Book: ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’

4 countries, 6 weeks, 7,000 km – an unforgettable war memorial journey in Europe by Daria Valkenburg.

On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWI Soldier Who Attended Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee

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March 17, 2022. Last year, we met with Lindsay and Norma Seaman about Lindsay’s uncle, William ‘Alfred’ SEAMAN, a WWII Chaplain who lost life in France in 1944 during the Battle of Caen. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/06/20/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-ww2-chaplain-who-lost-his-life-in-france-on-his-wedding-anniversary/)

During our visit, Lindsay mentioned that his grandfather William ‘James’ SEAMAN, the father of Chaplain Seaman, served in WWI, and later became the postmaster in Breadalbane, Prince Edward Island.

20210616_162451 Jun 16 2021 Pieter and Seamans with photo of JAMES Seamn

Pieter (standing) with Norma and Lindsay Seaman, and a photo of Lindsay’s grandfather, William ‘James’ Seaman.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

According to his military attestation record, William ‘James’ SEAMAN was born in Wheatley River, Prince Edward Island on August 18, 1874, the son of Thomas and Sophia (nee Andrews) Seaman.

…James participated in Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897!…

In 1893 he joined the 82nd Militia Regiment.  We were intrigued to learn that four years later he was one of four chosen to represent the Regiment at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in June 1897. (See https://www.thediamondjubilee.org/queen-victorias-diamond-jubilee and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_Jubilee_of_Queen_Victoria)

According to family records, James received a decoration from the Princess of Wales, the future Queen Alexandra and wife of the future King Edward VII, at Buckingham Palace.

20210616_160616 JAMES Seaman

William ‘James’ Seaman. (Photo courtesy of The Seaman Family)

On February 6, 1901, James married Sophia Brown and they farmed in Springfield, while raising four children: Lorne, Irene, Alfred (the WWII Chaplain who died in France), and Cedric (Lindsay’s father).

James enlisted in Charlottetown on March 13, 1916 with the 105th Overseas Battalion. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/105th_Battalion_(Prince_Edward_Island_Highlanders),_CEF)

…Previous stories of Islanders who were aboard the ‘Empress of Britain’ with James Seaman….

In July 1916 he went overseas aboard the SS Empress of Britain. Several Islanders, whose stories have previously been told, were on that same ship.  Among them were:

The ship docked in Liverpool, England on July 25, 1916.

…James had a transport role in England…

Given that he was over 40 years old at the time of enlistment, he was not sent into battle, but was appointed Acting Transport Sergeant with the Regiment in Lower Dibgate, England on August 20, 1916. Lower Dibgate was about 1.6 km (1 mile) west of the Shorncliffe camp outside of Folkestone and located by the English Channel.

As Transport Sergeant, James had a vital logistical role in ensuring that artillery, food and medical supplies, etc went across the English Channel to the front lines in France and Belgium.

Folkestone.8

From the area around Folkestone, where Lower Dibgate was located, transport across the English Channel was the closest to key locations in France and Belgium.  (Map source: https://www.weather-forecast.com/locationmaps/Folkestone.8.gif)

…James deemed ‘too old’ for trench warfare…

On January 20, 1917 he was transferred to the 13th Reserve Battalion in Witley Camp in Surrey.   On September 18, 1917, proceedings from the medical board indicated that he was not fit for trench warfare, given his age of 44.

A few days later, on September 22, 1917 he was transferred to the New Brunswick Regiment and based in Shoreham while awaiting transport back to Canada.  On November 6, 1917 he left from Liverpool and arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia on November 17, 1917.  On December 5, 1917 he was officially discharged due to being ‘overage’.

…James returned to civilian life…

He returned to his family and the farm.  Later, he was appointed Postmaster in Breadalbane on November 2, 1926, and served until November 3, 1932. (See https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/postal-heritage-philately/post-offices-postmasters/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=6422&)

20210616_160947 Jun 21 2021 James Seaman and wife

James and Sophia Seaman on their 50th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of The Seaman Family)

James died May 8, 1960 and is buried in the Breadalbane People’s Cemetery.

Thank you to to Lindsay and Norma Seaman for sharing photos and information on William ‘James’ Seaman. If you have photos or information to share, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

We Hear From Readers About ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’

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March 13, 2022. Once ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’ was published, we were delighted to receive a number of photos and emails.  And we were able to meet in person with a few people. (For the original posting about the book, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/02/19/new-book-no-soldier-buried-overseas-should-ever-be-forgotten/)

…Some of the feedback we’ve received….

PXL_20220221_163612516~3 Feb 21 2022 Brien Robertson with book photo by Moira

Brien Robertson reads the book.  (Photo credit: Moira Robertson)

Brien and Moira Robertson wrote “…We received No Soldier… today and have been reading it ever since. Such a wonderful journey telling of your travels and memorializing those lost in the tragedy of wars. And here we go again, thinking about what could happen in Ukraine. Reading the book brings home the thought that all wars are really civil wars. Lives lost for nothing. Great job telling the story so not to forget those lost. We are proud to be your friends….”

IMG_1581 Feb 18 2022 Mindy Patrick with Daria

Mindy Patrick and Daria with the book.  (Photo courtesy of Valkenburg family collection)

Mindy Patrick wanted a book for her father, a veteran who served in the US Coast Guard.

