WWII Soldiers

On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier From Central Blissville Killed Along The Goch-Calcar Road

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 6 Comments

June 9, 2024. Most of the time, Pieter has good success in finding photos of soldiers named on photo wish lists from the three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands.  This past winter, however, he ran into one frustration after another.  In most cases, while family of soldiers were found, no one had photos. A few times, family members were found, but did not respond to inquiries. 

..…An old TV program inspired one photo search …..

Pieter was getting a bit discouraged.  It didn’t help that I was not well for much of the winter and spent most of the time reading and watching comedies on TV.  Since we’d been doing research on airmen who had been POWs I began watching Hogan’s Heroes, a comedy about POWs assigned to form a special operations unit in a POW camp run by the Luftwaffe to help prisoners escape and to perform acts of sabotage against the German war effort. A very funny satire and I’m sure that laughing over the antics these men got up to helped me recover more quickly. 

So, when Pieter began looking at his photo wish lists again, he asked if I had any thoughts on which soldier to research.  I didn’t until I noticed a soldier named Carter, who came from a place named Central Blissville.  That’s the guy, I told Pieter.  When he asked why, I told him there was a character on the show named Sgt Carter and who could resist a place named Blissville? Pieter shook his head, but went with my suggestion and within a day had a photo!

Before telling the story of the Canadian soldier named Carter, take a look at this excerpt from Hogan’s Heroes, featuring the fictional American soldier named Carter, portrayed by Larry Hovis, impersonating the German commandant of the POW camp… 

..…The non-fictional Private Carter enlisted in 1941…..

Donald Roy Carter from facebook page Jeremy Carter

Donald Roy Carter.  (Source: Jeremy Carter)

The non-fictional Donald Roy CARTER was born August 4, 1923 in Central Blissville, Sunbury County, New Brunswick, son of Roy William and Josephine ‘Ina’ Helen Carter.  However, when he enlisted at the No. 7 District Depot in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on May 3, 1941, he stated that his birthdate was May 27, 1922.  Since a soldier in active service needed to be 19 years old, Donald fudged his date of birth.

On May 22, 1941, Donald was sent to No. 70 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Camp (CABTC) in Fredericton, New Brunswick for basic training. After completing his basic training, he was transferred to the A22 Canadian Army Medical Corps Training Centre at Camp Borden in Ontario.  Here Donald received advanced training to prepare him as a stretcher bearer, with three key responsibilities when dealing with the wounded in a war zone: stop the bleeding, treat for shock, and evacuate. 

….Donald left Canada for overseas service….

On September 6, 1941, Donald was given embarkation leave of just over a week, and then he found himself on his way to the United Kingdom on October 9, 1941. Upon arrival in Greenock, Scotland on October 19, 1941, he was assigned to No. 1 General Holding Unit.

A Holding Unit was a reinforcement pool where soldiers brought over from Canada received additional training.

On December 13, 1941, Donald was transferred to the 11th Field Ambulance, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC). A field ambulance was a mobile medical unit which was usually found serving with an infantry division during WWII.

….Donald survived Operation Jubilee – the Dieppe Raid….

Allied Forces had plans for an amphibious attack on the German-controlled port of Dieppe in Normandy, France in 1942, in what would become known as Operation Jubilee, also called the Dieppe Raid.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieppe_Raid)

Loading-wounded-on-landing-craft.-Source-Global-News-768x447

Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps personnel treating casualties during rehearsal in England for raid on Dieppe. (Photo Source: Global News)

As part of the preparations, the 11th Field Ambulance underwent training on the Isle of Wight. An exercise on June 4, 1942 included practice in moving casualties from an assault landing craft to an advanced dressing station. They also practiced opposed and unopposed beach landings. Two final, large, exercises took place along the Dorset Coast on June 11-12, 1942 and June 22-24, 1942.

On August 18, 1942, Donald was among the members of the 11th Field Ambulance that assembled at Newhaven, with one bearer section (1 Medical Officer and 18 other ranks) detached to the Royal Regiment of Canada at Portsmouth. They all sailed toward Dieppe at about 9:30 pm. 

Unfortunately, Operation Jubilee was a disaster, particularly for the Canadian soldiers, and the medical unit attached to the Royal Regiment of Canada. 3,623 of the 6,086 Allied forces who landed were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner of war. This included 5,000 Canadians, who suffered a 68 percent casualty rate, with 3,367 killed, wounded, or taken prisoner.

Donald, however, survived and safely returned to the United Kingdom on August 19, 1942, where he remained until shortly after D-Day.

….Donald returned to Normandy in July 1944….

On July 3, 1944, Donald and the 11th Field Ambulance, now part of the 21st Army Group, returned to Normandy, France as the Battle of Normandy continued following the advances made on D-Day on June 6, 1944. 

As the 2nd Canadian Corps advanced in July, the 11th Field Ambulance moved along with them, as part of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division (along with other medical units).  11th Field Ambulance was tasked with providing support to the 4th Canadian Brigade. During battle on July 18-19, 1944 they treated casualties, before making preparations to move forward on July 20, 1944 for Operation Spring at Verrieres Ridge on July 25, 1944.

normandymapspring

Map shows troop locations for Operation Spring.  (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

Donald survived the fight along the Verrieres Ridge, most likely because the 11th Field Ambulance was not at the front, but was held in reserve in Caen for the 2nd Canadian Motor Ambulance Convoy. (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/verrieresridge.htm)

Then, during Operation Totalize on August 7-11, 1944, an offensive designed to break through the German defences south of Caen and toward Falaise, the 11th Field Ambulance was under command of the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Totalize)

….Donald had limited participation in the Battle of the Scheldt….

scheldt2

Map shows location of South Beveland, The Netherlands.  (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

As the Allied forces moved from Normandy into Belgium, and then into The Netherlands for the Battle of the Scheldt,  three Field Ambulances of the 2nd Canadian Division were used in Operation Vitality, the battles for South Beveland for a month from October 2, 1944. 

Each Field Ambulance unit operated an advanced dressing station and a casualty collection post. 11th Field Ambulance evacuated casualties directly to No. 6 Canadian General Hospital in Antwerp, Belgium. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Scheldt and https://www.oorlogzeeland.nl/index.php/slag-om-de-schelde/scheldeslag-information-in-english)

However, Donald missed much of the action as he was not on active service between October 16 and November 12, 1944.  This effectively ended his time with the 11th Field Ambulance.

….Donald was transferred into the Infantry….

On November 24, 1944 Donald was transferred to the Canadian Infantry Corps, as part of the X4 Reinforcement for the 13th Battalion.  Then, on December 4, 1944 he was assigned to the Essex Scottish Regiment, joining them in Mook, The Netherlands.

On February 16, 1945, the Essex Scottish Regiment left The Netherlands and crossed the border into Germany, at Kleve.  The following day, the war diary reported that the battalion “…moved off to an assembly area between Kleve and Calcar….” in preparation for an attack on the Goch-Calcar Road, which was subsequently delayed until February 19, 1945.

….Heavy fighting along the Goch-Calcar Road proved deadly….

Victory-37 Map Moyland Wood and the Goch Calcar Rd

Moyland Wood and the Goch-Calcar Road, 16-21 February 1945 (Map source: HyperWar: The Victory Campaign [Chapter 18] ibiblio.org)

The war diary for February 19, 1945 noted that the attack on the Goch-Calcar Road resulted in the Regiment fighting “….under a heavy hail of shrapnel and small arms fire. Casualties were fairly heavy….Communications were difficult. Vehicles became bogged in the soft mud, casualties were difficult to evacuate, and guns and ammunition could not get up where they were required….”

The battle raged on into the night and then after midnight communications were lost.  The war diary entry for February 20, 1945 continued with an account of the battle.  “… The early hours of the morning were grim ones. Isolated company groups fought on, short of ammunition, burdened with casualties which could not be easily evacuated, and lacking the support of the anti-tank weapons with which to deal with the Mark IV tanks the enemy had marshalled for his counter-attack….”

The casualties for the battle numbered “…13 officers and 235 other ranks…” of which about 50 were fatalities.  Among those killed on February 20, 1945 was Private Donald Roy Carter, who lost his life at the age of 21.

 ..…Donald is buried in Groesbeek …..

Donald was temporarily buried near Calcar, Germany, before being reburied the following year in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

grave stone donald carter from find a grave

Grave of Donald Roy Carter in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. Commemorating The 80th Anniversary Of D-Day

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

June 1, 2024.  June 6, 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord (the larger Normandy invasion) and Operation Neptune (the English Channel-crossing portion of Operation Overlord) – what we refer to as D-Day.

….What does D-Day mean?….

Did you know that the ‘D’ in D-Day was a military codeword referring to ‘Departure Day’?  U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe,  noted, through his executive assistant, Brigadier General Robert Schultz: “…Be advised that any amphibious operation has a ‘departed date;’ therefore the shortened term ‘D-Day’ is used….”

While there were several other D-Days during the war, the invasion of Normandy was the biggest and most well-known. 

…..D-Day was an international effort….

Most people consider D-Day to have been solely a joint British, Canadian, and American effort.  However, it’s important to recognize that over 2 million troops from over 12 countries were in Britain in preparation for the invasion. While Allied forces consisted mainly of American, British, and Canadian troops, smaller contingents included Australian, Belgian, Czech, Dutch, French, Greek, New Zealand, Norwegian, Rhodesian, and Polish naval, air, or ground support!

Dday Invasion-map

D-Day invasion map. The Canadians landed on Juno Beach in Normandy, France. (Map source: https://www.ddaylepe.org.uk/index.php/overlord-neptune/)

On the morning of D-Day, ground troops landed across five assault beaches –Juno, Sword, Gold, Utah, and Omaha.  Canadian soldiers landed at Juno on the outskirts of Bernières.  British forces landed at Sword and Gold, while the Americans landed at Utah and Omaha.

