On The War Memorial Trail….. 1 WWII Soldier 2 Families 3 Countries

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June 18, 2023.  Edwin van der Wolf, a volunteer researcher at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands, has a special research interest in the Canadian Scottish Regiment. (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/new-website-on-canadian-scottish-regiment-during-ww2/)

Edwin noted that he is “…also involved in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium, where 38 fallen / killed soldiers of the Canadian Scottish Regiment are buried…”   In 2021 Edwin and his son Breyton adopted two of these graves.  (See Adopting A Grave In Adegem: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/08/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-adopting-a-grave-in-adegem/ )

…The grave of a Canadian Scottish Regiment soldier buried in Adegem was adopted by Breyten van der Wolf…

“…My youngest son, Breyten van der Wolf, who is 28, adopted the grave of Cpl Joseph H. Pallister of the Canadian Scottish Regiment …” 

Adoptie Certifikaat J.H. Pallister, 11-5-019

The adoption certificate issued to Breyten van der Wolf.  (Photo courtesy Edwin van der Wolf)

When we see photos and stories about Dutch people at the war cemeteries, what is featured are usually children from schools, older people who remembered the war from their childhood, or people whose parents were alive during the war and talked about it. 

Breyten van der Wolf

Breyten van der Wolf (Photo courtesy of B. van der Wolf)

It’s not often that you see young adults actively involved, so I asked Breyten about that.  “…I remember the stories from the war told by my grandma and they were very interesting...” he explained.  “…So, I think it’s just a perception…”

I then asked Breyten how he came to adopt the grave of Joseph Pallister.  “….The choice of which graves to adopt was decided by my father, and he decided to get this one because Joseph Pallister was a member of the Canadian Scottish Regiment....”

I asked Breyten if he had any more thoughts, and was not surprised when he replied that “…I think my father has done a lot of good work for this cause!…”  Indeed he has.

…Who was Joseph Hudson Pallister?…

Joe Pallister 1 from Thomas Mouser

Joseph Hudson Pallister.  (Photo courtesy of the Pallister Family)

Edwin explained that when the grave was adopted, he had not been in contact with any family members.  However, he did some basic research into the life and service of Joseph Hudson PALLISTER.

“…Joseph was born on September 25, 1923 in Calgary, Alberta, the son of Guy and Evelyn M. Pallister, of Turner Valley, Alberta. His brothers were: Thomas, Fred, John, Bernard, Henry, Stanley, Albert, Reginald, and Allan. And his sisters were Beatrice, Daisy, and Norah…..”

From Joseph’s military service file, Edwin learned that “… his profession was a pipe fitter in the oil industry and he was a member of the Church of England. His hobbies were playing baseball and light reading….”

Joseph “...enlisted on January 11, 1943 in Calgary…” and was sent to the United Kingdom that August.  He was transferred to the “….Canadian Scottish Regiment on October 10, 1943….”  With the Regiment he was “…in the first wave of the landing on D-Day….” on June 6, 1944.

… Joseph lost his life during the Battle of the Leopold Canal…

Joseph was in C Company when he was “…killed in action on Friday, October 6, 1944 during the Battle of the Leopold Canal in Belgium. He was temporarily buried in Maldegem before being reburied on July 17, 1945 in Adegem...”  He was 21 years old.  (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/leopoldcanal.htm)

PENTAX Image

Grave of Joseph Hudson Pallister. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

 … Joseph’s great-nephew got in contact …

After the 2021 posting about the grave adoption in Adegem was published, we received an email from Thomas Mouser, the great-nephew of Joseph Pallister.

Thomas wrote that “… J.H. Pallister is my great uncle and I have begun to conduct some research on his time in the military as well as his circumstances of death. …I was also hoping for a chance to potentially get in touch with Breyten van der Wolf, as I would like to express my sincere gratitude for him taking care of my uncle’s grave….” 

IMG_20220427_145542_841 Thomas Mouser

Thomas Mouser.  (Photo courtesy of the Pallister Family)

This led to Thomas and Edwin being in contact over the past months.  “…I am incredibly grateful and moved by the remembrance and acknowledgment shown by the people of Western Europe towards the sacrifices made by Canadians during World War II….”  Thomas wrote.  “… The recognition of the tremendous efforts and bravery displayed by Canadian soldiers in liberating Europe from tyranny is truly heartening. It is a testament to the enduring bond between nations and a reminder of the profound impact that collective sacrifices can have in shaping history…..”