DSCN2378 Feb 22 2022 Don and Nora Coutts at North Bay Public Library

Don and Nora Coutts at the North Bay Public Library in Ontario. (Photo taken by Brad Jacobs)

Don Coutts, nephew of WW2 pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART, who is featured in the book, explained he ordered copies for himself and for the North Bay Public Library in North Bay, Ontario, where his wife Nora is Head of Children’s Services and Deputy CEO.

(See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/10/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-presentations-at-hannemahuis-in-harlingen/ for comments made by Don during the presentation in The Netherlands in 2019 to honour his uncle and the crew of Halifax L9561.)

Alexander Tuinhout of the Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation: Original comment in Dutch: “…We hebben het boek “No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten” besteld en inmiddels ook al uit Canada ontvangen. Hoewel we nog geen tijd hebben gehad om alles te lezen is de eerste indruk voortreffelijk! Zo’n publicatie is een monument op zich en zeker een felicitatie waard!…”

(English translation by Pieter: “…We ordered the book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’ and have already received it from Canada. Although we haven’t had time to read everything yet, the first impression is excellent! Such a publication is a monument in itself and certainly worth congratulating!…”)

The Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation organized the memorial panel to honour Elmer Bagnall MUTTART and the crew of Halifax L9561.  During the events in October 2019, Alexander gave a presentation on the crew and what happened on October 12, 1941.  You can watch part of his presentation in the documentary made about the events.

IMG_0360 Feb 23 2022 Henk Vincent

Henk Vincent, a volunteer at the Holten Cemetery Information Centre, with the book.  (Photo courtesy of H. Vincent)

The work done by the Holten Cemetery Information Centre to remember Canadian soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands is ongoing.  Pieter is one of the volunteers helping with photo wish lists for a digital archive.  (For more information on the Info Centre, see https://www.canadesebegraafplaatsholten.nl/en/home/)

IMG_6170 (1) Feb 25 2022 Alan McIvor

Alan McIvor, nephew of WW2 Flight Officer Joseph ‘Joe’ Charles McIver, wrote a book on his uncle’s service. (Photo courtesy of A. McIvor)

Alan McIvor wrote “…Congratulations on your book, “NO SOLDIER BURIED OVERSEAS.”  Good work.  I am sure it was a labour of love but lots of work, research, writing and editing…”

Alan’s uncle, WW2 Flight Officer Joseph ‘Joe’ Charles MCIVER of Kinkora, Prince Edward Island, was one of the names listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion – the research project that launched this blog.

(See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/08/17/the-ww2-flight-officer-whose-plane-went-down-while-on-patrol-near-the-arctic-circle/)

CIMG5511 Feb 25 2022 Daria with Susan & Charlie

Daria visits with Susan and Charlie Choi. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Last fall, Charlie CHOI, who was 4 years old when the Korean War started in June 1950, shared his memories in a 3 part series.  If you missed these postings, please see:

CIMG5506 Feb 21 2022 Daria with Mary Ann Greiner

Daria with Mary Ann Greiner.  (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

Mary Ann Greiner has an abiding interest in military history. Pieter and I were able to meet with her and her husband Rick, a US army veteran.

20220303_202843 Mar 3 2022 John Davis photo by Susan

John Davis is the author of ‘Outside Time Looking In’, which features two alternative history stories.  (Photo credit: Susan Choi)

John Davis is the author of ‘Outside Time Looking In’, featuring two alternative history stories, and which I’ve read with great interest.  (See https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/john-davis/outside-time-looking-in/paperback/product-18rekkpk.html?page=1&pageSize=4)

Thank you to everyone who sent in comments and photos with themselves with the book, and for your support. Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Book trailer and website….

Thanks to the amazing talents of Wendy Nattress, who does the post-production editing for the On The War Memorial Trail YouTube Channel, we have a book website: see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/.  The website has a book description, preview pages, and ordering information.

Wendy also prepared a short book trailer…

…Want to follow our research?….

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

goodreads-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec0688984 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 WWI Soldier From Abrams Village Buried In Manitoba Cemetery in France

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March 6, 2022.  In 2017, we visited Manitoba Cemetery outside Caix, France, to place flags by the grave of WWI soldier James CAIRNS of Kinkora, Prince Edward Island, who lost his life on August 9, 1918 during the Battle of Amiens. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/09/30/the-search-for-manitoba-cemetery/)

When we signed the Guest Register Book, we were astonished to find that the previous visitors had come to honour their great-uncle and great-great uncle Theodore (Ted) Francis ARSENAULT from Abrams Village, Prince Edward Island.

Pte Theodore Arsenault (Great great uncle)

Theodore Arsenault. (Photo submitted by Stephen Arsenault)

In November 2021, Colleen Arsenault shared a photo of her great-great-uncle, explaining that her mother and sister had signed the guest book in that far away cemetery. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/11/10/on-the-war-memorial-trail-linking-the-past-with-the-present/)

…4 generations of the Arsenault family have served in the military….