Want to know a bit more about D-Day?  See https://news.sky.com/story/eleven-things-you-might-not-know-about-d-day-13132330  My favourite tidbit is how Hitler slept through the D-Day landings.  Even after he woke up in the late morning he believed it was just a diversionary tactic – and so no reserve troops were immediately sent to Normandy!

….11 servicemen who survived D-Day have been featured on this blog….

Over the past years, we have featured stories of 11 servicemen who were present in Normandy on June 6, 1944. All survived D-Day, but only 1 survived WWII and returned home – Airman Lorne MACFARLANE flew a night mission that coincided with the early morning hours of D-Day and realized afterwards what a lucky escape he and his crew had.  “…Our mission was completed.   As we crossed the Channel on the way back, we could see through breaks in the cloud, the wakes of hundreds of ships…” heading towards the French coast.  You can read Lorne’s story here:  https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/10/20/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww2-pilot-from-pei-who-flew-40-missions-overseas-and-returned-home/

The other 10 are buried in a Canadian War Cemetery in France, The Netherlands, or Belgium.  These men are:

….The actions of D-Day helped shorten WWII….

For a very brief overview of the significance of D-Day, watch this 3 minute CTV video prepared for the 75th anniversary:

….Upcoming Event at the Borden-Carleton Legion….

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Borden-Carleton Legion will have a wreath laying ceremony by the Cenotaph at 3:00 pm on June 6, 2024.  Pieter and I will be there. All are welcome to attend in honour of those who fought on that day.  The wreath laying ceremony will be followed by a light lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Signalman From Charlottetown Whose Jeep Ran Over A Mine 6 Days Before The War Ended

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May 29, 2024.  This is the 10th year that Pieter has been helping researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands to find photos of soldiers buried there.  He began with a list of soldiers who were from Prince Edward Island. It wasn’t until a year later that newspaper articles were published with stories related to Pieter’s research, and three years before this blog began in 2017.   Since then, the scope of his ‘little research project’ has expanded several times to include soldiers from across Canada and several cemeteries.

Back in 2014, Pieter was initially sent a list of 9 names, one of which was Maurice James HUGHES, who was born December 19, 1919 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the son of James M. and Nora (nee Gallant) Hughes.  

In the search for a photo of Maurice, Pieter ran into one stumbling block after another. He’d found family members, but none ever responded to inquiries.  Then, in the fall of 2019, we met with Ray Arsenault, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Charlottetown, who brought a scrapbook he’d received from a friend, Kaye Collins, which contained photos and articles about soldiers from the newspaper.  In a moment of serendipity that happens all too rarely, there was a photo of Maurice! 

CIMG3147 Sep 13 2019 Pieter with Ray Arsenault

Pieter with Ray Arsenault and the scrapbook in which a photo of Maurice James Hughes was found. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG3149 Sep 13 2019 Cover of Ray Arsenault notebook

The scrapbook collated by Kaye Collins that contained a picture of Maurice James Hughes. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Maurice James Hughes newspaper article from Ray Arsenault

Picture of Maurice James Hughes found in the scrapbook collated by Kaye Collins.

…In 2023 a family member contacted us….

Four years after receiving the photo from Ray Arsenault, Pieter received an email from Lisa Hughes Bell: “… I recently read an article about you, regarding a face for every grave. My Great-Uncle was buried at the Holten Cemetery …. His name was Maurice J. Hughes from Charlottetown….” 

Lisa included a similar photo to what we’d already received.  After acknowledging her email, we received another email.  “…I really don’t know much about Maurice, but am really excited about doing research to find out as much as I can. My Grandfather (Maurice’s brother Frank) was in the Navy and really didn’t talk much about the war. We always knew that he never got over losing his big brother.…” 

As so often happens when family learns that a soldier died so close to the end of WWII, Lisa noted that “…there has always been a sadness in our family about Maurice because he died May 2, 1945, so close to coming home….”  She ended by saying that the family “….would be pleased if you did a story on Maurice…”  Since Maurice’s story had not yet been told on this blog, we decided to do so.

….Maurice was a signalman….

According to a May 10, 1945 obituary in The Guardian, he had been “…a popular member of the Maritime Electric’s staff…” as an assistant fireman before enlisting for active service as a signalman with the No. 6 District Signals, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals (RCCS) in Charlottetown on October 28, 1939. 

A signalman was a specialist responsible for military communications, doing works such as radio or telephone operators, laying cables for communications, and relaying messages for field commanders at the front line.

Before joining the active service, Maurice had joined the No. 6 District Signals militia on May 17, 1937 in Charlottetown. 

After completing his basic training, Maurice was sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Then, on June 16, 1940, he was transferred to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Division, Signals.

On July 5, 1940, he reported for duty at Barriefield Camp in Kingston, Ontario. This was the home of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals.  NOTE: As of 1966, Barriefield Camp was renamed Canadian Forces Base Kingston (CFB Kingston).

Next, Maurice was sent to Sussex Camp, New Brunswick for training as a linesman on October 15, 1940, and qualified as a Tradesman Group C Linesman on February 25, 1941.

Then, in preparation for overseas service, Maurice was assigned to No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia on July 5, 1941.

…Maurice left Canada for overseas service – including D-Day….

On July 19, 1941, Maurice and his Regiment left Canada from Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving in Avonmouth in the United Kingdom on July 31, 1941.  His training continued, as extensive preparations began for Operation Overlord (the larger Normandy invasion) and Operation Neptune (the English Channel-crossing portion of Operation Overlord) on June 6, 1944 – what we know today as D-Day.

Assigned to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, the role of the Signal Corps was to ensure smooth communications on that fateful day. (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/history/second-world-war/normandy-1944)

Dday Invasion-map

D-Day invasion map. The Canadians landed on Juno Beach in Normandy, France. (Map source: https://www.ddaylepe.org.uk/index.php/overlord-neptune/)

…Maurice was recommended for a Military Medal for an incident that happened on D-Day….

No mention was made of what Maurice encountered during the day, but just before midnight on June 6, 1944, Maurice and two other signalmen, E. W. MARTIN and J. D. MCPHEE, were near Banville, when they encountered German soldiers.  Lt. (later Captain) J. W. GROSS reported that as the 3 men were “….returning from 7 Canadian Infantry Brigade Headquarters to 12 Canadian Field Regiment with a line, they were 1 ½ miles from our exchange and making a crossing at a crossroads…”

They’d encountered sniper fire all night, so Martin was in a ditch, covering the other two with a Bren gun.  Suddenly, “… a German soldier walked out from a side road….” and surrendered.  Unfortunately, a German officer also stepped out and began shooting at Maurice and McPhee, which ended when Martin opened fire.

Then, “....a German Major came up….” and told them that his whole company, part of the 11th Grenadier Regiment, wanted to surrender.   As the Germans “.…came up they handed over their arms and were searched by the three linesmen…”  Within 15 minutes they had 60 prisoners of war.

This was not the end!   “… About 20 minutes later two Canadian officers came upon the scene and joined the three linesmen…” as the contingent, except for Maurice, moved toward Banville.

Maurice “... stayed at the cross roads and 30 more surrendered to him. He moved them along the road and joined the party….” 

After the prisoners of war were taken to the POW cage on the beach, the linesmen continued their work and finished laying the line!

The three linesmen were recommended for a Military Medal for their actions, but sadly, their bravery and actions in having so many Germans surrender to them was not rewarded.  The recommendation for a Military Medal was not approved. 

….A Canadian Army Newsreel film was taken in The Netherlands….

Following upon the success of D-Day, Maurice and his Regiment were involved in the Allied advance through Northwest Europe.  In The Netherlands, a Canadian Army Newsreel briefly filmed members of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals (RCCS). Film Source: Library and Archives Canada.  Take a look:

….The Regiment moved into Germany on April 26, 1945….

Screenshot 2024-05-26 at 10-13-08 winschoten - Google Search

Map shows location of Winschoten, The Netherlands, as well as Weener and Leer in Germany.  (Map source: http://www.google.ca)

In the last week of April 1945, the Regiment prepared to leave The Netherlands. The after-action report on communications in the Regiment’s War Diary noted that after leaving Winschoten, The Netherlands, the “…Divisional Headquarters moved onto Germany on 26 April 1945…” and re-established “…preparatory for the operation to capture Leer….” on April 28, 1945.

In order to have communications available, a “…cable was taken across the River Ems at Weener, one circuit to connect 7 Canadian Infantry Brigade, which was on the opposite side of the river, and one circuit was extended to the bridge site on the river Leda, ready to be extended when 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade crossed into Leer. A line was laid to 16 Field Company RCE and extended on to a point on the Ems where the rafts were being assembled...”

….Maurice lost his life near Leer, Germany….

Lt. Colonel George Clarence LEECH, the Commanding Officer of Maurice’s unit, had recorded in his personal notes that Maurice, whose nickname was ‘Maw’, was very well liked and had not only participated in D-Day, but had been in the front line from then until his death on May 2, 1945 when the jeep he was riding in was hit by a mine.

On May 9, 1945, Lt. Colonel LEECH wrote a letter of condolence to Maurice’s mother, saying that “….Cpl Hughes was killed while riding in a jeep with Sgt Nixon on May 2nd when it ran into an enemy mine and blew up.  He did not suffer at all as death was instantaneous….”  Sgt E. C. ‘Nick’ NIXON was seriously wounded, but survived.

