On The War Memorial Trail….. Part 1: The WWII Letters Of Edison Reynolds Smith

December 7, 2023December 3, 2025 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

December 7, 2023. Whenever Pieter researches someone who has served in the military, we ask if there is any correspondence that the families might have. Sometimes a letter or postcard survives, which is wonderful.

In 2021, in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series, Angela Leighton submitted a photo of her uncle, Edison Reynolds SMITH, who was killed in action in The Netherlands on October 16, 1944, during the Battle of the Scheldt, while serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. He’s buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-1/)

Edison Reynolds Smith. (Photo courtesy of Angela Leighton)

After the article was posted, Angela wrote us with more information. “…Edison Reynolds Smith was born May 11, 1924 on Port Hood Island, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to parents Guy and Grace (nee Watts) Smith. After his parents passed, Edison and his siblings were taken in by their aunt and uncle, Elsie and Roland Myers, and lived in Cooks Cove, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia from 1929 until 1944….”

Edison’s sense of duty was strong, and he enrolled in the 2^nd (Reserve) Battalion of the Pictou Highlanders on August 24, 1942. “…Edison joined the Militia in August 1942 and worked as a lumberman for his uncle until he enrolled in the Canadian Army on August 30, 1943….” He enlisted at the No. 6 District Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Angela Leighton, whose mother Dorothy was the younger sister of Edison Reynolds Smith, kept the letters he wrote to family. (Photo submitted by Angela Leighton)

Angela then mentioned that she had letters that Edison had written during the time of his military service! The letters reveal an engaging man who had suffered much tragedy in his young life, but never lost his optimistic spirit, even when he encountered more loss. He was deeply interested in his family and friends, and kept up an active correspondence. As time went on, he yearned to be back in Nova Scotia, surrounded by those he loved.

This was confirmed by Angela, whose mother Dorothy (Dot) was Edison’s sister. “…His mother (my grandmother) died on January 11, 1928. Her husband (my grandfather) died January 30, 1929. …It is no wonder Edison had such a love of family after such tragedy in those years before and really wanted to come back home….”

Edison (left) with his sister Dorothy and younger brother Wesley in 1943. (Photo courtesy of Angela Leighton)

… Edison began his army training in September 1943…

After enlisting, Edison was sent to No. 60 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC) in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on September 17, 1943.

On November 19, 1943, he was sent to A14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) in Aldershot, Nova Scotia for further training. He received embarkation leave, from January 22 to February 4, 1944, the last chance he had to see his family.

After returning from leave, Edison remained in Aldershot until February 20, 1944, when he was transferred to the No.1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia for final training and preparation for overseas service.

In a March 15, 1944 letter to his sister Dorothy, written from No 2 Temporary Transit Camp in Debert, Edison related one of the experiences and mentioned a friend from back home: “…We just got back off of our three day scheme. We slept out in the woods two nights and we marched about 26 miles altogether. I didn’t mind it though. It was a change from sleeping in the barracks…I saw Victor Shea up here the other day, he just came here about three or four days ago….It was terrible cold here right after I came back off of my weekend. It was about 20 below zero one night. But it’s a lot warmer now. We moved today to a different part of the camp…”

An April 1, 1944 letter to Dorothy, also written from Debert, noted that: “…my eyes have been paining me a little lately….I went on sick parade, but they only gave me a few tablets.…”

… Edison left Canada for overseas service in April 1944…

Not mentioned in the letter was that Edison was on his way to the United Kingdom. On April 6, 1944 he left Canada, arriving in the United Kingdom on April 12, 1944, where he was assigned to No 4 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU).

Edison’s initial impression of England was positive, as he related in an April 14, 1944 letter to his sister Dorothy, written from No 4 CIRU: “…It’s lovely weather over here except it rains once in a while…I spent Easter in the middle of the Atlantic. It was a nice place to spend Easter, wasn’t it?….I had a good trip coming across but it was a little crowded….”

Not long afterwards, Edison was sent to No 10 Battalion, Canadian Base Reinforcement Group (CBRG), but was still in England. A poignant May 11, 1944 letter to his aunt, Elsie Myers, reflected that “…Today is my birthday. I hope I will be home my next birthday…”

… Edison loved getting mail from back home…

In a May 25, 1944 letter, written from No 10 Battalion CBRG in England, Edison answered his sister Dorothy’s query about Victor Shea. “…I got two letters today and both from you. There’s nothing cheers me up any more than getting letters…..I haven’t seen Vic for a while. He is not with me at all now. He was with me all the time coming across on the ship from Canada and he ate and slept right where I did all the way coming across…”

Victor SHEA had joined the Canadian Parachute Battalion in 1942. When more soldiers were needed for battle on the beaches of Normandy after D-Day, he transferred to infantry and was on the front lines, joining the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. He received France’s Croix de Guerre (Medal of Valour) for his bravery in the liberation of France.

Before ending his letter, Edison assured his sister that he appreciated a parcel she’d sent. “…Thank you so much for the box you sent me. We get lots to eat but it’s nice to have a change from army grub…”

Dorothy wasn’t the only one to inquire about Victor Shea and other soldiers from their area. In a May 25, 1944 letter to his cousin Abbie, daughter of his uncle Roland and aunt Elsie Myers, Edison explained that “…Vic Shea isn’t where I am at all now so there isn’t any one from home with me now….They are about the only ones anyways handy from home. But I know a lot of the boys here by now because I went through all my training in Canada with them….If they send me a box from home, tell them to send me a few apples because I never tasted a bit of fruit of any kind since I came over here…”

… Edison leaves for France and the D-Day invasion with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders…

On June 2, 1944, Edison was assigned to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, as they prepared to leave the United Kingdom for France as part of the 21^st Army Group.

The war diary for the North Nova Scotia Highlanders for June 3, 1944 noted that they “… embarked from G1 Hard, Stokes Bay…..” and were “…lying out in the Southampton waters just outside Netley…” while awaiting clearance to cross the English Channel.

There was a delay in leaving due to heavy winds on June 4, so it wasn’t until June 5, 1944 that the crossing began. “…At 1400 hours the flotilla moved out to the open sea and formed up with the other craft taking part in the invasion…” This, of course, was to be what we know as D-Day.

On June 6, 1944, the war diary recorded that “…by 1400 hours all our troops were ashore, but as the Eighth Canadian Infantry Brigade had not found the going as easy as expected, we were unable to get through the town and were unable to assemble at ‘ELDER’, near Beny-Sur-Mer, as planned, and the Commanding Officer decided to assemble in a field….”

D-Day was Edison’s first experience of fighting, but he survived.

… Tragedy strikes but Edison was not yet aware of another loss…

In early June, 1944, a telegram was sent to Edison’s brother, Wesley Smith in Cooks Cove, Nova Scotia, stating that Edison had been wounded on June 9, 1944, but remained on duty with his unit. A notice of his being wounded is also recorded in Edison’s service file. However, Edison later stated to his family that he was not wounded.

Edison (left) and Wesley Smith. (Photo courtesy of Angela Leighton)

What Edison didn’t know – and apparently neither did the military who sent the telegram – was that his younger brother Wesley, who was in the Reserves, had drowned on May 27, 1944. He was only 16 years old.

….Coming up in Part 2…

In Part 2, Edison sees active service in France, Belgium, and The Netherlands and learns about the loss of his younger brother.

Thank you to Angela Leighton for sharing photos and letters written by her uncle. Do you have information to share about Canadian soldiers, please email us at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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….. 1 WWII Soldier 2 Families 3 Countries

June 18, 2023December 3, 2025 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

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 (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?…

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)

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….”

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

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

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…..Honouring Two CanScots Buried In Adegem By Adopting Their Graves

January 17, 2023September 6, 2023 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

January 17, 2023. Edwin van der Wolf, a volunteer researcher at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands, has a particular area of interest into soldiers from the Canadian Scottish Regiment, and since 2020 has a website on the Regiment. (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/new-website-on-canadian-scottish-regiment-during-ww2/)

He informed us that 38 soldiers from the Canadian Scottish Regiment are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium. In 2021 the Van der Wolf family participated in a grave adoption program for two of these soldiers. “…If you adopt a grave at the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery you receive a certificate of this adoption during a yearly ceremony in May…” (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/08/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-adopting-a-grave-in-adegem/)

Edwin van der Wolf, far right, received grave adoption certificates from the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. (Photo courtesy Edwin van der Wolf)

In 2022, the family adopted the graves of Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Stuart Walter HOOLE and David ‘Dave’ Stinson HENDERSON, both from the Canadian Scottish Regiment. He then asked if we could possibly find families and photos of these two men. Of course, we agreed to investigate.

….Ronnie Hoole lost his life trying to save a friend…

Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Stuart Walter HOOLE was born October 22, 1923 in Ganges on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, the son of Sidney Walter and Gertrude Agnes (nee Snow) Hoole.