Shortly after this, Stephen Arsenault sent us research on Ted Arsenault, and explained that 4 generations of his family served in the military.  “…Theodore and his brother Camille were both from Abrams Village. Further descriptions as follows:

Gnr Camille Arsenault (Great Grandfather, Theodore's Brother)

Camille Arsenault. (Photo submitted by Stephen Arsenault)

  • Gnr Camille J Arsenault, 2nd Canadian (Overseas) Siege Artillery Battery CEF. Saw action at Vimy Ridge. Survived the war and re-enlisted during WW2 serving with the Canadian Army Service Corps at a POW camp in New Brunswick at the time. Camille was born August 22, 1895.
    Sgt Francis Arsenault (Grandfather)

    Francis Arsenault. (Photo submitted by Stephen Arsenault)

  • Stephen’s grandfather: Sgt Francis J Arsenault, served with 2 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.
Portrait

Edgar Arsenault. (Photo submitted by Stephen Arsenault)

  • Stephen’s father: LCol Edgar F Arsenault, Logistics Officer, Royal Canadian Air Force. Later Honorary Colonel of 14 Mission Support Squadron, 14 Wing CFB Greenwood.  

He went on to say that “…Interestingly, in my (limited) spare time, I am an Artillery Officer serving in the Primary Reserves with 1st (Halifax-Dartmouth) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA, which makes 4 consecutive generations of military service to Canada spanning over 100 years. …”

… Ted Arsenault enlisted in the 105th Overseas Battalion….

Ted Arsenault was born May 14, 1897 in Egmont Bay, Prince Edward Island, the son of François (Frank) and Adeline (nee Gallant) Arsenault.  When he enlisted with the 105th Overseas Battalion in Summerside, Prince Edward Island on May 1, 1916 he listed his occupation as farmer.

In June 1916, Ted travelled to Valcartier, Quebec with the Regiment for training prior to sailing to England from Halifax a month later aboard ‘Empress of Britain’.

…Previous stories of Islanders who were aboard the ‘Empress of Britain’ with Ted Arsenault….

Several Islanders, whose stories have previously been told, were on that same ship.  Among them were:

The ship docked in Liverpool, England on July 25, 1916.  The troops were sent to Shorncliffe and attached to the 1st Training Brigade.  They were later transferred to different training brigades in Surrey.

…Ted was gassed at Passchendaele….

In November 1916, Ted was sent to France as part of the 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment).  A year later, on November 5, 1917, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium, Ted was poisoned by a mustard gas shell that exploded.  (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Passchendaele)

He was invalided to England and sent to the King George Hospital in London for treatment. According to his medical file, he “…had a sore throat and loss of voice for a month…” and “…breathing was difficult at night…” until January 13, 1918.

From the hospital in London he was sent to Manor War Hospital, a convalescent facility in Epsom.  It wasn’t until March 4, 1918 that the medical staff declared his chest was clear, and he was discharged 4 days later.  On May 16, 1918 he returned to France and the 14th Battalion.

….The Battle of Amiens…

The Battle of Amiens, also known as the Third Battle of Picardy, was the opening phase of the Allied offensive.  It began on August 8, 1918 and ended on August 18.  Later known as the Hundred Days Offensive, this was the battle that ultimately led to the end of the First World War.  (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Amiens_(1918) and a short video clip at https://finance.yahoo.com/video/battle-amiens-started-century-ago-173913821.html)

A few years ago, a short video on ‘The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Amiens and Canada’s Hundred Days’ was prepared and is available on YouTube:

…Two Islanders lost their lives on August 9, 1918…

Byce.Amiens.map_.04

Battle of Amiens.  (Map source: http://www.rememberourvets.ca)

According to the war diary of the 14th Battalion, on the morning of August 9, 1918, the Regiment was ordered to “…march towards Cayeux, the headquarters of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade.  The march was very difficult owing to the congested traffic on the road. The Battalion was ordered to support the 8th Canadian Battalion and moved to assembly positions….”

By 11:40 am they were in position, for the expected attack at 1 pm.  “… The attack was made over very flat ground and many casualties were caused by the intense machine gun fire…”  Among the casualties killed in action that day was Ted Arsenault.

As mentioned at the beginning of this posting, James CAIRNS, who served with the 8th Canadian Battalion, also lost his life that afternoon.

…Buried at Manitoba Cemetery outside Caix…

CIMG8555 Sep 6 2017 Pieter at entrance to Manitoba Cemetery

Pieter at the entrance to Manitoba Cemetery just outside Caix. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Like so many WWI cemeteries in France, Manitoba Cemetery, where both James Cairns and Theodore (Ted) Francis Arsenault are buried, is in a rural location, surrounded by farmers’ fields.  It was fitting that during our visit in September 2017, bales of hay, a familiar site on Prince Edward Island during this period, surrounded the cemetery.

CIMG8558 Sep 6 2017 Manitoba Cemetery by hay bales

Bales of hay surround Manitoba Cemetery outside Caix.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

IMG_20170906_152615630 Sep 6 2017 grave of Ted Arsenault in Manitoba Cemetery in Caix

Grave of Theodore Francis Arsenault of Abrams Village. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

Thank you to Colleen Arsenault and Steven Arsenault for sharing information on their great-uncle and their family’s ongoing military service.  If you have photos or information to share, please let Pieter know. Email him 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/

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail….. The Loppersum Memorial Honours 7 Royal Winnipeg Rifles Soldiers

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February 23, 2022. One of the wonderful things about this blog is hearing from readers and receiving additional information on stories that have been previously posted.  After a YouTube video in which a photo of Donald Charles MACKENZIE of Springhill, Nova Scotia was included, we received an email from Bruce MacEachern.

