Book No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten

by Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Lumberjack From Belledune Killed By Stray Mortar Fire In The Nijmegen Salient

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 4 Comments

June 24, 2024.  It’s surprising how often a chance meeting will lead to a photo.  In September 2023, while staying at a hotel in Ottawa, Ontario, we were approached by a fellow guest, Victor Richard, who had seen us coming out of our car the day before and had noticed the Prince Edward Island licence plate.  The following day, when he saw us in the lobby, he explained that he was from New Brunswick, the province next to ours. 

….The road to a soldier’s photo can be circuitous….

Victor showed an interest in the On The War Memorial Trail research project.  Pieter asked for his help in finding a photo of a particular soldier, and after we all returned back home, Victor put us in contact with Jean Gaudet.  In the meantime, Pieter had found a photo of the soldier online, as it had recently been posted on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial by Captain (Retired) Etienne L.L. Gaudet. 

Jean knew Captain Gaudet well and very quickly Pieter was put in contact with Etienne, who works diligently in ‘…promoting the memory of soldiers in New Brunswick…’ – as Jean put it.  During the Covid period, Etienne had visited 244 cemeteries, documenting the graves of soldiers across New Brunswick. (See https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-veteran-journey-cemeteries-1.6237590)

After learning about the On The War Memorial Trail research project, Etienne emailed Pieter. “…God bless you for the work you are doing. I certainly share your passion in ensuring none of these heroes are ever forgotten. I have worked very hard to build the Canadian Virtual War Memorial especially for those soldiers buried in New Brunswick who lacked pictures on the site.

I am now the person responsible for Veterans in Memramcook, which involves organizing our Remembrance Day ceremony and all other things related to honouring those that have served from …Memramcook….”

Etienne ended by making an offer to help.  “…Please don’t hesitate to write if I can assist you in any way…”

Etienne and Pieter 2

Pieter with Etienne Gaudet.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….An offer to help led to a photo….

Pieter soon asked for Etienne’s assistance with a photo search, asking if he would be willing to contact the family of an Acadian soldier, Edgar M. GUITARD.  “….He lost his life in The Netherlands on the 15th of January 1945. He had 6 brothers and 4 sisters. This morning I called the daughter of his youngest sister Emelia, Nicole Lagace, but she said that she had never heard of Nicole Lagace or Emelia Guitard. I have a feeling that she thought that I was a scammer and did not trust me….. Would you be able to help?….”

Pieter hoped that a French-speaking voice on the phone might reassure Nicole Lagace, but Etienne decided to pay a visit in person the following morning.  That evening he reported back. “…I was able to speak with Nicole in person. She has a photo of Edgar in her albums, but didn’t have time today to go through them. She apologized for her reaction to your phone call and stated that she has been scammed before and is incredibly careful now….” 

A few days later…success!  Etienne reported that he’d “…received the photo from Nicole Guitard Lagace, who confirms that the gentleman in the photo is her uncle, Edgar M. Guitard.…I do hope his memory can live forever although he died way too young. It was an honour to assist you and help preserve his memory in perpetuity. We will remember them….”

Nicole also contacted Pieter, explaining that “…the photo donated by me belonged to my mom.  Thank you very much….” 

….Edgar was born in Belledune….

Screenshot 2024-06-21 at 12-03-44 belledune new brunswick - Google Search

Map shows location of Belledune, New Brunswick, located on Chaleur Bay.  (Map source: Google maps)

Edgar was born on September 17, 1917 in Belledune, New Brunswick, a port village on Chaleur Bay, the son of Jean ‘Mickey’ and Bridgitte Guitard.  One of 11 children, Edgar grew up on his parents’ farm. 

When he enlisted at District Depot No. 5 in Rimouski, Quebec on April 8, 1941, he stated that he had served in the Active Militia since January 1941 – with No. 71 Centre Militaire out of Edmundston, New Brunswick.  He also stated that he was a fisherman during the spring and summer, and had worked as a lumberjack since 1930 for Fraser Brothers, out of Causapscal, Quebec.  Edgar enjoyed snowshoeing and fishing.