Ronald Hoole. (Photo found at https://saltspringarchives.com/Legion_Branch_92/)

A labourer before enlisting, at the age of 16, on June 26, 1940 in Victoria, British Columbia, he was sent overseas to the United Kingdom on August 23 1941. With his Regiment he arrived in Normandy for the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 and was one of the survivors.

Map showing the Breskens Pocket. (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

By October 1944, the Regiment was in The Netherlands, along the Belgium border, involved in the Battle of the Breskens Pocket, an action fought south of the Scheldt Estuary as part of the Battle of the Scheldt. The Scheldt Estuary, the waterway leading from the sea into the port of Antwerp, Belgium, was not available to Allied shipping because German coastal batteries on Walcheren Island defended the approaches.

As part of the 7^th Canadian Infantry Brigade, along with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and the Regina Rifles, the Canadian Scottish worked to clear the Breskens Pocket. (See https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/breskenspocket.htm and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Scheldt)

On October 27, 1944, the entry in the War Diary for the Canadian Scottish noted that this was not an easy task. “…Plans were laid during the early morning for ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies to move forward…. and to go after enemy positions…. The companies began what was to prove to be a very difficult day…. ‘A’ Company…were enduring painfully heavy shelling….”

‘A’ Company “…launched its final assault of the day with 9 Platoon leading…. All went well until suddenly 9 Platoon found itself fired on by machine guns at point-blank range. They were travelling along a road at the foot of a dyke and were met by a hail of fire from all sides. The enemy had allowed them to pass through and had then closed in….”

It was a bloody battle that ‘A’ Company could not win. “…Their ammunition was soon exhausted and their position in the open below the muzzles of the German machine guns was untenable. Only 12 men of ‘A’ Company escaped being overwhelmed in the action…”

Ronnie Hoole was one of the casualties on that day, losing his life while trying to save a friend’s life. He was temporarily buried in Hoofdplaat, The Netherlands, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium on June 12, 1945.

Edwin explained that Ronnie Hoole’s “…grave was adopted on May 14, 2022 by my son, Keje van der Wolf…”

Unfortunately, up to now, while we have not been able to find family of Ronnie Hoole, we were fortunate to find a photo of him online.

….Dave Henderson lost his life when a German luger accidentally went off …

The search for family of David ‘Dave’ Stinson HENDERSON was successful when his great-niece, Bonnie Wilson, contacted Pieter. “…I so appreciate you reaching out. I think it is so important to keep memories of the fallen alive. What a cool thing that you and your wife are doing. Very impressive!…”

Bonnie had a photo and an account of her great-uncle from a book ‘So Young They Were – Armstrong’s Fallen Of The Second World War’ by Leonard J. Gamble.

David ‘Dave’ Stinson Henderson. (Photo courtesy of Bonnie Wilson)

Dave was born on August 30, 1919 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the son of William and Rachel (nee Stinson) Henderson. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada and settled near Armstrong, British Columbia.

Prior to being called up in March 1941 under the National Resources Mobilization Act, he worked in the Armstrong Sawmill. After completing basic training in Vernon, British Columbia, Dave served in various positions in the province before actively enlisting on December 16, 1943 in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

He remained in Prince Rupert until April 1944 when he took a demotion to private so that he could serve overseas. He left Canada, arriving in the United Kingdom on June 2, 1944. At the end of July he was sent to France as part of a reinforcement draft for the Regina Rifles, but transferred to the Canadian Scottish Regiment on August 5, 1944. He wanted to be in the same Regiment as his brother Alf.

Map showing the movement of troops as they crossed the Leopold Canal. (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

Dave survived the crossing of the Leopold Canal in Belgium on October 6, 1944. In ‘So Young They Were – Armstrong’s Fallen Of The Second World War’, the author explained that “…On October 16, the CanScots launched a further attack that captured the small town of Eede in Holland….. During the bitter fighting, Dave picked up a discarded German luger. The gun discharged, severing an artery in his groin and he bled to death before help could reach him….” His death was officially recorded as October 17, 1944.

Eede is in the Dutch province of Zeeland, near the Belgian border. He was temporarily buried in Maldegem, Belgium before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem on July 17, 1945.

Edwin noted that Dave Henderson’s “…grave was adopted on May 14 by my daughter-in-law Manon van der Wolf nee Bruggeman…”

Edwin van der Wolf and Bonnie Wilson were put in contact with each other after Bonnie asked Pieter if “…there is any way to get any info on the Dutch person who has adopted his grave? My family would love any information. My Grandmother Muriel, David’s sister, did go over and see his grave with my Grandfather Henry on their travels to Europe in the 1970’. They have since passed away. I do hope to one day go and visit it myself….”

Thank you to Edwin van der Wolf for letting us know of the two additional graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem that his family adopted, and to Bonnie Wilson for sharing photos and information about her great-uncle David Henderson.

Do you have a story to tell? 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 the blog, you are welcome to do so. Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/.

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEurope 4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe…. Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is available in print and e-book formats. 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.

Happy Holidays From The Valkenburgs – And Our Year In Review!

December 24, 2022August 17, 2025 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

header

December 24, 2022. It’s hard to believe how quickly 2022 has raced by. It seems like only yesterday that Pieter was preparing his research plan for the year, and I was working on the final chapters of a book.

It’s been a busy year. Several long-standing searches for photos were successful, meaning Pieter could complete his files for those soldiers. New research files were added, such as the request to find photos and family for 4 soldiers of Ukrainian descent, and Pieter was able to finish his research for many of the unfinished files from 2021. There is a lag between him completing his work and me getting a chance to document his research, but that is on my ‘to do’ list for this winter.

While we didn’t get to travel as much as we had hoped, we were able to meet several families, which we very much appreciated. We were able to able much with the help of media, and the many families that came forward to share photos and information. What follows in the rest of this posting is a summary of what happened in 2022 with this research project.

…Book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’….

In February 2022 a book Daria wrote about our 2017 war memorial tour in Europe through 4 countries was published, and is available in print and e-book formats. See www.nosoldierforgotten.com for more information.

OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEurope_Barcode

On August 5, 2022, a radio interview with Matt Rainnie and Daria ran on CBC PEI’s Mainstreet PEI program about our Author Talk at the Victoria Playhouse on August 11, 2022, part of the Our Island Talks Series. The interview was about her book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’. Here is the link: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-130-mainstreet-pei/clip/15929265-daria-valkenburgs-book
On February 17, 2022, a radio interview with Angela Walker ran on CBC PEI’s Mainstreet PEI program about the book. Here is the link: Daria Valkenburg’s new book | Mainstreet PEI with Matt Rainnie | Live Radio | CBC Listen
Cody McEachern of Saltwire interviewed Daria and Pieter for The Guardian. The interview was posted online on April 25, 2022 and ran in The Guardian’s print edition on April 26, 2022. See P.E.I. author highlights 6-week war memorial tour through Europe in new book | SaltWire https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/news/pei-author-highlights-6-week-war-memorial-tour-through-europe-in-new-book-100721970/

An article about Daria’s book and upcoming Author Talk at the North Bay Library was published in Bay Today.ca on May 15. See Soldiers honoured in new book. Author talk set for public library: https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/soldiers-honoured-in-new-book-author-talk-set-for-public-library-5357955

…Pieter Honoured With PEI Senior Islander of the Year Award….

On October 21, 2022, Pieter Valkenburg received the PEI Senior Islander of the Year Award, for his ongoing research to uncover the stories and photos of those who served in WWI and WWII, and sharing his research findings with the public.

The certificate was presented by the Hon. Matthew Mackay, Minister for the Department of Social Development and Housing, and Audrey Morris, Chairperson, PEI Seniors Secretariat, in a ceremony at the Loyalist Inn in Summerside. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/10/23/pieter-receives-pei-senior-islander-of-the-year-award/)

…. Soldiers Listed On The Cenotaph Outside Borden-Carleton Legion …….

This year we added more information on soldiers whose stories had previously been told:

After a 7 year search we received a photo for WWI soldier James CAIRNS of Kinkora, Prince Edward Island, who died during the Battle of Amiens and is buried in France.
After another 7 year search we received a photo for WWII soldier Leonard Stephen AVERY of Bedeque, Prince Edward Island, who died after he was accidentally shot through the head while examining a rifle. He’s buried on Prince Edward Island.

… WWI Related Stories….

We explained what a Field Post Card was and shared more observations from WWI soldier Harold Keith HOWATT, giving a comparison of what went into the Field Post Card and what he actually experienced that didn’t go into the card.
We shared the story of how a photo of WWI soldier Lloyd Clifton SHORTLIFF of Barton, Nova Scotia, whose named is inscribed on the Vimy Memorial in France, was saved when a Legion member bought it at an auction. A Legion in Nova Scotia will be taking possession of this picture.

… WWII Related Stories….

