Bergen Op Zoom Canadian War Cemetery

On The War Memorial Trail….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 4

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January 20, 2021. Responses to the news clips on CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 on January 4 and 13 continue to come in.  As mentioned in Parts 1, 2, and 3, 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. 

This posting features more of the photos submitted…..      

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

Nelson DesRoches Army

Nelson Desroches. (Photo courtesy of The Desroches Family)

Leo Gaudet submitted a photo of Nelson DESROCHES, on behalf of the Desroches family, and wrote that “…We have a vet buried at Holten from Tignish, whom my wife and I visited in 2014…”

Born May 23, 1915 in Tignish, Prince Edward Island, the son of John Desroches and Elizabeth Doucette, Nelson followed his older brother Merrick into military service.  He was serving with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry when he was killed in action on April 14, 1945.

Ernest Robert Haynes

Ernest Robert Haynes.  (Photo courtesy of the Haynes Family)

On behalf of the Haynes family, Teri Haynes submitted a photo of her father-in-law, Ernest Robert HAYNES, and explained that “…my Ernie visited the grave many years ago when he was in his teens with his Mother…”

Ernest Robert, born March 17, 1919 in St. John, New Brunswick, was the son of James Edward and Alice Beatrice Haynes.  A dyer in a laundromat before enlisting in 1939, he was married to Opal Bailey and the father of Teri’s late husband, Ernest David.

While serving with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, he was sent overseas to the United Kingdom in July 1944, and on June 1, 1945 to North West Europe. Unfortunately, due to a fatal accident with a passing Canadian Army truck near Soestdijk, he lost his life on July 5, 1945, age 26.  He was temporarily buried in the town of Hilversum before being reburied on March 29, 1946 in Holten.

Daniel Pearo

Daniel Pearo.  (Photo courtesy of the Pearo Family)

On behalf of the Pearo family, Colleen Hartling submitted a photo of her uncle, Daniel PEARO, and wrote that “…Daniel was my mother’s brother. She looked up to him as a child and loved him dearly. She said that he was full of fun and you can see the twinkle in his kind eyes. I was born in the 60s so I did not know Daniel…”

Daniel Pearo, son of Samuel and Dasie Pearo, served with the Cape Breton Highlanders and lost his life on May 1, 1945.  (A tribute to him can be found here: http://faculty.uccb.ca/highlanders/DANIEL%20PEARO.htm?fbclid=IwAR1ijEE5uz9tppYwN4dPcHA24DAGhDSAtVfQJUtRAEa21ZIY-zqRZwiUG9I)

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

Gordon Brewer 2

Gordon Thomas Brewer.  (Photo submitted by Stephen and Hazel Albert)

Stephen Albert submitted a photo of Gordon Thomas BREWER on behalf of himself and his mother Hazel, explaining that his uncle “… was 17 when he enlisted to serve his country.  Killed in action on his 21st birthday on October 25, 1944.  School children at that time adopted a grave. Willamina Proost, a young girl, adopted Gordon’s grave, corresponded with his parents for many years until she married, then stopped writing, so lost contact with her. Gordon’s medals and all letters to his parents were burned in a house fire several years ago, only few photos taken before going overseas still remain. Thank you for taking time to honour the men and women who gave their lives to protect others…”

Hazel Albert, Gordon’s sister, wrote that she was the “…last remaining member of Gordon’s family….”  Gordon was born in Halifax on October 25, 1923, the son of Alonzo Wallace and Mary Ellen (nee Dean) Brewer.  

Gordon served with the Essex Scottish Regiment and lost his life during the Battle of the Scheldt.  (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/scheldt)

Soldiers buried at the Montecchio War Cemetery in Italy

Felix Gaudet

Felix Gaudet.  (Photo submitted by Leo Gaudet)

Leo Gaudet submitted a photo of his uncle, Felix GAUDET, born May 30, 1923, son of Joseph J. and Mary Gaudet of Tignish, Prince Edward Island. After enlistment, he left Halifax for the United Kingdom in July 1943 and was transferred to the Canadian Infantry Reserve Unit a few days after his arrival.  On March 26, 1944 he was sent to Italy, and on May 13 transferred to the Cape Breton Highlanders.