His Soldiers Qualification Card noted that he was illiterate, due to not having attended school, and was French speaking.

colourized improved_photo(37)

Edgar M. Guitard. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Lagace.  Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

Based on his extensive experience as a lumberjack with Fraser Brothers, Edgar was transferred to No. 12 Company of the Canadian Forestry Corps (CFC) in Valcartier, Quebec on April 12, 1941.

Unlike other members of the Canadian Army, members of the Canadian Forestry Corps were not expected to be in combat.  Their role was to help the British with their need for timber.  As stated in an article on http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/corpsbranches/forestrycorps.htm  “…wood was needed for living quarters, messes, and recreation facilities, as well as crates for vital supplies such as food, ammunition and even vehicles, and for the creation of explosives, stocks for weapons, the construction of ships, aircraft and factory facilities….”

Canada agreed to send workers and equipment to Great Britain, with the Corps Headquarters based in Scotland.  The British designated the areas of work, and the final disposal of the lumber created, but all military operations were under the control of Canadian Military Headquarters in London, England.

Although the men serving in the Canadian Forestry Corps were not in a combat role, they were provided with very rudimentary basic training in using firearms, only because of the impending threat of German invasion.

….Edgar left Canada for overseas service….

After about 6 weeks of basic training, Edgar left Halifax, Nova Scotia for the United Kingdom on June 18, 1941, arriving in Gourock, Scotland on July 2, 1941. He remained with No. 12 Company until September 29, 1943, when he was transferred to No. 11 Company, and then on March 19, 1944 to No. 5 Company. 

The work done by the Canadian Forestry Corps (CFC) included building barracks, roads, bridges, and setting up power plants. They also helped with snow clearance on the highland roads in Scotland. Each company of the CFC had two sections, one cutting in the bush and bringing out the timber, and the other sawing it into lumber at the company mill.

For an idea of the hard work done by the Corps, take a look at this very short British Pathé video Canadian Forestry Corps In Britain (1941)….

It was work that Edgar thrived at, but things were about to change.  By the spring of 1943, a desperate need for more soldiers in the Canadian Army caused several hundred soldiers to be redeployed.  Edgar was able to remain in the United Kingdom until after D-Day on June 6, 1944.

….Edgar was sent to France….

The above referenced Canadian Soldiers article explained that “…..after the landings in Normandy in June 1944, ten companies eventually moved to the Continent to continue operations there; 77 square timber rafts and 54 round timber rafts had been created in Southampton to move timber across the English Channel with them. By the end of August 1944, operations had commenced on the continent….”

No. 5 Company was one of these ten companies, now part of the 21st Army Group.  On July 26, 1944, Edgar left for France with No. 5 Company, arriving a day later.

Edgar remained with the No. 5 Company until November 25, 1944, when he was transferred to the X-4 Reinforcement List of the 10th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry Corps.  The lumberjack was now a soldier, even though his training had not prepared him for combat.

….Edgar’s transfer to Le Régiment de la Chaudière was his last….

On January 13, 1945, Edgar was transferred to Le Régiment de la Chaudière and allotted to ‘A’ Company.  The Regiment had wintered in the Nijmegen Salient, while preparing for the upcoming fight in the Rhineland in February 1945.  They were based on the Holthurnsche estate in The Netherlands, near the German border, between the cities of Berg en Dal and Nijmegen.

While on the estate, Edgar was one of two casualties hit by stray mortar fire.  The Regiment’s War diary entry for January 14, 1945, written at 10:30 am….  “…La cie A:  2 casualties par l’action des mortiers allemands….” (English translation: ‘A’ Company: 2 casualties by the action of German mortars.)  He died the following day, aged 27.

Map Jan 14 1945 position of Regt

Location of Le Régiment de la Chaudière on January 14, 1945, near the Dutch/German border. (Map source: Project ’44)

Today the area where the Regiment overwintered is the Hotel Holthurnsche Hof.

footer banner_holthurnsche_hof

Hotel Holthurnsche Hof is now where Le Régiment de la Chaudière was located in mid-January 1945. (Photo source:  http://realhealth.nl/hotel-holthurnsche-hof/)

..…Edgar is buried in Groesbeek …..