Thomas explained that Joseph was one of four brothers that served during WWII.  Joseph’s three brothers all survived the war.  John Francis PALLISTER was in the Canadian Artillery, Thomas Richard PALLISTER and Fredrick James PALLISTER were in the Canadian Signal Corps.  

IMG_2186 4 Pallister brothers from Thomas Mouser

Four Pallister brothers served in WWII.  (Photo courtesy of the Pallister Family)

“…The gratitude expressed by Western Europeans is a testament to their deep understanding of the sacrifices made by Canadians, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation that transcends time and borders….” Thomas expressed what so many families of soldiers buried overseas feel.

The grave adoption by the Van der Wolf family resonated deeply.  “…This remembrance serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honouring the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom, ensuring that their legacy lives on for future generations. Just as Joseph has now become a part of Edwin’s family, Edwin’s family has become a part of ours. We all feel so blessed to have such incredible people taking care of one of our lost family members, so thank you to everyone stewarding Canadian war graves… your effort will never go unnoticed….” 

While the Commonwealth War Graves Commission ensures that all of the war graves are cared for and the war cemeteries beautifully landscaped, it’s something special to know that a particular family or person visits a grave so far from Canadian soil.  “…All of Joseph’s nieces and nephews are incredibly excited that there are people taking care of his grave….”

Thank you to Breyton and Edwin van der Wolf for remembering members of the Canadian Scottish Regiment in WWII, and to Thomas Mouser, great-nephew of Joseph Hudson Pallister, for sharing photos and heartfelt comments.

One WWII soldier’s death impacted two families – one Canadian, one Dutch – across three countries – Canada, Belgium, and The Netherlands.  His sacrifice will never be forgotten. 

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

© Daria Valkenburg

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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 WWI Signaller From Covehead Killed During The Battle Of Vimy Ridge

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CIMG8269 Sep 5 2017 Pieter at entrance to Vimy Memorial Park

Pieter at the entrance to Vimy Ridge National Historic Site in France. We brought along a copy of the County Line Courier newspaper that publishes many of the stories about Island soldiers. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

June 14, 2023.  After visiting the Vimy National Memorial in France and having researched several soldiers who fought during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, we have an ongoing interest in learning more about those who fought in that battle on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917.

20230530_102553 Pieter and Connie

Pieter with Connie Paynter. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…Two brothers from Covehead enlisted …

Therefore, when Connie Paynter of Summerside contacted us about a 20 year old relative who was killed in action at Vimy, we wanted to meet her. “…My grandfather and my great-uncle, who lived in Covehead, both served in WWI.  Only my grandfather, Lawrence Ivy Marshall, returned home…” she said.

Connie’s great-uncle, Merrill Augustus MARSHALL, was born on July 4, 1896 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the son of James Lawrence and Hattie Lillian (nee Carr) Marshall. 

When he enlisted with the 55th Battalion on May 1, 1915 in Charlottetown, he noted that he had served in the 82nd Regiment militia for a year, with the rank of Sergeant.  Before enlisting, he had worked on his father’s farm. 

20230530_100452 Merill Marshall from Connie

Merrill Augustus Marshall while serving with the 82nd Regiment, Canadian Militia.  (Photo courtesy of Connie Birt Paynter)

While he was in the 82nd Regiment Militia, Merrill was sent to Valcartier, Quebec, where his brother Lawrence was also stationed.   In an August 22, 1914 letter that Lawrence wrote to his mother from Valcartier, he noted that “…Merrill has the job of orderly so far.  He will do alright if he keeps that job all the time…”

…Merrill was too young for active service …

However, as Merrill was underage for active service, he was soon on his way back home.  In a September 9, 1914 letter from Merrill to his mother, written from 12 Battalion, 3 Brigade, Valcartier, Quebec:  “…I will be home whenever we get the pay that is coming to us here. It will be 15 dollars.  We got seven dollars and 40 cents that was coming to us from town.  I am sending you 5 dollars this time.  I won’t be here very much longer now.  Our names are in for us to go home whenever we get our money given to us…”

…Merrill soon re-enlisted! …

A few months later, he re-enlisted and arrived at Camp Sussex, New Brunswick on May 10, 1915.  After completing basic training he left Canada with the 55th Battalion on October 30 1915, aboard the RMS Corsican, which sailed from Montreal, Quebec. (See http://the-weatherings.co.uk/pccship0063.htm)

Merrill arrived at Devonport, England on November 9, 1915, and was sent to Bramshott Camp in Hants.