The video ‘In Remembrance’ that Bruce referred to was done by Pieter to thank those who contributed photos and stories of WW2 soldiers who are buried overseas in 2021.  You can watch it here:

Bruce wrote us that “…Lt Donald MacKenzie is my uncle on my mother’s side. Uncle Donald’s wife, my Aunt Mary, was my Mom’s sister. I was very glad to see the picture of Uncle Donald in your video. I sent a copy of the picture, and video link, to Johan Schansker, who raised a memorial in his town of Loppersum, The Netherlands, to Uncle Donald and 6 other Canadians who fell, fighting to liberate his village….”

….The Loppersum Memorial….

D C MacKenzie 1 Loppersum memorial

The Loppersum Memorial.  (Photo submitted by Bruce MacEachern)

 

D C MacKenzie 3 Loppersum memorial with 7 names

The 7 names listed on the Loppersum Memorial.  (Photo submitted by Bruce MacEachern)

The Loppersum memorial, unveiled in May 2020, honours 7 soldiers from the Royal Winnipeg Rifles who were initially buried in the General Cemetery in Loppersum in April 1945.  All 7 were subsequently reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

Lt Donald MacKenzie and Rifleman Willie DANIELS, both of whose stories have been told on this blog, are 2 of these 7 men.  Both served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and lost their lives on April 22, 1945 near Appingedam, The Netherlands at the very beginning of the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket. (For more information on the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket, see https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/delfzijlpocket.htm)

….Newspaper article about the Loppersum Memorial…..

Bruce sent us a newspaper article, in Dutch, about the unveiling of the moment in May 2020.  The article is included below in Dutch, along with an English translation provided by Pieter.

D C MacKenzie 2 Loppersum newspaper article

Article about the Loppersum Memorial.  (Article submitted by Bruce MacEachern)

Translation of Dutch newspaper article by Pieter Valkenburg:

“Canadian Monument Unveiled

On Monday a memorial was unveiled for seven Canadian soldiers who were temporarily buried in the General Cemetery in Loppersum.

On behalf of the historical society, Johan Schansker took the initiative for the monument. 

These 7 Canadians gave their lives for our freedom.  One was killed during the battle to liberate the village, the others were killed in the surrounding area.

With this monument we want to honour their memories, according to Schansker.

The monument is a maple leaf made of weathering steel, on top of which is attached a stainless steel plate with the stylized maple leaf of the Canadian flag,  The names of the seven soldiers from the Royal Winnipeg Rifles have been engraved on this plate. (For a description of weathering steel, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weathering_steel)

The picture shows the unveiling of the monument by Johan Schansker, assisted by his son Tijs.”

The memorial is a wonderful tribute.  Kudos to Johan Schansker for initiating it.

Bruce noted that “….My family and friends very much appreciate the efforts of yourself, Johan and others in remembering our Canadian soldiers. Thank You so much…”

…Missed the postings of two soldiers listed on the Loppersum Memorial?…

…The other 5 names on the Loppersum Memorial…

Here are the names of the other 5 men from the Royal Winnipeg Rifles that are listed on the Loppersum Memorial….

  • Rifleman Raymond Arthur HEAMAN, son of Jerry and Ellen E. Heaman, of Hargrave, Manitoba. Died April 22, 1945, age 27.
  • Rifleman William James ‘Jimmy’ Sutherland HOLE, grandson of William and Eva Alice Hole, of St. James, Manitoba.  Died April 22, 1945, age 18. 
  • Rifleman Anton Michael SALMI, son of Jacob and Maria Salmi, of Nolalu, Ontario. Died April 21, 1945, age 31.
  • Lt Cyril Douglas SHARMAN, son of Henry and Gertrude Sharman, of St. Vital, Manitoba; husband of Ada M. Sharman, of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Died April 23, 1945, age 33. 
  • Rifleman Francis William WELBURN, son of Charles and Winnifred Welburn, of Winnipegosis, Manitoba. Died April 20, 1945, age 20.

Thank you to Bruce MacEachern for letting us know about the Loppersum Memorial.   Do you have photos or stories 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 the blog, you are welcome to do so. Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail…. WW2 Flight Student Ralph McCutcheon’s Family Remembers

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February 20, 2022. In an earlier posting, the story of a fatal 1942 plane crash in North Tryon, Prince Edward Island, recalled the eyewitness account by Vernon Inman, a resident of the area.

Flight student Ralph Gordon MCCUTCHEON lost his life in this tragic accident that happened during his training at the No. 9 Service Flying Training School RCAF in Summerside.  This flight training school was part of No. 3 Training Command RCAF, carrying out British Commonwealth Air Training Plan training operations. (To read the original posting, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/08/20/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-1942-plane-crash-in-north-tryon/)

….Ralph’s family gets in touch…

Recently, Tim McCutcheon shared a photo of his uncle in uniform and wrote “…I was quite interested to read your article about the 1942 plane crash in North Tryon.  The student in question, Ralph McCutcheon, was my uncle, the oldest brother of my father.  You’ve done such a great job of researching the story and writing, especially the account of Vernon Inman….” 

2022_Ralph_0001_b Ralph McCutcheon

Ralph McCutcheon in uniform.  (Photo courtesy of Tim McCutcheon)

Tim’s cousin, Nancy McCutcheon, also wrote us.  “….I too enjoyed the article about the June 1942 plane crash in North Tryon.  Ralph was also my Uncle.  Tim and I are first cousins. Our Fathers and Ralph were brothers. There were 3 young men in the family, Ralph, the eldest, Donald (my Father), and then Bruce.  Bruce was 10 years younger than Ralph, and Donald was 2 years younger. Thank you again for telling this story.  Ralph was an important person to many, but especially to his younger brothers…”

…Excerpt of a letter from Group Captain Fullerton….

