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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 Hoped To Go Home After His Service In Germany Ended

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February 12, 2021. In earlier postings, the observations made by Harold Keith HOWATT of Augustine Cove towards the end of WW1 and his time in Mehlem, Germany with the Canadian Army of Occupation were recorded.  

Harold, who was in the 8th Canadian Siege Battery, noted that on January 28, 1919 the Canadian Army of Occupation was relieved by the British 84th Brigade Royal Garrison Artillery.  Canadian troops moved back to Belgium in eager anticipation of demobilization and return home.

CIMG4001 Harold Howatt

Harold Keith Howatt.  (Photo courtesy of South Shore United Church)

This posting continues his observations in the last months of his military service, beginning with January 28, 1919.  “…Left Mehlem this morning for Bonn, loaded the guns on the railway tracks, and at about five o’clock we pulled out for Belgium, thus ‘winding up’ our ‘Watch on the Rhine’.  We travelled all night, in box cars, and arrived in a town called Andenne about six o’clock the next morning…”  It would have been a very cold ride in an unheated box car on the train in January! Brrrr….

Screenshot_2021-02-08 mehlem to andenne train - Google Search

Google map showing the approximate train route taken by Howatt’s unit.

(Note: Andenne, Belgium is a small town that saw over 200 of its civilian population massacred by the Germans in 1914:  see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andenne)

The situation regarding comfort didn’t improve, as Harold recorded on January 29, 1919. “…We unloaded the guns this morning, finishing about one o’clock….. Then we came out to this place, where we were put in an old house with no fires in it.  The language used by the troops was lurid enough to warm the air…” Harold’s reference to ‘this place’ was Sclayn, just outside Andenne.  (See https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sclayn)

The attempt to get warm continued on January 30, 1919.  “…Woke up this morning to find the windows covered with frost.  Gee! but it was cold, and the stove wouldn’t burn.  We spent nearly all day trying to get a stove fixed up that would burn….”

Harold reported no improvement on January 31, 1919.  “…Weather still cold, and fire sulky….”

On February 1, 1919, Harold wrote that “…This is the slowest place I ever struck, not life enough to satisfy a monk….” 

Misery for the unit continued, as noted on February 2, 1919… “…In charge of the guard today.  No fuel for the guard room. We were either freezing or being smothered with smoke all day….”

On February 4, 1919, Harold reported that “…The weather is getting much colder, days of brilliant frosty sunlight, and keen frosty nights….”

On February 5, 1919, Harold met a friend, commenting that “…Still clear and cold.  Perry came to see us this afternoon.  He is in Andenne, expects to leave for La Harve the first of next week.  His unit is going home with the 3rd Division. Lucky beggar!...” (Note: Unfortunately, Perry is unknown.   The only known Perry was George Albert PERRY who was killed in 1917.)

By February 6, 1919, Harold was itching to leave.  “…Fine and cold.  No definite news on how long we will stay here…”

After several days of inactivity, except for the odd walk into town, Harold recorded, on February 7, 1919, that “…This morning we had to carry the Observer’s stories down to Mr. Freeman’s billet, and this afternoon I helped him sort them over.  This evening MacNeil and I walked into Ardenne to see Perry again before he left.  He is living with a private family with ‘beaucoup mademoiselles’ and having a great time….”  (Note: Mr. Freeman is unknown.  MacNeil may be Robert Burns MACNEILL, who was born on Prince Edward Island, but lived in Sydney, Nova Scotia at the time of enlistment.)

Finally, Harold’s February 8, 1919 entry noted some activity.  “...Parade this morning for demob. Statistics, dispersal area, length of service, and so forth….”  You can imagine that Harold was anxious to be included in the first group to be demobilized.

Postcard of Namur Belgium

Postcard from Namur. (Courtesy of the H. Howatt collection)

It was still a waiting game for Harold, with time for some sightseeing, as he wrote on February 9, 1919.  “…Today a guard platoon consisting of an officer, 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, 2 bombardiers, and 42 men went to Namur to do guard duty. MacNeil and I got a pass and went with them.  First we went to the YMCA and got a book each at the lending library.  Then we climbed up onto the hill where the citadel is situated and walked all over the place.  Came home by train…” 

In 1914, Namur was invaded by the Germans in order to use the Meuse valley as a route into France. On August 21, 1914, they bombarded the town with no warning, killing several people. The citadel mentioned by Harold fell after three days, and the town was occupied by the Germans until the end of the war. (For more info on Namur, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namur)

The next day, his hopes were raised, as he writes on February 10, 1919 about “…rumours that we may leave here before long…”

Over the next few days nothing much happened, but on February 14, 1919 he wrote about an altercation in the house they were staying in.  “…On guard duty today. The prisoners in the guardroom had some wine and there was a sort of a row.  The old lady got an idea into her head that someone had smashed up some of her furniture, so she got an officer and he had the prisoners lined up for her to identify the culprits.  I do not think it was the prisoners, though, who did break the window and chairs…”  It’s not clear who the prisoners were, but most likely they were German prisoners of war who had not yet been released.

The first hint that Harold’s hopes of going home may not be realized occurred on February 15, 1919.  “…Came off guard this morning, was glad to get away…..Heard today that it has come through on orders that I have been promoted ‘corporal’ and posted to the 12th Battery.  Hope I do not have to go….”

On February 16, 1919, Harold recorded that “…This morning the Major held a sort of investigation into the trouble in the guard room the other day, but nothing was found out...” This suggests that Harold’s guess that the prisoners were not responsible for the damage was likely correct.

Discouragement set in by February 18, 1919.  “…Nothing doing, no word of moving.  All there is to do is go for a walk, come home, read for a while, and go to bed...”  A year earlier a soldier might have been happy for this type of day, but with the war ended there is an impatience to leave.