Lt. Colonel Leech went on to note that “…Maurice was one of my finest Corporals.  Since enlisting in 1939, he has given everything for the cause which we have been fighting for have at lost won…” Germany had signed an unconditional surrender, ending the war in Europe, on May 8, 1945, just a few days after Maurice lost his life.

.…Maurice is buried in Holten ….

Initial burial in Ihrhove The Coordinate Translator

Map shows location of Ihrhove, Germany, where Maurice James Hughes was initially buried.  (Map source: Google)

Maurice was originally buried in a temporary Canadian Military Cemetery in Ihrhove, Germany.  In his letter, Lt Colonel Leech wrote that the “…burial service was conducted by Father McCarney…” and that “….most of the men of his section attended his funeral…”

On March 12, 1946, Maurice was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Hughes MJ Maurice James F26373

Grave of Maurice James Hughes in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  (Photo courtesy of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

After the war ended, many Dutch people adopted a soldier’s grave, as a way to give thanks for the sacrifices made by Allied soldiers.  Maurice’s grave was adopted by Mr. J. Schut from Deventer.  In a January 14, 1949 letter to the Department of Defence, he stated that he was 38 years old and asked that his letter be sent to Maurice’s family so they would know that Maurice would not be forgotten.  An abridged English translation of his letter was forwarded to Maurice’s father on February 28, 1949. 

Thank you to Ray Arsenault for providing a photo from the scrapbook collated by Kaye Collins, and to Lisa Hughes Bell for sharing how the family felt about the loss of Maurice. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Soldier From Stellarton With A Street Named In His Honour

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Lt. Percy Dexter Higgins

Percy Dexter Higgins.  (Photo courtesy of the Higgins Family)

May 6, 2024. In a January 2021 posting in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series, we wrote about Percy ‘Dexter’ HIGGINS of Stellarton, Nova Scotia, who was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he lost his life during the Battle of Warnsveld in The Netherlands on April 4, 1945. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/16/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-3/)

Screenshot 2024-04-24 at 10-46-59 warnsveld - Google Search

Map shows location of Warnsveld, The Netherlands.  (Map source: Google)

Warnsveld is located in the eastern part of The Netherlands about 2 km (1.2 miles) from Zutphen.  Not long after the article was posted, we received an email from Warnsveld resident Harm Kuijper, advising that there was a proposal to name a street after Dexter, near where he lost his life. 

Harm asked if we would contact Dexter’s family about this initiative, which we did.  Donald Higgins had submitted a photo of his uncle, Percy ‘Dexter’ HIGGINS, writing that “…My father’s brother, Lt. Percy Dexter Higgins, is buried in Holten Cemetery. He served with North Nova Scotia Highlanders R.C.I.C. (from N.S.)…”

…A street in The Netherlands was named for Dexter in 2024 …..

On April 5, 2024, Harm contacted us again, this time to let us know that Higginsstraat (Higgins Street) had been unveiled the day before.  “…Higginsstraat was officially unveiled yesterday…..” he wrote.  “…. We had the Canadian ambassador visiting, who was able to attend our first two commemorations. Then unfortunately he had to return to The Hague due to commitments. Sergeant Nicole Mitchell then revealed the street name together with the Mayor of Zutphen….”

Harm also included a link to a Dutch language article from ‘Achterhoek Nieuws’:  https://www.contactzutphen.nl/nieuws/algemeen/482711/onthulling-straatnaambord-markeert-herdenking-bij-het-witte-k

An English translation of the article is below:

Screenshot 2024-04-15 at 11-39-35 Onthulling straatnaambord markeert herdenking bij het Witte Kruisje

Unveiling of the street sign honouring Lieutenant Percy Dexter Higgins. Photo: Henk Derksen.  Left to right: Barry and Yvonne Swarthoff from RCL Branch 5, Harm Kuijper, Sgt Nicole Mitchell of the Canadian Army, Zutphen mayor Wimar Jaeger, Wim Poppink from RCL Branch 5.

“Unveiling of the street name sign marks the commemoration at the Witte Kruisje 

ZUTPHEN – Every year the commemoration is held at the Witte Kruisje (White Cross) in Leesten in honour of the Canadian corporal A.P. Periard, who was killed on April 4, 1945. This year the commemoration took on a special character due to the presence of the Canadian ambassador, relatives of Private Harry Gervais, and the unveiling of a street sign in honour of Lieutenant Percy Dexter Higgins. 

For this special occasion, the 48th Highlanders Pipes And Drums and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 005 were also present. The commemoration at the Witte Kruisje was led by group 6 of the Lea Dasbergschool, where Mrs. Ineke Hissink welcomed those present. Mayor Wimar Jaeger addressed those present and laid a flower arrangement, followed by the ambassador and other attendees. 

After two minutes of silence, the Wilhelmus (Dutch National Anthem) and the Canadian National anthem were played and sung. Students from the Lea Dasbergschool recited poems and placed their flower arrangements. 

Afterwards, the students returned to school, while the other guests moved to the Canadian monument on Kerkhofweg. This monument contains the names of 35 Canadian and one English soldier who died during the liberation of Warnsveld and Zutphen. Harm Kuijper, the Canadian ambassador (Hugh Adsett), Mayor Jaeger, and Scott Gravel spoke at this monument. Flowers were laid and after a moment of silence the national anthems were played and sung. 

Finally, all those present returned to Leesten, where Mayor Jaeger, together with Sergeant Nicole Mitchell, unveiled the street sign in honour of Lieutenant Percy Dexter Higgins, who was killed on the grounds of the Groot Graffel (now GGnet)….“

Private Harry Louis GERVAIS, son of Moise and Hattie-Mae Gervais, of La Passe, Ontario, died April 4, 1945 while serving with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, aged 19, and is also buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

..…Who was Percy ‘Dexter’ Higgins? …..

Born October 4, 1921 in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Dexter was the son of Percy Dowell and Evangeline Higgins. On June 28, 1938, Dexter joined ‘C’ Company of the Pictou Highlanders Militia in Stellarton, giving his year of birth as 1919, to make him two years older.  In reality, he was still in high school.

On October 12, 1939 he signed up for active service with ‘C’ Company of the Pictou Highlanders in Stellarton, this time using his actual birth year.  At this point in time Dexter was working as a grocery clerk for Blair Brothers, a retail store in Stellarton. 

Dexter was transferred to Amherst, Nova Scotia and the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, 3rd Division, on October 26, 1940.   In an interview for his Occupational History Form, it was recorded that in addition to being fluent in English, he was able to read French.

….Dexter left Canada for overseas service….

On July 7, 1941, Dexter was sent to Debert, Nova Scotia, in preparation for overseas service.  Dexter and his fellow North Novies boarded the ‘Orion’ on Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 19, 1941, arriving in Avonmouth, United Kingdom on July 31, 1941.

Dexter qualified as a Clerk Group C on June 24, 1942 and was promoted to Lance Corporal from Private on May 27, 1943.

On November 1, 1943, Dexter received permission to marry Elizabeth Mary Minihane, of Cowfold, Sussex, England.  They married in West Grinstead not long afterwards.

Dexter was then attached, for all purposes, to No. 1 Canadian Officers Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) School on December 15, 1943. His daughter Carol Anne was born on March 30, 1944, just ahead of his transfer to No. 4 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU) on April 4, 1944.

On May 1, 1944, Dexter was selected for officers training and sent to No. 1 Pre-Officers Cadet Training Unit School, receiving a commission as Lieutenant on November 16, 1944. 

He next was sent to the Canadian Military Headquarters (CMHQ) course on January 28, 1945, which he completed on March 12, 1945.  A few days later, on March 16, 1945, Dexter was transferred to the X-4 Reinforcement List of the Canadian Infantry Corps.

The next day, March 17, 1945, he left for North West Europe, arriving the following day.  On March 27, 1945, he returned to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, and assigned to ‘B’ Company the following day.  He joined the North Novies in Rees, Germany, as one of the reinforcements following the losses of 39 men during the Battle of Bienen two days earlier. (For links to previous stories told about North Novies killed during this battle, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/09/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-honouring-the-memories-of-the-north-novies-who-lost-their-lives-during-the-battle-of-bienen/)

Dexter’s lack of actual combat experience would soon prove deadly, as the battle-hardened North Novies moved towards German/Netherlands border and into The Netherlands for the upcoming Battle of Warnsveld.       

..…Dexter died during the night of April 4-5, 1945 …..

Dexter lost his life during the Battle of Warnsveld which began late in the day on April 4, 1945. Three accounts state he died on April 4, 1945, while his service file states April 5, 1945.  The discrepancy between the accounts and the service file is likely because April 5 is when his body was retrieved.

An account of the events is in Will R. Bird’s ‘No Retreating Footsteps… the story of the North Novas’: “…. April 4th was bright and sunny…The Brigadier arrived and the Novas’ next objective was the town of Warnsveld…. The troops were carried in vehicles to a debussing point in the woods…… there was a delay as a huge crater in the road had to be filled by the Sappers before the ‘Wasps’ could get over. Then the tanks had not arrived and the company could not get forward until 1730 hours. ‘A’ Company started to hit snipers in concealed positions and progress was slow as each house had to be searched in turn….”

Bird’s account mentions what happened next. “….There was considerable shooting going on in various spots and ‘B’ Company sent a platoon to make sure of an area between them and ‘A’ Company.  Lt Higgins was in command. There was open ground to be crossed with a fence running at an angle. Three attempts to get over were driven back by machine gun fire.  Lt Higgins then tried to lead a rush up by the cover of the fence and was killed as he jumped over on the other side….”

..…The war diary for the North Novies also states Dexter died April 4, 1945 …..

The war diary entry for April 4, 1945 for the North Nova Scotia Highlanders also states that Lt Higgins died on April 4, 1945.  “…The Brigadier came to see the Commanding Officer at 1150 hours and gave to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders as their next objective, the town of Warnsveld, code name DAFFODIL….”