On August 30, 1944 he lost his life during the battle to take a knoll on the Gothic Defence Line.  Another soldier from PEI, Albert Eugene Arsenault, also with the Cape Breton Highlanders, lost his life the same day.  (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2020/10/09/the-ww2-soldier-killed-in-action-while-crossing-the-foglia-river-in-italy/)

“The Allies began the day of August 30th with an air bombardment against German positions at dawn. At 5.30 p.m., the Perth Regiment attacked the end of a ridge northeast of Montecchio, while a knoll at the west end of the town and the high ground beyond were the objectives of the Cape Breton Highlanders. Both units faced incessant fire from the heights as well as minefields along the flat lands. The Perths managed to break through the line first, reaching and passing their objective. The Cape Breton troops had the support of tanks from the 8th Princess Louise’s (New Brunswick) Hussars, which helped three of their companies make it to the base of the knoll. After each attempt, however, they were driven back to the Foglia, with casualties totalling 19 members killed and 46 wounded. The Irish Regiment, which had been in reserve, was moved through the path of the Perths. Tanks and artillery guns were not yet available here and as a result the regiment lost 19 killed and 31 wounded.” (Source: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/overseas/second-world-war/italy/montecchio)

The Gaudet family made a tribute to Felix last year, on what would have been his 97th birthday.  It was so special that it’s shared here:

Felix Gaudet tribute by Aunt Cathy

Tribute to Felix Gaudet submitted by Leo Gaudet.

Thank you to Hazel Albert, Stephen Albert, Kent Caldwell, Colleen Hartling, Teri Haynes, and Leo Gaudet for sharing photos and anecdotes.  Kudos 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 5! If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog. 

Missed the previous postings in this series? See:

© 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….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 3

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‘No soldier buried overseas should be forgotten’ …. Pieter Valkenburg

January 16, 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 Parts 1 and 2, Pieter has been working to ensure every email is acknowledged, and that the photos of soldiers buried in The Netherlands are forwarded to the appropriate cemetery for their digital archives.

This posting features more of the photos submitted…..

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

William Broome restored

William Harold Broome. (Photo submitted by the Fleet Family)

On behalf of the Fleet Family, Diane Russo submitted a photo of her uncle, William Harold BROOME of Galt, Ontario, was born in 1913, the son of Simeon and Charlotte (nee Gilbert) Broome.  In 1937 he married Edith Cavel Gillies, and they had a son Billy.  A machine operator before enlisting in the war, he died of wounds received in action on April 25, 1945 during the Battle of Friesoythe in NW Germany, while serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. He was buried there temporarily, before being reburied on March 9, 1946 in Holten.

Lt. Percy Dexter Higgins

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

On behalf of the Higgins Family, Donald Higgins submitted a photo of his uncle, Percy Dexter HIGGINS, and wrote that “…My father’s brother, Lt. Percy Dexter Higgins, is buried in Holten Cemetery. He served with North Nova Scotia Highlanders R.C.I.C. (from N.S.)…”

Lt Higgins lost his life during the Battle of Warnsveld which began late in the day on April 4, 1945. An account of the events is in Will R. Bird’s ‘No Retreating Footsteps… the story of the North Novas’: “…. April 4th was bright and sunny…The Brigadier arrived and the Novas’ next objective was the town of Warnsveld…. The troops were carried in vehicles to a debussing point in the woods…… there was a delay as a huge crater in the road had to be filled by the Sappers before the ‘Wasps’ could get over. Then the tanks had not arrived and the company could not get forward until 1730 hours. A Company started to hit snipers in concealed positions and progress was slow as each house had to be searched in turn….”

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

Like John James MURRAY, whose story was told in Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 2, he is listed on a monument in Warnsveld. (See https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/57960/Memorial-Canadian-Soldiers.htm).

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

IMG_7900 James King

James King. (Photo courtesy of Terry McCormick)

Aaron Bouma submitted a photo of James Gordon KING on behalf of Terry McCormick. Born July 3, 1910 in Woodstock, New Brunswick, the son of Harris Weston and May King, James was a salesman and radio technician in a music store before enlisting on September 1939.