On February 19, 1919, his frustration is voiced.  “…The same old thing in the same old way, nothing to do, nowhere to go.  Oh! To be out of this country….”

Things took a downward turn as passes for leaves were cancelled.  The Spanish flu had reached the area, resulting in lockdown measures similar to what we have experienced over the past year due to Covid-19. 

On February 22, 1919, Harold wrote “…No church service today.  The cinemas are closed and all meetings are prohibited unless held in the open.  This is on account of the flu, which is very prevalent around here...”

The Regiment did not escape the flu, as on February 25, 1919, Harold noted that “…This evening I had to go on guard as McCann took sick…” McCann was in charge of the guards.

On Friday, February 28, 1919, Harold glumly recorded that “…This morning, MacIntosh came up and told me that I had to go to the 12th battery immediately.  Did I want to go – not much.  So I had to fly around, get some new clothes and so forth, and turn over the keys of the store boxes to Mr. Freeman…”

He left the next day for Mons, Belgium, along with “…Skirrow, Morrissey, and Goodwin…” Harold Howatt’s wartime service was not over yet! 

Can you help identify the names Freeman, Goodwin, Perry, MacIntosh, MacNeil, McCann, Morrissey, and Skirrow?  If so, please let Pieter know.  You can email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog. 

….Previous postings about Harold Howatt’s observations…

Missed the previous two postings about the observations of Harold Howatt?  See here:

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Soldier Wounded In Italy Who Came Home

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February 1, 2021.  In researching soldiers from the South Shore area of Prince Edward Island, we’ve told many stories about those who didn’t survive, but of course many soldiers did come back home.  One soldier that returned was Gordon James ROGERSON, whose niece Barb Clement brought to our attention.

 “…Uncle Gordon was my mother’s brother….” she told us. “…There were 9 children in the family. My mother was third youngest, then Gordon was next, and Uncle Keith was the youngest…”

Born on February 13, 1920 in Tryon, Barb explained that “…his parents, my grandparents, were Maude (nee MacKay) and Reuben Rogerson of Tryon and later Summerside…”

Gordon Rogerson

Gordon James Rogerson.  (Photo submitted by Barb Clement)

After leaving school at age 15, Gordon worked as a farm labourer and a machine operator in a wood finishing mill before enlisting with the PEI Highlanders in Summerside on February 23, 1940.  On July 15, 1940, he boarded a ship in Halifax and soon was on his way to the United Kingdom as part of the 2nd Canadian Division Infantry Reinforcement Unit.

In December 1941 he was transferred to the 1st Canadian Division Infantry Reinforcement Unit, and then on January 15, 1942 he was transferred to the West Nova Scotia Regiment.  J. Ron Stonier, President of the West Nova Scotia Regimental Association explained that “…he would have trained with them and performed defensive duties until they left for the Mediterranean in late June ‘43 for the invasion of Sicily on 9 July ‘43…”

On August 2, 1943 Gordon was wounded in Sicily.  Ron Stonier wrote that August 2, 1943 was “…..the day the West Novas occupied Mount Criscana which they called “Whistling Hill….”

After recovering, he rejoined the Regiment, but was hurt again on December 4, 1944 in Italy, a day “… when the West Novas were in action on the Ortona Front….”  Gordon’s daughter, Gloria Rogerson, wrote, in 2000, that her father “…had lost his leg after detecting and digging out a mine and stepping in the hole.  Another mine, planted below the first, had gone off….”

A letter sent by Chaplain W.G. Phillips sent to his parents explained that Gordon had arrived at a casualty clearing station and noted that “… This afternoon he was injured by an enemy mine, and I regret to say that as a result, his left foot had to be amputated above the ankle.  He also received a flesh wound in the forearm…..”

Chaplain Phillips noted the positive attitude that Gordon displayed, writing that “…He is most cheerful and resigned to the loss of his foot.  As he himself stated ‘I am thankful to be here safely’…. Your son is receiving the best of medical and nursing care….”

In February 1945 Gordon was transferred to 19th Canadian General Hospital at Marston Green, near Birmingham, UK. Built as a series of huts, originally as a base for the Royal Canadian Air Force early in WWII, this hospital had beds for about 700 patients. After the war it became a maternity hospital.

Marston Green Maternity Hospital as a Canadian War Hospital

19th Canadian General Hospital, Marston Green, in Birmingham, UK.  (Photo found on http://www.birminghamforum.co.uk)

Gordon was not long at the 19th Canadian General Hospital as in March 1945 he was sent back to Canada and on March 21, 1945 was admitted to Camp Hill Military Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Exif_JPEG_420

Barb Clement with her husband Steve.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

While at Camp Hill, Barb Clement recalled being told that Gordon “…had gangrene in his leg…”  Likely he had a second amputation as his leg was “….amputated to just below the knee…” and not at the ankle as per the letter written by Chaplain Phillips.

He was officially discharged from the Canadian Army on May 1, 1945.  Over the next decades Gordon married Madeline (Peggy) Fleet and raised his children.  He became a member of the War Amputees Association of Canada and was involved with Alcoholics Anonymous for 21 years, ending with his death on February 10, 1993, at the age of 72 years.

Remembered by his family as a cheerful man who loved to joke around, Gordon Rogerson was a WWII veteran who was able to return home and live his life, surrounded by family and friends.

Thank you to Barb Clement, Gloria Rogerson, and Ron Stonier of the West Nova Scotia Regimental Association for providing information on Gordon Rogerson.  If you have information or photos to share about soldiers from PEI South Shore area, 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/

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….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 5

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January 27, 2021. Responses to the news clips on CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 on January 4 and 13 continue to come in.  As mentioned in the previous 4 parts, Pieter is ensuring that every email is acknowledged, and that the photos of soldiers buried in The Netherlands are forwarded to the appropriate cemetery for their digital archives.