As reported in Will Bird’s account, the actual battle began at 5:30 pm.  Over the course of the evening, one platoon of ‘B’ Company “…had been sent to clear the area between them and ‘A’ Company and while doing so they came under Machine Gun fire and Lt. P. Higgins was killed. The troops ‘A’ Company were meeting were 16 years old, who were fighting fanatically and surprisingly well with very little support outside of machine guns and bazookas…”

‘A’ Company reached its position by 11:00 pm, and reported that “…they sent back 18 prisoners of war, all young fanatics….”

The fight continued into the night.  Shortly after midnight, the war diary entry for April 5, 1945 noted that “…at this point of the attack ‘A’ Company became involved in a fierce fight for a hospital in the woods…The Germans were well dug in and held a fairly strong position…..By 0300 hours ‘A’ Company reported the hospital and woods cleared…” 

..…A former Warnsveld resident related an eyewitness account that also stated Dexter had died April 4, 1945…..

After the original posting about Percy ‘Dexter’ Higgins in 2021, we also received an email from retired United Church Minister, Reverend Henk Dykman, who grew up in the Warnsveld area, and now lives in Ontario.  The North Nova Scotia Regiment “….had on the 4th of April 1945 its worst day of all of their campaign in The Netherlands…”

Henk then explained that he had been told a slightly different account of how Dexter had died than was in Will Bird’s book, while at a reunion of North Nova Scotia Highlanders in Guelph, Ontario in the 1990s. “….The official records of the North Novas do not mention it, but he died in front of the large main building of Het Groot Graffel, a psychiatric hospital. The actual date was April 4 around 10:00 pm but we hang on to April 5, when his body was recovered…”

Henk recalled being approached by veteran Vincent HULL.  “… ‘I heard you mentioning Dexter Higgins to someone. I was in his platoon and with him when he died’ Hull said….“

Henk asked for more information as Dexter had died a bit less than one kilometre (0.6 mile) north of the teacherage where Henk’s father was principal at the elementary school and where Henk grew up.

“….Vincent grabbed a piece of paper and drew a little map. I recognized right away what he was drawing. ‘We came from the north over a low sandhill to a highway and ducked into a dry ditch. On the other side of the road was a wood with here and there some buildings. We could see them well because of the floodlights which were bounced off low clouds and gave a diffused shine. On several roofs were red crosses. It was obviously a hospital.’ …”  This most likely is the hospital mentioned in the war diary.

Henk recalled Vincent’s words.  “…. ‘We better radio the company to give our position, I said to Dexter.’…”  Dexter decided to investigate further, however, saying “… ‘Well, it’s quiet now, there is a road over there, let’s move on’….”

Vincent then explained how Dexter lost his life. “…We went to a wide lane towards the biggest building, Dexter in front. He had not gone far on that lane when a machine gun opened up from a small window in the roof and shot him. A sergeant and a corporal were wounded as we ran back to the ditch as fast as we could. Everything was quiet again and after we bandaged the wounded we decided to stay where we were. It was before midnight and we did not move till dawn. We saw quite a few German soldiers retreating, but they did not see us. At dawn we saw our comrades from ‘A’ Company moving from one building to another so we got up and went again towards that big one….” 

“….So that was Vincent’s story and the details fitted my memories about where it was very well….” Henk wrote.  “….Dexter was the only Canadian killed at that hospital. So now he will be honoured with a street name at a new subdivision south of the hospital….”

..…Dexter is buried in Holten …..

Dexter was originally buried in the Civilian Cemetery in Warnsveld, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. 

Grave of Percy Dexter Higgins CVWM

Grave of Percy ‘Dexter’ Higgins in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  (Photo courtesy of the Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

An error was made in recording the date of Dexter’s death as April 7, 1945 on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial and on his gravestone.  The family was provided with the service file records should they wish to ask the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for a correction to be made on his gravestone, and for a correction to be made on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial. 

Thank you to Donald Higgins for providing a photo, to Harm Kuijper for letting us know about the street naming ceremony, and to Henk Dykman for relating the story he’d heard about how Lt Higgins died. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Soldier From O’Leary Who Lost His Life During Operation Churchill

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April 18, 2024.  In August 2019, Alice van Bekkum, Chair of the Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, sent Pieter a list of soldiers from Prince Edward Island who are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

One of the names for which a photo was missing was that of Ralph Kenneth SILLIKER, born October 16, 1917 in O’Leary, Prince Edward Island, the son of Watson and Ruth Silliker.

Pieter began his research and within a few weeks received a photo from Watson Silliker, Ralph’s nephew.

cropped colourized photo Silliker

Ralph Kenneth Silliker. (Photo courtesy of Watson Silliker. Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

….Ralph’s working life began in childhood….

It soon became clear that Ralph’s working life began in childhood.  His father Watson had began the first oil delivery business in 1922, according to ‘Threads of the past: a history of O’Leary, Prince Edward Island, 1837-1922’, published by the O’Leary Women’s Institute.

“…The Silliker family – Watson, Ruth, and their children Ralph, Iva, Lloyd, and Lorne – manually pumped the kerosene and gasoline from the railway tank cars, which held over 8,000 gallons each, into the storage tanks….”

This was not an easy business to be in!  “….By truck in summer and sleigh in winter, sparse quantities of gasoline and liberal quantities of kerosene in 45 gallon drums were delivered to stores and homes around the countryside….” 

The entry in the O’Leary history went on to note that “….when Ralph was eight years old, he drove a team of horses to places such as Portage, Glenwood, Campbelltown, and Bloomfield...”

….Ralph enlisted in 1943….

When he enlisted with the No. 6 District Depot in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on May 13, 1943, Ralph was working as a truck driver in O’Leary, and was married.  He and his wife Ada Blanche were the parents of two daughters, Sylvia Ruth and Opal Irene.

Ralph was sent for basic training at No. 62 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. On August 14, 1943, he was seconded to the A27 Canadian Reconnaissance Training Centre – Camp Dundurn, in Dundurn, Saskatchewan. This was a major training centre and transit point for personnel going overseas.

However, not long after arriving at Camp Dundurn, he returned to Prince Edward Island after being granted ‘compassionate family leave’ on September 7, 1943 – without pay and allowance – until December 14, 1943.  In October 1943 he had been transferred to ‘P’ Wing at the No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, but due to the compassionate family leave being extended twice he was not on duty in Halifax until his leave ended.

Ralph returned to A27 Canadian Reconnaissance Training Centre in Camp Dundurn on January 11, 1944, where his training resumed.  On March 31, 1944 he qualified as a Driver Wheeled Class III. This meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars.

….Ralph left Canada for overseas service….

In May 1944 Ralph was given embarkation leave, the last time he would see his family, as on June 27, 1944 he was on his way to the United Kingdom.  Upon arrival on July 3, 1944, he was assigned to No. 1 Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit (CACRU).

On August 12, 1944, Ralph was assigned to the Canadian Infantry Corps (CIC) as part of the Canadian Fusiliers and his position changed from trooper to fusilier.  On September 17, 1944, Ralph embarked for France as part of X-4 Reinforcement list of the Canadian Infantry Corps.

….Ralph was assigned to the Lake Superior Regiment….

On October 7, 1944 he was transferred to the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor), part of the 21st Army Group, joining them as the Regiment advanced through France, Belgium and the south of the Netherlands.  

Ralph was in the Regiment at the same time as Harry DAVIS of Yukon Territory, whose story has previously been told.  See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/09/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-only-yukon-territory-soldier-buried-in-holten/

Henk Vincent, one of the research volunteers at the Cemetery Information Centre in Holten, The Netherlands, explained that during the “… the winter of 44/45, the Lake Superior Regiment, together with other Canadian regiments, was tasked with guarding the northern front line, in this case the Maas River. ….” 

Most of February saw the Regiment based in the ‘s-Hertogenbosch area as they continued their patrols in the surrounding area. 

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

Screenshot 2024-04-16 at 11-06-16 Google Maps

Map shows location of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Kleve, Hochwald, Xanten, and Groesbeek. (Map source: https://www.google.ca)

On February 21, 1945, the Regiment began moving towards Germany for the upcoming Operation Blockbuster, which would begin at dawn on February 26, 1945. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

The February 21, 1945 war diary entry noted that “…in the afternoon the men were told of our future role and intentions in Ops Blockbuster….”

On February 22, 1945, the war diary recorded that “…the companies spent the day making final preparations for the move into Germany tonight…”  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. (See https://the-hochwald-gap.project44.ca/)

….A video shows how the Battle of Hochwald Gap was fought….

A 46 minute YouTube video on the Battle of Hochwald Gap explained the fierce battle that took place. Watching it made it clear to us that it was a miracle that anyone survived at all, a testament to the determination and courage of those who were in the midst of it.

….Ralph lost his life during Operation Churchill….

March 2, 1945 was a “…cold, blustery day with several snow flurries…” according to the war diary. The after-action report on Operation Churchill noted that the Regiment “…had been fighting already since the 26th of February. Little sleep was had and the Motor Companies had been holding the general line for 24 hours without food….”

They’d last eaten on February 28 due to the ground being “…impassable to all vehicles…” and “…incessant shelling by the enemy….”

The men may have been tired, cold, and hungry, but there was still a battle to be fought.  By the end of the day, “…the south of the Gap bore the signs of intense shellfire – the ground pitted, scarred, and torn by fire of all kinds. The trees in the gully were cut to ribbons.  The houses were heaps of rubble….”