We shared a story about the 2021 candle lighting at graves of Canadian soldiers in The Netherlands.
We shared on update on a 2020 posting about Ralph Gordon MCCUTCHEON, a WWII flight student at the No. 9 Service Flying Training School RCAF in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, who died in a plane crash in North Tryon, Prince Edward Island.
We shared a visit that Pieter made to Coffeen Nature Preserve in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, site of a WWII era JB-2 missile launching test site. The JB-2 flying robot bombs were the American version of the German V1 flying bombs.
We shared a story about the 2022 commemoration of 8 Carleton and York Regiment soldiers who lost their lives during the liberation of the village of Posterenk in The Netherlands on April 13, 1945.
We shared a story about the May 6, 2022 unveiling of the Monument in Gendringen, The Netherlands to commemorate those who lost their lives, including 41 Canadian soldiers and airmen.
We shared the story of the successful outcome of a photo search for WWII soldier Allan ‘Gordon’ COUTTS of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.
We shared a story of the tribute to 27 Ukrainian-Canadian soldiers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.
We shared a story about the search for WWII soldier Wilfred GIROUX who was in Gilze Rijen, The Netherlands in December 1944 and befriended a Dutch couple, and whose daughter wished to repatriate a photo and two Christmas cards to the Giroux family.
We shared the heart-warming story about how WWII soldier Frank MACEWEN and his friends made Christmas 1944 in England memorable for the Pearce family.

…Indigenous Soldiers….

We were able to tell the stories of the service by these WWII Indigenous soldiers:

WWII Indigenous soldier Philip LAFORTE from Manitoba, who was killed in The Netherlands.
WWII Indigenous soldier John ‘Jack’ Richard MARACLE from Ontario, who was killed in Germany.
WWII Indigenous soldier Stanley Owen JONES from British Columbia, who drowned on September 8, 1945 in Germany when the carrier he was in overturned in a ditch.

…. Stories About Servicemen From The Maritimes…

We also featured stories about servicemen from The Maritimes:

WWI soldier Theodore (Ted) Francis ARSENAULT from Prince Edward Island, who lost his life during the Battle of Amiens in France.
WWII soldier Bruce Wilbur CHURCHILL from Nova Scotia, who was accidentally killed in The Netherlands when a bullet from a Bren Gun ricocheted and hit him.
WWII airman Rowan Charles ‘Bunky’ FITZGERALD from Prince Edward Island, who was on the last flight of Halifax W1175 of the 405^th Squadron when it was hit by shellfire and crashed onto a sandbank in the Wadden Sea off the Dutch coast.
WWII soldier Carman Edward GILLCASH from Prince Edward Island, who lost his life during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket in The Netherlands.
WWI soldier George Stanley HENNESSEY from Prince Edward Island, who was in the 1^st Canadian Engineers Battalion and survived the war.
WWI soldier Chesley William HOWATT from Prince Edward Island, who was in the 50^th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force, and survived the war.
WWII soldier Richard Lea HOWATT from Prince Edward Island, who was a despatch rider and scout and survived the war.
WWI soldier John David MACDONALD from Prince Edward Island, who was in the 26^th Battalion (New Brunswick Regiment) and survived the war.
WWII soldier Donald Charles MACKENZIE, from Nova Scotia, who was killed in The Netherlands.
WWII soldier George ‘Ivan’ MACKINNON, from Prince Edward Island, who was killed in The Netherlands during the defence of the Nijmegen Salient.
WWII soldier Michael Joseph ‘Joe’ MCKENNA, from Prince Edward Island, who was killed in The Netherlands during the Battle of Rha.
WWII soldier James ‘Frank’ MOSSEY, from Prince Edward Island, who was killed in The Netherlands while serving in the Carleton & York Regiment.
WWII soldier Harold Gordon SABEAN, from Nova Scotia, who was killed in The Netherlands while serving in the Carleton & York Regiment.
WWI soldier William ‘James’ SEAMAN from Prince Edward Island, who was in the 105th Overseas Battalion and survived the war.

…. Stories About Servicemen From Outside The Maritimes…

WWII soldier Elie ANTONYSZYN, from Manitoba, who died on July 15, 1945 in The Netherlands.
WWII soldier Albert Joseph COTE, born in Quebec but grew up in Ontario, who died on October 5, 1944, of wounds received during the Battle of the Leopold Canal in a prisoner of war field hospital in Germany,
WWII soldier Cecil Edward GOODREAU, from Ontario, who was killed in Germany during the Battle of Keppeln on February 26, 1945.
WWII soldier Andrew KERELCHUK, born in Manitoba but who moved to Ontario, and who was killed in Germany on April 19, 1945, during the Battle of the Küsten Canal.
WWII soldier Sam MATVICHUK, born in Saskatchewan but lived in Alberta, who was killed in The Netherlands on April 14, 1945 during the Battle of Groningen.
WWII soldier Neville William NESBIT, from Manitoba, who was killed in Germany on May 2, 1945 following the Battle for Bad Zwischenahn.
WWII soldier Anthony PETTA, from Ontario, who was killed in Germany during the Battle of Hochwald Gap on March 2, 1945, but whose death is recorded as March 3, 1945.
WWII soldier John RUSNAK, from Manitoba, who died in Germany on November 22, 1945 following a collision between his despatch motorcycle and a farm wagon.
WWII soldier John ‘Jack’ Langford WALKER, from Ontario, who was killed in Bad Zwischenahn, Germany on May 1, 1945.

…In Conversation And More….

We shared a few adventures that we had in North Bay in May, including people we met, a visit to the North Bay Cenotaph, and an Author Talk at the North Bay Public Library.
We wrote about the Author Talk at the Victoria Playhouse in Victoria-By-The-Sea in August.
We wrote about the Remembrance Day ceremonies we attended in Borden-Carleton and Kinkora, two Prince Edward Island communities.

…. Interviews To Highlight Search For Photos….

Pieter did several interviews:

On Friday, November 11, 2022, Pieter was interviewed by Todd van der Heyden of CTV news in a feature entitled Military researcher identifies 200 fallen soldiers | CTV News.
Charlotte MacAulay of the Eastern Graphic wrote about the successful photo search for WWII soldier George ‘Ivan’ MACKINNON, who is buried in The Netherlands. The article, ‘Sturgeon soldier’s photo discovered in church’, ran in the newspaper on November 9, 2022.
On Monday, November 7, 2022, Pieter was interviewed by Ceilidh Millar of CTV Atlantic News At 5 about the search for 4 soldiers of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who died during the Battle of Bienen on March 25, 1945. You can read the article and watch the video. See P.E.I. man identifying Canadian soldiers in the Netherlands | CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/article/maritime-man-appeals-to-public-for-help-in-identifying-lost-canadian-soldiers-overseas/
Kevin Rollason of the Winnipeg Free Press wrote about Pieter’s search for photos and featured the story of WWII Indigenous soldier Thomas CHASKE, then listed the names of several other soldiers from Manitoba who are buried in The Netherlands. The article, ‘A name without a face’, ran online on November 4, 2022 and in the print edition on November 5, 2022. See https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/2022/11/04/a-name-without-a-face
Charlotte MacAulay of the Eastern Graphic wrote about the photo search for WWII soldier George ‘Ivan’ MACKINNON, who is buried in The Netherlands. The article, Researcher seeking photo of Second World War soldier, ran in the newspaper on September 21, 2022. This search was successful.
Pieter was interviewed by Charlotte MacAulay of the Eastern Graphic, about the photo search for WWII soldier James Frank MOSSEY, who is buried in The Netherlands. The article, Researcher seeks photo of Souris soldier from Second World War, ran in the newspaper on June 1, 2022. This search was successful.
Pieter and Daria were interviewed by Peter J. Wilson of the North Bay Nugget, about their research into soldiers buried in The Netherlands. The article Couple devoted to telling fallen soldiers’ stories | North Bay Nugget ran in the online version on May 19, 2022 and in the print version on May 20, 2022. See https://www.nugget.ca/news/couple-devoted-to-telling-fallen-soldiers-stories
Pieter was interviewed by Marcel Vink of De Telegraaf, a newspaper in The Netherlands, about his research into Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands. The article Zoektocht naar gezichten (Quest For Faces) ran in the newspaper on May 4, 2022 – Remembrance Day in The Netherlands. See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/05/04/article-in-de-telegraaf-quest-for-faces-zoektocht-naar-gezichten/
Pieter was interviewed by Charlotte MacAulay of the Eastern Graphic, about the successful photo search for WWII soldier Barney McGuigan, who is buried in The Netherlands. The article Search for teen soldier’s photo is successful, ran in the newspaper on January 13, 2022. See https://www.peicanada.com/eastern_graphic/search-for-teen-soldier-s-photo-is-successful/article_eaee52fa-72e6-11ec-b539-d33f425bb7c3.html

…. Letters To The Editor For Photo Searches….