His brother Lawrence was also in England.  In a November 29, 1915 letter to his mother, written from Bramshott Camp, Lephook Hants, 55th Battalion, No 10 Company, UK, Merrill assured her that  “…I am well and having a good time… The drill isn’t half as hard as it was in Canada.  We have good food and a good hut to stay in …. Don’t have to sleep in tents and suffer with the cold.  Now we have a stove and lots of coal to burn so we are happy.  I am getting a pass to Leicester to see Lawrence day after tomorrow….”

…Merrill trained to be a Signaller …

On April 8, 1916, Merrill was transferred from the 55th Battalion to the Canadian Signals Base with the 39th Reserve Battalion in West Sandling in the United Kingdom, where he trained to be a Signaller.  He would have encountered fellow Islander, John ‘Lymon’ WOOD of North Tryon, who arrived there on April 16, 1916 for the same training as a Signaller.

Signallers were responsible for military communications, providing commanders with information on where troops were, what they were doing, and whether supplies were sufficient. Communication was done using message-carrying pigeons, flags, and human runners. Some messages could be sent using Morse code or signalling lamps.  Signalling lamps were portable and aimed a focused beam of light at a receiving signaller. Light could be transmitted over long distances much faster and more safely than a runner exposed to enemy fire.

Merrill was transferred to the 6th Reserve Battalion in Shorncliffe on January 4, 1917.  His brother Lawrence, who had been in the French trenches and was back in England, showed concern in a January 29, 1917 letter to his father, written from Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Staff Hut A1, Wood Cote Park, Epsom, Surrey, England: “…Had a letter from Merrill yesterday. He is in Shorncliffe and having a good time of it.  I hope that it will only last the rest of the war and hope and pray that he never sees the trenches, because you have a pretty slim chance of getting back alive out there, and by the talk of things there is going to be harder fighting out there this spring than there has  been.  They are putting every man that’s fit out there this spring and try to make one big drive for the last time, but I don’t think that there is much use of doing it. Germany ain’t beat yet nor won’t be for a while…”

…Merrill was sent to France in advance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge …

Lawrence was right to be worried, as on February 7, 1917, Merrill was transferred to the 21st Battalion in East Sandling.  The following day, he arrived at the Canadian Base Depot at Rouelles Camp in Le Havre, France.  A few days later he joined his unit, and on February 15, 1917 he was on the front line, as a Signaller, with the 21st Battalion in Thelus, near Vimy Ridge.

In a February 11, 1917 letter to his father, written from Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Staff Hut A1, Wood Cote Park, Epsom, Surrey, England, Lawrence asked “…Have you heard from Merrill since he went to France?  I have been expecting a letter from him the last week, but did not receive any.  He will find quite a difference over there to what he had in England, but still he will get a good job as he is a signaller.  He may never have to go into the trenches at all….”

Then, in an April 16, 1917 letter from Lawrence to his mother, written from Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Staff Hut A1, Wood Cote Park, Epsom, Surrey, England he wrote that “…I had a letter from Merrill. He was fine when he wrote.  He said that it wasn’t too bad out there yet.  I only hope that he will come through it all safe and sound….” 

…Merrill lost his life during the Battle of Vimy Ridge …

Unfortunately, by the time Lawrence wrote his letter, Merrill was dead.  He had lost his life on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, killed during the advance on the Ridge.

Merrill was buried near where he fell.  His grave location was registered as being in ‘Thelus, near Neuville, St. Vaast, 4 ½ miles North North-East of Arras, France’.

… Merrill’s grave couldn’t be found …

However, years later, when what we know today as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission went to move the trench burials into cemeteries, his remains could not be located.  Continuous artillery fire over the next year and a half remaining in the war likely destroyed his grave and many others.

This happened to fellow Islander George Albert CAMPBELL, who was killed during the Battle of Mount Sorrel in Belgium, and buried in Maple Copse Cemetery, east of Zillebeke.  By the time the war ended, the cemetery had been destroyed and out of 256 named burials, only  26 could still be identified.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/12/08/two-campbell-brothers-in-ww1/)

Once it was determined that Merrill’s remains could not be found, his name was commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

Merrill is also remembered on his parents’ grave at St. James United Presbyterian Cemetery in Covehead, Prince Edward Island.

1571637_6 Memorial St James United Church PEI

Grave of Merrill Augustus Marshall’s parents at St. James United Presbyterian Cemetery in Covehead.  (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

Thank you to Connie Paynter for providing a photo of Merrill, and sharing the letters written by her great-uncle and grandfather. 