This posting features more of the photos submitted…..

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

William Herbert Bellamy

William Herbert Bellamy.  (Photo courtesy of the Bellamy Family)

On behalf of the Bellamy Family, Linda Fury submitted a photo of her uncle, William Herbert “Billy’ BELLAMY, explaining that “….There are about 150 members of our family now.  We hold reunions often and all know the story of our Uncle Bill.  He belonged to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and died in January 1945 while a prisoner in Germany.  Thanks so much for all you have done and are continuing to do.  Your work is very much appreciated by all of us….”

William Herbert ‘Billy’ was born on May 2, 1921 in Hereford, England, the son of Percy and Frances Bellamy.  In 1927 he immigrated to Canada with his family and settled in Midgic Station (now Midgic), New Brunswick.  Following his 18th birthday, he enlisted with the West Nova Scotia Highlanders on August 2, 1940 in Aldershot, Nova Scotia. On April 30, 1941 he transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, and was on his way to England in July 1941.

The North Nova Scotia Highlanders were among the troops to land in Normandy on D-Day on June 6, 1944.  Unfortunately, on June 7, 1944 he was captured by the Germans in Normandy and became a prisoner of war (POW).  On August 13, 1944 he arrived at Stalag XII A [Limburg an der Lahn, Hessen, a POW transit camp] and then, on August 26, 1944 was transferred to Stalag Camp VIII B [Lamsdorf, Oberschlesien] near the German-Polish border.  On November 2, 1944 he was sent to the work camp E 902 Delbrückschächte Hindenburg where, along with other POWs, he worked in a nearby coal mine.

According to an account that a former POW sent after the war to Billy’s father, Billy was seriously injured on January 1, 1945 when the mine ceiling collapsed.  He was taken to hospital in Hindenburg (now Zabrze and part of Poland).  However, according to the POW record kept by his captors, he was seriously injured on November 23, 1944 and sent to a military hospital in Knurow (now Knurów, Poland). Curiously, the same injuries described as happening on January 1, 1945 were reported on the POW record as having occurred on November 23, 1944.

In January 1945 he died of his injuries. Records of the exact circumstances have not been found, likely due to advancing Russian troops.  His military service file lists his official date of death as January 28, 1945. On February 6, 1945, Billy was buried in the Municipal Cemetery of Teupitz (in the state of Brandenburg, Germany).  After the war ended he was reburied in the Heerstrasse British Cemetery in Berlin, and then in 1949 reburied for the final time in Holten.

Robert Cole

Robert Theodore Cole. (Photo courtesy of Emily Gilbert)

Ervin Ellis submitted a photo of Robert Theodore COLE, explaining that “…I was told by Kent Caldwell that you were looking for a picture of Robert Cole, WWII Veteran from Coles Island. A woman that I knew had close ties to that area.  She said the whole family was deceased but her first husband was part of that family, if anyone had any pictures it would be her.  She looked through her old pictures and by some sort of miracle she had pictures…”  This was Emily Gilbert.  Robert Cole was the nephew of her husband.

Born in Coles Island, New Brunswick, the son of Fred and Maria Cole, Robert enlisted in March 1940 and served in Canada and Labrador before going overseas in September 1943. He was in France by 1944, and also was with his regiment in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany.  He lost his life on April 21, 1945 during the Battle of Friesoythe in Germany while serving with the Lorne Scots – Ground Defence Platoon.

Ervin’s assistance was invaluable in putting a face to this soldier’s name! He went on to write Pieter that “….This is a great project you are working on, saw you on TV a couple of times. I am the Zone Commander for the legions in this area so I know them pretty good and their Cenotaphs. If I can help you any let me know…”  Needless to say, Pieter has taken Ervin up on his offer and is grateful for the help that he and Kent Caldwell have provided.

Joseph Gerald Fougere

Joseph Gerald Fougere. (Photo submitted by Doug Landry)

Gerald Douglas ‘Doug’ Landry submitted a photo of his uncle, Joseph ‘Gerald’ FOUGERE, explaining that he was “….born in Poulamon, Nova Scotia, the only son of Felix and Josephine (Marchand) Fougere. Gerald had three sisters: Evelyn, married to Thomas Sampson; Anita, married to Val Poirier; and Theresa, married to James W. Landry….”

Doug went on to write that “…Gerald was with the Perth Regiment.  He was dangerously wounded in action on April 24th, 1945 and died of wounds on April 26th, 1945 at the age of 28 years, 11 months….” He lost his life during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket.

Soldiers Buried In Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium

Arthur Jack Taylor

Arthur ‘Jack’ Taylor.  (Photo courtesy of the Taylor Family)

On behalf of the Taylor family, Art Taylor submitted a photo of his uncle, Arthur Brambel ‘Jack’ TAYLOR, explaining that “…My father and his four brothers, from the small town of Woodstock, New Brunswick, all served in WWII.  Three saw action.  My father (John Taylor) was in the Royal Canadian Navy and escorted convoys to Europe.  His two brothers were in the army.  Russell Taylor fought into Holland and survived.  His other brother Arthur ‘Jack’ Taylor was with the Winnipeg Rifles.  He was killed at the Leopold Canal on October 12, 1944.  He is buried at the Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium.  He was 26 years old…”

Jack was a rifleman, killed during Operation Switchback, part of the Battle of the Scheldt.  A Wikipedia article explains that “….October 10, 11, and 12 were days of intense struggle while the men of the 7th Brigade with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles took, lost and then retook a group of houses known as Graaf Jan and the Regina Rifles found themselves pinned down by a group of well dug-in pillboxes that seemed to be resilient to artillery…” (For more information see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Scheldt#Operation_Switchback) Jack was initially buried in Madelgem before being reburied in Adegem.