Letters to the editor in various newspapers were written in the quest for a photo for:

WWII soldier William Eben BROWN, who is buried in The Netherlands. A letter to the editor was published on the Saltwire Network on October 18, 2022. (See https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/opinion/letter-seeking-family-of-fallen-soldier-100784491/) This search was successful.
WWII soldiers Albert Joseph COTE and John Langford WALKER, who are buried in The Netherlands. On April 18, 2022, a letter to the editor written by Pieter and Donald Coutts was published in the North Bay Nugget. This search was successful. (See https://www.nugget.ca/news/researcher-seeks-information-on-fallen-city-soldiers). A second letter to the editor about the same soldiers was published in Bay Today on May 3, 2022. (See https://www.baytoday.ca/letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-do-you-have-a-picture-of-two-wwii-soldiers-who-are-buried-in-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-the-netherlands-5325886)
WWII soldier Elie ANTONYSZYN, who is buried in The Netherlands. On June 21, 2022 a letter to the editor was published in the Dauphin Herald. This search was successful.

… Successful Search For Photos …..

Many WWII soldiers are buried in cemeteries in Europe. Pieter continues to work with photo wish lists from Canadian War Cemeteries for WWII soldiers buried in The Netherlands. This year we also received photos and information on soldiers buried in Belgium.

Photos of soldiers buried in Dutch cemeteries were forwarded to researchers there for their digital archive. Whenever possible, stories are featured on the blog but there is a backlog due to the success of Pieter’s research. I can’t keep up! This year, photos were found for:

Buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands:

Elie ANTONYSZYN
William Eben BROWN
Albert Joseph COTE
John CULBERTSON
Theodor ‘Ted’ HENSCHEL
Andrew KERELCHUK
Amil Adolph LARSON
Donald Charles MACKENZIE
Sam MATVICHUK
Neville William NISBET
Joseph Edmond ROBICHEAU
John RUSNAK
Harold Gordon SABEAN
John Langford ‘Jack’ WALKER
William Henry ‘Barney’ WEBB

Buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands:

Clifford BATEMAN
John Joseph BOHON (BOHONKO)
Charles ‘Marshall’ CARSON
James Edward DUFFY
Cecil Edward GOODREAU
James Edward ‘Eddy’ DUFFY
Marven Glenroy HARVEY
Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE
John Richard ‘Jack’ MARACLE
George ‘Ivan’ MACKINNON
Marvin William MCGREGOR
Laurie Douglas PAGE
Wilfred Joseph ‘Willy’ POWER
Anthony PETTA
Louis Allan SEXTON

Buried in Bergen Op Zoom Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands:

Milton Evangeline LIVINGSTONE
Robert K. VIDITTO

Buried in an unmarked grave in The Netherlands following an aircrash:

Rowan Charles ‘Bunky’ FITZGERALD

Buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium:

David ‘Dave’ Stinson HENDERSON
Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Sidney HOOLE

… The YouTube Channel….

In 2022 the following videos were posted on the YouTube channel: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ591TyjSheOR-Cb_Gs_5Kw

S3E1 Book Trailer for ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’
S3E2 Photo Search-WW2 Soldier Austin Havelock Munroe

…Thank you for your support and encouragement of this research project!…

As 2022 comes to an end, we would like to thank all who helped with researching these stories and contributed photos. We also thank readers of this blog, and the On The War Memorial Trail column in The County Line Courier, who suggested some of stories you’ve read. A big thank you goes to Mike and Isabel Smith, owners of The County Line Courier.

Thank you to all the families that contributed photos and stories. Thank you to Judie Klassen and Shawn Rainville who volunteered their time to help find families of soldiers through newspaper and online searches. Thank you to Don Smith for answering any aircraft and military flight questions we’ve had.

Thank you to the media who helped publicize the search for photos and information – Bay Today, CBC Radio’s Mainstreet PEI, CTV News, CTV Atlantic News, Dauphin Herald, De Telegraaf, Eastern Graphic, North Bay Nugget, The Guardian, and the Winnipeg Free Press.

Last, but not least, the YouTube channel and videos would not be possible without the invaluable support of post-production editor Wendy Nattress. Wendy also designed and manages the book website.

….Happy Holidays…

Pieter and I wish you all the best for the holidays and in 2023. May we never forget those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Xmas 2022 photo

Pieter’s research work continues. If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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 Who Lost His Life In A Monastery Garden

June 5, 2022December 3, 2025 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

June 5, 2022. After seeing Pieter on the news during Remembrance Week 2021, Sylvia Churchill of Nova Scotia contacted us. “… My husband’s father, Bruce W. Churchill, was killed in Hulst, The Netherlands, buried there, and later exhumed after the war was over and buried in the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery. He was killed in a garden near a Monastery while their Regiment was cleaning their Bren guns. He died instantly, on September 29, 1944. My husband was born January 1945 and named after his father, Bruce W. Churchill (Jr). …” (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/11/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-ctvs-atlantic-live-at-5-update-on-the-photo-search-for-soldiers-buried-in-the-netherlands/)

Bruce Wilbur Churchill in a September 21, 1942 photo. (Photo courtesy of Bruce (Jr) and Sylvia Churchill)

Bruce Wilbur CHURCHILL was born April 17, 1921 in Sandford, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, the son of Ralph Lloyd and Ethel Mae Churchill. He had 5 brothers and 6 sisters, and worked as a farm labourer and fisherman after leaving school at the age of 16.

…Bruce was not the only family member who served in the military…

When he enlisted in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on October 10, 1939 with the 6^th Anti-Aircraft Battery, not only were 4 of his brothers in the Army, but also his father, who was a gunner.

Bruce’s service file noted that he played volleyball and swam, and liked to read popular magazines and novels.

On November 1, 1941, Bruce was transferred to the 1^st Anti-Aircraft Search Light Battery as a member of the search light crew, all the time remaining in Canada, understandable given that 5 members of his family were already serving. He had been a cook since April 11, 1940 and held the rank of Gunner.

He married Dora Mae Goodwin on February 14, 1942, and they became the parents of a daughter, Donna Fay, born in Argyle Sound, Nova Scotia on September 3, 1942.

…Bruce was anxious to serve overseas…

In an August 4, 1943 interview with the Personnel Selection Board of the Army, it was noted that Bruce was “…anxious to see action in an active theatre of war. For this purpose he has volunteered for the parachute battalion…”

Bruce didn’t meet the requirements for the parachute battalion, but was considered suitable for the artillery.

On February 14, 1944, Bruce and Dora Mae’s son Eric Bruce was born in Argyle Sound, but sadly he passed away on May 28, 1944. May 28 is the same day that Bruce’s desire for overseas service was about to be granted, as he was transferred to the Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC) in Aldershot, Nova Scotia.

He was on his way to England as of August 3, 1944, arriving on August 10, and at his request, he changed from cook to general duty as of August 21, 1944. He became part of the Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit (CIRU) and sent to France on September 4, 1944.

…Bruce lost his life when a gun ricocheted…

On September 15, 1944 he was transferred to the Algonquin Regiment. On September 29, 1944, he lost his life in Hulst, The Netherlands, accidentally killed when a Bren gun ricocheted.

Soldier’s Service Book showing the bullet hole. (Image courtesy of Bruce (Jr) and Sylvia Churchill)

Among the documents that Sylvia shared was “…the first page of Bruce Churchill Sr.’s Soldier’s Service Book. I want to point out the bullet hole in that book (which is on all the other pages) ….he obviously was wearing that when he died. How sad to see that….”

When Bruce died, his wife Dora Mae was pregnant with their son Bruce, who was born in January 1945.

…Account of the accident by George Spittael…

An account of the incident was recorded by George E. Spittael of Belgium in his book ‘Librera Me’, published in 1989 in Flemish. By September 27, 1944, several companies were given a rest period in Hulst while others patrolled the shoreline of the Scheldt.

A translated excerpt from September 29, 1944 explained what happened to Bruce. “…Although there was no enemy activity in Hulst, there were two casualties when a Bren gun ricocheted. Pte. Poole was wounded and Pte. Bruce Wilbur Churchill, F/7185, killed. The 27-year-old Canadian from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, was temporarily buried in Hulst General Cemetery, but after the hostilities his remains were transferred to Adegem…”

According to the Graves Registration Card, however, Bruce was buried on the Monastery grounds, not in the Hulst General Cemetery. A letter from the Protestant Chaplain to Bruce’s family noted that Bruce had been buried on the Monastery grounds.

…. A letter from the Chaplain….

In a November 19, 1944 letter from Canadian Army Chaplain, Honorary Captain A. Phillips Silcox to Bruce’s parents, he described what happened on the day Bruce lost his life:

“…a small group of soldiers were sitting in a garden, cleaning weapons, or taking them apart and reassembling them, when in some way a single shot was most unexpectedly fired from a Bren Gun close to Bruce. He was instantly killed as the bullet passed through his body. It then continued through a hedge and lodged in another soldier’s leg – though fortunately he was not seriously wounded…..