Tim also shared a letter sent to Ralph’s father from Group Captain E. G. Fullerton, Commanding Officer at the No. 9 Service Flying Training School. 

In the letter, Captain Fullerton wrote that “…A most competent and promising student, your son was well thought of by all and had been chosen by his associates at Elementary Flying Training School and at this school as their class leader.  In appreciation of this, and recognizing his ability as a leader, he was appointed acting corporal.  What speaks much more of him, however, was the affection with which he was regarded by those who knew him most intimately – his fellow classmates…”

…Dedication to Ralph in ‘The Salmagundi’ yearbook….

Nancy sent us the dedication to Ralph from the Colgate University yearbook, ‘The Salmagundi’.  The dedication reads “…To Mac, this sixty-second edition is dedicated. He died so that we may have victory, let us not fail him in the peace to come…”

Colgate University Salmagundi yearbook 1943 edition Dedicated to Ralph

‘The Salmagundi’ Colgate University Yearbook dedication to Ralph McCutcheon.  (Photo courtesy of Nancy McCutcheon)

 …Passing of the plane crash eyewitness…

Vernon Inman would have been overjoyed to learn that Tim and Nancy had been in contact with additional information.  Sadly, he had passed away a few weeks earlier.  (To read the obituary, see https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/obituaries/funerals/vernon-george-inman-67225/)

Thank you to Tim and Nancy McCutcheon for sharing information about their uncle.  We also thank the family of the late Vernon Inman, whose recollection about the accident helped Pieter in researching this story.

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

…Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is now available.  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. 

© Daria Valkenburg

New Book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’

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February 19, 2022. As the pandemic and social distancing measures continued into 2021, Pieter and I spent months going through my diary to decide which stories to include for a book about our European war memorial tour in 2017.

…New book is now available…

The result?  ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten….on the war memorial trail in Europe with Pieter and Daria Valkenburg’

OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEurope_Barcode

The title was inspired by a comment Pieter has made since this research project first began.

No soldier buried overseas should be forgotten

Many of the stories in the book were previously posted on this blog and published in the County Line Courier newspaper, but are now in one book, complete with colour photos.  Readers can be armchair travellers as we visit cemeteries and memorials in 4 European countries – France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany – on this very personal war memorial tour to commemorate names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion in Prince Edward Island, Canada.  This was Pieter’s first research project to be documented on our research blog.

IMG_20220126_171542 Jan 27 2022 A celebratory moment with book proof copy

With our pandemic project completed, we took a brief moment to celebrate receiving the first copy.  (Photo Valkenburg family collection)

…Book trailer and website….

Thanks to the amazing talents of Wendy Nattress, who does the post-production editing for the On The War Memorial Trail YouTube Channel, we have a book website: see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/.  The website has a book description, preview pages, and ordering information.

Wendy also prepared a short book trailer….

A print copy is available internationally on a print on demand basis. See https://www.blurb.ca/bookstore/invited/9477349/b624aaedfdfdd9965cb5053d8f15aa341049af59  If you live outside Canada, simply click on the flag at the top right on the webpage, look for a flag that represents your country, and you will see the price in that country’s currency.

We hope to have an e-book available in the near future.

….CBC Radio Interview…

On February 17, 2022, a radio interview with Angela Walker ran on CBC PEI’s Mainstreet PEI program about the book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘.

“A six week tour of war cemeteries in Europe looking for the graves of Island soldiers is chronicled in a new book called “No Soldier Buried overseas should ever be forgotten”. We speak with the author Daria Valkenburg.”

Here is the link if you wish to listen to it…..

Daria Valkenburg’s new book | Mainstreet PEI with Matt Rainnie | Live Radio | CBC Listen

…The first book signing…..

Pieter and I are heartened by the interest in the book, and thank all who have contacted us.  Recently, a book was signed for fellow author Sandra Wallis, of Sarnia, Ontario.  Sandra’s book ‘Not What I Bargained For’ is a memoir about raising 4 children, 2 of them with medical conditions. (See https://www.amazon.ca/Not-What-Bargained-Incredible-Conditions/dp/1486619347)

CIMG5499 Feb 13 2022 Daria signs the book for Sandra cropped  Daria with Sandra Wallis, who wanted to have her book signed by the author!  (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)CIMG5500 Feb 13 2022 Daria and Sandra with book

…Thank yous!….

Heartfelt thanks go to Wendy Nattress, who prepared the book trailer and set up the website for the book.  Thank you to Angela Walker of CBC Radio for interviewing me about the book.

Thank you to everyone who contacted us about the book, shared photos, and questions.  To answer one question about whether the research is finished, I’m happy to let you know that Pieter’s research continues and there are many more stories coming up on this project blog.

Do you have photos or stories 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 Successful Search For A Photo Of WWII Soldier Edmond Coulombe

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December 24, 2021. Occasionally, a posting on this blog leads to information that adds to the original story, giving a ripple effect.  This spring a story about a WWII soldier from New Brunswick, Alphonse ROBERT of Caraquet, New Brunswick, led a volunteer researcher in a small Dutch village along the German border to contact us with eyewitness accounts of how Robert and 4 other members of his Regiment lost their lives when a shell exploded. 

