Borden-Carleton Cenotaph

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 Cenotaph Wall Of Remembrance

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CIMG7978 Cenotaph Borden

Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

December 15, 2021. The Borden-Carleton Cenotaph Research Project….. one Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion….. 48 names from WW1 and WW2. …. Visits made to the graves and memorials of many of these men in Canada and in Europe ….  Almost 6 years in which Pieter researched and we documented the stories of those 48 names.

The final phase of this project was a Cenotaph Wall Of Remembrance inside the Legion.  Organized by Kathy Henry, photos were framed, labelled, and placed on one entire wall in the Legion, with soldiers from WW1 on one side, and WW2 on the other side.

….The Cenotaph Wall Of Remembrance Is Prepared….

20210729_163208 Jul 29 2021 Pieter and Kathy with photo of Buxton

Pieter Valkenburg and Kathy Henry frame photos of the men listed on the Cenotaph. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)


20211103_192444 Nov 3 2021 Kathy Henry puts up WW1 photos

Kathy Henry begins putting up WW1 photos on the wall. If a photo is not available, a silhouette was placed in the frame in the hope that a photo will be found at some point.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

In addition to placing the photos on the wall, there is a photograph of the Cenotaph, plus a stand built by Mario Henry, which holds a binder in which Pieter prepared a short summary about each of the 48 men.

20211103_194856 Nov 3 2021 Kathy & Mario Henry by table

Kathy and Mario Henry by the stand and binder. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The pictures were hung, with the stand and binder in place in time for Remembrance Day.  On November 11, 2021, Pieter and Mario, two proud veterans, stood beside this completed wall that honours the memories of 48 men from WW1 and WW2.

48 names from WW1 & WW2 honoured on Nov 11 2021

….The Veterans Christmas tree includes the names from the Cenotaph….

This year’s Veterans Christmas tree in the Borden-Carleton Legion has tags for each of the 48 names from the Cenotaph.  As was done last year, veterans from the area were invited to place the tag with their name on the tree. (See last year’s story about this special tree: https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2020/11/25/the-veterans-tree-at-borden-carleton-legion/)

20211208_162016 Dec 8 2021 Pieter places tag on Legion Veterans tree

Pieter places the tag with his name on the Veterans Christmas tree.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….Which photos are still missing?….

From WW1:

From WW2:

Thank you to the Borden-Carleton Legion, with special thanks to Kathy and Mario Henry for preparing the Cenotaph Wall of Remembrance.  If you have photos to share, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or send a 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://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

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

You are 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

On The War Memorial Trail….. The WW1 Letters Of Arthur Clinton Robinson

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July 4, 2021. In 2017 we visited the grave of Arthur Clinton ROBINSON, a WW1 soldier with the 26th (New Brunswick) Battalion, from Tryon, Prince Edward Island, who is buried in Belgium, (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2017/10/16/on-the-war-memorial-trail-in-belgium-and-a-visit-to-la-laiterie-military-cemetery/)  Up to today, we have not found of a photo of him, and neither has his family.

In June 2018, Arthur’s nephew, Arthur ‘John’ Robinson and his wife Hazel visited the grave with their son, dentist Dr. Alan Robinson, and Alan’s son, William Robinson.

2018-06-16 Arthur C Robinson grave (1)

At La Laiterie Military Cemetery in Belgium.  Left to right: Dr Alan Robinson, William Robinson, Hazel Robinson.  (Photo credit: John Robinson)

While no photo has yet been found, the Robinsons were able to find two letters that Arthur wrote to his aunts. 

In an August 30, 1915 letter to his aunt, Robbie Blanchard, written in England just before travelling to France,  he describes the composition of men in his platoon from the 26th (New Brunswick) Battalion: “… You should just see the bunch of men … in this 26th alone. They are a magnificent body of fellows….and this Platoon I am in is a corker… there are, I don’t know how many different nationalities in it… Indian, French, Russians, Belgians, English, Irish, Scotch, Americans and Canadians.  Some mob, eh? You can hear nearly any language around here any time of day….” 