Our location at the time was in a small town in Holland not far from the border of Belgium, but well away from the enemy and we felt fairly secure for a few days rest. The garden was the most unlikely place to expect death – a lovely spot, across from a Roman Catholic monastery….

The Father Superior of the Monastery (where I was staying) offered a pleasant corner of their garden for the grave, so there we laid him to rest while his Company stood ground, a few of the priests and a civilian woman looking on, for the brief military service. Afterward the soldiers who completed the grave laid a lovely spray of flowers and I know that the priests will care for it until the day that our government agents transfer all graves to certain central cemeteries….”

…Sylvia and Bruce Churchill visited the grave of his father…

Sylvia explained that “…in 2019, Bruce and I were fortunate to have visited Belgium and The Netherlands for two weeks, and we were able to visit his father’s gravesite for the first time….”

P1040467 Bruce Churchill at his fathers grave in Adegem

Bruce Churchill at his father’s grave in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem in 2019. (Photo courtesy of Bruce (Jr) and Sylvia Churchill)

…Sylvia and Bruce Churchill also visited Hulst…

In addition to the visit to the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium, Sylvia explained that “…when we went to Belgium/Netherlands, in particular to the town of Hulst, we went to the Town Hall and spoke to a historian. Prior to our visit to Europe, we had mailed him everything we had as far as finding the grounds where Bruce’s father had originally been buried, and they gave us a location where an old Monastery used to be. It is a school now. …”

The former Monastery in Hulst, The Netherlands, and the tree that jogged a memory. (Photo courtesy of Bruce (Jr) and Sylvia Churchill)

The visit to Hulst brought back a memory of an old photo Bruce remembered seeing. “…There was a huge tree that jogged Bruce’s memory of his Mother showing him a picture of his dad sitting on a tree (which was small then but low lying). That particular photo is lost. I’ve attached a picture I took of that tree when we were in Hulst….”

A view of Hulst. (Photo courtesy of Bruce (Jr) and Sylvia Churchill)

Sylvia noted that “…Bruce felt a connection with Hulst, perhaps because he knew that is where his Father died. It was so peaceful and beautiful. …”

Thank you to Sylvia and Bruce Churchill for sharing photos and information on Bruce’s father, and their own memorial journey. Do you have more 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/

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

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

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

Happy Holidays From The Valkenburgs!

December 24, 2021August 17, 2025 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 6 Comments

multicolor-holiday-christmas-decorations-with-blue-silver-ribbon-snowflakes-header-background-hd-1920x720

December 24, 2021. We’re nearing the end of another challenging and socially distanced year of Covid, but are thankful to have had our three Covid vaccine shots.

Covid or not, we have been very busily working at home. In spite of travel restrictions and social distancing, we nevertheless managed to do a lot, with the help of media, and families stepping forward with photos. This seems a good time to reflect on what happened in 2021 with this research project.

…Pieter Awarded Sovereign’s Medal For Volunteers….

On April 30, 2021, Pieter Valkenburg was presented with the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal For Volunteers, awarded in January 2020, for his ongoing research to uncover the stories and photos of those who served in WWI and WWII, and sharing his research findings with the public. The insignia was presented to him by the Hon. Catherine Callbeck, CM, OPEI, LLD, on behalf of the Administrator for Canada, via a virtual ceremony. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/05/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-pieter-awarded-sovereigns-medal-for-volunteers)

…. WWII Soldiers Listed On The Cenotaph Outside Borden-Carleton Legion …….

This year we told the story of 1 WWII serviceman listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, and we added more information on a WWI soldier whose story had previously been told:

Arthur Clinton ROBINSON
Arnold Dudley TAYLOR

… WWI Related Stories….

We told the story of trying to solve the mystery of a WWI German ‘letter’ found amongst the possessions of Earle DAVISON, which turned out to be an anti-war song dating back to the 19th century.
We shared more observations that WWI soldier Harold Keith HOWATT made in the post WWI period when he was waiting to be demobilized. The history books are filled with official accounts from officers and politicians. Howatt’s observations came from the viewpoint of an ordinary soldier caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

… WWII Related Stories….

We shared a story about a research into the soldiers who died in Wommelgem, Belgium in the fall of 1944.
We shared our experience at the Woudenberg General Cemetery in The Netherlands, to visit the grave of WWII pilot Leonard Arthur UNWIN, who had been a flying instructor at the 9 Service Flying Training School RCAF in Summerside.
We shared a story about the photo tributes by the graves of soldiers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands, during the first two weeks of May.
We shared the story of how five Canadian soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment drowned in a tragic accident in the Battle of Leer in Germany on April 28, 1945, one of the final actions to end WWII in Europe. All 5 soldiers are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.
We shared a story from Willy van Ee of The Netherlands, whose father was Indigenous soldier Walter MEKAJI, who let us know that 7 Indigenous soldiers are buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium.
After reading about the 7 Indigenous soldiers buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Edwin van der Wolf reported that he and his son have adopted the graves of 2 Canadian Scottish Regiment soldiers. We shared his account and learned about the grave adoption program in Belgium.
We shared the story of the search for a photo of WWII soldier Allan ‘Gordon’ COUTTS, who lost his life in Germany and is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.
We shared the story of the successful request for a headstone from the Last Post Fund for WWII veteran Alexander McGregor DEANS, who died in 2010 and is buried at the Tryon People’s Cemetery in Prince Edward Island.
We shared the link for a video ‘The Last Flight Of Halifax L9561’ made by Barry and Terry Hunt, sons of the crew’s wireless operator, William Herbert HUNT. Shot down over The Netherlands on October 12, 1941, Canadian pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART managed to save his crew and steer the burning plane away from the Dutch village of Wons before losing his own life. Two previous videos made by us about this event were made in 2019 and 2020.

…Indigenous Soldiers….

We were able to tell the stories of the service by several WWII Indigenous soldiers, after an APTN article was published.

WWII Indigenous soldier Thomas Beresford BIG CANOE from Ontario, who was killed in Germany.
WWII Indigenous soldier William ‘Willie’ DANIELS from Saskatchewan, who was killed in The Netherlands.
WWII Indigenous soldier Alfred Louis PITAWANAKWAT (PITWANAKWAT) from Ontario, who was killed in Germany.
WWII Indigenous soldier Eli Ambrose SNAKE from Ontario, who was killed in The Netherlands.
WWII Indigenous soldier Leo Francis TONEY from Nova Scotia, who was killed in The Netherlands.

…. Stories About Servicemen From The Maritimes…

We also featured stories about servicemen from The Maritimes:

WWII soldier Alderic BASQUE, from New Brunswick, who was killed in Germany.
WWII soldier Joseph ‘Ambroise’ COMEAU, from Nova Scotia, one of the 5 soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who drowned in a tragic accident in the Battle of Leer in Germany on April 28, 1945.
WWII soldier Gerald Burnell COOLEN, from Nova Scotia, who was killed in Germany during the Battle of Hochwald Gap.
WWII airman Robert ‘Bob’ James DICKIE, from Prince Edward Island, who lost his life when Lancaster Flight JB312 crashed on the runway as it returned to England from Germany.
WWI soldier Maynard FOY from Prince Edward Island, who served with the 26^th Overseas (New Brunswick) Battalion, and was injured in France during the Battle of Amiens.
WWII soldier Armand GIONET from New Brunswick, who was killed in The Netherlands.
WWII soldier Gordon Frederick JOHNSON from Nova Scotia, who was killed in The Netherlands.
WWII mariner William (Bill) Arnold JOHNSTON from Prince Edward Island, but was born in New Brunswick, who was killed when HMS Itchen, the ship he was serving on, was torpedoed in the Atlantic Ocean.
WWII soldier Gilles LANTEIGNE from New Brunswick, who was killed in Germany.
WWI soldier Heath Ward MACQUARRIE from Prince Edward Island, who was killed in France.
WWII pilot Lorne MACFARLANE from Prince Edward Island, who served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and flew 40 missions and survived the war.
WWII soldier George Edward MAHAR from New Brunswick, who was killed in The Netherlands.
WWII soldier Lewis Wilkieson MARSH, from Nova Scotia, one of the 5 soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who drowned in a tragic accident in the Battle of Leer in Germany on April 28, 1945.
WWII soldier Ruel Kitchener MATHESON, from Prince Edward Island, one of the 5 soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who drowned in a tragic accident in the Battle of Leer in Germany on April 28, 1945.
WWII soldier Lloyd William MURRAY, from Nova Scotia, one of the 5 soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who drowned in a tragic accident in the Battle of Leer in Germany on April 28, 1945.
WWII soldier Norman James NIXON from New Brunswick, who was killed in The Netherlands during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket.
WWII soldier Samuel Glazier PORTER from New Brunswick, who was killed in The Netherlands.
WWII soldier Alphonse ROBERT from New Brunswick, who was killed in The Netherlands when a grenade exploded.
WWII soldier John ‘Clifford’ ROGERS from Prince Edward Island, who was killed in Germany in the Balberger Wald on March 3, 1945.
WWII soldier Gordon James ROGERSON from Prince Edward Island, who served with the West Nova Scotia Regiment and was injured in Italy.
WWII Chaplain William ‘Alfred’ SEAMAN from Prince Edward Island, who was killed in France during the Battle of Caen.
WWII soldier Charles ‘Charlie’ Borden TUPLIN from Prince Edward Island, who served with the Black Watch and was fatally wounded in The Netherlands.
WWII soldier Ronald Sidney WATERHOUSE from Nova Scotia, who lost his life in The Netherlands during the Battle of the Scheldt.