While serving with the Royal Canadian Artillery, he died in a road accident on August 5, 1945, and was temporarily buried in Ostercheps (north west Germany) before being reburied on March 7, 1946 in Holten.

Pte Richard J Raney - 1

Richard Joseph Raney. (Photo courtesy of The Raney Family)

On behalf of the Raney family, Michelle Sutherland submitted a photo of Richard Joseph RANEY, explaining that “…My great uncle (my grandmother’s brother) was killed in action on April 8, 1945 and is buried at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery.  He was born April 12, 1926 in Point Michaud, Richmond County, Nova Scotia.  I was able to get a copy of his World War II Records & Service Files. As I was reading through his file, I realized that he actually lied about his age at the time of his enlistment. He enlisted in Sydney, Nova Scotia on August 31, 1942. He gave his birthday as February 8, 1924. Immediately I knew that could not be correct because my grandmother was born in September 1923. As it turns out, Richard was actually born on April 12, 1926 and was only 16 years old when he enlisted. He was killed a few days before his 19th birthday….”

Following the successful liberation of Warnsveld, the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, which Richard Joseph was serving with, continued their advance. Will R. Bird’s ‘No Retreating Footsteps… the story of the North Novas’ explains that: “…. April 8th was clear and sunny and an O-group was held at noon.  The general plan was to seize a bridgehead over the Schipbeek Canal and penetrate into the village of Bathmen.  The bridgehead was to be taken quickly to allow Sappers to set up a Bailey bridge and open the road to traffic….” Richard Joseph lost his life at some point during the ensuing sortie.

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

Ernie Thornton

Arnold Ernest “Ernie” Thornton.  (Photo courtesy of Susan Hudson)

Susan Hudson submitted a photo of her uncle, Arnold Ernest “Ernie” THORNTON.  “…He was born in Amherst on September 30th, 1921 and was killed September 22, 1944, eight days before he turned 23….” she explained. “… He was the son of Edward Arnold and Doris Maude (MacDonald) Thornton.  He served with the Calgary Highlanders….”

Ernie was killed in Belgium during the Battle of the Scheldt and initially buried near Wommelgem, Belgium, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom.

Thank you to Aaron Bouma, Donald Higgins, Susan Hudson, Terry McCormick, Diane Russo, and Michelle Sutherland 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 4! If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….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 our research, you are welcome to do so.  Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 2

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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 Ivan Dougan

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….”

James Murrary

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

Bobby Nickerson

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 1st 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 in Bergen Op Zoom

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

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.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..A Face For WWII Soldier James Walter Auld

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July 7, 2020.  Last year, a request was made for photos and information on PEI soldiers from WWII who were buried in The Netherlands.  (See Photos and Info Requested For WW2 Soldiers From PEI Buried In The Netherlands)

It’s been a slow and difficult quest, but in the past few months two photos have been found, one for Joseph Edmund HENNEBERY (See On The War Memorial Trail…..A Face For Joseph Hennebery!) and now one for James ‘Walter’ AULD.

The story of how Walter’s photo was found has several twists and turns.  Pieter had zero luck in finding anyone related to this WWII soldier, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom in The Netherlands, until we met Helen MacEwen, who had invited us to see a WWI era map her father-in-law had sent to the Island in 1918.  (See The WW1 Era ‘Course Of The Rhine’ Map of Germany)

We brought along a ‘wish list’ of photos and after looking at the list, Helen suggested that Pieter contact Allison Ellis, as his wife Melba came from the same area as Walter.  “…Allison is a retired politician…” Helen explained, “...and knows a lot of people…”  (See http://www.peildo.ca/fedora/repository/leg:27520)

It was a long shot. Lots of people over the years have suggested names, which turned out to be a fruitless exercise, but this time Pieter found a kindred spirit.  Allison remembered a Walter Auld and it was soon determined that this was the same person.  “…. I’ve been to his grave in The Netherlands….” Pieter was told. Allison didn’t have a photo, but thought he knew who to ask.  “…Leave it with me…” he said. A week later, we were sitting in the home of Allison and Melba, and Pieter had a photo that Walter’s niece, Judy Bartlett, had provided.