If you have a story to tell, email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

© Daria Valkenburg

… Previous postings about soldiers who fought during the Battle of Vimy Ridge and our visit to the Vimy National Memorial….

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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…..Feedback To The 2023 Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Postings

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June 10, 2023… We had quite a reaction to The Faces of Groesbeek Exhibition series of postings.  Pieter suggested doing a special posting of the feedback as it’s with the help of the families that provide photos of the soldiers, and the many volunteers, that a project like the one in Groesbeek is possible.

Kent Caldwell, who provided photos of Hiram Albion LORD and Frank LIBBY:

“…This is a wonderful tribute that is being done for these men. Kudos to you and Daria and also the good people at Groesbeek….”

Carrie Hogan, Branch Manager of the Royal Canadian Legion Hants County Branch No 9 in Windsor, Nova Scotia, who provided a photo of Marven Glenroy HARVEY:

“…What a great program you are a part of.  You are truly wonderful people!…”

Autumn Watson, whose family provided a photo of George TAYLOR:

“… Mom was so happy to see that George is not forgotten. What an honour and powerful impact to see faces upon the Graves. You and so many others have dedicated so much time. We are forever grateful for the respect and love you all share. All our best to you and your family…”

Brian Power, whose family provided a photo of Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph POWER:

“… Now that is one very well researched and documented itinerary of our uncle’s years in the war. Information we never knew about. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for all your efforts and sending this to us. It’s been well received by all of Wilfred’s many nephews and nieces…”

Judy Sexton, whose family provided a photo of Louis Allan SEXTON:

“… Thank you so much for this. I was visiting my 94-year-old mother this afternoon and we were very happy to read this together and have her share her memories- Louis was Daddy’s brother and Mom knew him. God bless…”

Jacqueline Inder-McGinnis, who provided a photo of Benjamin WITHERALL:

“…Thank you very much Daria.  My mother will be so pleased. As well as the rest of Benjamin’s extended family….”

Wilmot Tompkins, who provided a photo of Elbridge Wellington MILLER:

“…Thank you so much for doing this for the soldiers in Groesbeek. It is very much appreciated by my family and I am sure by all the other families as well. Again thank you…”

Lauri Romaniuk, niece of Edmond COULOMBE:

“…Thank you so much for keeping me updated and for all of your research and information about Ed Coulombe! I will share this with my family…”

Anthony (Tony) Repa, nephew of Anthony PETTA:

“…Thank you very much for forwarding the photo of my uncle as it appears at Groesbeek along with the other information. All of the people who worked to produce this respectful presentation should be very proud…”

Thank you to everyone who took the time to send in a comment about The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition series for 2023, and gave permission for it to be included in this posting.  Kudos to all the many volunteers in The Netherlands who worked to make this Exhibition a success, and to the many families and researchers that participated by providing photos.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Letter to the Editor re Desroches

…A photo of Arthur Desroches is found…

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

CIMG6230 Anthony and Angeline Arsenault

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

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

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

CIMG6234 Joseph Arthur Desroches

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

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

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

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

CIMG6236 May 16 2023 Pieter with Louis and Janet Arsenault

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

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

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

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

Names still without faces from WWI

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

Names still without faces from WWII

  • Ernest Ramey GALLANT, born in Borden

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Part 6: A Few More Soldiers

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CIMG8928 Sep 15 2017 Daria at Groesbeek cemetery

Daria at entrance to Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, with flowers to place at the grave of Frank Edward McGovern. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

May 27, 2023. After a successful exhibition where photos were placed at more than 1,600 graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek for three weeks in 2021 to commemorate the Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which oversees the cemetery, gave permission for photos to be placed by the graves every two years. 

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

This year, The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition ran from April 30 to May 21, 2023, with almost 2,000 photos, just over 350 more than 2 years ago!  All photos submitted by families and volunteer researchers were printed onto an aluminum backing, making them impervious to rain, and reusable.

The many volunteers from Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, of which Alice van Bekkum is the Chair, worked tirelessly to make the exhibition possible.  They also organized the Liberation Day commemoration events. 

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

…Six More Soldiers Commemorated…

In Part 1, graves and photos of soldiers from Prince Edward Island were featured.  Part 2 featured Indigenous soldiers.  Part 3 featured soldiers from Nova Scotia, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021.  Part 4 featured soldiers from New Brunswick, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021. Part 5 featured soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment whose stories were told in the Battle of Bienen series.

The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition series concludes with Part 6, where the graves and photos of six more soldiers are featured.