Edgar was initially buried in a temporary Canadian cemetery in Nijmegen on January 16, 1945, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands on August 7, 1945.

grave stone Edward Guitard from Find A Grave

Grave of Edgar M. Guitard in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  (Photo source: Find A Grave)

Thank you to Etienne Gaudet for going above and beyond to meet a family member of Edgar Guitard, and to Nicole Lagace for submitting a photo of her uncle. Many thanks also to Victor Richard and Jean Gaudet for connecting the dots that led to us meeting Etienne! Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail….. D-Day Commemoration at Borden-Carleton Legion – June 6, 2024

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

June 19, 2024.  June 6, 2024 marked the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord (the larger Normandy invasion) and Operation Neptune (the English Channel-crossing portion of Operation Overlord) – what we refer to as D-Day.  

….80 years ago, Canadians landed on Juno Beach….

DDay 80 Newsletter - 3

On June 6, 1944, 14,000 Canadians and 7,000 Brits landed on Juno Beach. (Photo source: 2023 Juno Beach Centre Association (Canada))

An excerpt from the Juno Beach Centre Association (Canada) noted that “…between 7:45-8:15 am, units from the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, supported by tanks of the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, launched attacks along an eight-kilometre stretch of beach between Saint-Aubin and Graye-sur-Mer.

Despite the heavily entrenched enemy, the Canadians overcame the German defences and started inland. By evening, a Canadian bridgehead had been solidly established on the coast of Normandy. So started the Battle of Normandy….”

….The Borden-Carleton Legion commemorated the anniversary….

On June 6, 2024, members of the Borden-Carleton Legion gathered by the Cenotaph to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.  It was duly noted that two of the Legion veterans present had been born BEFORE June 6, 1944! 

CIMG6855 Jun 6 2024 2 veterans Pieter & George Palmer Borden Carleton Legion

Two veterans from the Borden-Carleton Legion, Pieter Valkenburg (left) and George Palmer (right), were born BEFORE D-Day on June 6, 1944! (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG6856 Jun 6 2024 Parade lineup Borden Carleton Legion

Members of the Borden-Carleton Legion lined up for the 80th Commemoration of the D-Day landings.  Front: Sgt At Arms Mario Henry.  Back, left to right: Pieter Valkenburg, George Palmer, Barry Bernard, Danny Bernard, Trish Taylor.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG6861 Jun 6 2024 Wreath at Cenotaph Borden Carleton Legion

The Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion after the laying of the wreath to honour the servicemen who were at D-Day on June 6, 1944.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….More information about D-Day….

Missed an earlier posting on the 80th anniversary of D-Day?  See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/06/01/on-the-war-memorial-trail-commemorating-the-80th-anniversary-of-d-day/

Want to know more about D-Day?  Follow the photos and text  in ‘D-Day: The story of 24 hours that changed the world’ at https://news.sky.com/story/d-day-the-story-of-24-hours-that-changed-the-world-11732907

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

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

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 5 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Donald Roy Carter from facebook page Jeremy Carter

Donald Roy Carter.  (Source: Jeremy Carter)

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

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

….Donald left Canada for overseas service….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

….Donald returned to Normandy in July 1944….

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

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

normandymapspring

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

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

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

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

scheldt2

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

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

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

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

….Donald was transferred into the Infantry….

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

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

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

Victory-37 Map Moyland Wood and the Goch Calcar Rd

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

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

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

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

 ..…Donald is buried in Groesbeek …..

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

grave stone donald carter from find a grave

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

….What does D-Day mean?….

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

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

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

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

Dday Invasion-map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

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

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

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

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

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

CIMG3147 Sep 13 2019 Pieter with Ray Arsenault

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

CIMG3149 Sep 13 2019 Cover of Ray Arsenault notebook

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

Maurice James Hughes newspaper article from Ray Arsenault

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

…In 2023 a family member contacted us….

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

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

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

….Maurice was a signalman….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dday Invasion-map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.…Maurice is buried in Holten ….

Initial burial in Ihrhove The Coordinate Translator

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

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

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

Hughes MJ Maurice James F26373

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

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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Lt. Percy Dexter Higgins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An English translation of the article is below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

….Dexter left Canada for overseas service….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

..…Dexter is buried in Holten …..

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

Grave of Percy Dexter Higgins CVWM

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

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

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

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

cropped colourized photo Silliker

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

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

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

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

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

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

….Ralph enlisted in 1943….