CIMG4156 Jun 23 2020 Pieter with Melba & Allison Ellis

Left to right: Melba Ellis, Pieter, Allison Ellis.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

James Walter Auld

Walter Auld. (Photo courtesy of Judy Bartlett Family Collection)

James ‘Walter’ AULD was born October 21, 1923 in Glenwood, the son of James and Margaret Auld of O’Leary Station, and was a garage mechanic with Corney Brothers in Summerside.  After enlisting in Charlottetown on February 20, 1942, he was sent for basic training as a rifleman.

A note in his service file indicates he was unhappy with this placement and noted he had been promised a position as a driver or mechanic when he enlisted.  His mechanical knowledge was assessed as ‘superior’ and the recommendation was made that he be transferred to a position where his skills could be used.

In May 1942 he was transferred to the Princess Louise Fusiliers (Motor Division), and by October 1942 he was on his way to England. In August 1943 he was transferred to the Algonquin Regiment.  In July 1944 he was with his unit, first in France and then as they moved into The Netherlands.

According to the War Diary for the Algonquin Regiment, on November 1, 1944 they were under the command of the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Armoured Division, and in action to try and take the town of Welberg, The Netherlands.   This was part of Operation Suitcase, which began on October 20, 1944, and as part of the bigger Battle of the Scheldt operation.  (See https://canadianbattlefieldtours.ca/operation-suitcase/)

self propelled tank p49

The war diary entry for November 1, 1944 recorded that “… Zero hour was at 19:00 hours…. We had 17 SP (self-propelled) tanks in support to deal with the enemy SP tanks…. Shortly after the kick-off, ‘A’ Company reported that one SP had bogged down and was holding the Company up  and before they got going again ‘D’ Company reported they were 300 yards from Welberg.  At 20:45 hours ‘A’ Company reported that one of the SPs had been hit and was burning.  At 21:00 hours ‘A’ Company reported another SP burning and that the situation was very confused due to heavy shelling of their positions by enemy SPs….”

At some point in this battle on November 1, 1944, Walter lost his life, aged 21. On November 6, 1944, he was buried in a cemetery in Steenbergen, not far from where he died.

Map where Auld died with arrow

Map with a black arrow showing the approximate location where Auld lost his life near Welberg. The unit had come from the area of Moerstaten. He was initially buried in Steenbergen, then later in Bergen Op Zoom. (Map courtesy of Michelin)

In October 1946 Walter was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom.  We were there in October 2019 and Pieter placed Canadian and PEI flags by his grave.  (See On The War Memorial Trail…..Our 2019 Visit To The Canadian War Cemetery In Bergen Op Zoom for an account of our visit.)

CIMG3388 Oct 7 2019 Bergen Op Zoom James Auld

Pieter by the grave of Walter Auld at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thanks to the combined efforts of Allison and Melba Ellis, Judy Bartlett, and Helen MacEwen, a photo of James ‘Walter’ Auld is on its way to the researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom. If you have information to share about Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands, please contact 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/

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.

The Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Ceremonies In The Netherlands

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 1 Comment
maxresdefault

(Photo courtesy of The Battlefield Explorer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Iq24t768C8)

December 26, 2019.  One of the wonderful ways that The Netherlands honours Allied soldiers who lost their lives during WWII and are buried in one of the War Cemeteries or in a municipal cemetery is to light candles by the graves on Christmas Eve.  In some cemeteries children place the candles, in others adults place them.

During our visit to The Netherlands for the unveiling of the memorial panel for the crew of Halifax L9561, Pieter met Remko de Jong, one of the Dutch residents who attended the ceremonies.  Remko lives in Makkum and coordinates the candle lighting ceremony in his village.  Was Pieter aware that Canadians are buried in the Donia Church Cemetery in Makkum? he asked.  “No” was the reply.  Remko explained that he was looking for Canadian flags, like the ones we had placed by the graves of Canadians at Harlingen General Cemetery, for their Christmas Eve ceremony.  Where could he get them?

After we had made all of our visits to the various cemeteries to place flags at the graves of Islanders, we had a few flags left over.  Pieter mailed them to Remko for the Christmas Eve candle lighting ceremony.  We thought no more of it, but sure enough, on Christmas Eve, a number of photos appeared, two of which are shown here……

Makkum 2019 Gerben van der Weerd facebook.