IMG_8965 Edmond Coulombe from Alice

Edmond Coulombe. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Edmond COULOMBE, of Fannystelle, Manitoba, was serving with the Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, along with Alphonse ROBERT, when he was killed on March 30, 1945 during an attack on Gendringen, The Netherlands, near the German border, at the age of 22. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/24/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-successful-search-for-a-photo-of-ww2-soldier-edmond-coulombe/

IMG_7652 May 16 2023 John Delipper from Ad

John Delipper. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

JOHN DELIPPER of Russell, Manitoba was serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.  Along with Tom CHASKE and James Edward DUFFY, he was part of a crew of soldiers being transported to repair a road in The Netherlands, but drowned on December 12, 1944, along with six other soldiers, when the vehicle they were in slipped off a dike and flipped over into a flooded field, pinning them under the vehicle. He was 37 years old. We were in contact with his grandson, Dwayne Delipper, during the search for a photo of Tom Chaske.

IMG_8923 JE Duffy from Alice

James Edward Duffy. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

James Edward DUFFY of Parrsboro, Nova Scotia was serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.  Along with Tom CHASKE and John DELIPPER, he was part of a crew of soldiers being transported to repair a road in The Netherlands, but drowned on December 12, 1944, along with six other soldiers, when the vehicle they were in slipped off a dike and flipped over into a flooded field, pinning them under the vehicle. He was 23 years old.  His name was on the cemetery’s photo wish list, and was sent to Pieter a few months ago by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 45 in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.

IMG_7579 Cecil Goodreau from Ad

Cecil Edward Goodreau. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Cecil Edward GOODREAU of North Bay, Ontario, was serving with the 25th Armoured Delivery Regiment (Elgin Regiment) when he was killed in action during the Battle of Keppeln in Germany on February 26, 1945, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/06/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-in-north-bay-remembering-ww2-soldier-cecil-edward-goodreau/

IMG_7656 May 16 2023 Frank McGovern from Ad

Frank Edward McGovern. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Frank Edward MCGOVERN of Chipman, New Brunswick, was serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment when he was killed in action during the Battle of Keppeln in Germany on February 26, 1945, at the age of 19. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/12/09/the-search-for-a-photo-of-frank-edward-mcgovern-moves-to-youtube/

IMG_8951 Anthony Petta from Alice

Anthony Petta. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Anthony PETTA of North Bay, Ontario, was serving with the Algonquin Regiment when he was killed in action during the Battle of the Hochwald Gap in Germany on March 3, 1945, at the age of 29. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/06/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-in-north-bay-the-ww2-soldier-who-was-appointed-company-sergeant-major/

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum and Ad Scheepers for their kindness in taking these photos. A big thank you goes to all of the families who provided photos, making a project like the one in Groesbeek possible.

This concludes The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition series for 2023. In 2021, we featured 8 soldiers, and this year 36 soldiers were featured – 44 in total. Perhaps we will have more photos to share in 2025!

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

© Daria Valkenburg

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

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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 Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Part 5: Soldiers Who Lost Their Lives In Bienen

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment
IMG_7596 May 4 2023 RCMP Musical Ride in Groesbeek Ad with 2 mounties

Ad Scheepers with two members of the RCMP Musical Ride in Groesbeek on May 4, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Ad and Noor Scheepers)

May 25, 2023. After a successful exhibition where photos were placed at more than 1,600 graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek for three weeks in 2021 to commemorate the Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which oversees the cemetery, gave permission for photos to be placed by the graves every two years.

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

This year, The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition ran from April 30 to May 21, 2023, with almost 2,000 photos, just over 350 more than 2 years ago!  All photos submitted by families and volunteer researchers were printed onto an aluminum backing, making them impervious to rain, and reusable.

The many volunteers from Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, of which Alice van Bekkum is the Chair, worked tirelessly to make the exhibition possible.  They also organized the Liberation Day commemoration events.

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

This spring we did a 12 part series on soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who lost their lives during the Battle of Bienen in Germany on March 25, 1945, and are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek.

…8 Soldiers Who Lost Their Lives In Bienen Commemorated…

In Part 1, graves and photos of soldiers from Prince Edward Island were featured.  Part 2 featured Indigenous soldiers.  Part 3 featured soldiers from Nova Scotia, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021.  Part 4 featured soldiers from New Brunswick, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021.

In Part 5, eight soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment whose stories were told in the Battle of Bienen series are featured.  Part 1 of The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition series featured Ralph Schurman BOULTER and Edison Alexander SMITH, while Harry William DOUCETTE was featured in Part 3.