The soldiers were identified, and one of them was Edmond COULOMBE, listed as being from Pine Falls, Manitoba.  I’m from Manitoba and Pine Falls was very familiar to both Pieter and me, as it was near where my parents had lived. 

“…We have to find a photo of this soldier…” we both decided, and that led us on a photo quest that soon proved that ‘Friendly Manitoba’ on the province’s licence plates was not just a slogan.

The first ‘surprise’ was when Pieter’s research found that Edmond was born on February 15, 1923, the son of Ulric and Yvonne Coulombe in Fannystelle, Manitoba, NOT in Pine Falls.  To Pieter’s amusement, I had a childhood memory of Fannystelle, a small community not far from Winnipeg.  My father travelled a lot in his business, and sometimes he had to work on weeknights and weekends.  Quite often all of us would be loaded in the car and travel with him.   I was in Fannystelle many times as a child.

Edmond’s father was from Quebec, his mother from Manitoba.  By 1943, Edmond was working at the paper mill in Pine Falls, and the family was living in nearby St.-Georges.  When he enlisted on May 7, 1943, his service file noted that he spoke both French and English.

On January 3, 1945, Edmond was sent overseas to the United Kingdom as part of the Oxford Rifles.  By March 3, 1945 he was in Northwest Europe and transferred to Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal.  He lost his life a few weeks later, at the age of 22.

…The Winnipeg Free Press publicizes the quest for a photo….

While Pieter could find information on Edmond’s military service, he had little luck finding family members or a photo.  So we asked ‘Winnipeg Free Press‘ reporter Kevin Rollason for help. 

On November 6, 2021, Kevin’s interview with Pieter ran in the ‘Winnipeg Free Press‘: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/hunting-for-photo-to-honour-manitoban-575687592.html  (If you can’t access the article, let me know and I’ll send a PDF.)

As soon as people began reading the newspaper, replies came in. Diane Dube of the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum in St.-Georges wrote: “…Good Morning. I am reading the Winnipeg Free Press and have just now come across the article that you are looking for photos of Coulombe. I will be looking in the archives this afternoon as I think I may have a photo of him visiting his family in Pine Falls during the war. These photos were donated to the museum last year…”

By the afternoon, Diane had sent us 4 photos.  “…We are very thankful for all of the work you have put into this project recognizing our fallen soldiers and very pleased that we had some photos to share….”

Edmond Coulombe with kit bag

Edmond Coulombe with his kit bag.  (Photo courtesy Winnipeg River Heritage Museum)

Kevin Rollason lost no time in interviewing Diane for a follow-up article, which ran on November 11, 2021, with the 4 photos: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/photo-found-to-honour-manitoba-war-casualty-575714042.html   (If you can’t access the article, let me know and I’ll send a PDF.)

… Family of Edmond Coulombe contact us….

Family of Edmond also contacted us.  Niece Lauri Romaniuk explained that “… My Dad Lionel was one of the youngest of the 12 children of Ulric and Yvonne Coulombe and he was a child when Ed was killed in the war. None of the siblings are alive now….”

Edmond Coulombe siblings and parents from Lauri Romaniuk

The Coulombe family in the 1950s.  (Photo courtesy of Lauri Romaniuk)

Lauri shared a photo that she received from her mother of “…. the siblings in the early 1950s. Edmond’s picture is on the wall behind the group. There was another brother missing that died as a child.  Mrs. Coulombe is in this picture but Mr. C already passed at this point. My Dad is the youngest male – on the far right. He passed in 1992 at age 57…”  Edmond’s father died in 1946.  It was wonderful to see that Edmond himself had not been forgotten.

Another niece, Linda Cyr, wrote “…I’m beyond grateful for the work you both are doing to honour our Canadian soldiers especially my uncle Edmond Coulombe.  Edmond was my Mother’s brother…” 

Edmond Coulombe 2 from Linda Cyr cropped

Edmond Coulombe.  (Photo courtesy of Linda Cyr)

 .…Other reactions….

In addition to family of Edmond Coulombe, and the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum, we heard from interested readers, many offering help regarding the search for a photo and several sharing photos and stories of family members buried in The Netherlands. 

Vic Mollot wrote that he was researching the history of Fannystelle, which “…was founded in 1889 by a French Countess by the name of ‘La Comtesse d’Albufera’ who was a Parisian philanthropist.

There were 3 waves of settlers who came to settle in Fannystelle, the 1st from France in 1892, the 2nd from Quebec in 1895 and the third from the British Isles and central Europe. The Coulombes were part of the second wave from Quebec…”

Leah Boulet and Marcel Pitre let us know that Marcel’s 94 year old father Marcel put together a book of soldiers from the Pine Falls area, and sent the page about Edmond.  “…When the Royal Canadian Legion put together the books about the soldiers a number of years back, Dad did a lot of legwork gathering info and submitting it for their book.  He also put together his own version for this area…”  

…How 5 members of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal lost their lives….

How did Edmond Coulombe lose his life?  Dutch researcher Maarten Koudijs, who initially wrote about Alphonse Robert, explained that 5 members of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal died during an attack on Gendringen, The Netherlands on March 30, 1945.  Four of them, including Edmond Coulombe, were initially buried in Megchelen, The Netherlands, just across the border with Germany. 

Map Megchelen

Maarten explained that “…during the attack on Gendringen, a number of infantrymen were following a tank. A German shell exploded behind the tank and 5 infantry soldiers were killed.   