Canadian flags and candles at the graves of Canadian soldiers buried in the Donia Church Cemetery in Makkum. (Photo courtesy of Gerben van der Weerd and Remko de Jong)

Makkum can flags 2019 facebook

Canadian flags and candles at the graves of Canadian soldiers buried in the Donia Church Cemetery in Makkum. (Photo courtesy of Gerben van der Weerd and Remko de Jong)

At the Donia Church Cemetery in Makkum, candles were placed at the graves of all the war dead, including those of Dutch citizens who had lost their lives during the war.

In a very thoughtful gesture, Remko also contacted the organizers of the candle lighting ceremony at Harlingen General Cemetery and asked them for a photo of the candle placed at the grave of Flight Sgt Elmer Muttart.

Lichtjes op oorlogsgraven Harlingen (1)

Candles placed in the Commonwealth Graves section of Harlingen General Cemetery.  Elmer Muttart’s grave is in the front row at the very far right. (Photo courtesy of Harlingen General Cemetery)

Lichtjes op oorlogsgraven Harlingen (2)

Candle placed at the grave of Flight Sgt Elmer Muttart at Harlingen General Cemetery on Christmas Eve.  (Photo courtesy of Harlingen General Cemetery)

The Christmas Eve candle lighting ceremony took place at over 400 cemeteries in The Netherlands, including the three Canadian War Cemeteries…..

Bergen op Zoom 2019 from Jolanda Danse on Facebook

Candles at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom. (Photo courtesy of Jolanda Danse Facebook page)

Holten 2019 Wouter van Dijken facebook

Candles at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. (Photo courtesy of Wouter van Dijken Facebook page)

Groesbeek 2019 foto Albert de Valk facebook

Candles at the Cross of Remembrance at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. (Photo courtesy of Albert de Valk Facebook page)

Groesbeek 2019 Albert de Valk Facebook

Candles at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. (Photo courtesy of Albert de Valk Facebook page)

There are over 7,600 Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands!

Kudos to the Dutch, who never forget the sacrifices made by Allied soldiers!  For a listing of the Canadians buried in Harlingen General Cemetery, please see the earlier posting On The War Memorial Trail…..The Visit To Harlingen General Cemetery.  To see accounts of our visit to the three Canadian War Cemeteries this fall, please see On The War Memorial Trail…..Our 2019 Visit To The Canadian War Cemetery In Holten,On The War Memorial Trail…..Our 2019 Visit To The Canadian War Cemetery In Groesbeek, andOn The War Memorial Trail…..Our 2019 Visit To The Canadian War Cemetery In Bergen Op Zoom)

Our thanks again to the office of Malpeque MP Wayne Easter and the office of PEI Senator Mike Duffy who provided the flags used during our trip to The Netherlands, making it possible to also give flags for the candle lighting ceremony at the cemetery in Makkum. 

If anyone has a story or photo to share about any of the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..Our 2019 Visit To The Canadian War Cemetery In Bergen Op Zoom

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December 7, 2019.  While in The Netherlands this fall, we visited the three Canadian War Cemeteries and laid down flags of Canada and PEI for the names listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, as well as other Islanders who have been identified by Dutch researchers. The third Canadian War Cemetery we visited on our 2019 trip was in Bergen Op Zoom, near the Belgian border.  As no one listed on the Cenotaph is buried in this cemetery, we had not visited it before.

….Oops!  Wrong cemetery!….

On this trip, however, we decided to lay flags down at the graves of 6 soldiers from Prince Edward Island and 1 from Nova Scotia.  Our first surprise was that there are two war cemeteries, side by side, and of course we went to the wrong one, which turned out to be a British War Cemetery.  Luckily, a teacher visiting with a group of high school students noticed the bag we carried the flags in, and asked if we thought we were in the Canadian War Cemetery.  If so, it was further down the road.  Thank goodness the Dutch are not shy!

….We finally arrive at the Canadian War Cemetery!….