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

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

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

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

….Ralph left Canada for overseas service….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On February 22, 1945, the war diary recorded that “…the companies spent the day making final preparations for the move into Germany tonight…”  By 2:00 am in the early morning of February 23, 1945 the Regiment had arrived at their initial position in the Reichswald Forest, just over the border from The Netherlands.  The next afternoon the Regiment moved to Kleve.

On March 1, 1945, the war diary for the Lake Superior Regiment recorded that instructions had been received for “…the assault on the Hochwald Forest Gap….” This attack was codenamed Operation Churchill.

Clearing the very narrow Hochwald Gap was a difficult task, given that the weather was anything but cooperative. An early thaw meant that the tanks got bogged down in mud, making them ‘sitting ducks’ for German troops who were positioned to pick them off, one by one. Troops had no choice but to press on, as the Battle of Hochwald Gap, part of Operation Blockbuster, was the final push towards the Rhine River. (See https://the-hochwald-gap.project44.ca/)

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

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

….Ralph lost his life during Operation Churchill….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

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

….Joseph enlisted with The Pictou Highlanders….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joseph Taylor MacLeod van zoon Cyril MacLeod

Joseph Taylor MacLeod.  (Photo courtesy of Cyril MacLeod)

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

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

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

….Joseph was temporarily assigned overseas….

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

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

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

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

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

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

….Joseph left Canada for overseas service….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clair Tizon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

macleod, joseph taylor from Holten

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

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

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

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWI Letters of Lawrence Ivy Marshall – Part 5: Returning Home With A War Bride

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March 29, 2024. In Part 1 of the WWI letters of Lawrence Ivy MARSHALL, of Covehead, Prince Edward Island, which had been shared by his granddaughter, Connie Birt Paynter, Lawrence was among the first Canadians to volunteer for WWI in 1914.  After his initial training in Valcartier, Quebec, he informed his family that he was about to go overseas.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-1-valcartier-camp/)

In Part 2, Lawrence described his experiences aboard one of the first troop ships to England. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/08/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-2-the-voyage-to-england/)

In Part 3, Lawrence was on the front lines in trenches in Belgium and France, when he dislocated his elbow and was sent back to England for treatment. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-3-in-the-trenches/)

In Part 4, Lawrence spent weeks in England recuperating before returning to active service at the front …. until he was wounded and sent back to England. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/21/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-4-back-at-the-front/)

Now, in Part 5, Lawrence’s story concludes as his wartime service in England ended, and he returned to Canada with a war bride….

…Lawrence worried that his brother Merrill would be sent to the front….

As 1916 turned into 1917, Lawrence remained in England, working at the Canadian Convalescent Hospital at Wood Cote Park in Epsom, Surrey.  His younger brother Merrill was also in England.

On January 29, 1917 in a letter to his father, he explained that he had received “…a letter from Merrill yesterday. He is still at Shorncliffe and having a good time of it….”

After Lawrence’s experiences in France and Belgium, he worried that his brother might also be sent to the front. “…  I hope and pray that he never sees the trenches, because you have a pretty slim chance of getting back alive out there, and by the talk of things there are going to be harder fighting out there this spring than there has  been yet at all.  They are putting every man that’s fit out there this spring and try to make one big drive for the last time, but I don’t think that there is much use of doing it. Germany ain’t beat yet nor won’t be for a while…”

Lawrence may have heard inklings of the preparations for what we would come to know as the Battle of Vimy Ridge.  His worries continued as expressed in a February 11, 1917 letter to his father.  “…Have you heard from Merrill since he went to France?  I have been expecting a letter from him the last week, but did not receive any.  He will find quite a difference over there to what he had in England, but still he will get a good job as he is a signaler.  He may never have to go into the trenches at all….”

…Lawrence was devastated to learn his brother had died during the Battle of Vimy Ridge….

On April 16, 1917, Lawrence wrote his mother to let her know that he’d received “…a letter from Merrill. He was fine when he wrote.  He said that it wasn’t too bad out there yet.  I only hope that he will come through it all safe and sound….”  Unfortunately, by the time Lawrence wrote this letter, Merrill was dead.  He had died April 9, 1917 during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2023/06/14/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-signaller-from-covehead-killed-during-the-battle-of-vimy-ridge/)

By May 11, 1917, Lawrence had heard about Merrill and wrote to his parents. “…I suppose that you have heard by this time about poor Merrill being killed on Easter Monday…I know what a shock it will be to you all.…Something was telling me all the time that he was gone.  But never mind….he was a hero and died for his country….”