…. Stories About Servicemen From Outside The Maritimes…

WWII soldier Edmond COULOMBE, from Manitoba, who was killed in The Netherlands when a grenade exploded.
WWII soldier Howard Milo NICHOLLS, from Ontario, one of the 5 soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who drowned in a tragic accident in the Battle of Leer in Germany on April 28, 1945.

…In Conversation And More….

Not everyone we wrote about this year served in WWI or WWII!

We interviewed RCAF pilot Captain Scott NANTES of Prince Edward Island, who is in active service.
We enjoyed a fascinating conversation with Dr Tim Cook, Director of Research at the Canadian War Museum on the importance of remembrance.
We wrote about a very special luncheon hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for PEI Korean War Veterans, as a thank you for their service.
We did a 3 part series of postings on the childhood recollections of the Korean War by Korean-born Charlie CHOI, whose family had a harrowing and dangerous journey to safety once the war began.
We reported on the research done to ensure that WWII veteran Alexander McGregor DEANS received a headstone at his grave in the Tryon People’s Cemetery on Prince Edward Island.
We reported on how volunteers at the Borden-Carleton Legion in Prince Edward Island honour deceased veterans by placing flags at the graves and monuments in the area served by the Legion.
We described the Cenotaph Wall Of Remembrance at the Borden-Carleton Legion on Prince Edward Island, the last phase of the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph Research Project. All that is missing are some photos out of the 48 soldiers listed on the Cenotaph, and whose stories have been researched and told over the past years.

…. Interviews To Highlight Search For Photos….

Pieter did several interviews in his quest for photos for:

WWII soldier John Clifford ROGERS, who is buried in The Netherlands in a radio interview on CBC Mainstreet PEI. (Listen at https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-130-mainstreet-pei/clip/15819180-pieter-valkenburg-searching-john-clifford-rogers-information) This search was subsequently successful.
WWII soldiers buried in The Netherlands on CTV Atlantic’s Live At 5 in an interview with Bruce Frisko on January 14, 2021. The response was so heartening that it prompted a series on our research blog entitled Atlantic Canada Remembers. (See Dutch-Canadian man on a mission to tell stories of lost soldiers| CTV News at https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/article/dutch-canadian-man-on-a-mission-to-tell-stories-of-lost-soldiers/)
WII First Nations soldiers William DANIELS and Stanley Owen JONES, who are buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands, in an interview with Brett Forester of APTN news. (See https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/dutch-born-p-e-i-man-on-a-mission-to-find-photos-of-first-nations-soldiers-killed-overseas-in-wwii/) This search was successful.
WWII soldier Allan Gordon COUTTS, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands, in an interview with Galen Hartviksen of CKFM radio in Olds, Alberta. (See https://ckfm.ca/2021/08/09/11202/) This search was successful.
WWII soldier Edmond COULOMBE, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands in an interview with Kevin Rollason of the ‘Winnipeg Free Press’. (See https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/hunting-for-photo-to-honour-manitoban-575687592.html) This search was very successful and resulted in a follow-up article a few days later. (See https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/photo-found-to-honour-manitoba-war-casualty-575714042.html)
A follow-up interview on WWII soldiers buried in The Netherlands ran on November 9, 2021 on CTV Atlantic’s Live At 5 during Remembrance Week, prompting many more responses. Pieter’s research work is cut out for him for the next few months! See Forever grateful: Dutch Canadian tries to put faces to names of soldiers who fell liberating the Netherlands| CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/article/forever-grateful-dutch-canadian-tries-to-put-faces-to-names-of-soldiers-who-fell-liberating-the-netherlands/
In July, Pieter was interviewed by Sharon Adams of ‘Legion Magazine’, as part of an article on the Faces To Graves project in The Netherlands. This article was published in the November/December 2021 issue in an article entitled Online Monument. See https://legionmagazine.com/en/2021/11/online-monument/)

…. Letters To The Editor For Photo Searches….

Letters to the editor in various newspapers were written in the quest for a photo for:

WWII soldier Gordon Frederick JOHNSON, who is buried in The Netherlands. On June 24, 2021, Pieter’s letter to the editor was published in the ‘Truro News‘. This search was successful.
WWII soldier Alexander James MILLER, who is buried in The Netherlands. On October 29, 2021, Pieter’s letter to the editor was published in the ‘High River Times’. This was at the request of Edwin van der Wolf, who wanted the family to know about a planned memorial plaque being placed in April 2022 in The Netherlands. This search was successful. (UPDATE: The memorial plaque was subsequently placed in 2025.)
WWI soldier Joseph Arthur DESROCHES, who is buried in Ligny-St-Flochel British Cemetery in Averdoingt, France. On November 9, 2021 Pieter’s letter to the editor was published in ‘The Guardian’. This is not the first time that a media request has been made in the search for family and a photo. Up to now the search remains unsuccessful.

… Successful Search For Photos …..

Many WWII soldiers are buried in cemeteries in Europe. After an appeal by Pieter on CTV’s Atlantic Live At Five in early January for photos and information, photos and information came in for WWII soldiers buried in The Netherlands, France, Belgium, and Italy. Their stories were featured on the blog either as separate postings or in a series entitled Atlantic Canada Remembers. No one was forgotten, and photos of soldiers buried in Dutch cemeteries were forwarded to researchers there for their digital archive. Photos were found for:

Buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands:

James Grant ANNINGSON
Howard W. ARMSTRONG
Alderic BASQUE
John Angus BEATON
William Herbert “Billy’ BELLAMY
William Harold BROOME
Robert Theodore COLE
Melvin COLLINS
Alexis D. DAIGLE
Allan Gordon COUTTS
William ‘Willie’ DANIELS
Nelson DESROCHES
Francis ‘Frank’ Ivan DOUGAN
Joseph ‘Gerald’ FOUGERE
George Albert FRYDAY
Armand GIONET
Ernest Robert HAYNES
Percy Dexter HIGGINS
Gordon ‘Gordie’ Frederick JOHNSON
Stanley Owen JONES
Douglas JURY
James Gordon KING
Philip LAFORTE
Donald Charles MACKENZIE
Mathieu MICHAUD
John ‘James’ MURRAY
Daniel PEARO
Goldwin Marven POLLICK
Richard Joseph RANEY
Louis Graham RICHARD
Brenton Leroy RINGER
Ford Hilton SPIDLE
Frederick Joseph TAIT
Leo Francis TONEY
Charles ‘Charlie’ Borden TUPLIN
Frederick Christian VAN IDOUR

Buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands:

Thomas Beresford BIG CANOE
Gerald Burnell COOLEN
Edmond COULOMBE
Percy Clayton CROMWELL
Harry William DOUCETTE
Arnold F. HUPMAN
Gilles LANTEIGNE
Francis ‘Frank’ Lewis LIBBY
Hiram Albion LORD
George Edward MAHAR
Barney Reuben MCGUIGAN
Elbridge Wellington MILLER
Robert (Bobby) Alan NICKERSON
Alfred Louis PITAWANAKWAT (PITWANAKWAT)
Burgess Allison PORTER
Alphonse ROBERT
John ‘Clifford’ ROGERS
Eli Ambrose SNAKE
Stanley SPRAY
William Francis STEWART
Benjamin James WITHERALL

Buried in Bergen Op Zoom Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands:

Austin Ephraim BOUTILIER
Gordon Thomas BREWER
Dennis HOARE
Gregory Philip Anthony MCCARTHY
Clayton Wilfred SHANNON
Russell Richard SOBLE
Arnold Ernest “Ernie” THORNTON

Buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium:

Bruce Wilbur CHURCHILL
Alexander Fraser MACDONALD
Edison Reynolds SMITH
Arthur Brambel ‘Jack’ TAYLOR

Buried in Montecchio War Cemetery in Italy:

Felix GAUDET

Buried in Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in France:

William ‘Alfred’ SEAMAN

… The Search For Photos On YouTube….