While in England, Arthur saw injured troops arriving back from the front and reflected that “…when you see the hundreds of maimed soldiers, some far worse off than if they were dead, and when nearly daily train loads of freshly wounded men pass right before your eyes, it makes you wonder at the ups and downs of this human life…” 

It was a miracle that the August 30 letter arrived in Canada, as the ship the mail had been travelling on, the Hesperian, was torpedoed by a German submarine off the coast of Plymouth, England on September 4, 1915! Luckily it was one of the items salvaged from the wreckage. (See https://www.rmslusitania.info/related-ships/hesperian/ for more information) 

In a September 16, 1915 letter, written in France to his aunt, Carrie Robinson, he outlines life in a trench: “…I am quite comfortable here in our cosy little dugout, out of reach of all the Germans in Europe.  I must tell you about the nice dugout and the 4 fellows who are in it with me.  It is a kind of a tunnel running into the side of a loamy hill, with rubber sheets and blankets hung over the mouth of it….” 

There was no electricity in the trench, as Arthur goes on to mention that “…We have niches in the back, where we keep our equipment, and we put candles in them at night so we won’t be too lonesome…” 

He then describes how the equipment is turned into a bed for the night. “…On the floor we have straw, stolen from a stack near by, and all over our kits, which make excellent beds, when you know how to arrange them…” 

Although he doesn’t identify them by name, Arthur mentions his 4 trench companions: “…1st They are all six footers. 2nd They all wear a seven cap or larger. 3rd They cannot get their feet into smaller boots than nines, and 4th They all weigh over one hundred and seventy pounds each…”  He goes on to say that he weighs over 170 pounds himself and is well fed.  

The saying goes that an army marches on its stomach, and Arthur’s account of his dinner indicates the importance of food.  “…We had potatoes and meat, bread and butter, and tea of course.  We could have had cheese and jam too if we wanted to, but we always try and keep it over for tea.  The bread and butter is great and the cooks of our company seem to have a natural gift of making good tea so we are lucky in that line…” 

One of the challenges in writing letters from the front during wartime is censorship so as not to divulge any information that might be used by the enemy.  Arthur writes about that: “…I find it hard to write a letter here for they are so particular about what a person tells that if you write anything you are not supposed to tell they destroy the whole shooting match…”

It’s wonderful that these letters survived so that we get a glimpse into Arthur Robinson’s thoughts and experiences.  Sadly, he lost his life on March 27, 1916 when shellfire hit the trenches southeast of Kemmel, Belgium. 

IMG_3466 Hazel and John Robinson

Hazel and John Robinson. (Photo courtesy of the Robinson Family)

Hazel Robinson explained that their 2018 trip was a war memorial tour.  “…Besides visiting Arthur’s grave on this trip, we followed in the footsteps of the Sherbrooke Fusiliers from England to France, Belgium, Germany, ending in the area of Wons. The Sherbrooke Fusiliers was my father’s unit. We also visited Vimy Ridge where my great-uncle is buried….”

Hazel’s great-uncle was “…William John HILL from Cassius on the Miramichi River in New Brunswick…”  He lost his life on April 9, 1917 and is buried in Canadian Cemetery No 2 in Pas de Calais, France.

During the trip, Hazel noted two coincidences.  “… A member of the Sherbrooke Fusiliers was buried beside Elmer Muttart in 1945….”  Elmer Bagnall MUTTART of Cape Traverse, Prince Edward Island is buried at Harlingen General Cemetery in The Netherlands. (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2017/07/28/the-elmer-bagnall-muttart-story/ and https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2019/10/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-visit-to-harlingen-general-cemetery/)

Most likely, Hazel is referring to Thomas ‘Tommy’ Clayton REID.  We’d placed flags on his grave when we visited in October 2019.

CIMG3450 Oct 12 2019 Harlingen General Cemetery

Grave of T.C. Reid at Harlingen General Cemetery in The Netherlands.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Hazel found another coincidence in France. “…When we visited the cemetery in Vimy where my great-uncle is buried, the last family to sign the guest book was a family from my home town, Douglastown, in New Brunswick, and whose parents I knew well and who lived a few houses from my parents!…” 

Thank you to Hazel and John Robinson for sharing Arthur’s letters and information about their 2018 trip. If you have photos or information to share, please contact Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or send a tweet to @researchmemori1. 