The soldiers who immediately lost their lives were Roland Alfred Barry, Edmond Coulombe, Jacques Fortin, and Alphonse Robert. They were temporarily buried, next to each other, in a field grave in Megchelen.  

Bernard Gaston Pilon was seriously injured and was transferred to Bedburg Military Hospital, where he died and was also temporarily buried there….”  Bedburg is in Germany. 

All 5 infantrymen from Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal were later reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

Grave of Edmonde Coulombe

Grave of Edmond Coulombe in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  (Photo taken by Wouter van Dijken)

… We were overwhelmed and delighted at the response….

We are grateful to Kevin Rollason and the Winnipeg Free Press for publicizing the appeal for a photo of WWII soldier Edmond Coulombe. 

Diane Dube of the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum in St.-Georges went above and beyond to look in the archives on a Saturday afternoon, find photos, and forward them.  We are often successful with media appeals for photos, but Diane’s quick response was done with ‘supersonic speed’.  We are heartened by the interest and care she took, a true act of research kindness.

We thank family members Linda Cyr and Lauri Romaniuk for sharing photos, and Maarten Koudijs for providing the additional information on the 5 soldiers from Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal.

We also thank the many Winnipeg Free Press readers who submitted photos and stories of relatives buried in The Netherlands.  Pieter has his research projects for the winter months lined up and we look forward to sharing those stories. 

If you have photos and information to share about Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog. 

© Daria Valkenburg

… Alphonse Robert’s Story….

To read the postings about Alphonse Robert, see:

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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….Borden-Carleton Legion Honours Veterans By Placing Flags At Their Graves

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20210923_153745 Sep 23 2021 Pieter & Mario go over lists of veterans buried in cemetery

Pieter Valkenburg and Mario Henry go over the list of veterans buried at cemeteries.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

November 4, 2021.  In preparation for Remembrance Day, veterans from Borden-Carleton Branch #10 in Prince Edward Island visit cemeteries and cenotaphs in the area during the last week of October.  Comrades Mario Henry and George Palmer ensure that veterans buried at 9 cemeteries, and whose names are listed on 4 cenotaphs, receive a Canadian flag, for a total of 275 flags in 2021.

CIMG5341 Sep 27 2021 Pieter & George by George Hennessey grave Tryon Peoples Cemetery

Pieter with George Palmer by the grave of WW1 veteran George Hennessey at the Tryon People’s Cemetery in Tryon. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The cemeteries covered by the area served by the Borden-Carleton Branch are:

  • Cape Traverse – Free Church of Scotland Cemetery (21 flags)
  • Cape Traverse – Methodist/United Church Cemetery (11 flags)
  • Central Bedeque – Central Bedeque Baptist Cemetery (7 flags)
  • Kinkora – St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Cemetery (48 flags)
  • Lower Bedeque – Lower Bedeque Cemetery (19 flags)
  • North Tryon – North Tryon Presbyterian Cemetery (13 flags)
  • Searletown – Searletown United Cemetery (7 flags)
  • Seven Mile Bay – St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Cemetery (95 flags)
  • Tryon – Tryon People’s Cemetery (41 flags)

Flags are also placed at these Cenotaphs:

  • Augustine Cove Cenotaph (4 flags)
  • Borden-Carleton Cenotaph (1 flag)
  • Searletown United Cemetery Cenotaph (4 flags)
  • Tryon Cenotaph (4 flags)

If you see Canadian flags by graves, please do not disturb them. They are a mark of respect for a veteran’s service to Canada, and will be picked up about a week after November 11. Mario Henry asks that if a veteran’s grave was missed, or if a veteran has recently passed away, please contact the Legion, so that flags can be placed for next year. The Legion can be contacted by phone at 902-855-2660 (after 4 pm) or on its Facebook page. You can also contact Pieter, the branch Public Relations Officer, at memorialtrail@gmail.com.

© 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….. Remembering WWII Soldier Ronald Sidney Waterhouse

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November 3, 2021.  Recently, Cheryl Topping of Nova Scotia wrote to Pieter about a WWII soldier on the photo wish list from the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, saying that she was “…a descendant of Ronald Sidney Waterhouse. He was my grandmother’s brother….”  Cheryl followed up with photos and contacted Ronald Sidney’s daughter, Merrilyn O’Brien.

Ronald Sidney Waterhouse frame

Ronald Sidney Waterhouse.  (Photo courtesy Cheryl Topping Family Collection)

Ronald Sidney WATERHOUSE was born March 21, 1913 in Toronto, Ontario, the son of Harold Victor and Ellen Elizabeth (nee Payne) Waterhouse.

…A young father enlists….

When he enlisted with the No. 6 District on August 24, 1942 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, he was already married, to Nina Meredith MacLeod, and the father of Merrilyn Ronalda, who was born July 18, 1942 in Sydney.

Nina and baby Merrilyn Waterhouse-1

Nina Waterhouse with daughter Merrilyn. (Photo courtesy Cheryl Topping Family Collection)

His enlistment record indicated that he played softball and rugby, and had been a travelling salesman.  Both his father and brother Harold Henry were in the police force in Toronto, with his father identified as a detective.

In September 1942 Ronald was sent to #61 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and then in November 1942 to the Canadian Armoured Corps Advanced Training Centre (CACATC) in Borden, Ontario.

