On The War Memorial Trail…Remembrance Week 2026 – Reflections and Updates

November 10, 2026.  When we write a story on the blog, we often receive additional information about the soldiers we’ve written about, and reactions from family members of the soldiers. This Remembrance Week 2026 posting gives an update on eleven soldiers whose stories were previously told.

….The family of WWII soldier Azade Boudreau appreciated the research that went into telling his story…

WWII soldier Azade BOUDREAU from Petit Rocher Nord, New Brunswick, drowned in a canal in Ghent, Belgium on December 15, 1944, aged 22, while serving with the 4th Medium Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.

There is usually quite a time lag from when Pieter begins his research, family is contacted and a photo is provided, and a story is written.  Azade’s story took 2 years from the initial start of research until a story was written and published on our blog, just before last Christmas.

It meant a great deal to us when Azade’s niece, Pauline Theriault, who had provided a photo, wrote us to say “….. Words can’t express how grateful the Boudreau family is for all the time and research you have invested in telling Azade’s story.  We knew nothing about it at all.

The fact that you went to Petit Rocher and also visited his gravesite is beyond anything we could have ever hoped for.

We definitely treasure all you have done for us.  You have no way to know how much this means to us. It’s part of our history that we can now pass on to the next generation.

 Thanks very much & Happy Holidays….”

You can read Azade’s story at: 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 local Dutch researcher sent a photo of the location where WWII soldier Peter Hydichuk lost his life…

WWII soldier Peter HYDICHUK, from Theodore, Saskatchewan, lost his life in The Netherlands on March 31, 1945, aged 27, while serving with the South Saskatchewan Regiment.

Maarten Koudijs, an amateur researcher in the Gendringen area, and author of ‘Tussen Grens En Hoop’, was quoted in the story we wrote, as he’d stated that Peter was “…killed near Alofs’s house on the Tappenweg in Etten….”  (Translated from the original Dutch)

In January 2026 Maarten sent us a photo of the former farm where Peter died.

Former Alofs farm where Peter Hydichuk was killed. (Photo courtesy of Maarten Koudijs)

You can read Peter’s story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/11/15/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembrance-week-2025-the-wwii-soldier-who-was-never-forgotten-by-his-girlfriend-and-her-family/

 ….The family of WWII soldier Gerald Vincent ‘Vin’ Jorgenson shared his story with relatives…

WWII soldier Gerald Vincent ‘Vin’ JORGENSON, from Kenora, Ontario, was serving with the Fort Garry Horse – 10th Armoured Regiment when he was killed in action during the Battle of the Scheldt in The Netherlands on October 23, 1944.

Terry and Leni Ellwood, who had provided photos and a wealth of information on Leni’s uncle Vin, were very appreciative, and wrote to say that “…we loved your article. It will become a family heirloom documenting the life of Vin Jorgenson. We will share it with all of Vin’s relatives.

Thank you so much for the effort you have taken to do the research and document this very important time in history. Bravo!…”

You can read Vin’s story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/04/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-sergeant-from-kenora-killed-during-the-battle-of-the-scheldt-near-hoogerheide/

….The great-nephew of WWII soldier Garnet Joseph Gallant shared a photo of his original headstone in Groesbeek…

WWII soldier Garnet Joseph GALLANT, from Amherst, Nova Scotia, lost his life in Germany on February 18, 1945 during the Battle of Moyland Wood, while serving with the Regina Rifles Regiment.

Garnet’s great-nephew, Frank Elliott, got in touch after the story was written, explaining that “…. Garnet Gallant was my great-uncle. You had been talking with my Aunt Janet Lowerison when you wrote that great piece on Garnet. I have a box of old family pictures, which is where I found the one of Garnet that Janet shared with you. I also found this one of his first grave….” 

Original headstone for Garnet Gallant at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo courtesy of the Gallant Family)

Frank not only provided the photo, but went on to say “…I really enjoyed reading your website. Not just of Garnet but of the others as well. Thanks for doing the Memorial Trail project….”

You can read Garnet’s story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2025/11/21/on-the-war-memorial-trail-remembrance-week-2025-the-wwii-soldier-from-amherst-whose-photo-was-sent-a-few-days-before-what-would-have-been-his-103rd-birthday/

….Frans Nijsen empathized with a family whose relative was buried far from home…

When we were in The Netherlands on our 2025 European War Memorial Tour we encountered a sign by one grave in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, that Pieter placed flags at, asking for whoever had been annually placing flowers at this grave to come forward – a mystery that was soon solved. After speaking with Saskia Peters, who had placed the sign, we learned that she had met Frans Nijsen, the man who had been placing the flowers.

WWII airman Arnold Freeman HUPMAN, from East Side of Ragged Island, Nova Scotia, lost his life during the last flight of Lancaster X KB728, which was shot down in Elden, The Netherlands in the early hours of June 17, 1944 as it was returning to England from a bombing mission in Germany.

You can read about this special story of remembrance at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/04/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-mystery-of-who-placed-flowers-at-one-airmans-grave-was-solved-in-a-story-spanning-two-continents/

After we shared the story about solving the mystery of who had been annually placing flowers, we heard back from Frans.  “…The reason I started doing this was as a thank you to Graham’s family. I knew that it was difficult for them that Arnold wasn’t buried close to them and they couldn’t visit it. For me, this was a sign, that if they can’t, I will do it for them and let them know every year that we don’t forget. Reading the article made me emotional, in between the lines I can read the pain that still exists. My family has a similar pain, but I’m also proud of what my family members did with the resistance during the war. I will continue to bring flowers every year and let Graham know that we won’t forget. That’s the least we can do…”

Flowers placed at the grave of Arnold Hupman on May 5, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Frans Nijsen)

In May 2026, Frans contacted us with photos of this year’s visit.  “…Yesterday we visited the grave of Arnold Hupman and laid flowers on the grave together with my family. We transfer our knowledge and history so that this never happens again. I wish more people did that. We do our best to keep the memories and lessons alive….”