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

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

You are 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

Remembrance Day On The Island

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November 12, 2019. It was at a Remembrance Day service several years ago that Pieter realized that he was laying a wreath at the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, and he had no idea who the names listed were.  This started him on the quest to put a face and story to each name and was the beginning of the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph Research Project. So it seems only fitting that a few photos from Remembrance Day 2019 are featured in this blog.

CIMG3636 Nov 11 2019 Borden Legion Pieter & Daria

Pieter and Daria following the inter-faith service at the Borden-Carleton Legion. (Photo credit: Brenda Graves)

The Borden-Carleton Legion does two services on November 11.  The first one is at the Legion at 11 am, with wreaths laid at the Cenotaph.  The other service is in Kinkora, with wreaths laid at the Cenotaph there.

CIMG3641 Nov 11 2019 Borden Legion Remembrance Service

Waiting for the wreath laying to begin by the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion. Two members of the Borden-Carleton Fire Department beside Legion member Arthur Ranahan (hidden behind the Canada flag) and Legion member Carl Payne. In the background are members of the Kinkora Regional High School Band. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG3642 Nov 11 2019 Borden Legion Remembrance Service Pieter & Kathy Henry

Kathy Henry carrying the wreath that Pieter laid on behalf of the Government Canada at the request of Malpeque MP Wayne Easter. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG3644 Nov 11 2019 Borden Legion Remembrance Service Pieter & Kathy Henry

A moment of reflection after the wreath was laid at the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG3647Nov 11 2019 Kinkora Remembrance Service George Palmer Pieter Kathy Henry

Waiting for the service to begin in Kinkora. Left to right: George Palmer, Pieter Valkenburg, Kathy Henry. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG3659 Nov 11 2019 Kinkora Remembrance Service

After laying the wreath for the Government of Canada at the Cenotaph in Kinkora, Pieter and Kathy Henry leave. Flag bearers are Carl Payne (Canada flag) and Arthur Ranahan. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

November 11 tends to be a day with inclement weather, but cold and rain never stops people from coming out to remember.  May we never forget!

If you have stories or photos to share about the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, please contact Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail…..Appeal For Relatives Of These WWI Casualties!

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August 18, 2019.  Over the past few years, Pieter has been diligently researching the 48 names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion here on Prince Edward Island.  Along the way he’s met many family members of these men, and we’ve visited a number of the graves.  However, in some cases, either no family members have come forward, or the family members themselves have no photos and little information.

In an attempt to achieve the goal of putting a face to each name on the Cenotaph, we’re asking for your help with these WWI casualties for whom no photo has been found as yet.

Please see the attached PDF which provides information on the person’s name, service number, place of birth, unit served in at the time of death, and date of death.  (See Appeal For Relatives of Soldiers)  As well, the names are summarized below.

Can you help with photos????

Names still without faces from WWI

  • James CAIRNS, born in Kinkora  UPDATE: Photo found!
  • Leigh Hunt CAMERON, born in Albany
  • James Lymon CAMERON, born in Victoria
  • William Galen CAMPBELL, born in Wellington
  • Bazil CORMIER, born in Tignish
  • Joseph Arthur DESROCHES, born in Miscouche  UPDATE: Photo found!
  • ames Graham FARROW, born in Argyle Shore
  • Charles LOWTHER, born in North Carleton
  • Arthur Clinton ROBINSON, born in Tryon
  • Harry ROBINSON, born in Augustine Cove  UPDATE: Photo found!

If you have information and photos to share on any of these names listed on the Cenotaph, 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/

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.

Pieter Interviewed By CBC Radio

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October 31, 2018.   Pieter was interviewed on CBC radio yesterday about the Cenotaph Research Project and his upcoming presentation at South Shore United Church in Tryon on Friday, November 2 at 7 pm.

CIMG2758 Oct 30 2018 Pieter at CBC with Angela Walker

Pieter at the CBC studio in Charlottetown with Mainstreet PEI host Angela Walker. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Below is the link to the broadcast and the summary provided by CBC:

Pieter Valkenburg – Cenotaph Project

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/mainstreet-pei/segment/15624306

A labour of love, respect and thanks. Pieter Valkenburg will give us an update on his Borden Carleton Cenotaph project, and he’ll tell us about a talk he’s giving this Friday night about his research.