2020 began with a documentary that was posted on YouTube, and ended with a dedicated YouTube Channel: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ591TyjSheOR-Cb_Gs_5Kw

In 2021 the following videos were posted on the channel:

S2E1 Remembering Lt Norman Nixon
S2E2 Photo Search – WWII Soldier Frank McGuigan
S2E3 Photo Search – WWI Soldier James Cairns
S2E4 Photo Search – WWII Soldier John Clifford Rogers
S2E5 Thank You Atlantic Canada
S2E6 Photo Search – WWI Soldier James Lymon Cameron
S2E7 Photo Search – WWI Soldier Leigh Hunt Cameron
S2E8 Photo Search – WWII Soldier Gordon Frederick Johnson
S3E1 In Remembrance

Thank you for your support and encouragement of this research project!

As 2021 comes to an end, we would like to thank all who helped with researching these stories and contributed photos. We also thank readers of this blog and the On The War Memorial Trail column in the ‘County Line Courier‘ who suggested some of stories you’ve read. A big thank you goes to Mike and Isabel Smith, owners of the ‘County Line Courier‘.

Thank you to the media who helped publicize the search for photos and information – APTN, CTV Live At 5’s Atlantic, CBC Radio’s Mainstreet PEI, CKFM Radio, Truro News, High River Times, The Guardian, and Winnipeg Free Press.

Last, but not least, the YouTube videos and channel would not be possible without the invaluable support of post-production editor Wendy Nattress.

….Happy Holidays…

Pieter and I wish you all the best for the holidays and in 2022. May we never forget those who gave their lives for their freedom.

Merry Xmas from the Valkenburgs 2021

Pieter’s research work continues. If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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….. CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 Update On The Photo Search For Soldiers Buried In The Netherlands

November 15, 2021August 17, 2025 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

CIMG5370 Nov 9 2021 Pieter has Zoom interview with Bruce Frisko of CTV News

Pieter being interviewed by CTV’s Bruce Frisko over Zoom. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

November 15, 2021. Since the January 2021 interview with CTV’s Atlantic Live at 5, the response was heartening and we are just finishing up the last of the research and stories that came out of that appeal for photos of soldiers buried in The Netherlands.

Screenshot First at Five A Face To A Name

Screenshot from the November 9 broadcast on CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5.

On November 9, 2021, CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 did a follow-up interview, along with a web article written by Bruce Frisko. See Forever grateful: Dutch Canadian tries to put faces to names of soldiers who fell liberating the Netherlands| CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/article/forever-grateful-dutch-canadian-tries-to-put-faces-to-names-of-soldiers-who-fell-liberating-the-netherlands/

…How many photos are still on the photo wish lists?…

Out of the original photo wish lists from the 3 Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands the outstanding requests for photos of soldiers from the Maritimes are:

90 from Nova Scotia
71 from New Brunswick (one cemetery has not yet identified soldiers from this province)
1 from Prince Edward Island (family was found, but no one in the family has a photo)

Better quality photos and information from families were received for soldiers NOT on the photo wish list, plus photos were received of soldiers who died in the Battle of the Scheldt and were buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium.

In addition to the 3 Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands, several servicemen are buried in municipal cemeteries, most of them from air crew that crashed during WWII.

…How many stories were told following the January 2021 interview?….

We also received a few photos for soldiers from the Maritimes buried in other European cemeteries. As a direct result of the CTV interview we were able to tell several stories of soldiers from the Maritimes:

32 soldiers buried at in Holten, The Netherlands
16 soldiers buried in Groesbeek, The Netherlands
7 soldiers buried in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands
4 soldiers buried in Adegem, Belgium
1 soldier buried in Montecchio War Cemetery in Italy
1 chaplain buried at the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in France

….Response following the November 9, 2021 interview…

Following the November 9, 2021 interview, we received several responses, which will lead to more stories about soldiers buried in The Netherlands and Belgium. We thank all who responded. Pieter’s research agenda for this coming winter is full!

We also received several comments, of which two are included below:

Simone Comeau, whose uncle’s story was told earlier this year, wrote: “… I am writing to congratulate you Pieter in being awarded that well deserved medal. If I may speak for all families of WWII casualties, we cannot thank you enough for your tireless efforts to honour our dearly departed servicemen and women….” (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/05/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-tragic-drowning-on-the-leda-river-in-germany-part-3/)

Roman Berezowsky wrote: “…Congratulations, Pieter, for the dedication and perseverance. And also to you, Daria. You have both done wonders to enrich and comfort the lives of so many people. Just remarkable. We will be sharing this clip with several others who we know will also appreciate it…”

Thank you to both Simone Comeau and Roman Berezowsky for these kind words. We hope it will help encourage more people to submit photos and stories about Canadian soldiers!

Thank you to Bruce Frisko, Jayson Baxter, Maria Panopalis, and all at CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 for featuring this quest of remembrance. If you can help with a photo or information, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

…Want to follow our research?….

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

Screenshot_2021-02-27 On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg

You are 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….. Adopting A Grave In Adegem

August 29, 2021May 5, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

August 29, 2021. After reading about the 7 Indigenous soldiers buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium, Edwin van der Wolf, a volunteer researcher at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands contacted Pieter. (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/08/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-7-indigenous-soldiers-buried-in-adegem-canadian-war-cemetery/)

In a translation from the original Dutch, Edwin wrote that “…On your interesting blog I read about the 7 First Nations, who are buried in the Canadian cemetery in Adegem, Belgium.

At the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten I also happen to have about 13 First Nations and three Métis, who are buried with us, as a focus area.….”

Two of the Indigenous soldiers buried in Holten have been featured on this blog:

William ‘Willie’ DANIELS (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/07/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-william-willie-daniels/
Leo Francis TONEY (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/05/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-leo-francis-toney/)

Edwin van der Wolf by the grave of Allan Trelford in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. (Photo courtesy Edwin van der Wolf)

Edwin went on to say “…In addition, I am also involved in the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, where 38 fallen / killed soldiers of the Canadian Scottish Regiment are buried and of which I have also adopted two with my son….” Edwin has done extensive research into the Canadian Scottish Regiment and last year began a website on them. (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/new-website-on-canadian-scottish-regiment-during-ww2/)

P1370323 May 12 2018 of the certificate of Pte Allan Trelford

On May 12, 2018, Edwin van der Wolf received his certificate for adopting the grave of Allan Homer Trelford. (Photo courtesy Edwin van der Wolf)

Edwin adopted the grave of Allan Homer TRELFORD, son of Homer A. and Eleanora Jane Trelford, of Toronto, Ontario and husband of Mildred Verna Trelford, of Toronto, who died on October 18, 1944 at the age of 23.

On May 11, 2019, Edwin’s son Breyten adopted the grave of Joseph H. PALLISTER, son of Guy and Evelyn M. Pallister, of Turner Valley, Alberta, who died on October 6, 1944 at the age of 21.

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

I asked Edwin what was involved in adopting a grave, since the upkeep of the graves and cemeteries for our Canadian war dead is the responsibility of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. My guess was that it involved visiting the grave and perhaps being in contact with family members back in Canada. Edwin confirmed this and went on to explain that “...You are supposed to lay flowers at the adopted grave now and then and I also ask my Belgian contact person there to do so for me sometimes. There can also be contact with family members….”

Pieter and I have been to several cemeteries in Europe and in many of the smaller ones we were the only visitors in a long while, according to the visitors log book. So, the adoption of graves is a great idea.

No soldier buried overseas should be forgotten

Edwin explained that, unlike in The Netherlands, “…If you adopt a grave at the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery you receive a certificate of this adoption during a yearly ceremony in May…” The Dutch War Graves Commission no longer issues certificates, “…not since the 1960s...”

Thank you to Edwin van der Wolf for sharing photos and information about the grave adoption at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. If you have information to share about Canadian soldiers, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

….Want to follow our research?….

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

Screenshot_2021-02-27 On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg

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….. 7 Indigenous Soldiers Buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery

August 18, 2021October 3, 2023 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

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

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

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

Map showing Adegem Canadian War Cemetery

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

No photo available

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

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

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

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

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

No photo available

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

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

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

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

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

No photo available

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

Thank you to Willy van Ee for sharing his story and letting us know about the soldiers buried in Adegem Canadian War Cemetery. If you have photo or information to share about any of the men mentioned in this posting, or other Canadian soldiers, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1.

….Want to follow our research?….

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

Screenshot_2021-02-27 On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg

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….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 2

January 13, 2021October 10, 2025 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

January 13, 2021. “No soldier buried overseas should be forgotten.” This statement by Pieter in a news clip on CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 touched many people who watched it, and many photos and stories continue to be emailed to him. As mentioned in Part 1, Pieter is working to ensure that every email is acknowledged, and that the photos of soldiers buried in The Netherlands are forwarded to the appropriate cemetery for their digital archives.