IMG_7565 Clifford Bateman from Ad

Clifford Bateman. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Clifford BATEMAN, of La Poile, Newfoundland, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/16/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-4-the-wwii-soldier-from-a-small-fishing-village-in-newfoundland-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/

IMG_8944 John Bohon from Alice

John Joseph Bohon. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

John Joseph BOHON, of Toronto, Ontario, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-5-the-wwii-soldier-whose-parents-immigrated-to-save-their-family-from-war/

IMG_8946 Charles Marshall Carson from Alice

Charles ‘Marshall’ Carson. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Charles ‘Marshall’ CARSON, of Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 23. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-3-the-wwii-soldier-from-cape-tormentine-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/

IMG_8963 Marven Harvey from Alice

Marven Glenroy Harvey. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Marven Glenroy HARVEY, of North Noel Road, Nova Scotia, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 19. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/26/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-8-the-wwii-soldier-with-7-brothers-who-also-served/

IMG_8959 Kitchener Langille from Alice

Kitchener ‘Kitty’ Langille. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE, of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 28. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/21/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-6-the-wwii-soldier-from-new-glasgow-nicknamed-kitty/

IMG_7560 Marvin McGregor from Ad

Marvin William McGregor. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Marvin William MCGREGOR, of West Jeddore, Nova Scotia, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/04/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-9-the-wwii-soldier-from-west-jeddore-killed-in-germany/

POWER Wilfred Joseph - XVII H 02 from Faces To Graves Groesbeek

Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph Power. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph POWER, of Rosetown, Saskatchewan and later New Westminster, British Columbia, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/04/10/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-10-the-wwii-soldier-who-wanted-to-be-a-paratrooper/

IMG_7573 Louis Sexton from Ad

Louis Allan Sexton. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Louis Allan SEXTON, of Maria East, Quebec, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 22. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-7-the-wwii-soldier-from-quebec-who-has-never-been-forgotten-by-his-family/

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum and Ad Scheepers for sending these photos. The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition series concludes in Part 6, where the graves and photos of more soldiers whose stories we’ve told will be featured.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

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

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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 Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Part 4: Atlantic Canada Remembers Soldiers From New Brunswick

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CIMG90~1

Finding graves of soldiers and placing flags at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands in 2017. Left to right: Noor Scheepers, Pieter, Ad Scheepers. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

May 22, 2023. After a successful exhibition where photos were placed at more than 1,600 graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek for three weeks in 2021 to commemorate the Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which oversees the cemetery, gave permission for photos to be placed by the graves every two years. 

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

This year, The Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition ran from April 30 to May 21, 2023, with almost 2,000 photos, just over 350 more than 2 years ago!  All photos submitted by families and volunteer researchers were printed onto an aluminum backing, making them impervious to rain, and reusable.

The many volunteers from Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, of which Alice van Bekkum is the Chair, worked tirelessly to make the exhibition possible.  They also organized the Liberation Day commemoration events. 

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

In 2021, following an interview on CTV Atlantic’s Live At 5 about the search for photos of WWII soldiers buried in The Netherlands, the response led to an 11 part series on the blog called Atlantic Canada Remembers.  (See https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/dutch-canadian-man-on-a-mission-to-tell-stories-of-lost-soldiers-1.5266404)

…6 Soldiers From New Brunswick Commemorated…

In Part 1, graves and photos of soldiers from Prince Edward Island were featured.  Part 2 featured Indigenous soldiers.  Part 3 featured soldiers from Nova Scotia, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021.  In Part 4, soldiers from New Brunswick, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021, are featured.

LANTEIGNE Gillis - VIII E 12 from Alice

Gilles Lanteigne. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Gilles LANTEIGNE, of Caraquet, New Brunswick, was serving with Le Regiment de Maisonneuve in Germany, when he died of severe wounds on March 9, 1945, just a few weeks before his 21st birthday. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/07/11/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-10/

LIBBY Francies Lewis - I C 08 from Alice

Francis ‘Frank’ Lewis Libby. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Francis ‘Frank’ Lewis LIBBY, of Milltown, New Brunswick, was serving with the Calgary Highlanders when he was killed along the Dutch-German border on January 5, 1945, at the age of 26. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-7/

IMG_7552 Hiram Lord from Ad

Hiram Albion Lord. (Photo credit: Ad Scheepers)

Hiram Albion LORD, of Lords Cove, Deer Island, New Brunswick, was serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment when he lost his life on January 8, 1945 near Nijmegen, The Netherlands, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-7/