Thank you to Ervin Ellis, Emily Gilbert, Doug Landy, Linda Fury, and Art Taylor for sharing photos and anecdotes.  Kudos to CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 for helping to get the word out on this quest of remembrance. Atlantic Canadians remember their loved ones who are buried overseas.  Pieter and I extend our condolences to Ervin Ellis, who sadly lost his wife on January 20.

More photos and stories in Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 6! If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

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

Missed the previous postings in this series? See:

…Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 4

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January 20, 2021. Responses to the news clips on CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 on January 4 and 13 continue to come in.  As mentioned in Parts 1, 2, and 3, Pieter is ensuring that every email is acknowledged, and that the photos of soldiers buried in The Netherlands are forwarded to the appropriate cemetery for their digital archives. 

This posting features more of the photos submitted…..      

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

Nelson DesRoches Army

Nelson Desroches. (Photo courtesy of The Desroches Family)

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

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

Ernest Robert Haynes

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

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

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

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

Daniel Pearo

Daniel Pearo.  (Photo courtesy of the Pearo Family)

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

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

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

Gordon Brewer 2

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

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

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

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

Soldiers buried at the Montecchio War Cemetery in Italy

Felix Gaudet

Felix Gaudet.  (Photo submitted by Leo Gaudet)

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

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

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

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

Felix Gaudet tribute by Aunt Cathy

Tribute to Felix Gaudet submitted by Leo Gaudet.

Thank you to Hazel Albert, Stephen Albert, Kent Caldwell, Colleen Hartling, Teri Haynes, and Leo Gaudet for sharing photos and anecdotes.  Kudos to CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 for helping to get the word out on this quest of remembrance. Atlantic Canadians remember their loved ones who are buried overseas.

More photos and stories in Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 5! If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog. 

Missed the previous postings in this series? See:

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 1

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“No soldier buried overseas should be forgotten.”

January 7, 2021.  “No soldier buried overseas should be forgotten.” This statement by Pieter in a news clip on CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 touched many people who watched it, and many photos and stories were subsequently emailed to him.   Since the broadcast, Pieter has been working to ensure every email is acknowledged, and that the photos of soldiers buried in The Netherlands are forwarded to the appropriate cemetery for their digital archives. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/05/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-ww2-soldiers-buried-in-the-netherlands-featured-on-ctvs-atlantic-live-at-5/)

This posting will feature some of the photos submitted. There were too many submissions for one posting so more will be featured in subsequent postings.

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

James Grant Anningson

James Grant Anningson. (Photo submitted by Brenda Budd)

Brenda Budd submitted a photo of James Grant ANNINGSON, saying “…My husband’s uncle is buried there.  His name was James Grant Anningson but the family called him Grant.  He was the only one in the family that didn’t return…”  Sgt Anningson was with the New Brunswick Rangers and lost his life on April 27, 1945, at the age of 23.

image002 John Angus Beaton

John Angus Beaton. (Photo submitted by Alexander Beaton)

Alexander Beaton submitted a photo of his uncle John Angus BEATON from Mabou Ridge, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.  Alexander’s brother Daniel wrote that his uncle “… made it through the war but due to the amount of soldiers that had to return to Canada, he and other soldiers were waiting their turn to be flown home.  While waiting one Sunday morning in January 1946, He was fatally shot by a Canadian soldier suffering from a mental illness. This soldier was later charged with his murder…”

The shooting occurred in Oldenburg, Germany, where there was a large Canadian base.  Daniel continued by telling us that “…I was told that John Angus’s parents, my grandparents, were happy and waiting for John Angus to return home, but were informed later that he would never return. He was 32 years old when he died, and was the son of Mary and Alex Tailor Beaton…”

Melvin Collins

Melvin Collins.  (Photo courtesy of Phyllis Kelly)

Phyllis Kelly submitted a photo of her uncle, Melvin COLLINS, from South Kouchibouguac, New Brunswick.  He served with the New Brunswick Rangers and died on April 12, 1945 in Papenburg, Germany, age 26, when he accidentally tripped a hidden high-incendiary booby trap. 

Goldwin Marven Pollick

Goldwin Marven Pollick pushing his brother Ralph on a bike. (Photo courtesy of Gary Pollick and Family of Goldwin Pollick)

On behalf of the Goldwin Pollick family, Gary Pollick submitted a photo of his uncle, Goldwin Marven POLLICK, and explained that “…We remember him as always being referred to as Goldy.  I don’t know a lot about him as I was not born yet and no one in my family spoke much about the war.  My father was in The Netherlands at the same time, and he was able to view his brother’s body before it was taken away for burial…”

Goldwin Pollick was born in Minto, New Brunswick, and served with the Carleton and York Regiment.  He lost his life on April 13, 1945 in Wilp-Achterhoek. This date was familiar to us as in 2017 we visited a windmill in the nearby village of Posterenk, in which 6 members of the Carlton and York Regiment are listed as having died between April 13 and 15.  Unfortunately, this listing does not include every soldier who was killed in the area.

Ford Hilton Spidle

Ford Hilton Spidle (Photo submitted by Dawn (Spidle) Coldwell)

Dawn (Spidle) Coldwell submitted a photo of her uncle, Ford Hilton SPIDLE, explaining that “…He was a member of the Cape Breton Highlanders. I’ve been told that he was killed by a sniper bullet the day the war was declared over. He was the young age of 32.  Apparently, the information hadn’t been received that the war was over….” The war in The Netherlands ended on May 5 and Ford Hilton died on May 1, 1945 during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket, which lasted from April 23 to May 2.  20 soldiers from the Cape Breton Highlanders were killed in action during that battle.