(See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-1/ and https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/05/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-ww2-soldiers-buried-in-the-netherlands-featured-on-ctvs-atlantic-live-at-5/)

This posting features more of the photos submitted…..

Soldiers buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands

Francis ‘Frank’ Ivan Dougan. (Photo courtesy of Helen O’Connell)

Helen O’Connell submitted a photo of her uncle, Francis ‘Frank’ Ivan DOUGAN. She wrote that he “….was born in November 12, 1919 to Florence and John Dougan from Donaldson, Prince Edward Island. He was the 2nd of 12 boys born in that family – no girls. Frank left school at age of 15 and went to work to help his family. He worked in Debert, Nova Scotia as a labourer and mechanic. In 1941, he and 3 of his brothers enlisted to go to war. He took his training in Quebec and Vancouver and went overseas June 1, 1942….”

While overseas, Helen explained that Frank “…. worked as a driver in the war, mainly in the UK. After the war Frank decided to work in peacekeeping as a Canadian soldier in Oldenburg, Germany. On May 16, 1946, he was involved in road accident and was killed. He was buried in Holland and was awarded the France and Germany Star 1939-1945….”

Frank served as a driver with the 48 Canadian General Transport Company RCASC (Royal Canadian Army Service Corps). The RCASC was an administrative and transport corps of the Canadian Army. (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Canadian_Army_Service_Corps)

According to his service file, Frank died in a hospital in Nijmegen following a road accident during very bad weather in Nijmegen, while he was on his way from Grave, The Netherlands to Oldenburg, Germany. Mechanical failure in the steering mechanism led to the accident. Frank was a passenger in the rear of the vehicle along with 2 others, plus the driver. There were two fatalities: Frank Dougan and another soldier who was also in the rear.

Frank was temporarily buried in the Canadian Cemetery in Groesbeek and later reburied, on July 16 1946, in Holten. His grave was adopted by a family from Delden.

Helen was able to visit The Netherlands and the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. “…My husband and I were very fortunate to visit his grave in 2016. I was so proud and honoured to be there. I will not forget. This graveyard seemed almost like a sacred place for these solders who gave their life for us and since my visit I really appreciate that….”

John ‘James’ Murray. (Photo submitted by Florence MacLachlan)

Florence MacLachlan submitted a photo of her uncle, John ‘James’ MURRAY, who was born in Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia and lived in West Bay Road before serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. She wrote that “…Josie was my mother and was the youngest of the siblings. James was the oldest and could have stayed farming and not joined the army because he was the only one who could look after the farm. He wanted to join and help out the war movement. He didn’t tell his parents/family of his interest in joining until after he signed up…”

He was killed in action in The Netherlands on April 5, 1945 during the Battle of Warnsveld, at the age of 28. His name is listed on a monument in Warnsveld (See https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/57960/Memorial-Canadian-Soldiers.htm).

James was temporarily buried in Warnsveld, before being reburied, on January 30, 1946, at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. His grave was adopted after the war by a family from Holten.

Soldiers buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands

Robert (Bobby) Alan Nickerson. (Photo submitted by Darlene Roberts)

Darlene Roberts submitted a photo of Robert (Bobby) Alan NICKERSON, and wrote that “…My husband’s uncle was killed in the Rhineland Forest just two months before the war ended. His name was Jeff McIntosh Robert (Bobby) Nickerson. We were stationed in Germany from 1968-1971. We were able to visit the grave in 1969. We live in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. My husband’s family is from Halifax…” A paratrooper in the 1^st Canadian Parachute Battalion, he was killed on his first jump from a plane over the Rhineland Forest.

According to his gravestone and the record at the Canadian Virtual War Memorial, his name was Robert Alan Nickerson (not Jeff McIntosh Robert), and he died on March 24, 1945, at the age of 23. (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/2232298?Robert%20Alan%20Nickerson)

Soldiers buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands

Russell Soble. (Photo courtesy of Janet Latchford)

Jack Soble submitted a photo of his uncle, Russell Richard SOBLE, which had been provided by Russell’s sister, Janet Latchford. Jack wrote that “…My father, Russell’s brother, was also fighting in Europe. During that time, if you had a younger brother fighting in Europe, you could claim him and he could go to where you were fighting so you could be together. My father didn’t want to claim him as where my Dad was there was heavy fighting and he was afraid if he claimed him then he might get killed. Unfortunately he was killed.…”

Born in Ameliasburg, Ontario, Russell served in the Essex Scottish Regiment after arriving in Europe, and died on October 6, 1944. He was one of 12 members of the regiment killed in action in Putte, a town on the Dutch-Belgian border, in a fight on October 5, 1944 that marked the beginning of the Battle of the Scheldt. (For more information see Eternal Memorial for Canadian Heroes)

All of the Canadian soldiers were initially buried in Putte’s churchyard. Putte is south of Bergen Op Zoom, where Russell was subsequently reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery. Putte recognized the sacrifices made by soldiers and Russell’s name is listed on a war memorial in the Dutch part of the town. (See https://www.tracesofwar.nl/sights/541/Oorlogsmonument-Putte.htm)

Soldiers Buried In Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium

Alexander Fraser MacDonald. (Photo submitted by Sandy Burgess)

Sandra Burgess submitted a photo of her father, Alexander Fraser MACDONALD, explaining that “…he served with The Regina Rifles, and was killed on October 31, 1944 in Breskens during the Battle of the Scheldt. He was from Trenton, Nova Scotia, the son of George and Annie MacDonald. He was married to Aileen Hoganson and they were expecting a baby (me) when he was killed. I was on a river cruise in 2012 and was blessed to be able to visit his grave at Adegem…”

Thank you to Sandra Burgess, Janet Latchford, Florence MacLachlan, Helen O’Connell, Darlene Roberts, and Russell Soble for sharing photos and anecdotes. Thank you again to CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 for helping to get the word out on this quest of remembrance. Atlantic Canadians remember their loved ones who are buried overseas.

More photos and stories in Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 3! If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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… on On The War Memorial Trail….A V…
	Nancy Reddin on On The War Memorial Trail….A V…
	On The War Memorial… on On The War Memorial Trail….A V…
	On The War Memorial… on On The War Memorial Trail….A V…
	Nancy Reddin on On The War Memorial Trail….A V…

… Edison began his army training in September 1943…

… Edison left Canada for overseas service in April 1944…

… Edison loved getting mail from back home…

… Edison leaves for France and the D-Day invasion with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders…

… Tragedy strikes but Edison was not yet aware of another loss…

….Coming up in Part 2…

….Want to follow our research?….

Share this:

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

…Who was Joseph Hudson Pallister?…

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

… Joseph’s great-nephew got in contact …

…Want to follow our research?…

Share this:

….Ronnie Hoole lost his life trying to save a friend…

….Dave Henderson lost his life when a German luger accidentally went off …

…Want to follow our research?….

Share this:

…Book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’….

…Pieter Honoured With PEI Senior Islander of the Year Award….

…. Soldiers Listed On The Cenotaph Outside Borden-Carleton Legion …….

… WWI Related Stories….

… WWII Related Stories….

…Indigenous Soldiers….

…. Stories About Servicemen From The Maritimes…

…. Stories About Servicemen From Outside The Maritimes…

…In Conversation And More….

…. Interviews To Highlight Search For Photos….

…. Letters To The Editor For Photo Searches….

… Successful Search For Photos …..

… The YouTube Channel….

…Thank you for your support and encouragement of this research project!…

….Happy Holidays…

…Want to follow our research?….

Share this:

…Bruce was not the only family member who served in the military…

…Bruce was anxious to serve overseas…

…Bruce lost his life when a gun ricocheted…

…Account of the accident by George Spittael…

…. A letter from the Chaplain….

…Sylvia and Bruce Churchill visited the grave of his father…

…Sylvia and Bruce Churchill also visited Hulst…

…Want to follow our research?….

Share this:

…Pieter Awarded Sovereign’s Medal For Volunteers….

…. WWII Soldiers Listed On The Cenotaph Outside Borden-Carleton Legion …….

… WWI Related Stories….

… WWII Related Stories….

…Indigenous Soldiers….

…. Stories About Servicemen From The Maritimes…

…. Stories About Servicemen From Outside The Maritimes…

…In Conversation And More….

…. Interviews To Highlight Search For Photos….

…. Letters To The Editor For Photo Searches….

… Successful Search For Photos …..

… The Search For Photos On YouTube….

Thank you for your support and encouragement of this research project!

….Happy Holidays…

…Want to follow our research?….

Share this:

…How many photos are still on the photo wish lists?…

…How many stories were told following the January 2021 interview?….

….Response following the November 9, 2021 interview…

…Want to follow our research?….

Share this:

….Want to follow our research?….

Share this:

….Want to follow our research?….

Share this:

Soldiers buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands

Soldiers buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands

Soldiers buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands

Soldiers Buried In Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium

….Want to follow our research?….

Share this: