On The War Memorial Trail…. Struck By Shellfire Part 3 The WWII Gunner From Olds Who Lost His Life As He Was Being Moved To Safety

July 22, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

July 22, 2026. On February 26, 1945, the lives of three WWII soldiers intersected during the Battle of Keppeln in Germany. Private Harry BIZNAR, Lt Robert Joseph MARKEY, and Gunner Albert Donald AHLWARDT, all lost their lives when a shell burst near them as Private Biznar and Lt Markey were trying to get a wounded Gunner Ahlwardt to safety in a nearby house.

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

In Part 2 of Struck By Shellfire, the story of WWII soldier Robert Joseph MARKEY was told. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/07/16/on-the-war-memorial-trail-struck-by-shellfire-part-2-the-wwii-lieutenant-from-saint-john-who-lost-his-life-trying-to-get-a-wounded-gunner-to-safety/)

Now, in Part 3, the Struck By Shellfire series concludes with Albert Donald AHLWARDT. The report on the circumstances of death for Harry Biznar and Robert Joseph Markey did not identify the gunner from the Ram carrier from a regiment other than Lincoln & Welland, but detective work on Pieter’s part resulted in identifying the gunner as Albert Donald Ahlwardt.

Born June 2, 1923 in Olds, Alberta, Albert was the son of Herman August and Edith May Ahlwardt. The youngest of 5 children, Albert had a brother and three sisters. Pieter was able to connect with Diane McLeaghn, daughter of Albert’s sister Stella McLean, who submitted a photo.

….Albert enlisted in 1943…

When he enlisted at Military District No. 13 in Calgary, Alberta on July 26, 1943, Albert was employed as a truck driver for Cliff Sturgeon, a wholesale gas company for Imperial Oil in Olds. His Personnel Selection Record noted that he had left school at age 17 in order to assist his family financially, as his 72 year old father was “…frequently confined to hospital…” with an “…old age pension…” as his sole income. Albert had been driving 3 ton gasoline trucks since he left school. It was recommended that he be trained to drive military trucks.

On August 3, 1943, he was sent for basic training to the A1 Canadian Artillery Training Centre (CATC) in Petawawa, Ontario. After 6 weeks, he was interviewed, and recorded as being “….happy in the army….”

Albert remained at A1 CATC for training as a Driver i/c Class III (Wheeled), and received his qualification on November 16, 1943. With this qualification, Albert was deemed “…suitable for operational service overseas…” (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’. Class III meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars, but not tanks. Wheeled refers to wheeled vehicles.)

….Albert left Canada for overseas service…

From December 1 to December 8, 1943, Albert was granted special leave, for what turned out to be the last time he saw his family. While on leave, he had been transferred to No. 2 Transit Company, and then, on December 10, 1943, Albert reported to No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia, for final training and preparation before going overseas. The Brigade provided refresher courses and was a final staging point for troops waiting to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

On March 3, 1944, Albert was transferred to Serial 292 – the No. 1 Canadian Artillery Reinforcement Unit (CARU). This unit was stationed in the United Kingdom to train and supply replacements for overseas artillery regiments.

Albert boarded a ship on March 5, 1944 that left the following day from Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving in the United Kingdom on March 15, 1944, and reported the next day to No. 1 Canadian Artillery Reinforcement Unit (CARU).

In an interview shortly after his arrival at No. 1 CARU, he was described as having an “…attractive personality, although a bit reserved…” and that he “…wishes to continue as Driver i/c and seems best suited for such work…”

Albert’s training continued, beginning with a 2 week basic refresher course, which he completed on April 5, 1944. On June 3, 1944, he qualified as a Driver i/c Wheeled Class ‘A’. Class ‘A’ referred to armoured and fighting vehicles, such as tanks and Universal Carriers.

A few weeks later, on June 24, 1944, he qualified as a Driver i/c (Tank) Class ‘B’. With this qualification, Albert would be responsible for steering, manoeuvring, and performing basic maintenance on the tracks and engine of a tank. Class ‘B’ meant that he had above-average mechanical aptitude, and would be tasked with both driving vehicles and executing minor field repairs, even under battle conditions.

….Albert left the UK for France in July 1944….

On July 7, 1944, Albert was transferred to ‘E’ Squadron of the 25th Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (CADR), which was preparing to go into France, attached to II Canadian Corps. He joined them in Seabrook, one of 3 reinforcements that arrived that day, along with 2 Staghounds (an armoured vehicle that could also be used as a scout car).

Over the next two days, personnel and vehicles began leaving by train towards a marshalling area, where they gathered until ready to move to their embarkation point.

On the evening of July 10, 1944, they boarded LST-414. (Note: LST refers to Landing Ship, Tanks). The following morning, the ship left England across the English Channel towards France, and, per the war diary for July 11, 1944, “…sighted land about 1900 hours, vehicles warmed up in preparation to land, large numbers of various types of craft in vicinity, all personnel in high spirits, dropped anchor 2000 hours…”

Map showing Courselles-sur-Mer on the coast of France, near Caen. ‘La Manche’ in French is what we call the ‘English Channel’. (Map source: https://www.viamichelin.fr)

After disembarking the following day, the Regiment slowly made it’s way to their temporary base on July 23, 1944 at an “…area situated in an apple orchard close to crossroads at Villons-les-Buissons…” which had been the site of intense fighting on June 7, 1944, a day after D-Day, until July 11, 1944.

‘E’ Squadron’s role was to serve as a vehicle pool attached for II Canadian Corps, responsible for maintaining, forwarding, and distributing replacement tanks, self-propelled guns, and modified armoured personnel carriers to front-line fighting units, as well as recovering them. As the Allies moved through France, so did ‘E’ Squadron.

As just one example, during Operation Totalize, an offensive designed to break through the German defences south of Caen and toward Falaise, fought between August 7-11, 1944, ‘E’ Squadron provided and issued specialized vehicles like the M7 Priest Kangaroos to infantry brigades to safely transport soldiers under heavy fire. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Totalize)

….Albert was transferred to the 6th Anti-Tank Regiment….

Albert Donald Ahlwardt (identified by yellow arrow) and an unidentified soldier warming up a meal by a campfire. (Photo courtesy of the McLean family on behalf of his sister Stella (Ahlwardt) McLean)

On August 28, 1944, Albert was transferred to the 6th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, joining them in the area of Le Gros-Theil (now part of Le Bosc-du-Theil) in northern France. Equipped with towed 6-pounders and 17-pounder guns, this Regiment, part of II Canadian Corps, was in continuous frontline combat to supplement the anti-tank defenses of both the 2nd and 3rd Canadian Infantry Divisions.

Ram Mk II Kangaroo could carry 2 crew and up to 8 passengers, and was armed with a .30 calibre machine gun. (Photo source: Canadian War Museum)

The Regiment used turretless Ram tanks as gun tractors to tow their heavy 17-pounder anti-tank guns, as well as Armoured Personnel Carriers (Kangaroos). These converted vehicles, which Albert would be familiar with, provided essential mobility and armour.

Albert joined the Regiment during the advance in late August and early September 1944 to secure and clear the heavily fortified French coastal ports before pushing forward into Belgium and The Netherlands.

From September to November 1944, the Regiment provided crucial anti-tank and direct fire support to clear the vital shipping routes into Antwerp in northern Belgium and the southwest Netherlands during the Battle of the Scheldt. (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/scheldt)

6th Anti-Tank Regiment, as part of II Canadian Corps, held defensive lines in the Nijmegen Salient. (Map source: http://www.canadiansoldiers.com)

The Regiment spent the winter of 1944 and early 1945 holding defensive lines in the Nijmegen Salient area, while preparing for the upcoming fight in the Rhineland in February 1945, and supporting offensive thrusts along the German frontier.

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

The 6th Anti-Tank Regiment’s War Diary entry for February 22, 1945 noted that “…message received today ordering us to have 24 Ram towers ready to move without further notice to the Reichswald to undertake a task for 2 Canadian Corps. Exact nature to the job not yet known. The Rams will be ready but the Batterys are hard put to it to find drivers and co-drivers with 72 or the 103 men still on guard….”

The Regiment was about to be involved in the upcoming Battle of Keppeln, with the objective of breaking the German Siegfried Line during Operation Blockbuster, the last part of Operation Veritable. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)

Map shows the location of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division, which the 6th Anti-Tank Regiment and the Lincoln and Welland Regiment supported, during the Battle of Keppeln on February 26, 1945. (Map source: Project 44)

The February 25, 1945 war diary entry stated that “…all is in readiness for the offensive and both Batterys will move to concentration areas this evening….The Rams will carry the infantry of the Lincs and Wellands in the attack on the Hochswald by the 4th Canadian Armoured Regiment….”

On February 26, 1945, the war diary entry recorded that “…the great Operation got under way today at 0430 hrs in wet and windy weather.…” Troops encountered heavy artillery and mortar fire in intense fighting from German paratroopers, and had to make their way through heavy mud and minefields. During the battle, “…one Ram was struck by shell fire and burnt up and Gunner Ahlwardt was slightly wounded and evacuated….”

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

….What happened?….

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

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

Albert, aged 22, lost his life on that afternoon of February 26, 1945, as Pte Biznar and Lt Markey tried to move him to safety.

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

….Albert is buried in Groesbeek…

Pieter at the grave of Albert Donald Ahlwardt after placing Canadian and Alberta flags. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

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

Thank you to Diane McLeaghn for finding a photo, and to Shawn Rainville for newspaper research.

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

Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flag.
Marie Renaud, MLA St Albert, Alberta at the request of Roman Berezowsky, for the Alberta flag.

This concludes the 3 part Struck By Shellfire series. However, Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? Can you identify the soldier in the photo with Albert? 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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

….Robert was involved in student activities…

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

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

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

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

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

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

….Robert enlisted on Boxing Day 1941 …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…Robert was sent for more training…

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

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

….Robert qualified as a Driver for a flamethrower…

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

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

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

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

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

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

….Robert left Canada for overseas service…

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

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

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

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

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

….Robert joined the Lincoln & Welland Regiment……

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

….What happened?…

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

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

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

….Robert is buried in Groesbeek…

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

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

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

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

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

…. to be continued…..

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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

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

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

….The Letter To The Editor was successful…

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

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

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

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

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

….Harry’s parents were Ukrainian…

Harry Biznar. (Photo courtesy of the Biznar Family)

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

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

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

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

….Harry enlisted in 1942…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

….Harry wanted to join the paratroops…

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

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

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

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

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

….Harry joined the Lincoln & Welland Regiment…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

….What happened?….

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

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

….Harry is buried in Groesbeek…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…. to be continued…..

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..We Follow The Route Taken Into Germany By Canadian Troops In 1945

February 6, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 1 Comment

February 6, 2026. Last spring we were in The Netherlands and Belgium for the 80th Anniversary of Liberation Commemoration events. We placed flags at the graves of 383 soldiers in 14 cemeteries, plus visited a number of memorials, museums related to WWII, and even did a battlefield tour.

We had one last adventure on our 2025 European War Memorial Tour – a trip to Germany to follow the route taken by Canadian troops during the winter of 1945.

We had been in Mook, near Groesbeek, in The Netherlands, as we’d been invited to attend a Faces To Graves Groesbeek meeting, at which we had been surprised with a Faces To Graves Groesbeek ‘coin’ and a certificate for the work done in researching soldiers, finding families, and sharing photos. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/05/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-pieter-and-daria-honoured-by-faces-to-graves-groesbeek-foundation/)

Route taken into Germany from Groesbeek to Kleve, Kalkar, Xanten, Bienen (now part of Rees), and Gendringen. (Map source: Michelin Maps)

Instead of returning to Zaltbommel, where we were staying, Pieter decided to drive into Germany and follow the route taken by Canadian troops in the winter of 1945. We first travelled to Kleve, then went on to Kalkar, from there to Xanten, and then to Bienen, which is now part of Rees. From Bienen we returned to The Netherlands and made a very brief stop in Gendringen.

.…Our first stop was Kleve…

Canadian troops would have travelled along this route into Kleve. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Kleve was bombed heavily before being captured by Allied troops on February 11, 1945 during Operation Veritable, as the 21st Canadian Army Group and British troops fought their way through the difficult terrain of the Reichswald Forest. The goal of Operation Veritable was to reach the Rhine, part of a pincer movement to allow Allied troops to advance towards Berlin. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable)

The dense wooded area of the Reichswald Forest. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

When the Allies crossed the border into Germany they entered the Reichswald Forest, a densely wooded area, as we saw from the road. It wasn’t hard to understand how the Germans had turned the forest into a death trap during WWII. The already natural obstacles of a forested area were heavily reinforced by German troops and rigged with trenches, mortar pits, barbed wire, mines, and anti-tank ditches.

Two major roads provided the only means of an Allied approach, while inside the forest there were no surfaced roads. Zig-zagged paths snaked through the woods, making it ideal for preparing ambushes to trap Allied troops.

Canadian and British troops were forced to advance on a narrow front, with their movements further restricted by bad weather and mud….as well as German ambushes.

On this journey through Kleve and the road bordering the Reichswald, we remembered:

John ‘Weston’ CAMPBELL: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/09/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-clermont-killed-during-operation-veritable/

…..Kalkar was the scene of brutal battles in February 1945….

Canadian troops continued from Kleve towards Kalkar. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

About 10 km (6 miles) south-east of Kleve is Kalkar, scene of two terrible battles that Canadian troops participated in during Operation Veritable.

First came the Battle of Moyland Wood, which lasted a brutal six days, from February 16–21, 1945, in which several Canadian Regiments, such as the Regina Rifle Regiment, Canadian Scottish Regiment, and Royal Winnipeg Rifles fought to clear German paratroopers from a key position near Kalkar. (See https://legionmagazine.com/clearing-moyland-wood/)

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

As we passed Kalkar on our way towards the Hochwald Forest, we remembered:

Norman Victor Holgate BUCHANAN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/11/08/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-monument-in-st-claude-led-to-a-photo-of-a-wwii-soldier/
Thomas ‘Tom’ Alfred BROWN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/01/25/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-successful-search-for-a-photo-of-wwii-soldier-thomas-alfred-brown-left-us-with-a-mystery/
Donald Roy CARTER: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/06/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-central-blissville-killed-along-the-goch-calcar-road/
Arthur GAUDET: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/02/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-prince-edward-island-who-lost-his-life-in-germany-two-days-before-his-21st-birthday/
Cecil Edward GOODREAU: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/06/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-in-north-bay-remembering-ww2-soldier-cecil-edward-goodreau/
Frank Edward MCGOVERN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/12/09/the-search-for-a-photo-of-frank-edward-mcgovern-moves-to-youtube/
Bernard ‘Barney’ Reuben MCGUIGAN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-photo-search-for-barney-mcguigan-is-successful/ and https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/08/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-barney-reuben-mcguigan/
Elbridge Wellington MILLER: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/04/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-9/
Alfred Louis PITAWANAKWAT (PITWANAKWAT): https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/09/06/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-alfred-louis-pitawanakwat-pitwanakwat/

….The Hochwald Forest was where the Battle of Hochwald Gap was fought….

The road bordering the Hochwald Forest was bleak and lonely on the rainy day we drove on it. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

From Kalkar we turned off the road to go along the Hochwald Forest. It was perhaps fitting that by this time it was raining, with bleak, grey skies, as so many tears would have been shed here during the winter of 1945. We were alone on this road, with the Hochwald off in the distance, and the only colour coming from the red poppies growing in the field by the road.

Red poppies grew along the road bordering the Hochwald Forest. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

The Hochwald Forest was a second, separate defensive line located about 10 km (six miles) east/southeast of the Reichswald, stretching toward the Rhine. It was where the Battle of Hochwald Gap, part of Operation Blockbuster, was fought between February 28 and March 1, 1945, the final push by Canadian troops towards the Rhine River. (For more information, see https://canadianbattlefieldtours.ca/operation-blockbuster/ and https://civilianmilitaryintelligencegroup.com/10742/the-battle-of-hochwald-gap-one-of-the-largest-armor-engagements-you-probably-have-never-heard-of)

On this bleak and lonely road bordering the Hochwald Forest, we remembered:

Gerald Burnell COOLEN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/11/28/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-11/
Ange-Aimé LECLAIR: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/11/27/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-acadian-soldier-serving-with-le-regiment-de-maisonneuve-who-made-the-ultimate-sacrifice-in-the-hochwald-forest/
John ‘Jack’ Richard MARACLE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/07/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-john-jack-richard-maracle/
Edward Gabriel PERRY: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/07/06/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-st-nicholas-who-lost-his-life-during-the-battle-of-hochwald-gap/
Anthony PETTA: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/06/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-in-north-bay-the-ww2-soldier-who-was-appointed-company-sergeant-major/
Lawrence Arthur RUDOLPH: h ttps://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/01/06/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-liscomb-who-lost-his-life-due-to-sniper-fire-in-germany/
Ralph Kenneth SILLIKER: h ttps://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/04/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-oleary-who-lost-his-life-during-operation-churchill/
Clarence Wilfred WAKEGIJIG: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/08/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-clarence-wilfred-wakegijig/

….Xanten is now the home of an archeological park…

We followed the road from Kleve to Xanten. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

After detouring onto the road along the Hochwald, we returned to the highway and travelled to Xanten, 26 km (16 miles) from Kleve. The battle to capture Xanten, near the end of Operation Blockbuster, was the responsibility of Canadian troops of 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, in early March 1945. (See https://legionmagazine.com/the-taking-of-xanten/)

Beginning on March 8, each brigade was accompanied by two squadrons of flame-throwing tanks, with enemy artillery positions attacked by air support. German troops were desperate to win against the Allies, and fought fiercely, but in the end they evacuated Xanten in the middle of the night on March 10 into March 11.

Poster advertising the upcoming Siegfried Spectacle in Xanten. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

Much of Xanten had been destroyed during WWII, but today it’s the site an archeological park, with no reminders of WWII – at least none that we saw. When we drove through the town, we noticed a large poster advertising a medieval festival to honour Siegfried, a hero of Xanten, billed as a reunion with knights, jugglers, and dragons! It was an odd note on this solemn journey we were taking, in which we remembered:

Thomas Beresford BIG CANOE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/10/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembering-ww2-soldier-thomas-big-canoe/
Joseph ‘Albert Noel’ LAMONTAGNE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/02/05/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-saint-basile-who-lost-his-life-during-the-advance-towards-xanten/

….In Bienen we looked for the memorial plaque honouring North Novies who died during the Battle of Bienen….

We travelled to Bienen from Xanten. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

From Xanten, we began the journey back into The Netherlands, with a slight detour along the way to Bienen, the scene of the Battle of Bienen on March 25, 1945. In 2023 we’d done a multi-part series on several soldiers from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment who had died in this battle. We wanted to see a memorial plaque, which was on a wall behind a church in Bienen.

Pieter beside the memorial plaque behind a church in Bienen. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Alice van Bekkum, Chair Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, had told us that the memorial plaque by the church in Bienen, Germany, commemorating the lives lost by the North Nova Scotia Highlanders during the Battle of Bienen on March 25, 1945, was the “…first German/Canadian (Commonwealth) monument in Germany….”

It might have been raining while we were by the memorial plaque, but we made sure to remember:

Clifford BATEMAN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/16/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-4-the-wwii-soldier-from-a-small-fishing-village-in-newfoundland-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/
John Joseph BOHON: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-5-the-wwii-soldier-whose-parents-immigrated-to-save-their-family-from-war/
Ralph Schurman BOULTER: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-2-the-wwii-battle-drill-instructor-from-oleary/
Lawrence William BULGER: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/08/19/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-bulger-brothers-part-2-the-wwii-stretcher-bearer-from-foxley-river-killed-during-the-battle-of-bienen/
Charles ‘Marshall’ CARSON: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-3-the-wwii-soldier-from-cape-tormentine-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/
Harry William DOUCETTE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/02/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-6/
Marven Glenroy HARVEY: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/26/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-8-the-wwii-soldier-with-7-brothers-who-also-served/
Kitchener ‘Kitty’ LANGILLE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/21/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-6-the-wwii-soldier-from-new-glasgow-nicknamed-kitty/
Marvin William MCGREGOR: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/04/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-9-the-wwii-soldier-from-west-jeddore-killed-in-germany/
Austin Havelock MUNROE, plus a list of the 39 soldiers: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/11/29/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-a-photo-of-austin-havelock-munroe-is-on-youtube/ and https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/05/14/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-12-the-wwii-soldier-from-little-dover-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/
Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph POWER: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/04/10/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-10-the-wwii-soldier-who-wanted-to-be-a-paratrooper/
Louis Allan SEXTON: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-7-the-wwii-soldier-from-quebec-who-has-never-been-forgotten-by-his-family/
Edison Alexander SMITH: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/03/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-1-the-wwii-soldier-whose-body-shielded-a-wounded-major/
John Lewis WALLACE: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/05/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-battle-of-bienen-part-11-the-wwii-soldier-from-canning-who-lost-his-life-in-germany/

….The final stop on our journey of remembrance was in Gendringen….