In a January 29, 1943 interview, it was noted that Ronald had completed Basic and Advanced CAC training and that he wished to apply to the Canadian Provost Corps. He was described as having a “...good appearance, straight forward manner...” It noted that he was a “…strong, healthy normal man in all respects...” with a “…sound practical education…” and a “…good position in civilian life…”

In March 1943 he was transferred to #3 CACRU (Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit) to go overseas, arriving in the United Kingdom on March 17. Over a year later, on August 11, 1944, he was transferred to the Canadian Fusiliers Regiment.  On September 18, 1944, he was in France with the Regiment, part of the Canadian Infantry Corps.

…The Lincoln and Welland Regiment was in the Battle of the Scheldt….

On September 29, 1944, Ronald was transferred to the Lincoln and Welland Regiment.  Unfortunately, on November 2, 1944 he was killed in action during the Battle of the Scheldt. This was a series of military operations that took place between October 2 and November 8, 1944, to open up the port of Antwerp, Belgium and fought in northern Belgium and southwestern Netherlands. (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/scheldt)

Map Bergen op Zoom · Netherlands

Map showing location of Antwerp, Bergen Op Zoom, and Steenbergen.  (Map source: Google)

The war diary for the Lincoln and Welland Regiment for November 2, 1944 indicates the Regiment was in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands, and that it was a bright and warm day….

“… 17:00 …final orders were issued.  The general plan being that the Lincoln & Welland Regiment on the left and the Algonquin Regiment on the right would attack and hold positions along the road…”  This was to provide protective cover for troops advancing towards Steenbergen.

“…20:05… A Company reached their objective… and were under semi-automatic and shell fire. They suffered heavy casualties...” One of the casualties was Ronald Sidney Waterhouse.

A short video featuring old newsreel coverage of the Battle of the Scheldt can be seen here:

Ronald Sidney was initially buried in Bergen Op Zoom, and later received a permanent headstone at the Canadian War Cemetery there.

temporary grave marker from service file

Initial grave marker in Bergen Op Zoom for Ronald Sidney Waterhouse.  (Photo source:  military service file)

…A daughter’s reflections….

His daughter Merrilyn wrote to explain that “…I was only 2 years old when my Dad died so I never really knew him….  My Mother said that my Dad was a great guy and he seemed to be happy (always smiling) in a lot of old pictures that I have.  He worked for Lever Brothers….”

Merrilyn went on to explain what happened after her father left to go overseas.  “…My Mother and I lived for the first 8 years of my life with my maternal grandparents in Sydney.  When I was 8 years old my Mother married Herman F. Slade. My half-brother, Barry James, was born in 1955.  We moved to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in 1955.  Barry presently lives in Guelph, Ontario.  My Mother and Barry moved to Guelph to be closer to her brother, Rev. Merrill MacLeod….”  

Nina died in 1982.  Merrilyn now lives in Massachusetts, USA.   

Thank you to Merrilyn O’Brien and Cheryl Topping for sharing photos of Ronald Sidney Waterhouse.  If you have photos and information to share about Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog. 

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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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A Headstone For WWII Veteran Alexander Deans

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October 8, 2021. When Alexander McGregor DEANS died on April 28, 2010, his estate was able to pay for his burial at the Tryon People’s Cemetery in Tryon, Prince Edward Island.  Unfortunately, there were insufficient funds for a headstone, and no family or friends stepped up to help pay for one. 

The lack of a gravestone bothered Jack Sorensen, Chair of the Tryon Peoples Cemetery Inc.  Jack had met Deans as both attended the same church.  He remembered that Deans had requested that a Canadian flag be draped over his coffin, and then later recalled being told that Deans, who had lived in Crapaud, had been a veteran.

In 2020, Jack contacted Pieter, in his role as Public Relations Officer at the Borden-Carleton Legion, and asked if the Legion would cover the cost of a headstone for a veteran.  Pieter knew that the Last Post Fund, administered by Veterans Affairs, could fund a headstone for eligible veterans in unmarked graves, but it was unknown if Deans was a veteran. Proof of military service was one of the requirements. (See https://www.lastpostfund.ca/unmarked-grave-program/)

After Pieter started researching Deans, the estate’s lawyer was able to find a Veterans Affairs client number, indicating he had been a veteran.  Pieter also found a 1949 yearbook entry from Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto, stating that Deans, from Bolton, Ontario, had graduated after his studies had been interrupted due to war service. Deans was a WWII veteran!

Yearbook_full_record_image 1949 Deans

Entry from 1949 yearbook of Tyndale University College and Seminary.

With these two pieces of information, Pieter turned the file over to Marilyn Letts, Service Officer at PEI Command.  As the Provincial Service Officer, she was able to verify the information with Veterans Affairs and make the application for a headstone.

The application was approved, and on September 28, 2021, Paul Cyr of Brunswick Monuments Ltd in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, installed the headstone. 

CIMG5345 Sep 28 2021 Gravestone for Alexander Deans

Jack Sorensen, left, with Pieter Valkenburg, right, by the grave of Alexander M. Deans.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Jack and Pieter commemorated the headstone by placing a Canadian flag at his grave.  11 years after his death, Alexander Deans no longer lies in an unmarked grave.

Jack, Pieter, and Marilyn are to be commended for the effort they made into ensuring that this WWII veteran was not forgotten. 

With Remembrance Week coming up, please take a look through your photo albums and in your attics in case you have a photo or information to share about Canadian soldiers.  You can email us at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.  

© Daria Valkenburg

holidays-1-e1460375295631

…..Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

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