Edgar M. GUITARD

On The War Memorial Trail…..The Knights of Columbus Auxiliary Services Supervisor Who Drowned In A Belgian Canal

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December 21, 2025. Pieter’s research results are faster than I can keep up with, and so several of the graves we visited during our 2025 European War Memorial Tour were for soldiers whose stories have yet to be told. One of the cemeteries we visited was the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/12/08/on-the-war-memorial-trail-a-visit-to-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-adegem/) 

Before we left for Europe this past spring, we looked at the names of 12 soldiers from Prince Edward Island are buried in this cemetery. One surname was familiar as we had researched a soldier who was born in the same village and had the same surname,  Michael Joseph ‘Joe’ MACKENNA. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/09/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-prince-edward-island-killed-during-the-battle-of-rha/) We contacted Joe MacKenna’s niece, Teresa Hennebery, and asked if there was a family connection.

 ….The search for a photo of Joseph began…

Teresa was certain the families were distantly related and began a search into family records.  In the meantime, Pieter began his own research.    

Joseph Augustine MACKENNA, born June 28, 1903 in Newton Cross, Prince Edward Island, was the son of James and Georgina (nee MacMillan) MacKenna of Newtown, Prince Edward Island, and the husband of Mary (nee Hanrahan) MacKenna, of Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

When he enlisted with the 13th Company of the Canadian Army Forestry Corps (CAFC) in Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 2, 1940, he had been a bank manager with the Royal Bank of Canada, and had over 20 years of banking experience.  It was also noted that he had graduated from high school, was married, and was the father of three daughters:  Mary Eileen, Alice Clare, and Enid Gertrude.

His daughter Mary Eileen later married Cliff Gorman, and it was their son Mike Gorman who first provided a photo of his grandfather. Not long afterwards, Mary McPherson, daughter of Joseph’s brother Francis, also provided photos of her uncle.

Joseph Augustine MacKenna, likely taken in the United Kingdom.  (Photo courtesy of Mike Gorman)

 ….Joseph underwent basic training in Valcartier…

Joseph was sent to A13 Canadian Infantry Training Centre in Valcartier, Quebec for basic training, as were all members of the Canadian Army Forestry Corps, whose role was to cut down and process trees for wood and lumber in the United Kingdom. 

As stated in an article on http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/corpsbranches/forestrycorps.htm  “…wood was needed for living quarters, messes, and recreation facilities, as well as crates for vital supplies such as food, ammunition and even vehicles, and for the creation of explosives, stocks for weapons, the construction of ships, aircraft and factory facilities….”

Although members of the CAFC were not expected to be in combat, very rudimentary basic training in using firearms was considered essential due to the threat to the United Kingdom of invasion by German forces.  As a result, members of CAFC “…received five to seven months of training…” at Valcartier.

On January 15, 1941, while still in Valcartier, Joseph was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal.  A few months later, on April 10, 1941, he was confirmed as Lance Corporal, and at the same time transferred to a Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC) unit that was attached to the Canadian Forestry Corps Headquarters.  He was a few months short of his 38th birthday, and while he likely was seen as finding active logging work a challenge, his extensive banking and administrative experience was considered a valuable asset.  

Joseph remained in Valcartier, assigned temporarily to No. 12, No. 14, and No. 19 Companies as needed. 

He was granted embarkation leave from May 23 to June 5, 1941, the last chance he had to see his family again.

….Joseph left Canada for overseas service….

Joseph left Canada for the United Kingdom on June 18, 1941, sailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, disembarking in Gourock, Scotland on July 2, 1941, before moving on to Canadian Army Forestry Corps Headquarters in Beauly, Scotland. 

August 1941 photo of staff at CAFC HQ in Beauly, Scotland.  Joseph Augustine MacKenna is identified by yellow arrows.  (Photo courtesy of Mary McPherson)

While in Scotland, Joseph received a number of promotions.  On September 2, 1941 he was made Acting Sergeant, and classified as a Clerk Class III, Group C.  He was confirmed in the rank of Sergeant on December 2, 1941.