Pieter by the memorial in the cemetery in Gendringen. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

From Bienen, we returned to The Netherlands, stopping for a few moments in Gendringen, where 3 soldiers who had been researched by Pieter had lost their lives. Although it was still raining, we wanted to see the memorial, located in a cemetery in Gendringen.

The text on the memorial means ‘so that we don’t forget’, or, as said more commonly during Remembrance Services in Canada, ‘lest we forget’. While at the memorial, we remembered:

By now, it was well after 4 pm, with the rain making the skies very grey. We were tired and still had a long drive back through heavy traffic to our hotel in Zaltbommel. Luckily, Pieter is a genius at staying calm in traffic, and we arrived safely, in time to enjoy a quiet and relaxing dinner.

This concludes the stories of the highlights of our 2025 European War Memorial Tour to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Europe.

Our trip is now long over, but the research work continues for Pieter. If you have photos or information to share about soldiers buried in The Netherlands or Belgium, please email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail In North Bay….. Remembering WWII Soldier Cecil Edward Goodreau

June 17, 2022February 4, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

June 17, 2022. Some families span generations of military service, as we discovered when researching the life of WWII soldier Cecil Edward GOODREAU of North Bay, Ontario. Not only did Cecil serve during WWII, but two of his brothers did as well:

Murrel Robert, who worked at National Grocers in North Bay before enlisting in 1942
William (Bill) Joseph, who worked at Rankin’s Grocery in North Bay before enlisting

Both Murrel and Bill returned home from the war. Cecil didn’t.

The three brothers followed in the footsteps of their father Henry (Harry) Goodreau, who enlisted in WWI and served in France. While in England he met and married Margaret Daisy. They had 2 boys born there before returning to Canada in March 1919 on a ship full of troops and their wives and children.

Cecil Edward Goodreau. (Photo courtesy of the Goudreau family. Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

Cecil was born July 9, 1924 in Cache Bay, Ontario, the son of Harry Joseph and Margaret Daisy Goodreau. He attended St Joseph’s Separate School in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, and after the family moved to North Bay when he was 12, he was a student at St Mary’s School in North Bay.

Before enlisting in Sudbury, Ontario on March 15, 1943, Cecil worked at the International Nickel Company (Inco) in Copper Cliff, Ontario. He was sent for training as a gunner at Camp Borden, Ontario before going overseas. He left Canada on November 25, 1943 and arrived in the United Kingdom on December 1, where he became part of the Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit (CACRU).

While in the United Kingdom, he attended Gunnery and Wireless courses in preparation for the D-Day landings on June 4, 1944 in Normandy. Remarkably, he survived D-Day and on June 9, 1944 was transferred to the 27^th Armoured Regiment (Sherbrooke Fusiliers).

… Cecil lost his life during Operation Blockbuster in Germany….

On November 1, 1944, while still in France, he was wounded when he sustained shell fragment wounds to his head and face, as well as his knee and shin, in an infantry accident. At the time of his death he was still carrying scars of the face and head shell wounds received in November.

Unfortunately, a few months later, Cecil was killed in action in Germany in the Battle of Keppeln on February 26, 1945 during Operation Blockbuster, the last part of Operation Veritable. He had been transferred to the 25^th Armoured Delivery Regiment (Elgin Regiment) just the day before.

Cecil was initially buried near Kalkar, Germany. (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable)

… Cecil’s great-niece contacted us….

Nancy Gribbons, daughter of Cecil’s niece Marie, wrote that “…My grandfather, Harry Goudreau, and Uncle Cecil were brothers. My mother talked of Uncle Cecil staying with them all the time and that they all loved him.

When he was 18, Uncle Cecil moved from North Bay to stay with Harry and Grandma Helene at their home in Copper Cliff, Ontario. Uncle Cecil worked at Inco mines before signing up in Sudbury to join the war.

My grandparents helped many persons by letting them stay at their home while working at the Inco mines. Inco was a large employer and people could make money to save.

In 1940 there was not a lot of work, especially in Northern Ontario, and men flocked to Sudbury to work in the mines. It was a mining town, and still is.

Grandpa Harry never got over losing his brother Cecil. He and Grandma Helen named their next child, a girl, Cecilla after him, and then the next and last was a boy and his name is Cecil Goudreau too.

Uncle Cecil was so loved and was saving to buy a farm in Verner, a farming community between North Bay and Sudbury, near Sturgeon Falls and Cache Bay, where he was born….”

…Memorial Plaque at Pro-Cathedral Of The Assumption Church in North Bay….