Dawn went on to share a personal experience.  “…I was fortunate enough to have attended the Memorial Day Service in Holten, in 2009. While I was there the Dutch people treated me like I was royalty. I have stayed in close contact with the people over there who made my trip possible. Uncle Ford was my Dad’s only brother. I have a brother who was named after Uncle Ford.  I wasn’t even born when Uncle Ford was killed but my Dad always kept his memory alive.…”

Charles Borden Tuplin

Charles Borden Tuplin. (Photo submitted by Gary Richard Perry)

Gary Richard Perry of Nova Scotia submitted a photo of Charles Borden TUPLIN of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), and explained that “…My maternal grandfather Charles Borden Tuplin of Indian River, PEI is buried at Holten. He was shot on December 7, 1944, was taken as a POW but died the next day…”

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

William Francis Stewart

William Francis Stewart.  (Photo courtesy of the Stewart Family)

Phyllis Kelly submitted a photo of William Francis STEWART on behalf of the Stewart family, and explained that “…He was born in Claire Fontaine, New Brunswick (this community doesn’t exist now, it was expropriated and became part of Kouchibouguac National Park.) He was the son of John and Katherine (Butler) Stewart. He was married to Audrey Savoie and they had three daughters, Gloria, Bernetta, and Margaret. …”  He lost his life on July 8, 1945 when he fell out of a window in Amersfoort, The Netherlands in the early morning. 

Benjamin James Witherall

Benjamin James Witherall (Photo submitted by Jacqueline Inder)

Jacqueline Inder submitted a photo of Benjamin James WITHERALL of Nova Scotia, and wrote that “…I would like to share with you the only picture my mother’s family had of their brother in uniform.  His name is Benjamin James Witherall who was a private with the Highland Light Infantry in WW2.  He was killed in action on December 27th, 1944 at the age of 20…”

The Highland Light Infantry was based on the front line on a ridge between Nijmegen and Arnhem during that time. (See https://pipesforfreedom.com/webtxt/0502THE_HIGHLAND_LIGHT_INFANTRY_OF_CANADA.htm)

Soldiers Buried In Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium

Edison Reynolds Smith

Edison Reynolds Smith.  (Photo courtesy of Angela Leighton)

Angela Leighton submitted a photo of Edison Reynolds SMITH, explaining that “…I wish to advise that my uncle, Private Edison Reynolds Smith of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, Service #F/57514 (date of birth May 11, 1924) was killed in action in Holland on October 16, 1944, at the age of 20…” He lost his life during the Battle of the Scheldt and was initially buried in the province of Zeeland, The Netherlands.  (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/scheldt) Angela ended her email with the statement: “…None of these heroes should ever be forgotten….”  She is correct!

Thank you to Alexander and Daniel Beaton, Brenda Budd, Dawn (Spidle) Coldwell, Jacqueline Inder, Phyllis Kelly, Angela Leighton, Gary Richard Perry, and Gary Pollick for sharing photos and anecdotes. Thank you again to CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 for helping to get the word out on this quest of remembrance. Atlantic Canadians remember their loved ones who are buried overseas.

More photos and stories in Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 2! If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog. 

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Soldier Killed In Action While Trying To Break The Gothic Line In Italy

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4452150 Happy New Year

This first posting for 2021 tells the last of the stories of the WWI and WWII servicemen listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion.  This blog will continue to provide updates on their stories, and will also continue to tell stories of soldiers from the South Shore area of Prince Edward Island who returned home, and those who lost their lives in war but are not on the Cenotaph.  It will also feature more stories of WWII soldiers from Atlantic Canada who are buried in The Netherlands, a research project that Pieter is currently involved in.  Pieter and I thank you for your support as these stories have been researched, and hope that you continue with us on this expanded journey of remembrance along the war memorial trail….

January 2, 2021.  Four WWII soldiers on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion lost their lives in Italy…. George Alfred DUNN of the Carleton & York Regiment, Albert Eugene ARSENAULT of the Cape Breton Highlanders, Ernest Murray NORTON of the West Nova Scotia Regiment, and Arnold Dudley TAYLOR, also of the West Nova Scotia Regiment, the subject of this posting.

Arnold Taylor photo from Barbara Simester

Arnold Dudley Taylor.  (Photo courtesy of Barbara Simester)

Arnold Dudley Taylor was born on July 13, 1913 in Charlottetown, the son of Wilfred F. Taylor and Beatrice Holbrook.  His father was a pharmacist and owned a pharmacy in Kensington, and Arnold Dudley followed in his footsteps, after graduating from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick. 

He was also an avid golfer, winner of Island Golf Championship at the age of 19. His daughter, Barbara Simester, noted that “… The Taylors were very athletic. Father won a lot of trophies and played at the Belvedere Club in Charlottetown….”  In addition to sports, Barbara explained that he was a member of the church choir. “… Father was a baritone in the United Church …”

Beginning July 3, 1928 he was a member of the PEI Light Horse Militia, re-engaging every 3 years until his enlistment in Halifax with the West Nova Scotia Regiment for active duty service on July 13, 1940, with the rank of Lieutenant.  On May 3, 1941, he married Annalea MacDonald, a teacher in the North Tryon school.

In February 1942, daughter Barbara was born, and shortly afterwards Arnold Dudley was sent to the Debert Military Camp in Nova Scotia and transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.  By May 1942 he was in the United Kingdom.  In January 1943, he was transferred back to the West Nova Scotia Highlanders, while still in the United Kingdom.

Arnold Dudley was sent to Italy on October 27, 1943, part of the contingent of reinforcement troops.  The Regiment had landed in Sicily in June 1943, and had been in mainland Italy since September 3, 1943, as part of the 3rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Canadian Infantry Division. 