CIMG3382 Oct 7 2019 Bergen Op Zoom Pieter at Cdn War Cemetery

Pieter at the entrance to the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom.  Our Sobey’s bag saved us from wandering around the wrong cemetery!  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

We weren’t alone in the cemetery as there were more teachers, supervising schoolchildren carrying roses.  With our Sobey’s bag filled with flags, we were easily picked out as visitors!  A teacher told us that 2,600 schoolchildren would be visiting the Canadian and British War Cemeteries, each carrying a rose to place at a designated grave, until October 28, the day of liberation for this part of The Netherlands.

….Canadian flags placed at 7 graves….

One of the most recent photos Pieter received of PEI soldiers buried in The Netherlands was that of Lawrence Adolphus SWEENEY, provided by his nephew David Perry.  Placing flags by a grave when you have a photo of the person makes this small event more meaningful.

Lawrence Sweeney from David Perry

Lawrence Sweeney.  (Photo courtesy of David Perry)

CIMG3392 Oct 7 2019 Bergen Op Zoom Lawrence Sweeney

Pieter by the grave of Lawrence Sweeney, buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

In alphabetical order, here are the known soldiers from PEI that are buried in the cemetery:

  • Pte James Walter AULD, Algonquin Regiment, from O’Leary Station
  • Tpr Alvah Ray LEARD, Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment – 27th Armoured Regiment, from Northam
  • Pte Milton Evangeline LIVINGSTONE, Lincoln and Welland Regiment, from Murray River
  • Bdr Hugh Allister MACDONALD, Royal Canadian Artillery – 02 Anti-Tank Regiment, from Georgetown
  • L/Cpl Roy SMITH, Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, from O’Leary
  • Pte Lawrence Adolphus SWEENEY, Lincoln and Welland Regiment, from Souris

Canadian and Nova Scotia flags were placed at the grave of one soldier from Nova Scotia, who had mistakenly been recorded as being from PEI by the Cemetery:

  • Pte Elmer D. SCHOFIELD, Lincoln and Welland Regiment, from North Alton

Unfortunately, no photo has been found for one PEI soldier:

  • James Walter AULD, born in Glenwood, son of James and Margaret Auld of O’Leary Station. He died on November 1, 1944, aged 21.

….A visit with Caroline Raaijmakers….

The weather in Bergen Op Zoom was cloudy, but it was dry.  We had just missed a rainfall, as we found out while walking through the cemetery.  The ground was saturated and my shoes were soaking wet by the time we finished, giving me an excuse to go to the car and change my shoes and warm up.  In the meantime, Caroline Raaijmakers of the Faces To Graves Bergen Op Zoom Project dropped by to invite us over for coffee and a stroopwafel (a delicious Dutch treat).

CIMG3411 Oct 7 2019 Bergen Op Zoom Pieter & Caroline Raaijmakers

Pieter with Caroline Raaijmakers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Caroline explained that most of the burials in the British and Canadian War Cemeteries in Bergen Op Zoom are due to casualties from the Battle of the Scheldt (For more information, see https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/scheldt#scheldt03).  We learned that information on this battle, in which 6,300 Canadian lives were lost, is in the Liberation Museum Zeeland in nearby Nieuwdorp, which will be on our list of places to visit next trip.  (See https://liberationroute.com/the-netherlands/spots/l/liberation-museum-zeeland-(spot221))

CIMG3413 Oct 7 2019 Bergen Op Zoom holding up poster at Carolines house

Holding up a poster for the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the province of Brabant on October 28, 2019.  (Photo credit: Caroline Raajmakers)

Pieter gave Caroline a large Canadian flag, which was provided by Senator Mike Duffy for this war memorial trip.  Flags had also been provided for Pieter to give to the cemeteries in Harlingen, Holten, and Groesbeek, which he did.

Thank you to Senator Mike Duffy for the large Canadian flag, to the office of Malpeque MP Wayne Easter for the small Canadian flags placed by the graves, and to John Wales of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum in Amherst for the Nova Scotia flag. If anyone has more information to share on any of the soldiers listed above, or know of more Islanders buried in the cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, please contact 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 our research, you are welcome to do so.  Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/

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

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

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Photos and Info Requested For WWII Soldiers From PEI Buried In The Netherlands

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June 27, 2019.  As blog readers know, Pieter has been researching the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion over the last few years.  As well, he’s been asked by the three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands for help in getting photos and personal information on Island soldiers buried in their cemeteries.  This is part of their Faces To Graves project, where they are working towards a digital memorial archive on all Canadian soldiers buried on Dutch soil.