Our thanks to Angela Walker, host of Mainstreet PEI!  We hope to see you on Friday evening!  In the meantime, if you have photos or information to share on soldiers from the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, please let us know. Send us an email to memorialtrail@gmail.com or comment on this blog.

UPCOMING PRESENTATION: Pieter will speak about the Cenotaph Research Project at South Shore United Church in Tryon, 7 pm on Friday, November 2, 2018.  This event is co-hosted by South Shore United Church and Tryon & Area Historical Society.  Note: this venue is equipped with a hearing loop for the benefit of those with hearing loss.  You are invited to bring photos and information on the men listed on the Cenotaph, or on any Canadian soldier buried in The Netherlands.  Email dariadv@yahoo.ca for more info.

UPCOMING PRESENTATION: Pieter has been invited to be a guest speaker at St John The Evangelist Church in Crapaud during their Remembrance Day service, which begins at 10:30 am on Sunday, November 11, 2018.

© 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…..In Prince County, Prince Edward Island

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September 11, 2018.  Not all war memorials are located overseas.  In researching the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, we’ve visited memorials and cemeteries in Europe and Canada, and met with family members of these soldiers.  Recently, with a group of friends from the British Motoring Association of PEI (BMAPEI), we did a special war memorial driving tour, in our iconic British vehicles, in Prince County, right here on Prince Edward Island.

The driving tour began, naturally, at the Cenotaph that Pieter is researching.

CIMG2574 Sep 8 2018 BMAPEI memorial runcenotaph outside Borden Carleton Legion

Members of the British Motoring Association of PEI by the Cenotaph outside Borden-Carleton Legion. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

First stop was a photo op at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Seven Mile Bay, which has a great view of the Confederation Bridge.

CIMG2575 Sep 8 2018 BMAPEI memorial run 7 Mile Bay

At Seven Mile Bay, with the Confederation Bridge in the background. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

From Seven Mile Bay our convoy of cars travelled to Notre Dame du Mont-Carmel (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) Roman Catholic Church in Mont Carmel. Volunteer guide Antoine Richard explained that this beautiful church was built in 1898 for $75,000 and consists of 450,000 bricks, which were paid for by parishioners at 5 cents a brick!  The land for the church, rectory, and cemetery had been donated by Mr. Richard’s great-grandparents Thomas Richard and Susan Aucoin in 1820.

IMG_8575 Sep 8 2018 BMAPEI memorial run Mont Carmel - Heidi

Convoy arrives in Mont Carmel. (Photo credit: Heidi Litke)

A group photo was taken at the memorial to honour WWI and WWII soldiers at the entrance to the cemetery.

CIMG2585 Sep 8 2018 BMAPEI memorial run Mont Carmel

Mont Carmel memorial to WW1 and WW2 soldiers. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Next on the list was the Bottle Houses at Cap Egmont, which is a memorial to one man’s ingenuity and talent.

Bottle Houses - Heidi Litke

Inside one of the Bottle Houses. (Photo credit: Heidi Litke)

CIMG2590 Sep 8 2018 BMAPEI memorial run Bottle Houses Heidi & Rob in chapel

Heidi and Rob Litke in the Bottle Houses chapel. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

From the Bottle Houses, we travelled to the Memorial Park in Cap Egmont that honours WWI and WWII Acadian and other Canadian soldiers.  The park is built on the spot of a former church, and has several memorials, as well as benches in a park-like setting.

CIMG2605 Sep 8 2018 BMAPEI memorial run Memorial Park Cap Egmont

At the Memorial Park in Cap Egmont. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG2456 Aug 22 2018 prep for car tour Memorial Park in Cap Egmont

Entrance to the Memorial Park in Cap Egmont. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Just before lunch, we stopped at the #10 Bombing and Gunnery School Monument, located at the Visitor Information Centre in Mount Pleasant.  During WWII, this area was used to train pilots slated for bombing and gunnery runs.  During the period of operation, 22 lost their lives in various accidents, and a monument sits on the spot of the former airport used for the school.