On July 1, 1942, Joseph was promoted to Staff Sergeant, and a month later promoted again to Acting Quarter Master Sergeant.  On November 1, 1942 he was confirmed in the rank of Quarter Master Sergeant.

Part of an August 1943 photo of staff at CAFC HQ in Beauly, Scotland.  Joseph Augustine MacKenna is identified by red arrow.  (Photo courtesy of Mary McPherson)

Joseph was transferred to the Canadian Army Forestry Corps Headquarters in London, England on September 28, 1943, and requested a demotion to Sergeant on October 15, 1943.  Over the next months, he was posted back and forth ‘On Command’ between London and Camp Whitley in Surrey, England, as Acting Staff Sergeant.

 ….Joseph was appointed Auxiliary Services Supervisor…

On July 18, 1944, Joseph was officially discharged from the Canadian Army and transferred to the Canadian Army Auxiliary Services (CAAS) upon receiving an appointment as Auxiliary Services Supervisor with the Canadian Military Headquarters in London.

What did Auxiliary Services do?  Members organized sports and dances, provided movies and concerts, reading and writing and recreation rooms, libraries, mobile canteens, and established leave hostels and information bureaus for troops on leave.

The Auxiliary Services section included four national volunteer service organizations: Canadian Legion War Services, Knights of Columbus, Salvation Army Canadian War Services, and Canadian Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Overseas.  Joseph was with the Knights of Columbus.

Now a civilian employee of the government, as were all members of Auxiliary Services, Joseph was considered an officer, with equivalent rank of captain, and addressed as Supervisor. As an Auxiliary Services officer he wore a modified service uniform.

 ….Joseph waited for an assignment in Continental Europe…

Example of a dual drive truck.  (Photo courtesy of The Royal Canadian Artillery Museum)

As Allied troops moved through France following D-Day on June 6, 1944 and then into Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany, Auxiliary Services needed to plan for the support services needed as troops advanced. 

Joseph’s first task was to learn how to operate a Dual Drive truck with front wheel drive, an essential vehicle for the services that the Knights of Columbus would provide in France, Belgium, and The Netherlands, receiving his qualification in early August 1944.

On August 8, 1944, as a member of No. 11 Canadian Army Auxiliary Section (CAAS) Joseph was attached to No. 24 Canadian General Hospital in Horley, Surrey. It was a busy environment with wounded soldiers coming for treatment from the French front. He was there almost 8 months before being transferred to No. 1 Canadian General Reinforcement Unit (CGRU) on March 6, 1945, in preparation for a posting in North West Europe.

 ….Joseph was posted to Belgium…

On March 10, 1945, Joseph was transferred to the X4 General Reinforcement List of the 9th Battalion, leaving England and arriving in Belgium the following day. On March 13, 1945, he was assigned to the 14th Canadian Army Auxiliary Section (CAAS), which was attached to the 13th Canadian Base Reinforcement (CBR) Battalion.  This Battalion was part of the 13th Canadian Infantry Training Brigade, whose main role was administration and training for infantry reinforcements rather than a combat role in the field.

Joseph Augustine MacKenna, likely taken in Belgium. (Photo courtesy of Mary McPherson.  Photo restoration and colourization by Pieter Valkenburg.)

By the time Joseph arrived in Belgium, the country had been liberated since February 4, 1945.  At the time that Joseph arrived, the 14th CAAS, and 13th CBR Battalion, were based in Ghent, which had been liberated months earlier, on September 6, 1944. Among its’ other duties, the 13th CBR Battalion provided 14th CAAS with the supplies it required.

The Knights of Columbus recreation huts stated ‘Everybody Welcome, Everything Free’, providing services to soldiers regardless of race or religion. Travelling by truck to Knights of Columbus huts in Belgium and The Netherlands, Joseph transported supplies such as cigarettes, chocolates, and magazines, as well as equipment such as movie projectors and films. 