….A two part story about 2 brothers from Prince Edward Island brought back family history memories…

Two brothers from Prince Edward Island lost their lives during WWII.  One is buried on the Island, the other in Germany….and a two part series told their stories.

WWII soldier Michael ‘Cecil’ STORDY from Brookvale, Prince Edward Island, drowned on June 14, 1945 during a swimming exercise in Nova Scotia, while training with A14 Canadian Infantry Training Centre (CITC).

WWII airman John ‘Lawrence’ STORDY from Brookvale, Prince Edward Island, was serving with the RCAF’s No. 405 Pathfinder Squadron, when he lost his life on April 27, 1943 while aboard the last flight of Halifax JB-920 when it was shot down by German flak over Germany during the Battle of the Ruhr.

After reading this two part series on the Stordy brothers, Kendra Mellish contacted us.  “….Just wanted to send you a note to say Thank-You for the work you do ’On The War Memorial Trail’.  Very interesting article on the two Stordy brothers in the military and from Brookvale/Kelly’s Cross.  My maiden name was Stordy. My grandfather William Stordy grew up in Crapaud and his father ran Stordy’s Mill also in Crapaud. William Stordy created/owned Crystal Milk Dairy in Summerside.  As a child, my father Eldon Stordy took me to Kelly’s Cross cemetery to work on family tree history….“

You can read Cecil’s story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/02/11/on-the-war-memorial-trailthe-stordy-brothers-part-1-the-wwii-soldier-from-brookvale-who-drowned-during-a-swimming-exercise-in-nova-scotia/

You can read Lawrence’s story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/02/16/on-the-war-memorial-trailthe-stordy-brothers-part-2-the-wwii-airman-from-brookvale-who-lost-his-life-on-the-last-flight-of-halifax-jb-920/

….The family of WWI soldiers Francis Edmund Graves and Charles Stuart was grateful to have their stories told…

WWI soldier Francis Edmund GRAVES, born in England, but from Winnipeg, Manitoba, was serving with the 31st Battalion when he was seriously wounded on May 3, 1917 during the Battle of Fresnoy in France. One leg was amputated and he spent 2 years in various hospitals but was able to return to civilian life in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he raised a family and worked as a clerk at the Empire Sash and Door Co. Ltd until his death on November 8, 1941.

WWI soldier Charles STUART, born in England, but from Winnipeg, Manitoba, was serving with the 8th Battalion when he was seriously wounded on August 10, 1918 during the Battle of Amiens in France. He received multiple shrapnel wounds in scalp, jaw, larynx, neck, hand, and chest, and he spent almost 2 years in various hospitals, requiring reconstructive surgery on his nose and face, but was able to return to civilian life in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he raised a family and worked for the CNR (Canadian National Railway) until retirement, before passing away on September 23, 1977 in Winnipeg.

Brenda Graves wrote us after reading Part 2 of the two part series on her husband Stuart’s grandfathers, who both served in WWI and returned home with major injuries.  “….Amazing story! And to think about how we complain about relatively minor aches and pains. Charles and Francis were so critically injured and medical care was slow coming and without antibiotics, it was incredible that they even survived. Another great piece.  Good job seems to be so inadequate on such well researched pieces.  Thanks again. ….”

You can read Francis’ story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/05/18/on-the-war-memorial-trail-duty-sacrifice-resilience-part-1-the-wwi-soldier-whose-war-injuries-didnt-stop-him-from-living-his-life/

You can read Charles’ story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/05/24/on-the-war-memorial-trail-duty-sacrifice-resilience-part-2-the-wwi-soldier-who-was-seriously-wounded-by-an-exploding-grenade-during-the-battle-of-amiens/

….The niece of WWII soldier Albert Ahlwardt shares the same birth day as her uncle…

WWII soldier Albert Donald AHLWARDT, from Olds, Alberta, was serving with the 6th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, when he was killed on February 26, 1945 during the Battle of Keppeln in Germany, after a shell burst near him, as Pte Harry BIZNAR and Lt Robert Joseph MARKEY were trying to him to safety in a nearby house, after he was wounded.

His niece, Betty Askeland, daughter of Albert’s sister Stella, wrote us, saying “…thank you so much for sending this article, it means so much to me.  I am his sister’s daughter Betty and we shared the same birth day June 2. This means so much to have this information…“

You can read Albert’s story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/07/22/on-the-war-memorial-trail-struck-by-shellfire-part-3-the-wwii-gunner-from-olds-who-lost-his-life-as-he-was-being-moved-to-safety/

….The nephew of WWII soldier James ‘Jim’ Kosowan found his story a reminder of ‘how much honour and respect we owe to so many from so long ago’.…

WWII soldier James ‘Jim’ John George KOSOWAN, born in Samburg, Saskatchewan, was serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles when he was killed in action during the Liberation of Deventer in The Netherlands on April 10, 1945.

After reading Jim’s story, his nephew, Randy Sanjenko, wrote us. “…I read the beautiful article you wrote about my uncle Jim it touched the hearts of my wife and children and the tears from me are still falling. It is not with sadness that I read it but with the knowledge that many fallen soldiers are somewhere silently thanking you for the work and sacrifice you make to keep their memories alive and the honour and respect you bring to them.