IMG_7549 Elbridge Miller from Ad

Elbridge Wellington Miller. (Photo credit: Ad Scheepers)

Elbridge Wellington MILLER, of Deerville, New Brunswick, was serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment when he was killed on February 26, 1945 during the Battle of Keppeln in Germany, at the age of 33. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/04/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-9/

ROBERT Alphonse - XIX B 02 from Alice

Alphonse Robert. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Alphonse ROBERT, of Caraquet, New Brunswick, was serving with the Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal when he was killed on March 30, 1945 during an attack on Gendringen, The Netherlands, near the German border, at the age of 21. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/04/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-9/ and https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/10/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-an-update-on-the-story-of-ww2-soldier-alphonse-robert/

STEWART William Francis - II A 11 from Alice

William Francis Stewart. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

William Francis STEWART, of Claire Fontaine, New Brunswick, was serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment when he lost his life in an accident Amersfoort, The Netherlands on July 8, 1945. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-1/

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum and Ad Scheepers for sending these photos. In Part 5, graves and photos of soldiers killed in Bienen will be featured.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

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

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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 Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Part 3: Atlantic Canada Remembers Soldiers From Nova Scotia

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment
CIMG9024 Sep 16 2017 Groesbeek Cemetery Pieter and Daria by A Gaudet grave

Pieter and Daria at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands in 2017. (Photo credit: Ad Scheepers)

May 20, 2023.  In 2021, to commemorate the Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands, photos were placed at more than 1,600 graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek for three weeks.  The event was so successful that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which oversees the cemetery, gave permission for photos to be placed by the graves every two years.

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

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

The many volunteers from Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, of which Alice van Bekkum is the Chair, worked tirelessly to make this exhibition possible.  They also organized the Liberation Day commemoration events.

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

In 2021, following an interview on CTV Atlantic’s Live At 5 about the search for photos of WW2 soldiers buried in The Netherlands, the response led to an 11 part series on the blog called Atlantic Canada Remembers.  (See https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/dutch-canadian-man-on-a-mission-to-tell-stories-of-lost-soldiers-1.5266404)

…8 Soldiers From Nova Scotia Commemorated…

In Part 1, graves and photos of soldiers from Prince Edward Island were featured.  Part 2 featured Indigenous soldiers.  Now, in Part 3, eight soldiers from Nova Scotia, whose stories were told in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series from 2021, are featured.

COOLEN Gerald Burnell - X E 13 from Alice

Gerald Burnell Coolen. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Gerald Burnell COOLEN, of Western Head, Nova Scotia, was serving with the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada when he was killed in Germany during the Battle of the Hochwald Gap on February 27, 1945, at the age of 21. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/11/28/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-11/

CROMWELL Percy Clayton - XVI E 12 from Alice

Percy Clayton Cromwell. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Percy Clayton CROMWELL, of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, was serving with the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers when he drowned in The Netherlands on February 8, 1945, 4 days before his 32nd birthday. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-7/

DOUCETTE Harry William - XVII H 03 from Alice

Harry William Doucette. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Harry William DOUCETTE, of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, was serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders when he was killed on March 25, 1945, during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, at the age of 19. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-6/

SONY DSC

Arnold Freeman Hupman. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

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

IMG_8956 Robert Nickerson from Alice

Robert Alan Nickerson. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Robert Alan NICKERSON, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was serving with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion when he was killed on March 24, 1945 on his first jump from a plane over the Rhineland Forest in Germany, at the age of 23. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-2/

PORTER Burgess Allison - X F 10 from Alice

Burgess Allison Porter. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Burgess Allison PORTER, of Grafton, Nova Scotia, was serving with the 4th Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery when he was killed on February 21, 1945 in Germany, at the age of 22. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/03/16/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-8/

SPRAY Stanley - I A 12 from Alice

Stanley Spray. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Stanley SPRAY, of Digby, Nova Scotia, was serving with the Royal Canadian Artillery when he lost his life in a tragic vehicle accident near Nijmegen, The Netherlands on July 23, 1945, at the age of 32. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-7/

WITHERALL Benjamin James - II D 01 from Alice

Benjamin James Witherall. (Photo courtesy of Faces To Graves Groesbeek)

Benjamin James WITHERALL, of North Sydney, Nova Scotia, was serving with the Highland Light Infantry of Canada when he killed on the front line on a ridge between Nijmegen and Arnhem on December 27, 1944, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-1/

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum and Ad Scheepers for sending these photos. In Part 4, the graves and photos of soldiers from New Brunswick whose families contacted us for the Atlantic Canada Remember series in 2021 will be featured.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

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

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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 Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition Part 2: Indigenous Soldiers

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment
CIMG9023 Sep 16 2017 Groesbeek Cemetery Ad & Noor Scheepers with Pieter by Gaudets grave

Ad and Noor Scheepers with Pieter at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands in 2017. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

May 18, 2023. In 2021, to commemorate the Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands, photos were placed at more than 1,600 graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek for three weeks.  The event was so successful that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which oversees the cemetery, gave permission for photos to be placed by the graves every two years. 