One of the many items provided to soldiers was stationery to allow them to write home to their family and friends.

Stationery provided to soldiers by the Knights of Columbus, with the logo showing Canadian symbols of the beaver and the maple leaf and the royal coat of arms at the top. (Photos source: Tales From The Supply Depot)

While Joseph was qualified to drive a truck, as an officer he was entitled to a driver who drove the vehicle in which they travelled to deliver supplies and equipment, before returning to Ghent for more supplies before the next journey.

 ….Mystery of what happened on June 12, 1945…

All went well with Joseph’s assignment with 14th CAAS until the evening of June 12, 1945, when he disappeared after arriving back in Ghent from a trip.  According to testimony by his driver, Private A. J. FONTAINE, after arriving at 14th CAAS in Ghent, “…we unloaded a movie projector and cigarettes and turned them in there.…” Joseph told him that he “…had other business to do here.  He told me to go and park the vehicle and to meet him at the Marguerite Café later.  On the way to Marguerite Café I stopped in at the American Café for a drink…. ”

Joseph met him at the American Café and they had a drink before going on to Marguerite Café, located at 230 Groendreef, at 7:30 pm. 

At the Marguerite Café Pte Fontaine stated that Joseph told the proprietor, Marguerite Cador, that “…I would occupy his room for the night there for that night and he would occupy another room across the canal he had already arranged for….”

They left the café together at 8 pm and crossed to the other side of the canal. Joseph then “…told me to return to the Marguerite Café to my room and to meet him the next morning at 14 Canadian Auxiliary Services Section at 1000 hours. I returned to the Marguerite Café, bought myself another drink and went to my room….”  It was the last time he saw Joseph.

Marguerite Cador, proprietor of Marguerite Café, testified that Pte Fontaine returned to the café “…15 or 20 minutes…” after they had left.  When she asked where Joseph was, he replied that “…I took him over the bridge to the other side of the canal and left him.  I gave him his bag before I left…”

When Joseph didn’t report for work the following day, Pte Fontaine returned to Marguerite Café “….at different times during the day and the same for the next two days. He always asked if I had seen Mr. MacKenna…” Where had Joseph gone?

 ….A body was found in a canal in Ghent…

On the morning of June 21, 1945, Sgt Alexander MATTHEW, special investigator for the Canadian Provost Corps (Military Police), 3rd Canadian Base Reinforcement Group, was informed by the Ghent Civil Police that “….the body of a soldier was in the canal at Ketelplein Bridge….” Sgt Matthew proceeded to the bridge.  “…I looked down from the bank of the canal and saw the body.  I could see that the uniform on it bore ‘Canada’ flashes …”

The local fire department retrieved the body and transported it to No. 2 Canadian General Hospital’s morgue, and the body was turned over to Quartermaster Sgt G. H. MACMILLAN, chief ward master at the hospital.  With Quartermaster Sgt MacMillan, Sgt Matthew stated that they “… searched his battle dress and obtained a wallet enclosing the identity card of Joseph Augustine MacKenna. There was also a sum of Dutch money…”   

Quartermaster Sgt MacMillan noted that the body was “…badly decomposed…”

Major J. D. DUFFIN, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, Pathologist at No. 2 Canadian General Hospital, performed an autopsy. His report noted that “…There were no marks of injury either on the clothes or on the skin….” The lungs “…were heavy, voluminous, and filled with dirty water…” leading Major Duffin to surmise that “…death was apparently due to drowning….” The only oddity was that the drowning appeared to have occurred “…an estimated 5 to 7 weeks previously…” and not the 9 days since Joseph had last been seen.