Like Albert Eugene ARSENAULT of the Cape Breton Highlanders, he was killed in action on August 30, 1944, during the Battle of the Gothic Line. The Gothic Line was a German defence line in Northern Italy. 

An article by Mark Zuelke in the Canadian Encyclopedia explains what happened that day…. “…on 30 August, two regiments of the 1st Infantry Division — the West Nova Scotias and the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) — attacked on the right, while 5th Division’s Perth Regiment and Cape Breton Highlanders struck to the left. The West Novas were caught in a minefield and suffered heavy casualties…”  (See https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/battle-of-the-gothic-line)

Arnold Dudley was buried in the Montecchio War Cemetery in Italy, as was Arsenault.

Grave of Arnold Taylor from Barbara Simester

Grave of Arnold Dudley Taylor in Montecchio War Cemetery.  (Photo courtesy of Barbara Simester)

When we met with Arnold Dudley’s daughter Barbara a few years ago, she explained that after her father’s death, she and her mother moved from Kensington to Crapaud, and later to Hampton. Barbara attended Grade 1 in Hampton and recalled that they lived next to the school with a family named Cameron.

Barbara and her mother later moved to Kingston, Ontario, where Barbara studied to be a nurse, and where she met her husband. 

In 1956 the pharmacy in Kensington had been sold to the Champion family and Arnold Dudley’s parents moved to Calgary. 

CIMG9464 Barbara Taylor with Pieter and Photo Arnold Taylor

Pieter with Barbara Simester in Ottawa. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Barbara Simester for sharing photos and anecdotes.  If you have recollections of Lt Arnold Dudley Taylor, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog. 

© Daria Valkenburg

….Previous postings on Islanders killed in Italy….

To read the previous postings on George Alfred Dunn, Ernest Murray Norton, and Albert Eugene Arsenault, see:

George Alfred DUNN:

Ernest Murray NORTON:

Albert Eugene ARSENAULT:

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. A Face For WWII Soldier Alderic Basque

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20180222_153507 Feb 22 2018 Daria & Pieter on beach by Whales Tail

A beach in Florida is just a distant memory this winter! More time for research! (Photo taken by Brien Robertston)

December 31, 2020.  One of the pluses of being socially distanced and not going away for a winter holiday is that Pieter can concentrate on his research rather than basking in the Florida sunshine.  Instead of snowbird get-togethers and running on a beach by the Gulf of Mexico, he has been digging into a list of WWII soldiers from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia that researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands sent him.  The goal?  To find photos of 40 soldiers from New Brunswick and 26 from Nova Scotia who are buried in The Netherlands. 

Recently, with the help of Marc Comeau, President of the Royal Canadian Legion in Tracadie, New Brunswick and Marielle Arsenault, Executive Secretary at the Municipalité Régionale de Tracadie, the family of one soldier was found: Alderic BASQUE.

IMG_20201218_151124 cropped picture of Alderic Basque

Alderic Basque.  (Photo courtesy of Hermenegilde Basque and Dorina Basque-St-Coeur)

Alderic was born in St. Pons, New Brunswick on May 23, 1915, the son of Olivier and Tharzile Basque. A woodsman and farmer before enlistment in Fredericton, New Brunswick on January 15, 1945, he spoke both French and English. 

A few days after enlistment, he was on his way to the United Kingdom.  By March 31, 1945 he was in North West Europe with Le Régiment de Chaudière, which was part of the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade.  (For more information, see https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/regiments/infantry/chaudiereregiment.htm)

….Alderic was killed during the Attack on Weener….

Screenshot_2020-12-31 Weener Map Germany Google Satellite Maps

Map showing The Netherlands on the left and Germany on the right.  Weener is indicated by the red mark.  (Map source: http://www.maplandia.com/germany/niedersachsen/weser-ems/leer/weener/)

On April 26, 1945, he was killed in action during a battle near the town of Weener, Germany, not far from the Dutch border.  He was temporarily buried near Heide, Germany, before reburial in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands on March 27, 1946.

grave of Alderic Basque

Grave of Alderic Basque at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  (Photo courtesy of Canadian Virtual War Memorial https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial)

….Memories of Alderic were shared by his niece ….

Alderic’s sister, Dorina Basque-St-Coeur, shared a few memories of her brother with her daughter, Exodia Austin. 

Exodia was kind enough to share these with Pieter, giving us a picture of the man behind the uniform. “… My mother often told me that when her brother Alderic came for a visit he had a war medal on him. He was godfather to my oldest brother Denis who was just 1 or 2 years old. Denis liked to play with the medal and decoration when he sat on his knee. My Mother was so afraid that Alderic would be punished because nobody should touch the medal, but Alderic let my brother play with the medal….”  This would likely have been the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. 

Exodia explained that her mother talked about some of the skills and interests that her brother had.  “…Alderic was a good person. He made himself a pair of wooden skates. Imagine!  He also wanted to learn how to step dance. He practiced often in his room but never learned.  Probably he would have learned if he had survived the army…” 

An all too familiar tale of heartache that many soldiers experienced was also recalled.  “…. My mother also told me that Alderic had a girlfriend. But she saw another solder during that time. So when Alderic found out, he didn’t want to come back. And it was that year that he was killed….” 

Thank you to Exodia Austin, her mother Dorina Basque-St-Couer, and her cousin Hermenegilde Basque, for sharing a photo and memories of Alderic Basque.  And thank you to Marc Comeau and Marielle Arsenault for caring enough about the memory of a soldier to help find his family. 

….Photos sought….

While work continues on the list of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia soldiers, a reminder that photos of two soldiers from Prince Edward Island buried in The Netherlands have yet to be found:

UPDATE:  Photos for these two soldiers have been found since this posting was published!