In a world with so much division and hate remembering those who fought against it is an honourable thing and I thank you from the bottom of my heart…“

You can read Jim’s story at https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2026/09/08/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-wwii-soldier-born-in-samburg-who-lost-his-life-during-the-liberation-of-deventer/

Thank you to Betty Askeland, Brenda Graves, Frank Elliott, Terry and Leni Ellwood, Kendra Mellish, Frans Nijsen, Maarten Koudijs, Randy Sanjenko, and Pauline Theriault. The work of remembrance of those who served continues.

If you have a story to tell, please let Pieter know. You can email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWII Sergeant From Kenora Killed During The Battle Of The Scheldt Near Hoogerheide

April 4, 2026. When Caroline Raaijmakers, Chair of Faces To Graves Bergen Op Zoom, sent a photo wish list of 15 soldiers from the Fort Garry Horse – 10th Armoured Regiment, Pieter decided this was a research project he wanted to take on.

Kenora is situated on the Lake of the Woods in Ontario, near the border with Manitoba, and is about 208 km east of Winnipeg. (Map source: Google maps)

One of the soldiers was Sergeant Gerald Vincent ‘Vin’ JORGENSON, born March 22, 1921 in Kenora, Ontario, the son of Jacob and Genevieve ‘Gen’ Evelyn Jorgenson, and the husband of Marguerite Norma ‘Tiny’ nee Campbell. Both of his younger brothers, Charles Edward ‘Ted’ and James ‘Jim’ Martin, served in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) during WWII.  He also had a younger sister, Patricia ‘Patsy’ Lenore.

The Jorgenson siblings, left to right:  Ted, Vin, Patsy, Jim.  (Photo courtesy of Terry and Leni (nee Jorgenson) Ellwood)

Not long after Pieter’s research began, he received a reply from Terry Ellwood, explaining that the soldier was his wife Leni’s uncle who died on October 23, 1944, at the age of 23.  “… He was a tank commander. Two months before he was killed he received a citation for bravery which was recorded in the New York Times.…”  Leni is the daughter of Vin’s brother Ted.

After Vin’s parents separated in 1929, “…Gen raised the four kids on her own… living in the bush near Ignace (Osaquan) working a trapline and running a trading post until they moved to Kenora….”  Terry wrote.  “…. She was quite a gal. All the kids treated her like gold until she died….”

….Vin enlisted in 1940…

Gerald Vincent ‘Vin’ Jorgenson. (Photo courtesy of Terry and Leni (nee Jorgenson) Ellwood)

When Vin enlisted with the Fort Garry Horse in Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 22, 1940, he noted that he had served for a year in a militia unit, with the 16th Medium Battery in Kenora, Ontario, from May 1939 until the day he enlisted in the Active Army.  He’d earlier enlisted in the Kenora Light Infantry on January 30, 1936.

In an interview at the time of his enlistment, he noted that he’d worked as a tractor driver at Keewatin Lumber Company, on a seasonal basis from April 1938, and was a member of the Carpenters and Joiners Union of America.  He’d also attended a commercial course in shorthand and typing at night school in 1937. He also worked, on a seasonal basis, as a grocery store clerk for C.G. Bulmer in Kenora.

Vin listed several hobbies and interests.  He collected sports trophies and played the harmonica.  He also enjoyed boxing, skiing, skulling, and played basketball and hockey.  Terry had written that “…Vin was also a great hockey player…. played for the Kenora Thistles. ….” Vin played right wing on this junior ice hockey team. “…The year he went overseas, he was selected as the most valuable player for the elite Canadian junior hockey team the Barrie Colts. As MVP for that team he certainly would have been tracked by the NHL in that era.  Although he played forward when he played for the Kenora Thistles, it seems as though he moved to defence for the Barrie Colts…” (NHL refers to National Hockey League)

After completing his basic training in Winnipeg, Vin, now part of the Fort Garry Horse’s Canadian Active Service Force, was sent to the A3 Canadian Artillery Training Centre in Shilo, Manitoba for artillery training on June 8, 1940.

….Vin was a guard at a POW Camp in Red Rock…

At the end of July, 1940, Vin and his Regiment were sent to Camp R, an internment camp in Red Rock, Ontario to act as guards for German prisoners of war and internees. Operational from July 1940 to October 1941, the camp held 1,145 German prisoners, among them civilians, merchant seamen, and combatants. Many of the prisoners had been active Nazi sympathizers before the war, while others came from German ships interred in Canadian ports at the outbreak of the war.

One of the guard towers at Camp R (Red Rock). LAC e006611161. (https://powsincanada.ca/pows-in-canada/internment-camps/camp-r-red-rock/#jp-carousel-3314)

Located on the grounds of a plant owned by the Lake Sulphite Pulp Co. Ltd., Camp R’s enclosure was surrounded by two layers of barbed wire fences and five guard towers – initially only elevated platforms – each with a machine gun.

Vin fell ill with a bout of influenza and was hospitalized from August 27 to 29, 1940, being discharged only a few days before his next posting. 

Guard duty at Red Rock for Vin and his Regiment lasted a few months, until September 1, 1940, when the Regiment moved to the A33 Canadian Armoured Corps Training Establishment Camp at Camp Borden, Ontario to begin training as an Armoured Regiment.

After the men from the Fort Garry Horse left, they were replaced by a company of the Veterans Guard of Canada. However, poor facilities and safety concerns caused Camp R to be closed in October 1941, and the prisoners transferred elsewhere.

….Vin qualified as a Driver Mechanic…

While at the A33 Canadian Armoured Corps Training Establishment Camp at Camp Borden, Vin qualified for a Class III Certificate as Driver (i/c) Wheeled and Tracked (W&T) on February 5, 1941.  (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’.  Receiving a Class III in both Wheeled and Tracked meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars, as well as tanks.)