On June 29, 1945, a Court of Inquiry concluded that Joseph died an accidental death by drowning in a canal in Ghent, Belgium.  Although Joseph was last seen on the evening of June 12, 1945, his death was ‘arbitrarily determined’ to be June 20, 1945, and his death ‘confirmed’ on June 21, 1945.

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

Pieter stands behind the grave of Joseph Augustine MacKenna.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Joseph was buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem, Belgium on June 24, 1945.  We visited his grave during our 2025 European War Memorial Tour, and Pieter placed flags of Canada and Prince Edward Island at his grave. 

This was the second story written about a canal drowning in Ghent!  New Brunswick soldier Azade BOUDREAU also drowned in a canal in Ghent in 1945. See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/12/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-petit-rocher-nord-who-accidentally-drowned-in-a-belgian-canal/

….A surprise encounter in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten….

Amy Meunier (left) with Daria and Pieter at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  (Photo credit: Ben Miller)

When Mike Gorman had learned that we would be in Europe for the 80th Anniversary of Liberation Commemoration events, he mentioned that we might meet up with Amy Meunier, who works for Veterans Affairs.  “…Amy is my 1st cousin’s (Duane Gorman) ex…”

We didn’t think anything about it, but then, when we were at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands for the grave re-dedication ceremony for WWII soldier Arthur VANANCE of Kenora, Ontario, Paul Ledwell, Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs, was in attendance with several people from Veterans Affairs.  One of them was Amy!  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/08/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-kenora-who-lay-in-an-unknown-grave-for-80-years-part-2-the-grave-re-dedication-ceremony/)

Paul called Amy over and once she realized that we were the people that Mike had told her about, she said “…OMG, my son Levi will love this…”  This surprise encounter helped bridge the past with the present, helping to ensure that those buried overseas will not be forgotten.

The flags placed at Joseph’s grave were donated.  Our thanks go to: 

  • Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flag.
  • Matt MacFarlane, MLA for District 19, Borden-Kinkora, for the flag from Prince Edward Island.

Thank you to Joseph’s grandson Mike Gorman and Joseph’s niece Mary McKenna MacPherson for sharing photos and information. Thank you also to Teresa Hennebery. We’ll continue to share the highlights of our adventures on the 2025 European War Memorial Tour. 

The research work continues for Pieter.  If you have photos or information to share about soldiers buried in The Netherlands or Belgium, please email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.    

© Daria Valkenburg

….Another Canadian Army Forestry Corps story….

This was the second story written on this blog about the CAFC.  Edgar M. GUITARD of New Brunswick also served in the Canadian Army Forestry Corps.  You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/06/24/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-lumberjack-from-belledune-killed-by-stray-mortar-fire-in-the-nijmegen-salient/

….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….2025 Faces of Groesbeek Exhibition Part 4: The Soldiers From New Brunswick

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June 30, 2025. The 2025 Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition, which ran from April 26 to May 18, 2025 at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, featured photos of soldiers that were placed by their graves. Photos are printed onto an aluminum backing, making them impervious to rain, and reusable. This year, 80% of the graves had a photo of the soldier.

The many volunteers from Faces To Graves Foundation Groesbeek, of which Alice van Bekkum is the Chair, worked tirelessly to make this exhibition possible.  They also organized the Liberation Day commemoration events. 

Pieter has been involved in finding photos of Canadians who are buried in all three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands since 2014, with many of their stories told on this blog. 

This was the third Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition, with the first in 2021 and the second in 2023. Many of the graves with photos of soldiers, whose stories have been told in time for those Exhibitions, have been previously featured.

…Placing flags at graves was a labour of love and respect…

We were in The Netherlands and Belgium for the 80th Anniversary of Liberation Commemoration events, and placed flags at the graves of 383 soldiers in 14 cemeteries.  Yes, Pieter was on his hands and knees 383 times, placing flags at these graves, as you can see below….