…Lawrence fell in love….

On May 26, 1917, Lawrence wrote his mother from D Company, No. 1 Platoon Regiment, 1st Canadian Command Depot, St Leonard’s on Sea, Sussex, England: “…I am not at Epsom now. Am down on the south coast of England at my command depot.  It is a very nice place but they drill you pretty hard here….” 

When he was sent to Epsom, Lawrence met Evelyn ‘Eve’ Martha Williams.  At the time, he already had an English girlfriend named Ada, who his parents expected he would marry.  But love takes its own path, and Lawrence had to inform his family that he and Ada had broken up.  “...The one that I have now is a dear little girl …. I loved this girl near nine months and kept it to myself and tried to keep Ada but couldn’t love two girls when you love one more than the other….” 

…Evelyn was a volunteer with the Women’s Legion….

20230530_100619 Evelyn Marshall from Connie

Evelyn ‘Eve’ Martha Williams.  (Photo courtesy of Connie Birt Paynter.  Photo colourization by Jim Paynter)

Evelyn was a member of the Women’s Legion, Royal Air Force. The Women’s Legion was a volunteer organization that began in 1915. Volunteers wore military style uniforms and took on various duties. (See https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/community/3891)

Members of the Women’s Legion, Royal Air Force, worked as drivers, despatch riders, clerks, or telephonists.  They were billeted in women’s accommodations, usually near the places where they worked.  (See http://www.rafhornchurch.thehumanjourney.net/History/women.htm)

Lawrence knew his parents were still grieving the loss of Merrill and hoped that his news would be welcome.  “…She is still at Epsom yet. She is a girl doing her bit too….I know how you all feel at home….I feel bad enough myself….  The only comfort I had was Eve, my girl…”

The daughter of a soldier, William ‘Edwin’ Williams, Evelyn was born in India and would have known how to deal with wartime loss. 

…Lawrence and Evelyn married in England….

20230530_095938 1917 Laurie in centre

1917 group photo with Lawrence Ivy Marshall, bottom centre. (Photo courtesy of Connie Birt Paynter)

A November 24, 1917 letter from Lawrence to his father, written from No. 1 Company 5th Reserve Battery, West Sandling, Kent, indicated that war had taken it’s toll.  “…about that photo I sent you of some of the boys, you were right, I am in the middle on my knees. It is hard to tell it’s me in that but it is me alright. I guess that I don’t look the same as I used to….”

On April 29, 1918, 26 year old Lawrence and 23 year old Evelyn were married at the parish church in Figheldean, Wiltshire.

…Lawrence and Evelyn travelled to Canada aboard HMS Melita….

Melita in sepia 1919

HMS Melita.  (Photo source: wwiwarbrides.blogspot.com)

Just over a year after their marriage, Lawrence and Evelyn left the United Kingdom for Canada on May 5, 1919, aboard HMS Melita.   The ship, with soldiers and military dependents, departed from Liverpool and arrived in Quebec City, Quebec on May 12, 1919.   Two days later, Lawrence was officially discharged from military service in Quebec City. 

…Lawrence and Evelyn lived in Covehead…

20230530_102548 Pieter and Connie with photo of Evie

Pieter with Connie Paynter, who is holding a photo of her grandmother, Evelyn Marshall. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Lawrence returned to Covehead, with Evelyn, and they raised three children.  Their granddaughter Connie recalled that Evelyn was known as “…Little Eve.  She became a midwife on Prince Edward Island and worked with Dr. Wendell MacDonald…”

Lawrence “…farmed in West Covehead and Marshall’s Dam is named after him.  He was a carpenter and a fantastic gardener….”

improved_photo Jul 4 2023 Lawrence drying fish from Connie Paynter colourization by Pieter

Lawrence Ivy Marshall drying fish on Prince Edward Island. (Photo courtesy of Connie Birt Paynter.  Photo colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

Grave of Lawrence Marshall find a grave

Grave of Lawrence Ivy Marshall at West Covehead United Church Cemetery in West Covehead, Prince Edward Island.  (Photo source: http://www.findagrave.com)

Lawrence died on November 2, 1959 and is buried at West Covehead United Church Cemetery, which is also known as St. James United Presbyterian Cemetery.  Evelyn died on February 26, 1982 and is buried in the same cemetery.