A burial party the following day went out onto the battlefield to look for casualties, and recorded how they were found. “…Further back where two Kangaroos had been knocked out as they lunged across an enemy trench, two more Lake Superior men lay dead. Pte Carriere, F. had been shot through the head as he was de-bussing. Another, Pte Silliker, R. K. was killed as he raced to take up the first position…..”  Dutiful and responsible to the end, Ralph lost his life at the age of 27 during the March 2, 1945 battle.

Private Frank CARRIERE was the son of Emma Carriere of Elm Creek, Manitoba, and the brother of Rifleman William Joseph CARRIERE, who had lost his life on June 8, 1944 while serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

NOTE: Kangaroo is the nickname given to a Canadian armoured personnel carrier (APC) during the WWII, which was created by converting a tank chassis. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo_(armoured_personnel_carrier))

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

Ralph was temporarily buried on March 6, 1945 in Xanten, Germany before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

CIMG9016 Sep 16 2017 Groesbeek Cemetery grave of RK Silliker by Daria

Grave of Ralph Kenneth Silliker in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Watson Silliker for sharing a photo. Thank you also to Henk Vincent for additional information on the patrols made along the Maas River. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier From Barney’s River Who Lost His Life During The Battle of Groningen

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April 12, 2024.  One of the biases faced by many soldiers during the war was the perception that an excellent education would result in an intelligent and capable leader of those in battle.  This was not always the case, unfortunately, and often an otherwise obvious candidate for promotion into an officer rank was not chosen, solely based on his early educational background.

In researching the story of Joseph Taylor MACLEOD of Barney’s River, Nova Scotia, Pieter encountered a well-respected, capable, and intelligent man, who was rightfully promoted several times.  However, due to having left school after completing Grade 5, he did not rise as high in rank as he might have if he had been a high school graduate.  What he did achieve during his military service is a testament to what can happen when promotions are based on merit.

….Joseph enlisted with The Pictou Highlanders….

Screenshot 2024-03-22 at 12-32-28 Avondale Station

Map shows Avondale Station, Nova Scotia, where Joseph Taylor MacLeod was born.  (Map source: http://www.mapcarta.com)

Born November 11, 1914 in Avondale Station, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Joseph Taylor MACLEOD was the son of Robert and Ella Margaret MacLeod. He was the youngest in his family and had 5 brothers and 1 sister.  Two of his brothers also served during WWII.

When Joseph enlisted with The Pictou Highlanders in Mulgrave, Nova Scotia on August 5, 1940, he was married and living in Barney’s River, Nova Scotia.  He had left school at age 13, after completing Grade 5, and was working as a tallyman in a sawmill for Robert Gillis.  He’d also worked as a truck driver for his father, a butcher, for several years.

His Personnel Selection Record noted that Joseph enjoyed playing baseball, hockey, and softball, and liked to read about history.

….Joseph’s son Cyril provided a photo….

On September 10, 1935, Joseph had married Irene Elizabeth McGregor and they had 4 children.  One son, Cyril Raymond, kindly provided a photo of his father when Pieter contacted him.

Joseph Taylor MacLeod van zoon Cyril MacLeod

Joseph Taylor MacLeod.  (Photo courtesy of Cyril MacLeod)

….Joseph was in the Intelligence Section of The Pictou Highlanders….

After completing basic training, Joseph took advantage of training opportunities, such as a chemical warfare course in January 1941 in Long Branch, Nova Scotia. He qualified as a Motorcyclist Class III on May 5, 1941.  On October 6, 1941, he was promoted to Lance Corporal, and was assigned to the Intelligence Section under Major Manning, Intelligence Officer for The Pictou Highlanders, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

A month later, he was promoted to Lance Corporal, and then, in April 1942 to Corporal.  On June 1, 1942 he was promoted again, to Lance Sergeant.  All this time he worked in the Intelligence Section of The Pictou Highlanders.

….Joseph was temporarily assigned overseas….

On June 2, 1942, Joseph was sent overseas as a NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer), serving as Acting Platoon Sergeant with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada until September 21, 1942.  He was then posted to the NETC (Non-Effective Transit Depot) until October 7, 1942, when he was transferred back to Canada.

On November 1, 1942, he returned to The Pictou Highlanders and was sent to the No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, before being transferred to Sussex Camp in Sussex, New Brunswick.

On March 16, 1943, he was sent to Newfoundland as Acting Platoon Sergeant.  He continued taking training, completing a Junior Leaders Course in Gander from May to June 1943.

Joseph’s lack of higher education, which was attributed to the distance he lived from school, would eventually hinder his chances at further promotion.  While in Newfoundland he was recommended for a commission – which would mean he would become an officer – but his education level “…spoiled his chances…” according to his Personnel Selection Record.

On August 22, 1943, he returned from Newfoundland and was assigned to Debert, Nova Scotia.  Upon his return, Joseph had been told that his rank as Acting Platoon Sergeant was to be confirmed, but then bad luck intervened when the 7th Division was disbanded. 

On October 1, 1943, Joseph was sent to No. 1 Transit Camp in Windsor, Nova Scotia, in preparation for overseas service.

….Joseph left Canada for overseas service….

On November 26, 1943, Joseph left Canada for the United Kingdom, arriving on December 1, 1943, and assigned to No. 7 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).  He arrived in the United Kingdom as Lance Sergeant, but was then reduced to Corporal.

In a December 14, 1943 interview to update his Personnel Selection Record, the interviewer noted that Joseph felt “…somewhat let down by the non-confirming of his rank in Canada, in view of his long and varied service and qualifications, but has decided to take it philosophically…”

A listing of qualifications noted that Joseph qualified as a Driver I/C (Driver, internal combustion), and Motorcyclist Class III (MCIII), Assistant Quartermaster Instructor (AIQI), and Chemical Warfare Q2.

The Personnel Selection Record continued by recording that Joseph “…liked his work with Intelligence Section Pictou Highlanders, but could not carry rank of Lance Sergeant there, so was obliged to become Acting Platoon Sergeant…”

On March 22, 1944, with the rank of Corporal, Joseph was transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.  In May 1944, he requested to revert to the rank of Private. 

Joseph remained with the North Novies in the United Kingdom until July 24, 1944, when he was sent to France as part of the 21st Army Group.  Now a Private, he was transferred to the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (nicknamed The Rileys) on July 27, 1944.

….Joseph was wounded during the Battle for Clair Tizon….

Clair Tizon

Map with location of Clair Tizon. (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

On August 12, 1944, the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry was ordered to advance towards Clair Tizon, France. At a small crossroads near the abandoned hamlet of Barbery, they encountered fierce German resistance as they moved through wheat fields.

The German counterattacks were an attempt to hold the Falaise pocket, but by dusk the Germans withdrew.  The Canadians had won, but at a cost of 20 soldiers killed and 100 wounded. (See http://canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/clairtison.htm)

Among the wounded was Joseph.  He was admitted to the 43rd Battalion General Hospital, and then the 110th Battalion General Hospital.  He didn’t return to his Regiment until October 2, 1944. 

On October 18, 1944, he was promoted to Lance Sergeant.  On January 7, 1945, he received what would be his final promotion – to Acting Sergeant.

….As the Rileys travelled towards Groningen they were attacked by the Dutch SS guarding a concentration camp….

Screenshot 2024-03-20 at 11-47-11 Groningen - Westerbork route planner - journey distance time and costs – ViaMichelin

Map shows route taken by the RHLI as they moved from Westerbork towards Groningen.  (Map source: http://www.viamichelin.co.uk)

An excerpt from Semper Paratus: The History of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) 1862-1977 by Kingsley Brown, Sr, Kingsley Brown, Jr, and Brereton Greenhous, recorded that “…the RHLI crossed the Ijeselson Canal by a small foot bridge on April 10 and, moving quickly on tanks and Kangaroos, reached the outskirts of Groningen within two days.  At this point the battalion again became the spearhead for 4th Brigade and 2nd Division…”

A description of the fight that followed noted that “…. ‘it took more than a day for the Battalion to fight its way into Groningen’ John Lisson recalled. ‘The Germans were not only firing light arms, but blasting us with four-barreled flak guns. They had developed a nasty technique of firing at the glazed tile roofs of the buildings and bringing them crashing down on top of us. The tiles would fly off in sharp fragments just like shrapnel’….”

As if this wasn’t enough to deal with, the Rileys had encountered members of the Dutch SS who had been guarding the Westerbork concentration camp, who “…were fighting desperately because they had nothing to expect but the firing squad if they were caught…”  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westerbork_transit_camp)

….Joseph was killed by sniper fire during the Battle of Groningen….

After travelling from Westerbork to Assen and then on towards Groningen, the War Diary for the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry for April 13, 1945 stated that by 4 pm they had arrived “…approximately one mile from Groningen, our final objective.  Tactical Headquarters was set up in a farm house while the Companies continued to their objective in the town.  The opposition in this sector was increasing, consisting mainly of medium machine gun and small arms fire…”

The Battle of Groningen would not be an easy victory.   (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/groningen.htm and https://library.mcmaster.ca/battle-groningen-april-1945)

Conditions had deteriorated by the evening of April 13.  “…Word was received that the forward elements are meeting serious resistance in the form of small arms fire, road blocks, and mines….” 

At the same time as over 100 prisoners of war began surrendering, sniper fire continued.  By 8:30 pm, the War Diary entry stated that “…we have suffered several fatal casualties from snipers…” Among the casualties was Joseph.

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

Screenshot 2024-03-20 at 16-29-08 53.205625168048 6.5339885049894 156A Peizerweg Groningen GR - MapQuest

According to the GPS coordinates provided at the time, Joseph was initially buried beside what is today the Peizerweg in Groningen. The black circle marks the spot.  (Map source:  Mapquest)

On April 15, 1945, Joseph was initially buried beside a road in Groningen, before being reburied the following year in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  

macleod, joseph taylor from Holten

Grave of Joseph Taylor MacLeod in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  (Photo courtesy of the Information Centre Canadian Cemetery Holten)

….Sam Matvichuk also died during the Battle of Groningen….