On February 11, 1941, the Fort Garry Horse Regiment was re-designated as the 10th Canadian Armoured Regiment.

He had a change in his personal life when he married Marguerite Norma Campbell in Barrie, Ontario on April 12, 1941. 

In May 1941, the Regiment became part of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division to form the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, along with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) and the 1st Hussars.

From June 15, 1941 until August 1941, Vin took a driver mechanics course in Owen Sound, Ontario, while attached to the No. 2 District Depot in Toronto, Ontario ‘On Command’.  He qualified as a Driver (i/c) Class II on September 9, 1941, which meant he was authorized to drive heavier 4×4 or 6×6 vehicles (like the Canadian Military Pattern truck/CMP), specialized trailers, and possessed advanced maintenance skills. Class II drivers handled transport duties in armoured divisions, such as the one he was in, which required expertise in convoy driving and off-road operations.

Vin also qualified as a Driver Mechanic Class ‘C’ on September 25, 1941. This meant that, in addition to being a driver, he would also be responsible for minor vehicle repairs on vehicles in his unit.

….Vin left Canada for overseas service…

Vin with his mother Genevieve Jorgenson. (Photo courtesy of Terry and Leni (nee Jorgenson) Ellwood)

From September 29, 1941 until October 3, 1941, Vin was granted embarkation leave, for what turned out to be the last time he saw his family.

In October 1941, Vin and his Regiment moved to Debert, Nova Scotia, for final training and preparation before going overseas.

S. S. Oronsay. (Photo source: Wikipedia, photographer, Keating G (Capt))

On November 10, 1941, Vin was aboard the liner ‘S.S. Oronsay’ with the Regiment when they prepared to sail from Halifax, Nova Scotia to the United Kingdom. They finally left Halifax after several days in the harbour, along with a large flotilla of transports and Naval vessels, and arrived in Liverpool, England, on November 22, 1941.

….The Regiment continued training in the United Kingdom…

The Regiment moved first to Aldershot and later to the Headley, Hampshire area where the first of the Canadian designed Ram tanks were issued.

Vin was interviewed by Lt J. Gartside on January 27, 1942, in which it was noted that he was a proficient hockey player, and that he’d “…played baseball and basketball for the regiment…”  Lt Gartside also recorded that “…this man wants action more than anything else…” 

On January 31, 1942, Vin and Marguerite’s son Garry Vincent was born in Kenora, Ontario, a child that Vin would never get to meet.

Testing of the new tanks to see how they fired took place in Wales in July 1942. The Regiment moved several times within England as training continued.

Vin qualified as a Driver Mechanic Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV) Group ‘C’ on November 4, 1942.  This meant he would have some knowledge of overhaul and repair of armed, armoured combat vehicles designed for mobility and protection, including tanks (such as the Ram tanks), armoured cars, and personnel carriers.

The Regiment, based in Hove in December 1942, left the 5th Armoured Division, and became part of the 3rd Canadian Army Tank Brigade, along with the 1st Hussars and the Sherbrooke Fusiliers. That lasted until July 1943, when it was broken up after the 2nd Canadian Army Tank Brigade arrived in England, and became the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade.

On May 19, 1943, Vin qualified as a Gunner Operator Group C, a specific trade qualification which meant he was qualified to operate both a tank’s weaponry and radio equipment.

….Vin also trained in American-built tanks in preparation for D-Day…

Captioned picture showing Vin Jorgenson and H. Little in an American-built tank in the United Kingdom. (Article courtesy of Terry and (nee Jorgenson) Leni Ellwood)

On October 19, 1943, Vin was promoted to Lance Corporal.  That same month, the first of the new American Sherman tanks were issued and firing practice took place on ranges in Kirkudbright, Scotland, after which the Regiment moved to the South coast at Milford-on-Sea.

Training in combined operations and amphibious landings at Inverary, Northern Scotland, as well as exercises with the 8th Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Canadian Division in preparation for support during the planned invasion of Normandy kept Vin and other members of the Regiment occupied. The men also took French lessons.  On February 9, 1944, Vin was promoted to Corporal.

‘B’ and ‘C’ Squadrons had special training – in great secrecy – in the use of ‘Duplex Drive’ or ‘DD’ swimming tanks. (DD tanks were Sherman tanks with twin propellers and collapsible canvas sides which provided floatation.)

Once in Normandy, the DD tanks were to be carried on LCT’s (Landing Craft Tanks) to about 6,401 metres (7,000 yards) from shore where they would be launched into the water. The tanks would then swim into shore and land with the charging infantry. The tanks were equipped with 75 mm guns, making them outgunned by German tanks, but their advantage was in being very fast and maneuverable.

….Vin survived D-Day…

In May 1944 the Regiment’s squadrons moved to concentration areas prior to loading on landing craft for the upcoming Operation Overlord (the Normandy invasion) – what we refer to as D-Day on June 6, 1944. ‘B’ and ‘C’ Squadrons moved with their DD tanks to a hiding area near Fawley on the south coast of England.

On June 2, 1944, Vin, who was in ‘C’ Squadron, boarded the ship that would take him and his Squadron to France.  They disembarked on June 6, 1944 at the eastern end of Juno Beach, an area codenamed ‘Nan Red’, near Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, in support of the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.

D-Day Normandy invasion map. The Canadians landed on Juno Beach in Normandy, France. (Map source: Encyclopedia Britannica)

An excerpt from the Juno Beach website noted that “..at 8:05 am the LCT’s came inshore and the order was given to launch. On their way into shore 4 tanks were knocked out in the water. One LCT was hit with the tanks still onboard and one sank in deep water. When the tanks landed they gave supporting fire in all directions from their beach positions, waiting for the AVRE’s to clear an exit through a minefield…..”  (See http://www.junobeach.info/juno-04-07.htm) AVRE refers to Armoured Vehicle, Royal Engineers.