If anyone has a story or photo to share about any Canadian military personnel 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/

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 Search For A Photo Of James Cairns Moves To YouTube

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CIMG8559 Sep 6 2017 Pieter by grave of James Cairns at Manitoba Cemetery

Pieter by the grave of James Cairns at Manitoba Cemetery in Caix, France.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

December 17, 2020.  When you look at a gravestone in a cemetery, particularly one filled with graves from soldiers who were killed, you can easily see them as a collection of graves, not individuals who had hopes and dreams of their own.

In 2017, when we visited cemeteries in France, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany to honour soldiers from WWI and WWII who are listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, Pieter tried to have a photo of each person whose grave or memorial we were visiting.

It wasn’t always possible, and one of those without a photo was WWI soldier James CAIRNS, who was born on February 22, 1897 in Kinkora, the son of Thomas Cairns and Mary Jane MacDonald.

Before WWI began, several members of the family moved to Manitoba from the Island, and so it was no surprise to learn that Cairns enlisted with the 190th Battalion Manitoba Regiment on July 8, 1916. This Regiment became part of the Winnipeg Rifles.  (See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/190th_Battalion_(Winnipeg_Rifles),_CEF#:~:text=The%20190th%20(Winnipeg%20Rifles)%20Battalion,that%20city%20and%20surrounding%20district)

James was killed in action during the Battle of Amiens on August 9, 1918 and is buried in the Manitoba Cemetery in Caix, France.

Appeals for a photo on the blog and in newspaper articles went nowhere, and neither did a letter to the editor in a Manitoba newspaper in the area where members of the Cairns family had lived.

Four years of an unsuccessful search later, Pieter has taken his appeal for a photo to YouTube, in the hope that a viewer might come forward:

Pieters saying

You can read more about James Cairns, our visit to the Manitoba Cemetery, and the appeal for a photo, here:

Thank you to post-production editor Wendy Nattress, who made this YouTube video a reality. If you have photos or information to share about James Cairns, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or  comment on the blog.    

© Daria Valkenburg

..Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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 Continuing Search For A Photo of WWI Soldier Joseph Arthur Desroches

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CIMG4888 Nov 10 2020 Pieter being interviewed by Radio Canada Acadie

Pieter during a phone interview with CBC Radio-Canada Acadie. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

November 15, 2020. In the fall of 2017, when we visited the graves of WWI soldiers buried in France, who are listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, it was always more meaningful for Pieter if he had a photo of the soldier and knew what he looked like.

After returning home, Pieter became more determined than ever to find a photo and family for every WWI and WWII soldier he researches.  “… I do not believe that there are Canadian soldiers buried overseas who are forgotten.  Family is out there somewhere...” he maintains.

….Finding a photo of Arthur Desroches has been a challenge….

One of the WWI soldiers he’s had no luck with finding a photo or family was Joseph ‘Arthur’ DESROCHES, whose story was told over 3 years ago, when we visited the cemetery he is buried in.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/09/23/paying-our-respects-to-private-joseph-arthur-desroches/)

Born August 8, 1891 in Miscouche, Prince Edward Island, he was the son of Zephirim Desroches and Priscilla Gaudet.  Unlike many WW1 soldiers, Desroches was married, to Mary Ann Wedge of Fernwood, and had four children: Elizabeth Eileen, Joseph Alfred, Lucy Priscilla, and Charles Arthur. With a wife and four children, it doesn’t seem possible that Desroches would not have sent a photo of himself home.

Many archives and researchers were contacted over the years, particularly those researching Acadian history.  An article was published last year in the County Line Courier. (See CLC Jul 10 2019 p11 WW1 Soldier Incorrectly Recorded on Gravestone)  Still no luck.

Since Desroches was of Acadian descent, maybe we needed to ask the French language media for help?

….CBC Radio-Canada Acadie helped publicize the search for a photo….

CBC’s Radio-Canada Acadie in Moncton was approached, and reporter Anne-Marie Parenteau interviewed Pieter for a Remembrance Day broadcast.  The reporter and the radio station showed a deep commitment to this story as Pieter was interviewed in English, and then his interview was translated into French.  Both Anne-Marie and the translator did an incredible job, resulting in an excellent interview.

If you understand French, you’ll want to listen to it:  “La quête d’un homme de l’Î.-P.-É. pour retrouver des photos d’un soldat acadien” … See http://www.radio-canada.ca/util/postier/suggerer-go.asp?nID=4582099

Unfortunately, up to today, no one has come forward in response to the appeal for a photo or family of Joseph Arthur Desroches. UPDATE: A photo was received in 2023.

UPDATE: In last month’s posting about photos of soldiers that Pieter is searching for, he has been successful with two soldiers:  Vernon James NIXON and Philip Hubert LONG.

You can read the original posting and the follow-up on Philip Hubert Long at:

Thank you to the County Line Courier for featuring the ‘On The War Memorial Trail’ stories, and an enormous Merci Beaucoup to Anne-Marie Parenteau and CBC’s Radio-Canada Acadie.  If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail….. Remembering WWI Soldier William Earle Davison

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Remembrance-Day-2019-Images-1024x520

November 8, 2020.  If you have a family member who lost his life in war, this is a poignant time of year of remembrance.  Recently Earle Davison of Kensington wrote us that “….As November 11 comes around, I start to think about my uncle, William Earle Davison, who was killed in the First World War.  He was attending Mount Allison University and he enlisted in St John, New Brunswick. He was with the Sixth Canadian Siege Battery in France and Belgium…”

Coloured photo Davison

William Earle ‘Davy’ Davison.  (Photo courtesy of Earle Davison & Family. Photo restoration and colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

Earle explained that “…My father always kept a box about the size of a chocolate box in one of his desk drawers.  It contained the last possessions of Earle, most of it must have been sent back from Europe.  Every fall getting near November 11th he would take it out and we would look through it….”