20220518_165029 May 18 2022 Procathedral

Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Catholic Church in North Bay, Ontario.

After Nancy told us that Cecil’s name was listed on a memorial plaque at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Catholic Church in North Bay, we asked Don Coutts if he could arrange a visit there to see it.

Don contacted Karen Steel, Parish Administrator, who was present when we came to view the plaque.

20220518_154353 May 18 2022 Pieter Karen Steel Don Coutts by memorial plaque in Procathedral

Pieter with Karen Steel and Don Coutts beside the memorial plaque at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Catholic Church. Pieter is pointing to Cecil’s name. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

20220518_154254 May 18 2022 Memorial plaque for Goodreau in Procathedral

Memorial plaque at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Catholic Church. Cecil’s name is second from the bottom in the far left column. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…Cecil’s nephew had a photo….

Nancy Gribbons contacted her uncle Johnny Goudreau, a retired veteran, who wrote “…Thank you for your work on this project….” Johnny and his wife Beverley contributed the photo of Cecil, noting that there was a “…difference in the spelling for our last name. Goudreau is how this branch of the family spells the last name….”

Cecil was initially buried near Kalkar, Germany, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

12903776_137245225378 Goodreau from Find A Grave

Cecil Edward Goodreau is buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

Thank you to Johnny and Beverley Goudreau and Nancy Gribbons for sharing anecdotes about Cecil Goodreau and his photo. Heartfelt thanks to Don Coutts and Karen Steel for arranging the visit to the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Catholic Church to view the memorial plaque. Thank you also to Judie Klassen and Shawn Rainville for researching the newspaper and genealogy archives.

Our North Bay adventures continue in upcoming postings. If you know of any soldiers from the North Bay area that are buried in The Netherlands please let Pieter know. You can mail him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

… Stories about other soldiers who lost their lives on February 26, 1945 during Operation Blockbuster…

Frank Edward MCGOVERN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/12/09/the-search-for-a-photo-of-frank-edward-mcgovern-moves-to-youtube/
Bernard ‘Barney’ Reuben MCGUIGAN: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/12/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-photo-search-for-barney-mcguigan-is-successful/ and https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/08/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-barney-reuben-mcguigan/
Elbridge Wellington MILLER: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/04/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-9/

…Missed the previous postings about our North Bay Memorial Trail visit?…

…Want to follow our research?….

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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/

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On The War Memorial Trail….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 9

April 15, 2021November 23, 2024 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

April 15, 2021. More of the photos submitted by Atlantic Canadians of soldiers buried overseas are featured in Part 9. Pieter is ensuring 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.

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

Alexis Daigle (Photo submitted by Gilberte Manuel)

After being contacted by Marc Comeau, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 45 in Tracadie, New Brunswick, Gilberte Manuel submitted a photo of Alexis D. DAIGLE on behalf of “…Alfrida Richard, the niece of Alexis Daigle of Pointe-Sapin….”

Born March 2, 1920 in Lower Spain, New Brunswick, the son of Dominique Daigle and Exelda Mazerolle, Alexis was a fisherman before enlisting in Fredericton on August 28, 1941. After completing basic training, he was attached to the Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre in Montmagny, Quebec on a Home War Established (HWE) basis as an engineer’s helper.

His service file noted that he was a “…jack of all trades…” and could speak both French and English. He was described as a “…quiet and non-talkative single young man of above average intelligence...”

In January 1945 he arrived in the United Kingdom and assigned to the Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR). A month later, on February 24, 1945, he was sent to continental Europe, and on March 1, 1945 transferred to Le Régiment de la Chaudière.

On April 6, 1945, while serving with Le Régiment de la Chaudière in The Netherlands, Alexis was killed in action (‘mort au champ d’honneur‘) near Zutphen, during the Battle of Zutphen. (For more information on this battle, see https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/zutphen.htm)

According to the Regiment’s war diary for April 1945, the Battalion had “…proceeded on foot to a concentrated area just past Almen, approximately 3 miles short of Zutphen…..” where they rested until the start of an operation which began “…on the night 5-6 April…”

The attack started at 4:30 am. “… Only slight opposition was encountered up to the outskirts of the town of Zutphen. The objective was C and D companies to seize the ground in between the main highway leading to town and the first row of houses….”

Alexis was in D Company and it’s likely that he lost his life in what happened next. “…. Between the starting line and the objective there was a canal on which both leading companies were stopped for almost two hours. First opposition was then encountered from well-sited snipers, machine gun nests, and bazookas...”

Alexis was one of 4 soldiers in the Regiment killed in that operation. The others were:

V. PARE (D Company)
S. BOUCHARD (D Company)
E. PARADIS (C Company)

Alexis was temporarily buried in Almen, and later reburied in in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

Mathieu Michaud. (Photo submitted by the Grand Falls branch of the Royal Canadian Legion)

Patrick Côté of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 21 in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, submitted a photo of Mathieu MICHAUD. Born November 11, 1921 in Drummond, New Brunswick, he was the son of Achille Michaud and Fébronie Laforest.