CIMG2608 Sep 8 2018 BMAPEI memorial run #10 Bombing Gunnery School Monument in Mt Pleasant

At #10 Bombing & Gunnery School Monument in Mount Pleasant. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

Our last stop was for a very late, but well deserved lunch at The Catch in West Point, where a brief reflection on the day was made. Bill Glen was struck by the arches we’d seen at Mont Carmel and the Memorial Park in Cap Egmont.  “…You never think of arches for a monument…” he said.  Sandy Bentley noted how young the soldiers were and how so many had lied about their age in order to serve, especially in WWI.

Heidi Litke wondered if there were any memorials to animals that served in the war.  She explained that her grandfather, Harold Fryer, served with a German shepherd, Sgt Rex, in the 1st Battalion Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles.  Fryer survived, Rex was killed on duty on September 7, 1943.  “…I always think about the animals…,” Heidi said.  Good point.  None of us were aware of any memorials to serving animals on the island.

CIMG2611 Sep 8 2018 BMAPEI memorial run

Lunch at The Catch in West Point.

One more memorial reminder occurred when Stewart Gillcash of O’Leary came to the restaurant to meet Pieter.  Last fall, Pieter had placed flags on the grave of Stewart’s uncle, Carman GILLCASH, who is buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  The Gillcash family had provided photos and a brief story about Stewart’s uncle for the Faces To Graves Project in The Netherlands.  Everyone was delighted to meet him.

CIMG2610 Sep 8 2018 Pieter with Stewart Gillcash at The Catch

Pieter Valkenburg with Stewart Gillcash. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Rob Litke summed up the day.  “…You don’t have to go far.  Every community has a monument of the people they lost in war….”

If you have photos or information to share on soldiers from the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, or soldiers buried in The Netherlands, please email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com. Comments or stories?  You can share them by email or by commenting on this 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. 

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 …..WWI Soldier Arthur Collett’s Bible

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April 2, 2018.  On March 25, Pieter was invited to give a presentation about the Cenotaph Research Project at Central Trinity United Church in Breadalbane.  In addition to preparing a slideshow of interesting photos to complement the talk about the research on the soldiers listed on the cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, we had posters made of the Cenotaph photo and two of the articles published in the County Line Courier.  These posters were put on display, and will be used in future presentations.

Pieter Valkenburg and Mike Smith with Cenotaph poster and Muttart poster

Pieter on the left with County Line Publisher Mike Smith. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

We received a very warm welcome from everyone, and enjoyed the delicious potluck dinner that preceded the talk.  The presentation was well received, with a lively question and answer session after the presentation.  Jack and Arlene Sorensen of the Tryon & Area Historical Society attended, and accepted donations to the “Muttart Memorial Fund”.

Pieter Valkenburg at the podium in Breadalbane

Pieter at the podium at Central Trinity United Church in Breadalbane. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

One of the people who attended the presentation was Joyce Loo of Springfied.  When an article about Arthur Leigh COLLETT ran in the County Line Courier last fall, Joyce contacted us with additional information.   (See the same article published in Summerside Citizen (Sside Citizen Nov 15 2017 p15 Cemetery in a potato field in France) and our earlier blog entry: Grandcourt Road Cemetery in Farmers Fields)

Mrs. Loo, nee Haslam, wrote us that: “I am very interested in your article in the County Line Courier about Arthur Collett. He taught my mother in Springfield School. He boarded with Louis Haslam and family. I now live in that house and found his Greek Bible in the attic. My mother liked him very much as a teacher and she knew he had died in France.”

Until receiving this email, Pieter had not found any information that Arthur Collett had taught on PEI before completing his education at King’s College in Nova Scotia and receiving his Rhodes scholarship to Oxford.  After contacting King’s College, Pieter received a reply and information from the University Librarian, Jennifer Adams.

From the information from March-April 1913 issue of ‘The Record’, a student magazine that later become the yearbook for King’s College, we learned that “…in 1906, on taking a County Scholarship, he entered Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown….. During the years 1906-1908, Mr. Collett was enrolled in H Company of the 82nd Regiment Abegweit Light Infantry….Mr. Collett left Prince of Wales College in 1908, and took up teaching before entering King’s in 1909.”  Mrs. Loo was correct!