The DD tanks were supposed to land ahead of the Infantry Regiments, but heavy seas meant that they were launched close to the shore landing later than planned.

When ‘C’ Squadron landed at St. Aubin, they had lost a few tanks due to enemy fire.  Then, because there was no breach in the sea wall, they had to make their way through a minefield, losing three tanks doing so. Due to a request for support from the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, ‘C’ Squadron didn’t rejoin the 10th Armoured Regiment until June 7. Vin had survived D-Day!  He was promoted to Acting Sergeant a few days later, on June 11.

….Vin’s heroism during Operation Totalize was noted in a New York Times article…

D-Day was only the beginning of battles in Normandy that summer. Vin’s Regiment was in the midst of Operation Totalize, fought between August 7-11, 1944, in an offensive designed to break through the German defences south of Caen and toward Falaise, with the objective of closing the Falaise gap and cutting off the retreating Germany 7th Army.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Totalize)

On the night of August 10, 1944, Vin had an experience that was documented by journalist James MacDonald in the August 11, 1944 edition of The New York Times. It began with a description of Vin.  “….On a hilltop that he helped to capture, Sgt Vincent Jorgenson, a brawny 23 year old athlete of Kenora, Ontario, was busily getting his tank ready for action today just after having rested up from as grueling an experience as one can have and live to tell about it…..he is what his superior officers call a magnificent crew commander….

Last night his and other tanks set out from the village of Les Ifs with orders to take Hill 122. Sergeant Jorgenson’s was the second tank in line, the first being one commanded by his troop officer. Enemy mortars and 88 mm shells exploded all around them as they rattled into Rocquancourt, but they did not dare to open up with their machine guns or six-pounders lest gun flashes give their positions away.

The Germans’ artillery scored a direct hit on the leading tank commanded by a lieutenant from Winnipeg. That tank went up in flames….”  All the men in the tank survived.

“…Sergeant Jorgenson was so near he had to order his tank to back up and circle around the blazing wreck. He pushed on and sent out wireless signals to tanks that had been behind him but received no answer.  He could not see them or anything else ….. because on top of the darkness and dust the Germans began laying a smokescreen around him.

Suddenly he heard German voices around him and he thought he might be isolated and surrounded. He asked his crew if they wanted to continue or attempt to retire. They wanted to go on.

The Germans tried to blind the tank’s driver by flashing torchlights into his eyes and make him halt and give anti-tank gunners direct aim.  The tank’s co-driver drove them off with his machine gun.  Then something happened to one of the tank threads that cut the machine’s speed to two miles an hour.

On and on the tank lurched, German infantrymen doggedly surrounding it. One German even climbed on the machine.  Through his slightly opened hatch cover, Sergeant Jorgenson saw him and shot him with his pistol.

Presently the tank halted in a field…..” while they worked to transform “…the machine into a little fortress, using sandbags they had carried along as an extra protection….” 

Meanwhile, “…Trooper George Johnson, of Dauphin, Manitoba, hearing German voices near by, hurled a hand grenade in their direction.  After the grenade exploded all was quiet…”  At daylight, they saw that the grenade had destroyed “… an anti-tank gun that had been trying to kill them…” 

The article concluded by saying “…the night had been won and the objective attained…”

 ….From France the Regiment moved into Belgium…

Over the next week, there was no respite from fierce opposition and heavy losses that resulted in 3 Squadrons being consolidated into 2 Squadrons as they left France and moved into Belgium in September, as they prepared for the Battle of the Scheldt, which began officially on October 2 and lasted until November 8, 1944. 

The Battle of the Scheldt’s objective was to free up the way to the Port of Antwerp in Belgium for supply purposes. From Antwerp, they went into The Netherlands, fighting along flooded fields and dikes leading toward Woensdrecht in a battle that lasted until October 21, 1944. (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/scheldt)

Vin was promoted to Sergeant on September 11, 1944. 

The 10th Armoured Regiment fought their way towards Woensdrecht in October 1944. Vin was killed near Hoogerheide and was temporarily buried in Berendrecht. (Map source: Google Maps)

On October 17, 1944, an exhausted Vin wrote to his mother and sister from The Netherlands, letting them know he was alive after surviving an attack on the tank he was in.  “…Forgive me for not writing sooner but have been so muddled lately….” 

He went on to say that he had been “…knocked out of another tank some twelve days back and since then much has happened and I’m still here with the regiment with a brand new tank ‘Canora III’….. No one in my old tank was killed and we were hit twice by an 88 mm gun which pierces roughly 10 inches of steel….”

Vin was referring to what happened on the morning of October 2, 1944 as they were in a battle above the Turnhout Canal in Belgium, as reported in the Regiment’s war diary for that day.  “… ‘C’ Squadron moved out at 0630 hours in support of the Cameron Highlanders to clear the road running West of STERNHOVEN parallel to the ANTWERP-TURNHOUT CANAL, a distance of approximately 5 1/2 kilometres…First Troop, under Sgt Jorgenson, moved forward to lead. Three 88 mm guns and a considerable number of Jerries were encountered. Two of the guns were knocked out by well-placed shots by the forward troop and two large ammunition trucks were set on fire…”

The war diary entry for October 12, 1944 recorded that “… ‘C’ Squadron, relieved of operational commitments, proceeded to make merry.  First a shower, then a trip to Antwerp, and a movie in harbour upon return back at 2030 hrs….” 