Patrick provided a translated excerpt from a book, ‘Military Heritage – The Greater Grand Falls Region’, by Jean-Guy Plourde, which explained that “….wanting to emulate his older brother Laurent, he enrolled in the army on December 3, 1942, and received training in Fredericton. From March 10 to July 24, 1943, he was in Valcartier, Quebec before becoming a gunner. The authorities assigned him to Goose Bay, Labrador from August 1, 1943 to June 30, 1944. From November 30, 1944, he made a two week stay in Sorel, Quebec before embarking for the great adventure. On January 10, 1945, he made the crossing to the United Kingdom where he was stationed until March 1, 1945….”

In the UK he was assigned to the Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR). On March 2, 1945 he left for Northwest Europe, and then transferred to Le Régiment De La Chaudière on March 21, 1945.

He was killed in action (‘mort au champ d’honneur‘) in The Netherlands while part of the Regiment’s Company C and died on April 8, 1945. According to the Regiment’s war diary, the Battle of Zutphen had ended on April 7 but continued to encounter sniper fire. Mathieu was one of two soldiers from Company C that died that day. The other soldier was H. A. MARCHAND.

Like Alexis Daigle, Mathieu was temporarily buried in Almen, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

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

Elbridge Wellington Miller. (Photo courtesy of Elbridge Wellington Miller Family)

Wilmot Tompkins submitted a photo, explaining that “…This is Elbridge Wellington Miller, my great-uncle, buried in Groesbeek. My wife found your interview and your blog while searching for the place my great-uncle lost his life…” Wilmot had seen a list of 28 men listed as having lost their lives in Keppeln, in a posting about a video plea for a photo of Frank MCGOVERN. (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2020/12/09/the-search-for-a-photo-of-frank-edward-mcgovern-moves-to-youtube/)

Elbridge Wellington MILLER was born in Deerville, New Brunswick, the son of David W and Elizabeth Miller, and was a labourer before enlisting on December 3, 1942 in Fredericton. By April 4, 1943 he was in the United Kingdom. On August 19, 1943 he was transferred to the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.

Serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, he landed in France on D-Day (June 6, 1944) and was wounded by shrapnel in the left thigh and right ankle during the Battle of the Scheldt on October 13, 1944, resulting in a recovery period in England before rejoining his unit a month later.

He lost his life on February 26, 1945 in Germany during the Battle of Keppeln, during Operation Blockbuster, the last part of Operation Veritable. (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable)

Eldridge was one of 28 men killed in action that day, as was explained in the posting about Frank McGovern. Another of these soldiers was Barney MCGUIGAN. (For his story, please see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/08/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-barney-reuben-mcguigan/)

Like Frank McGovern and Barney McGuigan, Eldridge was temporarily buried in the Bedburg Military Cemetery, and then later reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek.

Alphonse Robert. (Photo courtesy of the Robert Family)

Armel ‘Mel’ Lanteigne, President of the Caraquet branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, submitted a photo of Alphonse ROBERT on behalf of the Robert family. Alphonse came from a family of “…9 children…” Mel wrote, “…one died at an early age. His father Amédée was a veteran of WW1 and after returning to Caraquet, his job was lighthouse keeper on Caraquet’s island, where he lived with his family….”

Born October 23, 1923 in Caraquet, Alphonse was the son of Amédée and Alma Robert, and was a fisherman before enlisting on August 23, 1943.

In January 1945 he was in the United Kingdom, assigned to the Canadian Infantry Training Regiment (CITR). On March 28, 1945 he was transferred to North West Europe and was serving with Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal when he lost his life on March 30, 1945 in Germany.

Alphonse was temporarily buried in Germany, and later reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. NOTE: For an update to this story, please see: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/10/12/on-the-war-memorial-trail-an-update-on-the-story-of-ww2-soldier-alphonse-robert/

Thank you to Marc Comeau, Patrick Côté, Armel ‘Mel’ Lanteigne, Gilberte Manuel, Alfrida Richard, and Wilmot Tompkins for sharing photos and anecdotes. Atlantic Canadians remember their loved ones who are buried overseas.

More photos and stories in Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 10! To share photos or information, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

…..Previous postings in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series….

Missed the previous postings in this series? See:

…..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/

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/

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The Search For A Photo Of Frank Edward McGovern Moves To YouTube

December 9, 2020February 4, 2026 / On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

December 9, 2020. In telling the stories of individual soldiers, sometimes it turns out that the connections between them leads to a bigger story. In 2017, when we were in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands, we laid flags down at the graves of soldiers who had been identified by Dutch researchers as coming from Prince Edward Island.

We also laid flags down at the grave of Lance Corporal Frank Edward MCGOVERN, of Chipman, New Brunswick, at the request of our friend and neighbour Brenda Graves. McGovern was her uncle.

CIMG3334 Oct 5 2019 Groesbeek Frank McGovern

Grave of Frank Edward McGovern in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

McGovern was born April 26, 1925, the son of Hugh and Wilma McGovern. Brenda’s mother Pearl was Frank’s sister. He enlisted with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, and was killed during the Battle of Keppeln on February 26, 1945. Keppeln is in Germany, just over the Dutch border, and after WW2 ended, he was reburied in The Netherlands.

In 2019, we again visited his grave when we were in The Netherlands. In the spring of 2020, Pieter researched the story of Barney MCGUIGAN, and that’s when a connection was made. He too was in the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, and also died in the Battle of Keppeln on February 26, 1945. (See On The War Memorial Trail…..The Search For Barney Reuben McGuigan)

In researching McGuigan’s story, Pieter learned that 28 soldiers from the North Shore Regiment were killed in action that day, in the same battle.