This concludes the 5 part series on the WWI letters of Lawrence Ivy Marshall. Thank you to Connie Paynter for providing photos and sharing letters written by her grandfather. If you can identify any of the other soldiers in the 1917 group photo, please let us know. 

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWI Letters of Lawrence Ivy Marshall – Part 4: Back At The Front

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March 21, 2024. In Part 1 of the WWI letters of Lawrence Ivy MARSHALL, of Covehead, Prince Edward Island, which had been shared by his granddaughter, Connie Birt Paynter, Lawrence was among the first Canadians to volunteer for WWI in 1914.  After his initial training in Valcartier, Quebec, he informed his family that he was about to go overseas. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/02/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-1-valcartier-camp/)

In Part 2, Lawrence described his experiences aboard one of the first troop ships to England. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/08/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-2-the-voyage-to-england/)

In Part 3, Lawrence was on the front lines in trenches in Belgium and France, when he dislocated his elbow and was sent back to England for treatment. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/03/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwi-letters-of-lawrence-ivy-marshall-part-3-in-the-trenches/)

Now, in Part 4, Lawrence spent weeks in England recuperating before returning to active service at the front.

….Lawrence was operated on to straighten his elbow….

f11d6ed5bab613c66a4153246aab798d--leicester-hospitals

Postcard of the operating theatre at North Evington War Hospital.  Masks were not mandatory.

Lawrence remained at North Evington War Hospital in Leicester for 7 weeks.  On September 26, 1915, he gave an update to his father.  “…I am still in the hospital … and will be for a while, I think.  My arm is not any straighter yet.  I have to go to the operating room this morning.  They are going to try and straighten it. I have been under ether three times now. I am getting tired of it too.  If they can’t straighten it this time I will not go back to the front any more.  It doesn’t bother me.  I can use it as good as ever before and I can bend it….”

bearwood_t_harden

The Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Bear Wood.  (Photo source: http://www.arborfieldhistory.org.uk)

On October 23, 1915, Lawrence was transferred to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Monks Horton, then 3 days later to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital in Bear Wood, Wokingham, Berkshire, England. The hospital, which housed 900 Canadian soldiers, had been a private home with 90 bedrooms, belonging to Mrs. Walter, the widow of the Times newspaper owner.

From Bear Wood, Lawrence wrote his mother on October 30, 1915.  “…I am in a convalescent hospital in Berkshire. It is a very good place but awful lonesome.  We are away in the country here on a large estate…..About my arm. It is doing fine now.  It is almost as straight as ever but I cannot do any work with it yet.  There is no strength in it...”

….Lawrence returned to duty….

On November 15, 1915, Lawrence was released from hospital and given a short furlough before being assigned to the 48th Highlanders Canada, 43rd Reserve Battalion. 

On November 27, 1915, in a letter to his father, written from East Sandling Kent, he noted that he was “…back with my battalion again… I guess I have to go back to France after Xmas, if not before, but I hope not.  There are a lot of our boys going back there Monday.  I very near got sent too only my arm is not quite right yet.  It still gets sore and stiff… in cold weather...”

On January 16, 1916, Lawrence left for France, and assigned to the 15th Battalion before rejoining his unit on February 4, 1916.  On February 8, 1916, in a letter to his mother, Lawrence explained that he had taken a photo of himself in a kilt. “…So you got the photo I had taken in kilts down in Salisbury, some Scotchman, eh….”  This is the photo of him that has survived for the past century.

20230530_100207 Laurie Marshall from Connie taken in 1916

Lawrence Ivy Marshall. (Photo courtesy of Connie Birt Paynter)

Lawrence kept in contact, explaining in a March 6, 1916 letter to his father, written from ‘somewhere in France’ that “… This is my second trip to the trenches since I came across this time, but am getting used of it again…”  According to the War Diary for the 15th Battalion, ‘somewhere in France’ was on the road between Messines and Wytschaete, along the border with Belgium.

messinesmap

Map showing the location of the road Messines to Wytschaete.  (Map source:  http://www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/flanders/messines/)

In an April 2, 1916 letter from Lawrence to his father, written from ‘somewhere in Belgium’ Lawrence described a near miss. “…I have been more lonesome this last week than I ever have been since I left home…Perhaps it is because I have had two close shaves lately.  I got a bullet right through my hat and stung by a shell bursting over me but am alright again now….” 