Sam MATVICHUK, whose story was previously told, also lost his life during the Battle of Groningen, while serving with the Royal Regiment of Canada.  You can read his story here: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/08/19/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-born-in-broadacres-who-died-during-the-battle-of-groningen/

Thank you to Cyril MacLeod for sharing a photo of his father, Henk Vincent for sharing the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry War Diary for April 1945, and to David Ryan for sharing an excerpt from Semper Paratus: The History of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) 1862-1977.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier From Manitoba Who Died Shortly After Being Liberated From Stalag VII-A

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February 18, 2024.  A few years ago, we translated ‘Holtense Canadezen’, Jan Braakman’s book about some of the soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands, which was published in English in October 2023 as  ‘Holten Heroes: Stories from a Canadian Field of Honour’.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/11/01/new-book-about-soldiers-buried-in-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-holten-the-netherlands/)

One very sad story related how 6 newly liberated prisoners of war – 5 Canadians, 1 Australian – died after accepting what turned out to be alcohol containing methanol from liberated Soviet prisoners of war.

The story resonated as my father, who had been in a displaced persons camp in Post-WWII Germany, had told me of similar stories. Refugees who had survived the war, many under brutal conditions, died or became blind after drinking alcohol that contained methanol (methyl alcohol) or alcohol made in containers that had once held gasoline, oil, and other substances.  Only a few sips could result in death or permanent disability.

One of the six soldiers, whose story was not told in ‘Holtense Canadezen’, was on the photo wish list from Holten – James ‘Jimmy’ Oliver THOMAS, born July 4, 1912 in St. Peters, Manitoba, the son of Henry ‘Harry’ Curtis James and Margaret Thomas.

Screenshot 2024-02-15 at 12-28-03 St. Peters

Map shows location of St. Peters and Hodgson in Manitoba.  (Map source: http://www.mapcarta.com)

St. Peters was an area familiar to me as childhood summers were spent in Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg and we travelled often in that direction from Winnipeg, which was just a bit further south.

Jimmy’s parents left St. Peters in the fall of 1912 and moved to Hodgson, where Jimmy grew up with his siblings – 7 brothers and 1 sister.

The Peguis First Nation, whose members are of Ojibway (Saulteaux) and Swampy Cree (Maškēkowak) descent, is nearby, and the Thomas family has its roots here. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peguis_First_Nation)

….Jimmy’s niece provided a photo….

James Oliver Thomas

James ‘Jimmy’ Oliver Thomas. (Photo courtesy of the Thomas Family)

In the search for a photo, Pieter was in contact with Theresa Cooper, daughter of Jimmy’s brother, Rodney Thomas, one of two brothers who also served in the Canadian Army during WWII in addition to Jimmy.  The photo was emailed to us by Theresa’s son, Rodd Cooper. “…Thank you for your work and recognition in honouring him and the other Canadian soldiers….” Rodd wrote.

….Jimmy was hard-working and versatile….

After his father died in 1925, Jimmy left school at the age of thirteen to help out at home.  He spent 6 years working on the family farm, 2 years as a mechanic in a garage in Virden, Manitoba, 6 years in a hard rock quarry in Ontario and Manitoba, plus casual labour wherever he could find work.  In his Estate Form, his mother noted that he “…would look for a job anywhere he could make good money…”

By the time Jimmy enlisted at the No. XI District Depot in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 21, 1943, he was working as a plumber’s helper for a plumbing and heating company based in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, in a wartime housing project.

The interviewer for Jimmy’s Personnel Selection Record noted that he had “…above average learning ability….” and that his “…occupational background indicates versatility and adaptability.  Has been farmer, garage mechanic, fisherman, and latterly miner…”

The Record went on to describe Jimmy as having a “….robust appearance…” and that he was “…of quiet nature but self-confident and unhurried…”

Among his hobbies and interests, Jimmy “…played hockey.  Enjoys hunting and fishing.  Can swim.  Doesn’t dance.  Reads true detective stories. Attends movies…”

….Jimmy’s military career began in British Columbia….

On June 3, 1943, Jimmy was sent for basic training at No. 110 Canadian Army Basic Training Camp (CABTC) in Vernon, British Columbia.   After completing basic training, he was transferred to A16 Canadian Infantry Training Camp (CITC) in Calgary, Alberta on August 4, 1943.

At the beginning of October 1943, Jimmy was given a week’s embarkation leave, the last chance he had to visit his family before being sent overseas.

On November 3, 1943, he left Calgary when he was transferred to No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia.

On December 15, 1943, Jimmy left Canada for the United Kingdom, arriving on December 21, 1943.  He most likely had been on the same ship as Eli Ambrose SNAKE. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-eli-ambrose-snake/)  While Jimmy was assigned to No. 1 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU), Eli was sent to No. 3 CIRU. 

…Jimmy joined the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in Italy….

On February 19, 1943, Jimmy was sent to Italy as part of the Allied Armies In Italy (AAI) and assigned to the 2 Battalion X-4 Reinforcement.  Then, on May 5, 1944, he was transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.

The Regiment had finished in Ortona and continued to move north, fighting through the Liri Valley.  Next, the Regiment received orders to work with other Regiments to break through the Hitler Line, the Germans’ second defensive line.  (See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler_Line and https://liri-valley.project44.ca/)

Screenshot 2024-02-18 at 09-56-04 Liri Valley

Placement of troops for breaching the Hitler Line on May 23, 1944. (Map source: https://liri-valley.project44.ca/)

On May 22, 1943, the War Diary for the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada recorded that at 4 pm, “…the Commanding Officer received orders from 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade that Seaforth Highlanders of Canada would attack the Adolph Hitler Line… The attack was ordered for 0600 hours 23 May 1944.  The PPCLI to attack on right, Seaforths on left, Edmonton Regiment reserve to exploit through PPCLI….”  (PPCLI refers to Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry.) 

A fierce battle occurred the following day.  The War Diary recorded that by 7:30 pm “…it was now apparent that the Adolph Hitler Line had been broken. The enemy were in full retreat, jamming the roads with his transport, which provided a good target for our Air Force…”   

…Jimmy became a POW during the breaking of the Hitler Line….

The war diary noted that there were many casualties: 51 killed, 110 wounded, and 72 missing.   Among the missing was Jimmy Thomas, who became a prisoner of war and taken to Stalag VII-A in Moosburg, Germany, where he was recorded as POW number 131885. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalag_VII-A and https://www.pegasusarchive.org/pow/S7A/cSt_7A_Description.htm)

32898f4eaba6b4904152e84b63f6f18e--bavaria-vii

Entrance to Stalag VII-A.  (Photo source: Moosburg Online)

Stalag VII-A was captured on April 29, 1945 by Combat Command A of the 14th Armored Division of the US Army. (See https://www.moosburg.org/info/stalag/14theng.html)  Jimmy and his fellow POWs couldn’t believe how lucky they were, after all the hardships they had experienced.  Reports stated that 110,000 Allied POWs were freed from that camp alone.

The POWs were now free, but with the war still ongoing, it was impossible to evacuate all of them immediately.  They were instead moved west in large groups and placed in temporary transit camps while they waited impatiently to be transported out of Germany. 

Unfortunately, there were not enough planes to quickly transport them to Reims, France, and from there to England.  So they waited for their turn.

…A drink containing methanol proved fatal….

On May 1, 1945, Jimmy was in a temporary camp in Ettringen, Bavaria, Germany, along with other former prisoners of war.   A translated excerpt from Jan Braakman’s ‘Holtense Canadezen’ related what happened that day.  “…Canadians John Decoine, Robert Consterdine, Joe Giguire, Steven Motkaluk, James Thomas, and Australian Joe Brydon could not believe their luck when they were liberated by the Americans ….. The six met a group of Russian prisoners of war near Ettringen (Bavaria), who apparently had a large amount of liquor at their disposal….”  

The men were unaware that they were being offered liquor that contained methanol, which was fatal for all six.  “…Captain C.T. Sutherland wrote a report for the Department of National Defence about the incident …. According to him, on May 1, on the street in Ettringen, the Canadians had been given alcohol by members of a Russian labour command. (The prisoner of war camp had numerous labour commands, consisting of prisoners of war of different nationalities)….” 

Most likely, the Russians were not aware that the alcohol had been poisoned. “…British prisoner of war Tom Tate, who was captured in Germany in early 1945 after his Royal Air Force bomber was downed, said that Russian prisoners of war had found and binged on methylated spirits on the estate (Ost-Ettringen). He recalled two Russian prisoners of war who died of it and more who had severe symptoms of poisoning….”

…Jimmy died on May 2, 1945….

Captain Sutherland’s report did not include the names of Steve Motkaluk and James ‘Jimmy’ Oliver Thomas, who had both been in Stalag VII-A in Moosburg.  They had been taken to the US Hospital in Thannhausen, Germany.  Both men died on May 2, 1945.  

A medical report for Steven Motkaluk stated that the amount of alcohol he’d drunk was only 1 pint (2 cups).  Likely Jimmy had drunk the same amount or less. 

The other 4 men had been under the care of British physician John “Sandy” Rutherford, a former prisoner of war himself. 

It was a sad ending to soldiers who had endured so much during the war and their time in a POW camp. During the investigation into this incident and others involving the poisoning of Allied soldiers, the Canadian Intelligence Service “…managed to obtain an October 1944 document from the Kriminaltechnisches Institut der Sicherheitspolizei (Forensic Institute of the Security Police), describing the various possibilities of deliberate poisoning. One of these was the addition of methyl alcohol (methanol) to bottled drinks. It is conceivable that the prisoners of war were victims of this practice….”