In her email, Ms. Adams noted that “In his last year at King’s, Collett was selected as a Rhodes Scholar and was also the Senior Student, equivalent to being head of the student body.”

While at King’s College, Collett had the nickname “Deak” and was briefly on the debating team.

Collett, Arthur Leigh - UKC Debating Team 1912

Arthur Collett on bottom far right in this 1912 photo of King’s College Debating Team. (Photo credit: courtesy of King’s College collection)

Joyce Loo brought the bible she had mentioned in her email, and we were able to see that it was a Greek-Latin bible, most likely part of the literary studies that Collett was enrolled in while at Oxford.  His graduation write-up at King’s College, in “The Record, Encaenia” for 1913 noted that “Throughout his College course, “Deak” has displayed a decided thirst for English, being both a prolific contributor to Haliburton Society and a valued member of the RECORD staff….”

Pieter Valkenburg with Judy and Joyce Loo with Colletts bible

Joyce Loo (centre) with daughter Judy Loo on left and Pieter Valkenburg on right and Collett’s bible. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Spine of Colletts bible

Spine of Collett’s bible. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

How wonderful it was to meet Joyce Loo and have this opportunity to learn more about WW1 soldier Arthur Leigh Collett!  As we learn more about the soldiers on the Cenotaph from families, books, and letters, we can keep adding to their stories.  This was but one example!  Our heartfelt thanks to Jennifer Adams of University of King’s College for providing the additional information on Arthur Leigh Collett’s life as a student.

All too soon, the first presentation about the Cenotaph Research Project was over, and Pieter was thanked by the event organizer, Evelyn Stewart.

Pieter Valkenburg with Evelyn Stewart after the presentation in Breadalbane

Pieter with Evelyn Stewart of the Cavendish-Breadalbane Fellowship Group. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

If you have a photo, or information, of Collett’s time at Prince of Wales College, his involvement in H Company of the 82nd Regiment Abegweit Light Infantry, or his brief teaching career, please let us know.

Photos are still needed for many of the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, so please dig out those old albums and take a look. Please share your photos, comments, or stories by emailing us at memorialtrail@gmail.com or by commenting on this blog.

Would you like to have Pieter speak about the Cenotaph Research Project at an upcoming event? If you are interested, email at memorialtrail@gmail.com.

UPDATE:  This project was completed in October 2019!

Donations are still being collected towards the ‘Muttart Memorial Fund’ for a memorial panel in Wons, The Netherlands.  If you would like to donate, cheques may be written out to TAHS and mailed to Tryon & Area Historical Society (TAHS), PO Box 38, Crapaud PE C0A 1J0.  In the subject line, identify your cheque as being for the “Muttart Memorial Fund”.  A charitable donation receipt will be sent to all donors. 

If you wish to donate and you live in Europe:  Bank transfers may be made to Stichting Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation, Bank Account # (IBAN) NL35ABNA0569579856, and state in the subject line “Attn D.S. Drijver for Halifax L9561”.

© 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.

Celebration To Honour The Life Of WWII Pilot Elmer Muttart

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment
100th Celebration - Elmer Bagnall Muttart-1

(Photo on left: from Canadian Virtual War Memorial at http://www.veterans.gc.ca)

March 14, 2018.  On March 8, 2018, at the Borden-Carleton Legion, a gathering of family and friends of WWII Pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART from Cape Traverse joined officials and non-profit historical organizations to honour his life.   This was the initiative of distant relative Lori (Muttart) Eggert.   After hearing about the Borden-Carleton Cenotaph Research Project and learning more about her relative, she saw the 100th anniversary of his birth as “an excellent opportunity to celebrate his life, his sacrifice, and raise some donations for the memorial planned in The Netherlands.”