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

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

The many volunteers from Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, of which Alice van Bekkum is the Chair, worked tirelessly to make this exhibition possible.  They also organized the Liberation Day commemoration events. 

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

IMG_7618 May 6 2023 Cross of Remembrance at Groesbeek from Ad

The Cross of Remembrance at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

…4 Indigenous Soldiers Commemorated…

In Part 1, graves and photos of soldiers from Prince Edward Island were featured. In this posting, the graves and photos of four Indigenous soldiers are featured. 

IMG_7611 Tom Chaske from Ad

Tom Chaske. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

Tom CHASKE of the Long Plain First Nation in Manitoba served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.  On December 12, 1944, he was part of a crew of soldiers being transported to repair a road in The Netherlands.  Unfortunately, the vehicle they were in slipped off a dike and flipped over into a flooded field, pinning them under the vehicle. Tom and six other soldiers drowned that day.  He was 24 years old.

Tom’s name was on the cemetery’s photo wish list, so when Pieter was interviewed by Kevin Rollason of the Winnipeg Free Press, about his research in finding photos of soldiers from Manitoba who are buried in The Netherlands, Tom was one of the 12 names mentioned.  The article, ‘A name without a face’, ran online on November 4, 2022 and in the print edition on November 5, 2022.  You can read the article at https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/2022/11/04/a-name-without-a-face .

Up to now, a newspaper image from Tom’s obituary in the Winnipeg Free Press is all that has been received. 

IMG_8975 Maxwell King from Alice

Maxwell Warren King. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

Maxwell Warren KING, of Christian Island, Ontario, was serving with the Irish Regiment of Canada when he was killed in The Netherlands on April 16, 1945, at the age of 24. Maxwell was a member of what is now the Wasauksing First Nation (formerly Parry Island First Nation). His story will be told in a future blog posting.

IMG_8928 Jack Maracle from Alice

John ‘Jack’ Richard Maracle. (Photo courtesy of Alice van Bekkum)

John ‘Jack’ Richard MARACLE of Midland, Ontario, had deep Mohawk roots on his paternal side.  His paternal grandfather was born on the Tyendinaga Reserve in Ontario, and his paternal grandmother on the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve, also in Ontario. 

Jack was serving with the 6th Canadian Armoured Regiment when he was hit in the abdomen by a bullet from machine gun fire on March 5, 1945, during Operation Blockbuster in Germany, and died on March 12, 1945, at the age of 20. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/07/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-john-jack-richard-maracle/

IMG_7616 George Taylor from Ad

George Taylor. (Photo courtesy of Ad Scheepers)

George TAYLOR of the Curve Lake First Nations Reserve near Peterborough, Ontario, was serving with the Royal Canadian Artillery, 2 Medium Regiment when he accidentally died, aged 25, on June 17, 1945, due to asphyxia (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphyxia) in The Netherlands, while asleep in his army tent. His story will be told in an upcoming blog posting.

Thank you to Alice van Bekkum and Ad and Noor Scheepers for their kindness in taking these photos. Ad spoke for all of us when he sent his photos: “…May the pictures give comfort to the families….”

In Part 3, the graves and photos of soldiers from Nova Scotia whose families contacted us for the Atlantic Canada Remembers series in 2021 will be featured.

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

© Daria Valkenburg

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

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 4 Comments
CIMG6201 Apr 27 2023 Dutch flag by garage

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

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

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

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

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

CIMG8927 Sep 15 2017 Entrance to Groesbeek cemetery

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

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

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

…5 Islanders Commemorated…

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

BOULTER Ralph Schurman - XIX C 01(1)

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

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

IMG_8925 George Ivan MacKinnon

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

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

IMG_8941 Barney McGuigan

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

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

IMG_8935 John Clifford Rogers

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

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

SMITH Edison Alexander - V H 13

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

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

…The search for photos continues…

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

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

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

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

…Want to follow our research?…

Follow our blog

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

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

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.