Recently, Dutch researchers have identified more soldiers from PEI.  CBC PEI’s Angela Walker interviewed Pieter on a few of these names, and the interview ran on June 21, 2019 during the program Mainstreet PEI.  We thank CBC for sending us the audio clip of the interview, and Jane Scott for turning the clip into a web link so that we can post it on this blog.  To listen to the interview, click here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lcLHurGAsgmYpk9pGBZHj-dzX7WOc7I1/view

Here is the complete list given by the three cemeteries:

CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY IN BERGEN OP ZOOM

Bergen Op Zoom, not far from the Belgian border, identified 6 soldiers, all of whom died in 1944:

Hugh Allister MACDONALD, born in Georgetown, son of H. Allister and Elizabeth (Bessie) MacDonald, was with the Royal Canadian Artillery – 02 Anti Tank Unit. He died on October 10, 1944, aged 31.

Lawrence Adolphus SWEENEY, born in Souris, son of Ralph and Celina Sweeney, was with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. He died on October 27, 1944, aged 23. UPDATE: Photo subsequently found.

Milton Evangeline LIVINGSTONE, born in Gladstone, son of Joseph and Agnes Livingstone of Murray River, and husband of Mae Isabel Livingstone, was with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. He died on November 6, 1944, aged 26. UPDATE: Photo subsequently found.

Alvah Ray LEARD, born in Alberton, son of Lloyd and Margaret Leard of Northam, was with the Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment – 27th Armed Regiment. He died on September 26, 1944, aged 23.

Roy SMITH, born in O’Leary, son of James and Clara Smith, was with the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada. He died on September 30, 1944, aged 24.

James Walter AULD, born in Glenwood, son of James and Margaret Auld of O’Leary Station, was with the Algonquin Regiment. He died on November 1, 1944, aged 21. UPDATE: Photo subsequently found.

CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY IN GROESBEEK

The cemetery in Groesbeek identified 5 soldiers for whom they are missing photos or other information, and who all died in 1945:

Joseph Edmond HENNEBERY, born in Morell, was with the Royal Canadian Engineers -33rd Field Company. He died on April 20, 1945, aged 25. UPDATE: Photo subsequently found.

Barney Ruben MCGUIGAN, born in St. Peter’s, son of Thomas and Sadie McGuigan, was with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment. He died on February 26, 1945, aged 16. UPDATE: Photo subsequently found.

Stephen Augustine MCKINNON, born in St. Peter’s Bay, was with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. He died on March 2, 1945, aged 27. UPDATE: Photo subsequently found.

Ralph Kenneth SILLIKER, born in O’Leary, was with the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor). He died March 2, 1945, aged 27. UPDATE: Photo subsequently found.

William Leo WEATHERBIE, born in Charlottetown, was with the Royal Regiment of Canada. He died on March 8, 1945, aged 18. UPDATE: Photo subsequently found.

CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY IN HOLTEN

The Canadian War Cemetery in Holten identified 1 soldier:

Maurice James HUGHES, F/26373 served with Royal Canadian Corps, killed on May 2, 1945 in Leer, Germany. He was 27 years old and came from Charlottetown. UPDATE: Photo subsequently found.

Did you know that most soldiers who died in Germany during WWII were later reburied in The Netherlands? The only time a soldier wasn’t reburied was if the family specifically requested the body not be disinterred.

All three cemeteries have put in a request for photos, personal stories, letters or postcards, etc.  Can you help the Dutch to remember these men buried on their soil?  Perhaps you know family or friends of these men?  If so, please contact them.  Information and photos can be emailed to Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com who will forward to the appropriate cemetery.

We will be in The Netherlands this fall and Pieter will visit each of these graves and place flags.  Pieter notes that “It means so much more when I’m standing at a grave if I know what the soldier looked like and a bit about him.”

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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