‘Somewhere in Belgium’ was near Poperinge, 12.5 km (8 miles) from Ypres, right in the line of fire, as Lawrence briefly mentions.  “…And where we are now is awful, the last place was bad enough but this is real hell here…. The Germans tried an attack here the other night but we stopped them.  They were lying on the ground and in the barbed wire as thick as peas… I certainly made my old gun shoot for a while …”

….Lawrence was injured in action….

In a June 2, 1916 letter from Lawrence to his father, written from Belgium: “…We are out of the trenches for twelve days rest, have been out for seven now, so expect to go back in again in five days.  Am glad that we are out just now as the Germans are pulling off something up the line this evening.  There are a big bombardment on just where we came out of. We are all standing to here waiting orders to go up if needed.  But none of us are very anxious to go up if we can get out of it.  We are having it pretty hot this summer.  We have a scrap with Fritz every time we are in.  We are only eighteen yards apart where we go in so you can guess what a time we have with each other…”

The rest ended the same day that Lawrence wrote his letter, as the June 2, 1916 war diary noted that following an afternoon baseball game, the Battalion had left after 7:30 pm, arriving at “…a position at Zillebeke … at 2 am on June 3…” 

By 2:30 am they were attacked and among the casualties was Lawrence.  He was admitted to a Casualty Clearing Station, where his medical record noted that he had a gunshot wound in his right arm. He was sent to No. 4 General Hospital in Camiers, France. 

….Lawrence was sent to England for treatment….

On June 12, 1916, Lawrence was transferred to the 3rd Northern Hospital in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, from where he wrote to his father 4 days later.  “…I have got across to England again.  I think I am pretty lucky in this war, don’t you?  I went through some pretty tight places this trip in the trenches and came back safe only for the wound I got.  It is doing fine now…. It was an explosive bullet that I got hit with.  They make a nasty hole where they come out of…”

Lawrence explained why he felt lucky. “…We lost all our battalion but two hundred men. We had nine hundred and seventy men so you can see we had a few casualties.  Most of all my pals are gone under in the battle….”

He then described how he was injured. “…When I got wounded I had to lay for over two hours before I could get a bandage on my arm… It was awful laying on the field right in front of the Germans in daylight and not able to help yourself at all and if you moved the least bit they opened a machine gun on you. There were dead everywhere that you could see and mostly our boys with the kilts on…”

Next he briefly mentioned the battle. “… We made two charges at the Germans between nine and eleven o’clock in the morning but they drove us back both times. Then I got hit halfway back the second time … My rifle flew out of my hand…”

In the letter’s conclusion, Lawrence wrote that he was “…marked for a convalescent hospital so expect to leave here.  It will be a month or more before I will be fit to go back to my base again …” He was correct as not long afterwards he was sent to Arnold Hospital, Doncaster, Yorkshire, England.

….Lawrence did not return to the front….

Lawrence did not go back to the front.  Instead, he spent the remainder of his service working at the Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Wood Cote Park, Epsom, Surrey, England. 

On November 6, 1916, in a letter to his mother, Lawrence explained that he was “…taking the Corporal’s place in the office while he is away on his sick furlough. …I suppose you have heard about poor Parker Crockett being killed.… Poor Parker, him and I came to the dressing station together, he shook hands with me and said that he hoped that I would get to England. He was not wounded enough to make England, so he had to go back and get killed…..” 

Parker Hooper CROCKETT died September 7, 1916 during the Battle of the Somme and is buried in Regina Trench Cemetery, Somme, France. Lawrence knew that had he not been sent to England for treatment, this could have been his fate.

While Lawrence recuperated, the war went on.  In Part 5, Lawrence’s story concludes as he meets with both happiness and tragedy before being one of the lucky Canadian soldiers who returned home after the war ended.

Thank you to Connie Paynter for providing photos and sharing letters written by her grandfather. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

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