In the book ‘Fields Of Valour’ by Ken Smith, he explains that “… Keppeln was a small town in Germany’s western frontier and a part of the supposedly impenetrable Siegfried Line. As an ongoing part of Operation Veritable, the North Shore Regiment was ordered to attack Keppeln on February 26, 1945. No apparent fortifications or troop concentrations were noted, so it was assumed, wrongly, as it turned out, that the village, being so lightly held, would fall quickly....”

It was a trap, and the North Shore Regiment was caught in it, as the Germans waited patiently. Smith describes what happened. “.…Camouflaged expertly were the machine gun pits and the fearsome 88mm guns, some mounted on well hidden tanks….” 50 yards from their line, the Germans “…opened up on the North Shores…. The North Shores were cut to pieces, many getting killed outright, and scores of others suffering terrible wounds...”

Among those killed was Frank Edward McGovern. Brenda has been looking for a photo of her uncle, with no success. Lou Daley, whose uncle Aloysius DALEY lost his life in the same battle, sent a newspaper clipping in which McGovern’s death was announced. Unfortunately, Brenda has not been able to find the paper in which the notice was published, or who sent it in.

She contacted the Chipman Legion, again with no success. She recently received an email from a Legion member, saying that “…I can’t get the info you requested because we had a pipe break in the Branch and all of our Archives and other info have been destroyed and irrecoverable. We have no WW2 Veterans left….”

Brenda Graves during the filming of the On The War Memorial Trail video.

With one door closing after another, Pieter decided to feature Brenda’s quest for a photo on our new ‘On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg’ YouTube channel. With so many roadblocks in finding family and photos, the YouTube channel is one way to reach an audience that might not read this blog or our newspaper articles, or hear Pieter on the radio. You can watch the video here:

28 men from the North Shore Regiment were killed during the Battle of Keppeln…..

Per ‘Fields Of Valour’ by Ken Smith, the following are the 28 men from the North Shore Regiment killed on February 26, 1945 during the Battle of Keppeln:

Richard Paul BEAZLEY
Gerald Albert BECK
Thomas Clinton BEERS
Aloysius John DALEY
Eldon Alexander DUCHER
Thomas Mitchell GEMMELL
George Luckett GRAHAM
William Edward HARBOUR
Albert Percival HEBERT
Emidia Austin HICKEY
Frederick Clarence HULL
Donald Charles JAGOE
John Albert LAFAVE
Hubert Ivan LUTES
Donald Rae MACPHERSON
Frank Edward MCGOVERN
Barney Ruben MCGUIGAN
Elbridge Wellington MILLER
Reginald Vincent MOOERS
Ervin Alfred MUNROE
Gerald Bruce MURRAY
Willard Bruce PARKER
Millard Arthur PATTERSON
John Giddeon PAYNTER
Patrick John POWER
Waldo Leroy RICHARDSON
Carol Kenneth TITFORD
Raoul VADEBONCOEUR

Thank you to Brenda Graves for sharing information about her uncle, and to post-production editor Wendy Nattress, who made the YouTube video a reality. If you have photos or information to share about Frank Edward McGovern or any of the other men killed in the Battle of Keppeln, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

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….Albert enlisted in 1943…

….Albert left Canada for overseas service…

….Albert left the UK for France in July 1944….

….Albert was transferred to the 6th Anti-Tank Regiment….

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

….What happened?….

….Albert is buried in Groesbeek…

….Want to follow our research?…

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….Robert was involved in student activities…

….Robert enlisted on Boxing Day 1941 …

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

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

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

…Robert was sent for more training…

….Robert qualified as a Driver for a flamethrower…

….Robert left Canada for overseas service…

….Robert joined the Lincoln & Welland Regiment……

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

….What happened?…

….Robert is buried in Groesbeek…

…. to be continued…..

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….The Letter To The Editor was successful…

….Harry’s parents were Ukrainian…

….Harry enlisted in 1942…

….Harry wanted to join the paratroops…

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

….Harry joined the Lincoln & Welland Regiment…

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

….What happened?….

….Harry is buried in Groesbeek…

…. to be continued…..

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.…Our first stop was Kleve…

…..Kalkar was the scene of brutal battles in February 1945….

….The Hochwald Forest was where the Battle of Hochwald Gap was fought….

….Xanten is now the home of an archeological park…

….In Bienen we looked for the memorial plaque honouring North Novies who died during the Battle of Bienen….

….The final stop on our journey of remembrance was in Gendringen….

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… Cecil lost his life during Operation Blockbuster in Germany….

… Cecil’s great-niece contacted us….

…Memorial Plaque at Pro-Cathedral Of The Assumption Church in North Bay….

…Cecil’s nephew had a photo….

… Stories about other soldiers who lost their lives on February 26, 1945 during Operation Blockbuster…

…Missed the previous postings about our North Bay Memorial Trail visit?…

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

…..Previous postings in the Atlantic Canada Remembers series….

…..Want to follow our research?….

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28 men from the North Shore Regiment were killed during the Battle of Keppeln…..

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