It was a badly needed break after 4 months of fighting, as described in Vin’s letter. “…While myself and my crew were at Tank Delivery Regiment we buggered off to Antwerp for one night, our first since D-Day….” where they enjoyed an expensive steak dinner. 

Responsible as ever, Vin let his mother know that he planned to assign more of his pay to her and his wife Tiny.  “….Mom, since getting my confirmation as a Sgt, I signed over another $12 to Tiny and $3 to you, be sure and let me know if you get it on your next cheque…”

Vin was hoping to receive a new assignment.  “…Major Bray, our old Squadron leader, is in charge of a tank school in Belgium and has sent for another Sgt and myself for head instructors.  He said he wanted us badly, and besides, we deserve a rest, being two of the only D-Day Sgts left.  Don’t know how long it will take the Regiment to make up their minds about sending us….I’m dying for a chance to get away from all this for a while….”   Vin referred to Major William Roy BRAY.

….Vin was killed a few days after he wrote his letter…

None of Vin’s plans for a new assignment as instructor at the tank school or for sending more of his pay to his family happened, as he was killed on October 23, 1944, aged 23, near Hoogerheide, The Netherlands, less than a week after he wrote his last letter.

An entry in ‘Vanguard – The Fort Garry Horse In The Second World War’ by Eric Mackay Wilson simply stated that “… ‘C’ Squadron sweated it out in Hoogerheide, and also suffered casualties.  Major Fletcher and Sgt Jorgenson were killed, to the sorrow of the whole regiment...”  Major Charles Wesley FLETCHER was from McCreary, Manitoba.

….Vin is buried in Bergen Op Zoom…

Vin was temporarily buried on October 24, 1944 in the Belgium Churchyard in Berendrecht, Belgium, with the service conducted by Honorary Captain W. E. HARRISON, one of the chaplains attached to the Fort Garry Horse – 10th Armoured Regiment, before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom on June 4, 1945.

Grave of Gerald Vincent ‘Vin’ Jorgenson in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom, The Netherlands.  (Photo source: Find A Grave)

Thank you to Terry and Leni Ellwood for sharing photos and information about Leni’s uncle.  “….Checked out Daria’s blog … wonderful stuff….” Terry wrote, and explained that “…my dad, Keith Ellwood, was the pilot of a Lancaster bomber… his last few missions were food drops to Holland.  He always felt a close connection to the Dutch people because of this….” 

Leni and Terry Ellwood with their grandchildren.  (Photo courtesy of Terry and Leni (nee Jorgenson) Ellwood)

….The research and search for photos continues…

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue, doing his part to ensure that each individual soldier is remembered. He’s still looking for photos of two soldiers from the Fort Garry Horse – 10th Armoured Regiment from the original photo wish list: 

  • Lance Corporal Harry Leith HOWE, born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, son of Harry John and Minnie Christina (nee Clay) Howe, died October 1, 1944.
  • Trooper Russell John KITCHEMONIA of Kamsack, Saskatchewan, son of John and Louise Kitchemonia, died October 12, 1944.

If you have photos or information to share about either of these two soldiers, please email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.    

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?…

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

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/

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On The War Memorial Trail….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 7

February 22, 2021. We continue to feature more of the photos submitted by Atlantic Canadians of soldiers buried overseas. Pieter is ensuring that every email is acknowledged, and that the photos of soldiers buried in The Netherlands will be forwarded to the appropriate cemetery for their digital archives.  Thank you to the various members of Royal Canadian Legions in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for their help.

The volunteers at all three Canadian War Cemeteries in Holten, Groesbeek, and Bergen Op Zoom are now active, and Pieter has received wish lists for photos from all three cemeteries.  Submissions for soldiers buried in municipal cemeteries are being held until Pieter gets the go-ahead that those volunteers are active again.

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

Ken Dennis of Yarmouth let us know about the Wartime Heritage Association website, which features some of the soldiers from the area who served in WW2.  One of the profiles, written by Flip Jonkman, was of a soldier on the photo wish list of the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten…. Brenton Leroy RINGER. (See http://wartimeheritage.com/whaww2ns2/wwii_ringer_brenton_leroy.htm)

Born on March 22, 1925 in Northfield, Nova Scotia, the son of Ralph and Alberta Ringer of Clementsport, he was an electrician’s helper when he enlisted, at age 18, with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders in Halifax on January 17, 1944.  He later transferred to the 10th Armoured Regiment on March 27, 1945, and lost his life on April 12, 1945 during the liberation of Heino, The Netherlands, when the Sherman tank he was in was hit on the road to Zwolle. 

There were 5 men in the tank, with one survivor.  The survivor knocked on the door of a nearby farmhouse to ask for help, the home of Flip Jonkman’s parents.  Flip was not born at the time, but always remembered the story, and in 2020, was instrumental in getting a memorial stone placed near the site of the attack.  (See the article in Dutch for more information: https://www.destentor.nl/raalte/vurige-wens-in-vervulling-voor-flip-jonkman-73-uit-heino-nu-gedenksteen-is-geplaatst~a694b86d/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fduckduckgo.com%2F)

Another of the names on the photo wish list for the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten was found on the Wartime Heritage Association website…. that of Louis Graham RICHARD. (See http://wartimeheritage.com/whaww2ns/wwii_richard_louis_graham.htm)

Born February 13, 1918, the son of Raphael Daniel and Mary Ann Richard of Londonderry, Nova Scotia, Louis was a store clerk before enlisting with the No 2 Canadian Armed Corps in Halifax on February 17, 1943 as a trooper.  On October 14, 1944 he was sent to the United Kingdom, and then on March 31, 1945 to Western Europe with the 9th Armoured Regiment (BC Dragoons).  