…The other 5 victims of methanol poisoning….

In addition to Jimmy, the other 5 victims of methanol poisoning were: 

·         Robert James CONSTERDINE of Vancouver, British Columbia, died May 2, 1945

·         John DECOINE of Wabaska, Alberta, died May 1, 1945

·         Joseph ‘Joe’ August GIGUIRE of Conklin, Alberta, died May 3, 1945

·         Steven MOTKALUK, of Toronto, Ontario, but born in Lviv, Ukraine, died May 2, 1945

·         Joseph ‘Joe’ William BRYDON of Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia, died May 2, 1945 

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

Along with Steven Motkaluk, Jimmy was initially buried in the US Military Cemetery in Reutti, Germany, before being reburied in the British Military Cemetery in Durnbach, Germany.  Then, on June 4, 1948, they were reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Thomas JO James Oliver K51503

Grave of James ‘Jimmy’ Oliver Thomas in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

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

Jimmy 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 8 on the outside, Row 67. (https://www.metismuseum.ca/metisveteransmonument/column.php?v=XCHRVC)

….Thomas Esker in northern Manitoba is named in Jimmy’s honour…..

Screenshot 2024-02-21 at 08-38-47 Thomas Esker

Thomas Esker is named in honour of James ‘Jimmy Oliver Thomas. (Map source: http://www.mapcarta.com)

Thomas Esker in northern Manitoba, east of Tadoule Lake, was named after Jimmy in 1995.  This mountain has an elevation of 246 metres (807 feet).  (See https://mapcarta.com/24676318)

Thank you to Theresa and Rodd Cooper for providing a photo of James ‘Jimmy’ Oliver Thomas, to Shawn Rainville for helping with the initial newspaper search for family and information, to Judie Klassen for finding the geographic commemoration in ‘A Place Of Honour’, and to Jan Braakman for researching the May 1, 1945 incident in which 6 men lost their lives. 

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Trooper From Rexton Who Lost His Life Three Days Before His Birthday

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20230918_094802 Sep 18 2023 Rexton village sign

Stanley McBeath’s family lives in Rexton, New Brunswick.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

February 3, 2024. When Pieter looks for family of a soldier whose name is on a photo wish list for one of the Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands, he never knows what to expect.  After he decided to research Stanley Leigh MCBEATH, whose family lived in Rexton, New Brunswick, Pieter wrote to St. Andrews United Church in Rexton and also called the minister.  He did that after finding a newspaper article about a Memorial Service held in August 1945 for Stanley and another WWII soldier from Rexton, James Edward SULLIVAN. 

Shortly after his inquiry, Pieter received a call from Janice Little, who explained that she was Stanley’s niece, daughter of his sister Audrey, and yes, she had a photo.

…Stanley enlisted in 1939….

Stanley McBeath Coloured improved_photo(27)

Stanley Leigh McBeath. (Photo courtesy of the McBeath Family. Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

Born April 24, 1916 in Peter’s Mill, Kent County, New Brunswick, Stanley was the eldest son of Richmond Noble and Lilly Victoria (nee Peters) McBeath. Before enlisting with the 15th Heavy Battery of the 3rd (New Brunswick) Coast Brigade in St. John, New Brunswick on September 12, 1939, Stanley had been working for two years for H. Gauvin, who owned a garage in Rexton.  He also helped his parents on their farm. In his Occupational History Form, he indicated an interest in remaining in the army after the war ended.

After completing his basic training in St. John, Stanley was sent to Halifax to complete a Range Finders course.  A Range Finder was a key piece of equipment, used in machine guns, to measure distances to remote objects, and required expertise and skill to operate.  Soldiers selected for this specialist training were machine gunners, or mortarmen, with good eyesight and an elementary knowledge of mathematics.  Stanley completed this course on April 20, 1941.

…Stanley served with the 108th Battery as part of Atlantic Command….

On May 15, 1942, Stanley was transferred to the 108th Battery and posted to Ives Point, Nova Scotia.  The battery was part of Atlantic Command, whose role was to strengthen and administer home defence facilities on Canada’s Atlantic Coast.

Screenshot 2024-01-30 at 12-44-04 Ives Point

Location of Ives Point. (Map source: https://mapcarta.com)

…Stanley was in Goose Bay as a gunner with an anti-aircraft battery….

On October 15, 1942, Stanley was posted to Goose Bay, Labrador, temporarily attached to 30th Anti-Aircraft Battery.  (NOTE: Newfoundland and Labrador became part of Canada on March 31, 1949.)

Canada had built a massive air base at Goose Bay, Labrador as an alternative to Gander for transatlantic operations. This base became operational in late 1941. (See https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/politics/goose-bay-base.php) The bases at Gander and Goose Bay were vital links in the ferrying of military aircraft to Britain.  Anti-aircraft crews were part of coastal defence. 

Stanley remained in Goose Bay until July 23, 1943 when he was posted to Gaspe, Quebec, and reassigned back to the 108th Battery.  On November 26, 1943 he was sent to Shelburne, Nova Scotia for further training.

…Stanley qualified as a Canadian Armoured Corps Operator….

On April 18, 1944 Stanley was transferred to No. 1 Transit Camp in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Not long after that, on May 17, 1944, he was posted to No. 1 Canadian Armoured Corps Training Regiment (CACTR) in Borden, Ontario for additional training.  On October 7, 1944 he was qualified as a Canadian Armoured Corps (CAC) Operator.

Then, in preparation for overseas service, Stanley was assigned to No. 1 Canadian Armoured Corps Trained Soldiers Regiment (CACTSR), still in Borden, Ontario.

…Stanley left Canada for overseas service….

On November 25, 1944 Stanley left Canada, arriving in the United Kingdom on December 5, 1944, where he was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit (CACRU).

On December 10, 1944, Stanley wrote a letter to his Aunt Janie McBeath, the sister of his father, who was a nurse in New York.  He gave his impression of England and noted the differences he saw for Christmas, which would be in two weeks. 

“…Suppose that over in the US and Canada everything is taking on the holiday season, but here there is nothing at all.  But considering what this country has been through, I suppose it is a wonder it still exists. What has impressed me most is the sense of great age and changelessness (if there is such a word) – wars may come and go and times may have great changes, but this island goes on undisturbed by it all…”

While in the United Kingdom, Stanley was temporarily attached to No. 2 Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit (CACRU) while he took a gunnery course, which he completed on January 9, 1945.

…Stanley left the United Kingdom for Northwest Europe….

On March 24, 1945, Stanley was assigned to the X-4 Reinforcement list of the Canadian Armoured Corps as a Gunner Operator ‘C’ of the 9th Battalion and sent to North Western Europe.

On April 1, 1945 he was assigned to the 28th Canadian Armoured (British Columbia) Regiment, joining the Regiment in Germany as it travelled along the road between Calcar and Kleve, and crossed the Rhine River.    

By April 3, 1945 the Regiment had crossed the border back into The Netherlands, near Lochem, for a few days before returning to Germany. 

In a letter to his Aunt Janie, written on April 7, 1945, Stanley mentioned an experience in The Netherlands. “….Seen a show under kind of odd surroundings the other nite (sic.. night) – it was put on with a Dutch cow barn used as a theatre. But the cattle didn’t seem to mind…. At any rate the smell was familiar to me….”

Stanley went on to explain that he was in a Regiment.  “…Belong to a unit now – not a bad outfit but don’t know any of them.  It’s taken a long, long time to get this far but am getting nearer the goal of ’39 all the time…”  Stanley was referring to 1939 when he enlisted for active service.

The Regiment reached Oldenburg, Germany on April 10, 1945 and the war diary daily reported encountering fierce resistance from the Germans.

The Battle for the Küsten Canal near Friesoythe and the advance slightly northwards towards Edewecht resulted in many casualties. Just after midnight on April 17, 1945, Stanley was in ‘B’ Squadron as the Regiment’s tanks supported the Algonquin Regiment during the first crossing of the Küsten Canal in assault boats. (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/kustencanal.htm)

On Friday, April 20, 1945, the war diary entry for the 28th Canadian Armoured (British Columbia) Regiment noted that “… ‘B’ Squadron was still under command of the Algonquin Regiment…” and had moved to the location of the Regimental Headquarters between Friesoythe and Edewecht.

…Stanley lost his life on the road between Friesoythe and Edewecht….

Screenshot 2024-02-01 at 13-05-30 The Coordinate Translator

Map shows the location where Stanley McBeath lost his life, using the coordinates from the war diary of the 28th Canadian Armoured (British Columbia) Regiment.  (Map source: Google maps)

The war diary entry for Saturday, April 21, 1945 for the 28th Canadian Armoured (British Columbia) Regiment:  “…Weather mild and warm….. ‘A’ Squadron remained under command of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada and worked troops up with the forward infantry…. Lt Warmald was wounded and only two tanks of his troop reached their objective.  Another tank of ‘A’ Squadron was bazooked…”  Troops were sent to “…assist infantry in the evacuation of the wounded…”

Somehow, in the confusion Stanley was initially reported missing, but later it was confirmed that he had been mortally wounded and died on  April 21, 1945, three days before his 29th birthday.

Stanley’s parents received a telegram from the Department of Defence on April 30, 1945, informing them that Stanley was missing.  This was followed up with a May 3, 1945 telegram saying he was ‘officially killed in action on April 21, 1945’. 

…An error by the Director of Records left Stanley’s family with false hope….