Pieter placing flags at the grave of Gilles Lanteigne of Caraquet, New Brunswick.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Gilles LANTEIGNE, of Caraquet, New Brunswick, was serving with Le Regiment de Maisonneuve in Germany, when he died of severe wounds on March 9, 1945, just a few weeks before his 21st birthday. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/07/11/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-10/

Grave of Gilles Lanteigne after Pieter had placed New Brunswick, Canadian, and Acadian flags. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

120 of the graves visited were in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek alone, including the graves of 36 soldiers from New Brunswick.

…3 Soldiers From New Brunswick Commemorated…

In Part 1, an overview of our day of flag placing at 120 graves was provided. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/06/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-2025-faces-of-groesbeek-exhibition-part-1-flags-placed-at-120-graves/)

In Part 2, five soldiers from Prince Edward Island, whose stories have previously been told, were featured. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/06/26/on-the-war-memorial-trail-2025-faces-of-groesbeek-exhibition-part-2-the-soldiers-from-prince-edward-island/)

In Part 3, the graves and photos of 3 soldiers, from the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, whose stories have previously been told, were featured. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/06/28/on-the-war-memorial-trail-2025-faces-of-groesbeek-exhibition-part-3-the-soldiers-from-alberta-manitoba-and-quebec/)

Now, in Part 4, the graves and photos of 3 soldiers from New Brunswick, whose stories have previously been told, are featured.

Pieter at the grave of Donald Roy Carter.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Donald Roy CARTER from Central Blissville, New Brunswick, who was killed in action during the Attack on the Goch-Calcar Road in Germany on February 20, 1945.  You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/06/09/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-from-central-blissville-killed-along-the-goch-calcar-road/

Grave of Edgar M. Guitard.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Edgar M. GUITARD from Belledune, New Brunswick, who was killed by German mortar fire in The Netherlands on January 15, 1945. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/06/24/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-lumberjack-from-belledune-killed-by-stray-mortar-fire-in-the-nijmegen-salient/

Pieter at the grave of Ange Aimé LeClair.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Ange Aimé LECLAIR from Shannonvale (now part of Eel River Crossing), New Brunswick, was killed by artillery fire in Germany during the Battle of Hochwald Gap on March 2, 1945. You can read his story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2024/11/27/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-acadian-soldier-serving-with-le-regiment-de-maisonneuve-who-made-the-ultimate-sacrifice-in-the-hochwald-forest/

….All of the flags placed at graves were donated…

All of the flags placed at graves were donated.  For the flags placed at the graves of soldiers from New Brunswick, our thanks go to: 

  • Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flags.
  • New Brunswick and Acadian flags were provided by Jean-Claude D’Amours, MLA for Edmundston-Madawaska Centre, Minister responsible for Military Affairs, with the help of Cécile LePage, Province of New Brunswick, AND by Armel ‘Mel’ Lanteigne, President of the Caraquet Legion in New Brunswick

May we never forget the sacrifices made by these soldiers.  Perhaps all of the known graves of Canadians buried in Groesbeek will have a photo displayed by their grave at the next Faces Of Groesbeek Exhibition in 2027.

In Part 5, the graves and photos of soldiers from Nova Scotia, whose stories have previously been told, will be featured.

If you have a photo of a soldier buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek or one of the other cemeteries in The Netherlands, Pieter encourages you to email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

….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….. The WWII Lumberjack From Belledune Killed By Stray Mortar Fire In The Nijmegen Salient

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Etienne and Pieter 2

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

….An offer to help led to a photo….

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

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

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

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

….Edgar was born in Belledune….

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

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

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

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

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

colourized improved_photo(37)

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

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

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

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

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

….Edgar left Canada for overseas service….

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

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

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

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

….Edgar was sent to France….

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

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

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

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

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

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

Map Jan 14 1945 position of Regt

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

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

footer banner_holthurnsche_hof

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

..…Edgar is buried in Groesbeek …..

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

grave stone Edward Guitard from Find A Grave

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

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