CIMG9834 Mar 8 2018 Pieter and Lori Eggert

Pieter Valkenburg and Lori Eggert. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Sponsored by the Cape Traverse Iceboat Committee, the event was embraced by us, the Borden-Carleton Legion, the Tryon & Area Historical Society, and the Lest We Forget Committee.  Period music was provided by Roger Sexton and George Ramsay.  Borden-Carleton Mayor Dean Sexton, and MLAs Jamie Fox and Dr. Peter Bevan-Baker gave words of remembrance.  Senator Mike Duffy was unable to attend, but sent a tribute of remembrance.  (Read the tributes by Mike Duffy:  Mike Duffy words of Remembrance: Mike Duffy words of Remembrance and Dr. Peter Bevan-Baker: Tribute by Dr Peter Bevan Baker: Tribute by Dr Peter Bevan Baker)

cimg9862-mar-10-2018-muttart-celebration-pieter-and-peter-bevan-baker.jpg

Pieter with MLA Dr. Peter Bevan-Baker. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Jack Sorensen, Chair of Tryon & Area Historical Society noted that “One of the defining characters of a nation is the honor it bestows to those who have served in various ways to ensure peace in the country and the world beyond. Today, as a community in this great country of Canada, we carry out this tradition, by celebrating the life of a son, a brother in a family sense, a brother of a community which was his roots, and a Canadian Hero.”  (Read the full text of Jack Sorensen’s remarks: Remarks by Jack Sorensen TAHS)

cimg9857-mar-10-2018-muttart-celebration-colour-party-george-palmer-and-carl-payne.jpg

Borden-Carleton Legion members George Palmer, left, and Carl Payne, right, provided the colour parade. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

In his remarks, Pieter paid tribute to Lori Eggert for organizing the event. “It’s so heartwarming when a family member of one of the soldiers takes such an interest.”  (Read the full text of Pieter’s remarks: Remarks by Pieter Valkenburg)

Pieter also read out a tribute from the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Ottawa. “Canadians were instrumental in our liberation and many gave their lives for our freedom.  Our gratitude for those courageous Canadian soldiers will never be forgotten.  They were our liberators.  Our heroes.  Forever.” (Read the tribute by the Dutch Embassy: Netherlands Embassy words of remembrance)

Lori Eggert, who had set up displays of Muttart, shared recollections on Elmer Muttart’s birth by his sister, Helen Coutts, of Toronto. “My brother was born one hundred years ago, on March 14th, 1918, during one of the stormiest March winters of a number of years.  There was no doctor at that time in Cape Traverse; the closest doctors were in Bedeque and Crapaud. The officiating doctor was Dr. Bowyer of Crapaud. Everybody loved him. My father drove in the sleigh to Crapaud to get him.  He drove there in the late afternoon and brought him back to our house, where he stayed for the night.”  (Read the full text of Helen Coutt’s remarks: 100 years ago by Helen Coutts)

CIMG9479 Oct 25 2017 Pieter with Helen Elgin & Don Coutts in Toronto

Recently, we visited the Coutts family in Toronto. Standing, left to right: Pieter, Helen Coutts, Don Coutts. Seated: Elgin Coutts. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

CIMG9838 Mar 10 2018 Muttart Celebration display of Muttarts life

One of the displays made by Lori Eggert on the life of Elmer Muttart. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Of course, you can’t have a celebration without cake, and there was a beautiful one with a picture of Elmer Muttart embedded in the icing.

CIMG9849 Mar 10 2018 Muttart Celebration Cake

Cake to honour the life of Elmer Muttart. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Donations were made to the Muttart Memorial Fund, a fundraising project towards the placement of a memorial plaque for Muttart and his crew at the site of the plane crash in Wons, The Netherlands.

CIMG9843 Mar 10 2018 Muttart Celebration Arlen & Jack Sorensen of TAHS

Arlene and Jack Sorensen of the Tryon & Area Historical Society accepted donations to the “Muttart Memorial Fund”. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

UPDATE:  This project was completed in October 2019!

If you would like to donate, cheques may be written out to TAHS and mailed to Tryon & Area Historical Society (TAHS), PO Box 38, Crapaud PE C0A 1J0.  In the subject line, identify your cheque as being for the “Muttart Memorial Fund”.  A charitable donation receipt will be sent to all donors.

If you wish to donate and you live in Europe:  Bank transfers may be made to Stichting Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation, Bank Account # (IBAN) NL35ABNA0569579856, and state in the subject line “Attn D.S. Drijver for Halifax L9561”.

UPCOMING PRESENTATION: Pieter has been invited to speak about the Cenotaph Research Project at Central Trinity United Church in Breadalbane at 7 pm on Sunday, March 25, 2018.  Photos and information about soldiers welcome.  Members of the Tryon & Area Historical Association will be present to accept donations to the “Muttart Memorial Fund”.