However, on May 7, 1945 the Moncton Times newspaper published a list of soldiers from New Brunswick who had been liberated from prisoner of war camps, and among the names was Stanley Leigh McBeath! 

You can imagine the confusion, mixed with hope, for the McBeath family. Richmond McBeath, Stanley’s father, wrote to the newspaper and asked where the information came from.  In a May 10, 1945 letter to the Department of Defence’s Director of Records, Richmond noted the response he got from the Moncton Times, saying that “…in their reply, they said ‘The Canadian Press’ which got the information from the Director of Records…”

Richmond quite correctly stated that “…we do not understand this and ask for prompt confirmation or denial of your telegram of May 3…”

On May 14, 1945, Richmond received a telegram from the Director of Records, confirming that Stanley had died on April 21, 1945, as per the May 3, 1945 telegram.  “…Trooper McBeath’s name was erroneously released to the press as a liberated prisoner of war, but appeared on the official casualty list dated 10th May as killed in action…”  

An apology was also provided. “…Sincerely regret the anxiety caused by the release of your son’s name as a liberated prisoner of war in error…”  It was small comfort for a family left in limbo for several days, hoping to hear that Stanley was alive.

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

Stanley was initially buried in the Temporary Canadian Military Cemetery in Friesoythe, Germany before being reburied on March 9, 1946 in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

Grave of Stanley McBeath from CVWM

Grave of Stanley Leigh McBeath in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  (Photo source: Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

….We met Stanley’s nieces….

20230918_104650 Sep 18 2023 Pieter with Janice Little & Gail McBeath

Janice Little (left), Pieter, Gayle McBeath (right).  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

In researching Stanley’s story, we were delighted to have the opportunity to meet Janice Little and her cousin, Gayle McBeath, who is the daughter of Stanley’s brother Harold.

In both of his surviving letters to his Aunt Janie, Stanley had mentioned that he hadn’t seen his brother Harold, who was with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.  Janice and Gayle told us that they did have a chance to talk to each other – two days before Stanley passed away.

20230918_100300 siblings of Stanley McBeath from Janice Little

Stanley’s surviving siblings. Standing left to right:  Helen, Audrey.  Seated, left to right:  Harold, Dorothy.  (Photo courtesy of the McBeath Family)

Janice and Gayle shared a photo of Stanley’s surviving siblings, and explained that the houses they themselves live in were part of the family farm where Stanley had grown up.

20230918_111450 Sep 18 2023 View from the street Stanley McBeath grew up on in Rexton

View from the street where Stanley grew up.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Stanley’s parents never forgot their son, ensuring his name was engraved on their gravestone.  Janice and Gayle took us to visit the grave at the St. Andrews United Church Cemetery in Rexton.

20230918_112949 Sep 18 2023 Stanley is listed on his parents grave at St Andrews United Church Cemetery in Rexton NB

Stanley is listed on his parents’ grave at St Andrews United Church Cemetery in Rexton, New Brunswick.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Janice Little and Gayle McBeath for sharing photos and information.  Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail….. The Successful Search For A Photo Of WWII Soldier Thomas Alfred Brown Left Us With A Mystery

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January 25, 2024. Even when Pieter needs a break from extensive research, he still likes to test his detective skills. Last year he decided to help the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands find photos of a few soldiers for which research had already been done, but no photo had been found.  A relatively simple project, you might think – but although he has now nudged past 319 successful photo searches, we’ve learned that it isn’t. 

One of the soldiers whose photo search he undertook was that of Thomas ‘Tom’ Alfred BROWN of Altario, Alberta.  Born October 20, 1924, Thomas was the son of George Stuart and Alice Brown. (You can read Tom’s story here: https://www.facestograves.nl/LifeStories/BROWN%20Thomas%20Alfred-JLE-bio-EN.pdf )

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

Thomas Alfred Brown Find a Grave

Grave of Thomas Alfred Brown at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

While serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Tom lost his life on February 17, 1945 during the Battle of Moyland Wood in Germany. He was 20 years old. (See https://legionmagazine.com/clearing-moyland-wood/) 

Norman Victor Holgate BUCHANAN, whose photo search story was told last year, had lost his life one day earlier in the same battle, while also serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/11/08/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-monument-in-st-claude-led-to-a-photo-of-a-wwii-soldier/)

….The search for a photo of Tom began with a Letter To The Editor….

When no family could be readily found, Pieter submitted a Letter To The Editor in a newspaper covering the Altario area – the East Central Alberta Review – and his letter was published on April 27, 2023.

Letter to Editor ECA Review

The very same day that the newspaper was published, we received an email from Eleanor Kreiser, with an attached document, explaining that “…. I saw your request in the paper. This is the Brown info in the Pioneer Heritage history book. Book 2, 1981. My husband used to live in Altario. My husband’s mother and six siblings were also born in Altario….”

Brown brothers, Altario 2 corrected by Pieter

Tom Brown with his sister Mary.  (Photo source: Pioneer Heritage Book 2. Pioneer Heritage of Altario, Compeer, Kirriemuir and Burnbrae, Published by Wheatsheaf Women’s Institute, 1981)

The book excerpt included a photo of Tom and his sister Mary, along with a short writeup contributed by Mrs L. H. Walker.  “….Thomas Alfred Brown was born in Altario on November 20, 1924.  He took all of his schooling in Altario. After leaving school he worked for Bob Kewley and for Bert Caldwell.  Tom was a great lover of horses. One of the things I remember about him the most was his coming home at night on his horse, singing one of Wilf Carter’s songs….”

The excerpt ended with a bit of family history.  “….Tom’s father died when Tom was still very young, and his step-father, Lester Walker, passed away in August of 1975.  Thomas has one sister, Mrs. Alice Mary Robbins (nee Brown) of Flatbush, and a half-sister, Mrs. Marion Stewart (nee Walker) of Ohaton….”

…. Tom’s family provided photos and information….

Pieter was next in contact with June Beier, whose mother was Tom’s sister Mary, and with Ken Stewart, whose grandmother was Tom’s mother.  Both provided more information and photos.

IMG-3254 Photo of Tom Brown from Ken Stewart

Thomas Alfred Brown.  (Photo credit: Courtesy of the Family of Thomas Alfred Brown)

…. Tom’s last letter was written two days before his death….

With the help of her granddaughter, Shaylyn Beier, June shared the last letter received from Tom, written on February 15, 1945, two days before he lost his life, and which arrived after his death.

Feb 15 1945 letter from Tom Brown ENVELOPE

Envelope poignantly marked as ‘Tom’s last letter’.  (Letter courtesy of the Family of Thomas Alfred Brown)

In the February 15, 1945 letter to his mother, Tom noted that he was in ‘D’ Company of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.  “…I guess it is about time I wrote to you. I have been pretty busy in the last few days and so I did not get time to do any writing at all….”  Left unsaid was that Tom and his Regiment had been heavily involved in Operation Veritable in Germany, part of a pincer movement to cut into Germany in order for Allied troops to advance towards Berlin. The Regiment had just moved into Kleve, Germany.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable)

Tom wrote that he had sent some money home in previous letters, and after asking about his mother’s health, assured her that he is “…nothing but the best and aim to stay that way…”  He explained that he had received a parcel from his aunt and advised that “…all I mostly need is writing paper and envelopes…” 

Sadly, Tom lost his life two days later, and was temporarily buried around Calcar, Germany before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands a year later.

A March 8, 1945 letter to Tom’s mother was written by Major Latimer Hugh DENISON, his commanding officer. “…Corporal Brown’s presence is missed by the entire company.  He was a fine and gallant soldier and you may well be proud of him, as we are, for the man’s part he has played in helping to win this war….”

He went on to write “…please rest assured that you are not alone in your hour of trial – gallant comrades once known are never forgotten…” Major Denison lost his own life on March 30, 1945, during the battle for Emmerich, at the age of 24, and is also buried in Groesbeek.

…. A September 1947 letter left us with an unsolved mystery…

image_6487327(1) man at Tom Browns original gravestone in Groesbeek

Man believed to be H. P. J. van Loon at Tom Brown’s original grave in Groesbeek. (Photo courtesy of the Family of Thomas Alfred Brown)

We thought this would be the end of Tom’s story, but there was another mystery, which up to now we have been unable to solve.  June shared another letter, written in September 1947 by an unidentified relative still in the Army, who signed his letter as Tom. He wrote that he had visited Tom Brown’s grave in Groesbeek.  Tom’s letter was written on the stationery of a schoolteacher (onderwijzer) from Groesbeek, H. P. J. van Loon, and he explained that Mr. Van Loon had taken photos of graves at the cemetery.

Ken Stewart had a photo of a man beside Tom Brown’s grave, and as the man was in a suit, not in a military uniform, it’s believed this is Mr. Van Loon.  When we asked Ken if he knew anything more, he said that “….My grandmother said Thomas stayed with a Dutch family in Holland when he had time off and was planning to marry one of the daughters when the war was over. So this may be the father of that family.  I do not know for sure…”

We sent the letter and photo to friends who live in Groesbeek, in the hope that they might be able to find out more, but up to now, they too have been stymied.  If you recognize the man in the 1947 picture by Tom Brown’s grave, please let us know. 

June and Edward Beier

June Beier with her husband Edward. (Photo credit: Courtesy of June Beier)

Thank you to Joyce Webster, Publisher of ECA Review, for publishing Pieter’s Letter to the Editor, and to the family of Thomas Brown for sending photos and information – June Beier, Shaylyn Beier, and Ken Stewart. Thank you to Eleanor Kreiser for sending the Brown family information from the Pioneer Heritage book.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sydney Guy Mosher from John Gosling

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

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

…. Sydney enlisted in the fall of 1943….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

mosher find a grave

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

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

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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