Louis was killed in action in The Netherlands during the Battle of Delfzijl Pocket on April 26, 1945, at the age of 27, and was temporarily buried in Wirdum in the province of Groningen, The Netherlands before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. (For more information on this battle, see https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/delfzijlpocket.htm)

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

Percy Clayton Cromwell photo only

Percy Clayton Cromwell.  (Photo submitted by Ken Dennis)

Ken Dennis submitted a photo of Percy Clayton CROMWELL, explaining that “…I am a member of the Yarmouth Branch 61 Legion…” After receiving a wish list of photos from Pieter, he noticed one name from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.  “…Having been shown this email, I decided to trace his local roots…”

“…He was a labourer, then for CP out of the Halifax area and upon enlisting moved his family to Yarmouth where they grew up….” CP refers to the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Percy was born in Yarmouth on February 12, 1914, the son of James Alfred and Annie May Cromwell.  He enlisted with the West Nova Scotia Regiment in Aldershot, Nova Scotia on May 14, 1940.

Percy was with the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers when he drowned in The Netherlands on February 8, 1945.  He’d been on guard duty along a canal in the Dutch province of Brabant on a very dark, windy, and rainy night, and it would have been very easy to lose his bearings and accidentally fall into the canal.  His body was not found until March 12, 1945.  He left behind a wife, Lillian Beryl, and four children. 

Frank Lewis Libby photo only

Francis Lewis Libby. (Photo from the New Brunswick Military Recognition Booklet)

Kent Caldwell, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in New Brunswick, sent an entry on Francis ‘Frank’ Lewis LIBBY from one of the annual issues of the New Brunswick Military Recognition Booklet, explaining that the photo was a copy from a newspaper clipping.  The entry stated that “…Francis served with the Calgary Highlanders in England and Northwest Europe.  He was killed in The Netherlands in 1945…” 

Francis was born February 21, 1918 in Milltown, New Brunswick, the son of Clifford and Mary Christine Libby.  Before enlisting on July 25, 1941, he worked at the Canadian Cottons Plant in Milltown.  On October 4, 1941, he married Dorothy Louise Caswell.  He and Dorothy had a son Francis Brian in 1944 while he was overseas in Europe, and where he transferred to the Calgary Highlanders in September 1944. Francis lost his life on January 5, 1945 after being killed along the Dutch-German border. He was temporarily buried in Nijmegen, before his reburial, on July 30, 1945, in Groesbeek.

Hiram Albion Lord photo only

Hiram Albion Lord. (Photo from the New Brunswick Military Recognition Booklet)

Kent Caldwell, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in New Brunswick, also sent an entry on Hiram Albion LORD from one of the annual issues of the New Brunswick Military Recognition Booklet, explaining that the photo was a copy from a newspaper clipping.  The entry stated that “…Hiram served with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment during the Second World War and was killed in action in 1945…” 

Born November 7, 1924 in Lords Cove, Deer Island, New Brunswick, the son of Minnie Smith, Hiram was a fisherman before enlisting on November 4, 1943 and served in Canada until his arrival in the United Kingdom on July 21, 1944.   On August 17, 1944 he went with his unit to Western Europe and lost his life on January 8, 1945 near Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Stanley Spray

Stanley Spray. (Photo submitted by Royal Canadian Legion Branch #20 in Digby)

Donna Flaherty, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #20 in Digby, Nova Scotia, submitted a photo of Stanley SPRAY, writing “…This picture hangs on our Memorial Wall….”

Born April 24, 1913 in Nottinghamshire, England, the son of Edgar and Edith Spray, Stanley immigrated to Canada, and settled in Digby, Nova Scotia, where he ran a small farm and worked for J. J. Wallis as a printer before his enlistment on July 6, 1940 with the 52nd Anti-Tank Battery.  He was married to Alda May and the father of two daughters, Jean Carolyn and Joan Carol. 

He received several promotions, and was a battery quartermaster sergeant with the Royal Canadian Artillery when WW2 ended.  Stanley lost his life in a tragic vehicle accident near Nijmegen, The Netherlands on July 23, 1945, when he was catapulted out of the back of an army truck that collided with an oncoming military vehicle.

Thank you to Kent Caldwell, Ken Dennis, and Donna Flaherty for sharing photos and anecdotes.  Atlantic Canadians remember their loved ones who are buried overseas. If you have a higher resolution photo of Percy Clayton Cromwell, Frank Lewis Libby, or Hiram Albion Lord, please send it in to us.

More photos and stories in Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 8! To share photos or information, 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 the blog, you are welcome to do so.  Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 6

February 9, 2021. We continue to feature more of the photos submitted by Atlantic Canadians of soldiers buried overseas. Pieter is ensuring that every email is acknowledged, and that the photos of soldiers buried in The Netherlands will be forwarded to the appropriate cemetery for their digital archives. 

Currently, only the volunteers at the Canadian War Cemeteries in Holten and Groesbeek are active.  Submissions for Bergen Op Zoom and for any soldiers buried in municipal cemeteries are being held until Pieter gets the go-ahead that volunteers are active again.

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

Howard Armstong

Howard W. Armstrong. (Photo submitted by Marion Fryday-Cook)

Marion Fryday-Cook, President of The Royal Canadian Legion, Nova Scotia/Nunavat Command, submitted a photo of Howard W. ARMSTRONG of Chester, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, explaining that “…This is the information gathered by Branch 44 in Chester, NS for our Command’s Veterans Recognition Service Book. Howard’s family still reside in Chester…” 

Howard was with the Fort Garry Horse – 10th Armoured Regiment, and lost his life on September 5, 1945 due to an accidental death after a misstep on a dark and unlit street in Amsterdam led to him falling into a canal and drowning.