The original box is long gone, but it’s a tradition that Earle and his wife Irene keep up with a replacement box.

CIMG4858 Oct 28 2020 Irene & Earle Davison

Irene and Earle Davison with a chocolate box containing mementos of his uncle, WW1 soldier William Earle Davison. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

According to his attestation document, William Earle DAVISON was born March 7, 1897 in Kensington, the son of Joseph and Annie Davison. Before enlisting on May 3, 1916 as a gunner with the No. 7 Overseas Siege Battery Artillery in St. John, he was a theology student at Mount Allison.

Earle Davison explained that he had a group photo from the No. 7 Siege Battery and wondered why, as he had only known his uncle to be in the 6th Siege Battery.  This was explained by a series of changes in designation.  ‘No. 7 “Overseas” Battery Siege Artillery, CEF’ was re-designated as ‘167th (Canadian) Siege Battery’ on 10 June 1916, and as ‘No. 6 Canadian Siege Battery, CEF’ on 24 January 1917. (For more information, see https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/official-military-history-lineages/lineages/artillery-regiments/3rd-field-artillery-regiment.html)

CIMG4792 Oct 28 2020 Pieter & Earl Davison with group photo No 7 Siege Battery

Earle Davison shows Pieter the group photo of the No 7 Siege Battery that was taken May 23, 1916.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

From St. John, Davison was sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia.  With his Battery he left for Britain on September 18, 1916, arriving in Bristol on September 26, 1916.  A day later they were in France to provide siege artillery support as part of the 2nd Brigade, CGA, CEF in France and Flanders until the end of the war.  (NOTE: CGA refers to Canadian Garrison Artillery, and CEF refers to Canadian Expeditionary Force.)

On September 18, 1918, he was wounded in an early afternoon bombardment while they were in the area of Villers-lès-Cagnicourt, 24.1 km southeast of Arras.  A letter written by Fred KILLEN of St. John to Davison’s father on September 19, 1918 from France explained what happened to his friend, known as ‘Davy’: “… There were five of us went up to the forward section to run the telephone exchange. There was Davy, Fowler, Simpson, Bomb Yeomans, and myself….”  The additional men mentioned in Killen’s letter were H. E. FOWLER of St. John, H. L. SIMPSON of Springhill, and H. L. YEOMANS of St. John.

Killen then explained that “…Davy, Fowler, Simpson, and I all lived together like 4 brothers. We always had a dugout of our own and got along well.  But we all went forward to do our exchange work under Bomb Yeomans. We had been up there for about 6 days and we were going to be relieved the next morning….”

While waiting to be relieved they had a bit of time to relax, as Killen wrote “.… on the afternoon of the casualties we were all playing crib at the time….” Crib refers to the game of cribbage.

Then the shelling by the Germans, referred to as Fritz by Killen, began.  “…Fritz started to put a few shells around. The first one went about 100 yards from us.  We did not mind it.  About five minutes later another one came and lit about 20 yards behind us….”

At first the men thought they were under a gas attack.  “… It did not make much noise when it exploded and we all thought it was gas. So we started to look for our gas masks.  The place was small and it was pretty well crowded when we all got in there.  Fowler handed me mine and I got outside the door to look at the explosion of the last one…. when all of a sudden I heard an explosion and jumped clear of the dugout…”

Killen was the only one outside at the time of the third explosion.  “… The other four were inside at the time, and Davy got a slight wound in the side of the head, Fowler got it in the back, and Yeomans got it in the leg and hand and a bruised shoulder, and Simpson got a few burns about his face. I fell as soon as I jumped and when I got up I saw Davy and Yeomans running….”

Killen relates what happened next.  “…We dressed them up and sent them all to a Field Ambulance. They told us then they were all right and need not to worry.  They are all clean cuts and they should all make Blighty on them….”  Blighty referred to being sent back to England.

No 22 General Hopsital Camiers

Glass lantern slide of interior of ward at No. 22 General Hospital, Camiers. (Source: Photographer unknown, “Interior of ward at No. 22 General Hospital” OnView: Digital Collections & Exhibits, https://collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/items/show/17961)

It seems clear that no one was aware that the injury to Davison would prove fatal, as he was treated for a gunshot wound at a field hospital, No. 22 General Hospital in Camiers, France.  He was not sent to England.  “… Davy was in the best of spirits after he was hit, although it was paining him a bit.  But he stuck it well. I will only be too glad to let you know of any further particulars that we receive here.  But likely you will hear from Davy yourself. But I thought I would drop you these few lines so as you won’t worry too much about him as I know how Mothers and Fathers worry about their boys.  Hoping you have received good news by the time this letter reaches you. And hoping he will recover soon…”

On September 23, 1918 Davison’s service record recorded him as being ‘dangerously ill’ and on October 5, 1918 he ‘died of wounds’.  He was buried in Étaples, France. This is located near Boulogne on the north-west coast of France.

Earle Davison noted that of the men in the 6th Siege Battery killed in action, his uncle was the only Islander. The other men who were wounded with him on September 18, 1918 survived the war.

Among the mementos in the chocolate box were photos and a pipe.  One of the photos was of a group of men, likely taken in France. The back of the photo had most of the men thoughtfully identified!

CIMG4821 group photo

Photo of men from the 6th Siege Battery, identified as 1: D. Daley (killed in action), 2: Sgt W. A. McLaggan, 3: Sgt unknown, 4: Gunner E. O. Jennings, 5: Gunner R. A. Redmond, 6: Gunner William Earle Davison. (Photo courtesy of Earle Davison & Family)

Thank you to Earle and Irene Davison for sharing information about Earle’s uncle, William Earle Davison, and how they ensure his memory is never forgotten.  If you have information to share about him, or any of the other men mentioned, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

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