The Cenotaph Research Project is far from over, and your input is welcome.  Please share your photos, comments, or stories by emailing us at memorialtrail@gmail.com or by commenting on this 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. 

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

Event To Honour The Life of Elmer Bagnall Muttart

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

March 2, 2018.  Lori (Muttart) Eggert, a relative of PEI WWII Pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART – whose story has been featured on this blog – is organizing an event to commemorate what would be the 100th birthday of Elmer Muttart, who died in 1941 after his plane was shot down in The Netherlands.

For those who may be interested in attending the event on March 10, 2018 in the Borden-Carleton Legion, here are the details that Lori has passed along:

100th Celebration - Elmer Bagnall Muttart-1

(Photo on left: from Canadian Virtual War Memorial at http://www.veterans.gc.ca)

I have organized the following event, in honour of the life of Flight Sergeant Elmer Bagnall Muttart, a distant relative of mine, on what would have been his 100th birthday.

The Legion is very supportive of this event and has encouraged its members to attend, in uniform if possible.  The Sergeant-At-Arms will march on the Legion Colours (flags) at 2 pm to commence the event, and off again at 5 pm to close the event.  The Cape Traverse Iceboat Committee is sponsoring the event, and there will be a huge cake with Elmer’s picture on it.  Hoping to display as many photos and articles about his life as I can find as I would like to celebrate his amazing accomplishments, not just his heroic sacrifice.

Please join us on Saturday March 10, 2018 (2:00 pm) at the Borden-Carleton Royal Canadian Legion Branch #10 to honour the life of a local son, brother and Canadian hero, born March 14, 1918 in Cape Traverse, PEI, on what would have been his 100th birthday.

Sadly, during WWII, at the age of 23, Elmer gave his life in a heroic act of bravery which spared his crew and many other lives. He is buried in Harlingen Cemetery in The Netherlands.

With the blessing of his surviving sister, Helen, and her family, we would like to celebrate the remarkable life of Elmer Bagnall Muttart, at an appropriate venue, the Royal Canadian Legion in Borden-Carleton. The Cenotaph outside bears his name and that of many other local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

For more on his tremendous act of heroism, please read a blog written by Pieter and Daria Valkenburg:  The story of WWII pilot Elmer Bagnall Muttart from Cape Traverse, who saved the Dutch village of Wons and his crew after being shot down in October 1941.
https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2017/07/28/the-elmer-bagnall-muttart-story/comment-page-1/#comment-62

The non-profit Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation in The Netherlands and the non-profit Tryon & Area Historical Society (TAHS) here on Prince Edward Island have partnered to raise funds for a memorial plaque to be placed in Wons, The Netherlands, in October 2018. Those who wish to make a donation for the memorial plaque will receive a charitable receipt at this event from members of the TAHS.

Cake and refreshments to be shared.

All are welcome.

#CanadaRemembers

️ STORM DATE: Sunday March 11, 2018 at 2:00 pm ️

What a wonderful event!  Pieter and I hope to be home in time to attend and we look forward to meeting readers of this blog.

UPDATE:  This project was completed in October 2019!

Details for those wishing to donate to the project for a memorial plaque to be placed in Wons:  Cheques may be written out to TAHS and mailed to Tryon & Area Historical Society (TAHS), PO Box 38, Crapaud PE C0A 1J0.  In the subject line, identify your cheque as being for the “Muttart Memorial Fund”.  A charitable donation receipt will be sent to all donors.

If you wish to donate and you live in Europe:  Bank transfers may be made to Stichting Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation, Bank Account # (IBAN) NL35ABNA0569579856, and state in the subject line “Attn D.S. Drijver for Halifax L9561”.

The Cenotaph Research Project is far from over, and your input is welcome.  Please share your photos, comments, or stories by emailing us at  memorialtrail@gmail.com or by commenting on this blog.

Upcoming presentation:  Pieter will be speaking about the Cenotaph Research Project at Central Trinity United Church in Breadalbane on March 25, 2018, at 7:00 pm.  More details to come.

© 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.