Douglas Jury1

Douglas Jury. (Photo courtesy of the Jury Family)

On behalf of the Jury family, Dara Legere of Branch 4 of The Royal Canadian Legion in Joggins, Nova Scotia, submitted a photo of Douglas JURY, writing “…I have attached a photo of Sapper Douglas Jury of Joggins, NS who is buried in Holten Cemetery, Holland. Douglas Jury was related to my family. My mom’s sister Mary was married to Douglas’s brother Roy. There were three Jury brothers who served in WW2, Douglas, Roy, and William. William was taken prisoner by the Germans shortly after D-Day and was forced to work in the coal mines in Germany…”

Douglas was with the Royal Canadian Engineers, 18th Field Company, and lost his life on August 17, 1945. Dara explained that “…Douglas remained in Holland after the war ended, repairing dykes and bridges, etc with the Canadian Engineers. The vehicle he was travelling in rolled off one of the dykes and he was trapped under it and drowned. Such a sad story….”

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

Harry William Doucette

Harry William Doucette.  (Photo courtesy of the Doucette Family)

On behalf of the Doucette family, Cyrille LeBlanc and Andre Boudreau of Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport, Nova Scotia submitted a photo of Harry William DOUCETTE. Cyrille wrote that he “….was a private in the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, Royal Canadian Infantry Corps. He was born May 25, 1925 in Bell Neck, Sainte-Anne Catholic Parish, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia.

Private Doucette was the son of John and Celina Mary Doucette. He had eight brothers and one sister. Two brothers served in the RCAF during World War II.  He completed Grade 8 at the age of fourteen and left school to work as a lumber-man in the woods. He enjoyed reading western and veteran stories.  

 He enlisted in Halifax at age 18 October 6, 1943, and served in Canada from October 4, 1943 to October 13, 1944; in the United Kingdom from October 14, 1944 to November 23, 1944 and in France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany from November 24, 1944 to March 25, 1945.  He was killed in action against the enemy in Germany March 25, 1945 at age 19….”

Harry William lost his life during the Battle of Bienen in Germany, in which  44 members of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders lost their lives and 68 were wounded.  In 2000 a memorial plaque was placed in Bienen to honour those who lost their lives in this battle.  (See http://wikimapia.org/17003812/Commemorative-plaque-of-Battle-of-Bienen)

Cyrille went on to explain that “…Private Doucette was remembered and honoured May 5, 2020, September 12, 2020 and November 11, 2020 – the 75th anniversary year of the liberation of The Netherlands….”  He also was kind enough to include a link to a YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR3SowfKA_E

Arnold Hupman

Arnold F Hupman.  (Photo submitted by Marilyn Hupman)

Marilyn Hupman sent a photo and information on her grandfather, Flying Officer Arnold F. HUPMAN, writing that “… He was the only boy of 7 children, born and raised in East Side of Ragged Island, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. 

Margaret Nickerson and he married and had 3 sons, Arnold, Robert and Arthur.  Arthur is the only surviving child.  My father, Arthur, was 7 years old when he last saw his father, just before he went overseas. 

From the stories I heard as a child he was asked to stay in Canada and teach pilots, but being a true Canadian he said no that he signed up to fight and he was going over.

Our family is very proud of our Grandfather and the rest of the family that fought. The only loss was F.O. A.F. Hupman….”

Arnold lost his life when the Lancaster bomber he was in crashed on the outskirts of Arnhem on the night of June 16 to 17, 1944, after being shot down by a German nightfighter. All 7 members of the crew of Lancaster VR-V lost their lives.  They were temporarily buried in the Netherlands Reformed Church Cemetery in Huissensedijk on June 29, and later reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek.   

In addition to Arnold Hupman, the other crew members were: Donald MORISSEN, Gerald QUINN, Harold FLETCHER, Clifford JOHNSTON, Philip MCMANUS, and Edward FAHY. (More information can be found in this English translation of an article by the late Willem Tiemans: https://airbornearnhem.nl/WillemTiemens/Elden%20bomber%20crash.htm)

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

Austin Boutilier photo from Judy MacKenzie

Austin Ephraim Boutilier. (Photo submitted by Judy MacKenzie)

Judy MacKenzie submitted a photo of her great-uncle, Austin Ephraim BOUTILIER, who was killed in action in Belgium during the Battle of the Scheldt on September 29, 1944, aged 26, while serving with the Black Watch Regiment.  (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/scheldt)

Judy MacKenzie explained that “…He was gone long before I was born. His father was Ansil Boutilier. He was married to Hannah Hershman. They lived in Tantallon, Nova Scotia. They would have been my great grandparents. I remember stories that he joined the military before he was old enough.  However, if he was 26 when he died, that would appear to be untrue. All of Austin’s siblings are gone. Several of Austin’s siblings fought in the war, including my grandfather, who married Austin’s sister. Everyone else made it home, some with shrapnel in them….”

Judy’s uncle, Ernest ‘Ernie’ MacKenzie, wrote that “…our Uncle Austin is buried at Bergen op Zoom Canadian War Cemetery. We did visit Austin’s grave in 2011….” 

According to the Field Service record, Austin was initially buried in Belgium on September 30, 1944 “…on the south side of the road between Ryckevorsel towards St. Leonard...” before being reburied in Bergen Op Zoom in The Netherlands.

Thank you to André Boudreau, Marion Fryday-Cook, the Doucette family, Marilym Hupman, Cyrille LeBlanc, Dara Legere, Ernie MacKenzie, and Judy MacKenzie for sharing photos and anecdotes.  Atlantic Canadians remember their loved ones who are buried overseas.

More photos and stories in Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 7! If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

© 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 the blog, you are welcome to do so.  Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/

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

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

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