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) advanced into Germany in 1945…

….Samuel lost his life right after the Battle for the Küsten Canal…

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

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

…..Engen Lake is named in Samuel’s honour….

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….Bill grew up in northeastern Ontario…

….Bill enlisted in 1941…

….Bill served in Newfoundland….

…..Several other soldiers were in Newfoundland…..

….Bill returned briefly to Canada….

….Bill left Canada for overseas service …

….The Algonquin Regiment left for France in July 1944….

….Bill died while bringing lunch to troops….

….Bill is buried in Holten…

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

….Roger left Canada for overseas service….

….Roger was transferred to the 4th Field Regiment….…

….Roger accidentally died after falling from a vehicle…

….Roger is buried in Holten…

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….A great-nephew was contacted in Newfoundland…

….We struck out with the Regimental history book and museum…

….Did the ambulance driver have a photo?…

….Did the medic whose place John took have a photo?…

…What if we went backwards in time?…

….Success when John was identified in Gerald’s Squadron photo!…

….John is buried in Groesbeek…

…. ‘You have honoured my great-uncle greatly’…