Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery

On The War Memorial Trail….. The Continued Search For A Photo Of John Clifford Rogers

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January 18, 2021.  Last fall, a posting featured Pieter’s search for 5 soldiers from WW1 and WW2:

  • WW1 soldier Bazil CORMIER
  • WW1 soldier James CAIRNS
  • WW2 soldier John Clifford ROGERS
  • WW2 soldier Vernon James NIXON
  • WW2 soldier Philip Hubert LONG

Family subsequently came forward with photos for Vernon James Nixon and Philip Hubert Long, but the rest are still ‘faceless’.

Numerous attempts have been made to find family of the three others, with no success.  I would have given up, but not Pieter.  On Friday, January 15, 2021, he was interviewed by Angela Walker on CBC Radio’s Mainstreet PEI about WW2 soldier Pte John Clifford Rogers, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek in The Netherlands, after losing his life on March 3, 1945 in Germany. Here are the key facts known about him:

  • He was born 19 August 1925 in Hope River, Prince Edward Island, the son of Andrew Rogers and Phoebe Gallant.
  • He had three other siblings: The oldest, Ferdinand Joseph, was born in 1921 and served with The North Nova Scotia Highlanders. He landed on D-Day in France and was killed in action on July 25, 1944.  His body was never found and he is commemorated on a monument at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeux, France.
  • The younger siblings were Walter Angus, born around 1930, and Marie Gladys, born around 1934.
  • The family lived at No. 7 Young Street in Charlottetown when John Clifford and Ferdinand Joseph were killed.

You can listen to the radio interview here: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-130-mainstreet-pei/clip/15819180-pieter-valkenburg-searching-john-clifford-rogers-information

In addition to the radio interview, an appeal has gone out on YouTube, which you can watch here: 

Let’s hope someone will see one of these appeals for a photo and help put a face to the name of John Clifford Rogers! If you can help with a photo or information, please email Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.  Photos and stories are still being collected for the Atlantic Canada Remembers series. 

Thank you to Angela Walker and the team at CBC’s Mainstreet PEI and to Wendy Nattress, our post-production editor for the YouTube videos. 

To read the original posting about the 5 soldiers, and a profile on Philip Hubert Long:

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

© Daria Valkenburg

On The War Memorial Trail….. Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 2

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January 13, 2021.  “No soldier buried overseas should be forgotten.” This statement by Pieter in a news clip on CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 touched many people who watched it, and many photos and stories continue to be emailed to him.  As mentioned in Part 1, Pieter is working to ensure that every email is acknowledged, and that the photos of soldiers buried in The Netherlands are forwarded to the appropriate cemetery for their digital archives.

(See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/07/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-1/   and  https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/05/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-search-for-ww2-soldiers-buried-in-the-netherlands-featured-on-ctvs-atlantic-live-at-5/)

This posting features more of the photos submitted…..

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

Francis Ivan Dougan

Francis ‘Frank’ Ivan Dougan. (Photo courtesy of Helen O’Connell)

Helen O’Connell submitted a photo of her uncle, Francis ‘Frank’ Ivan DOUGAN.  She wrote that he “….was born in November 12, 1919 to Florence and John Dougan from Donaldson, Prince Edward Island.  He was the 2nd of 12 boys born in that family – no girls.  Frank left school at age of 15 and went to work to help his family.  He worked in Debert, Nova Scotia as a labourer and mechanic.  In 1941, he and 3 of his brothers enlisted to go to war.  He took his training in Quebec and Vancouver and went overseas June 1, 1942….”

While overseas, Helen explained that Frank “…. worked as a driver in the war, mainly in the UK.  After the war Frank decided to work in peacekeeping as a Canadian soldier in Oldenburg, Germany.  On May 16, 1946, he was involved in road accident and was killed.  He was buried in Holland and was awarded the France and Germany Star 1939-1945….”

Frank served as a driver with the 48 Canadian General Transport Company RCASC (Royal Canadian Army Service Corps).  The RCASC was an administrative and transport corps of the Canadian Army. (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Canadian_Army_Service_Corps)

According to his service file, Frank died in a hospital in Nijmegen following a road accident during very bad weather in Nijmegen, while he was on his way from Grave, The Netherlands to Oldenburg, Germany. Mechanical failure in the steering mechanism led to the accident.  Frank was a passenger in the rear of the vehicle along with 2 others, plus the driver.  There were two fatalities: Frank Dougan and another soldier who was also in the rear.

Frank was temporarily buried in the Canadian Cemetery in Groesbeek and later reburied, on July 16 1946, in Holten.  His grave was adopted by a family from Delden.

Helen was able to visit The Netherlands and the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  “…My husband and I were very fortunate to visit his grave in 2016.  I was so proud and honoured to be there.  I will not forget.  This graveyard seemed almost like a sacred place for these solders who gave their life for us and since my visit I really appreciate that….”

James Murrary

John ‘James’ Murray.  (Photo submitted by Florence MacLachlan)

Florence MacLachlan submitted a photo of her uncle, John ‘James’ MURRAY, who was born in Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia and lived in West Bay Road before serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.  She wrote that “…Josie was my mother and was the youngest of the siblings. James was the oldest and could have stayed farming and not joined the army because he was the only one who could look after the farm. He wanted to join and help out the war movement. He didn’t tell his parents/family of his interest in joining until after he signed up…”

He was killed in action in The Netherlands on April 5, 1945 during the Battle of Warnsveld, at the age of 28. His name is listed on a monument in Warnsveld (See https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/57960/Memorial-Canadian-Soldiers.htm).

James was temporarily buried in Warnsveld, before being reburied, on January 30, 1946, at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. His grave was adopted after the war by a family from Holten.

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

Bobby Nickerson

Robert (Bobby) Alan Nickerson. (Photo submitted by Darlene Roberts)

Darlene Roberts submitted a photo of Robert (Bobby) Alan NICKERSON, and wrote that “…My husband’s uncle was killed in the Rhineland Forest just two months before the war ended. His name was Jeff McIntosh Robert (Bobby) Nickerson. We were stationed in Germany from 1968-1971. We were able to visit the grave in 1969. We live in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. My husband’s family is from Halifax…” A paratrooper in the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, he was killed on his first jump from a plane over the Rhineland Forest.

According to his gravestone and the record at the Canadian Virtual War Memorial, his name was Robert Alan Nickerson (not Jeff McIntosh Robert), and he died on March 24, 1945, at the age of 23. (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/2232298?Robert%20Alan%20Nickerson)

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

Russell Soble in Bergen Op Zoom

Russell Soble. (Photo courtesy of Janet Latchford)

Jack Soble submitted a photo of his uncle, Russell Richard SOBLE, which had been provided by Russell’s sister, Janet Latchford.  Jack wrote that “…My father, Russell’s brother, was also fighting in Europe. During that time, if you had a younger brother fighting in Europe, you could claim him and he could go to where you were fighting so you could be together.  My father didn’t want to claim him as where my Dad was there was heavy fighting and he was afraid if he claimed him then he might get killed. Unfortunately he was killed.…”

Born in Ameliasburg, Ontario, Russell served in the Essex Scottish Regiment after arriving in Europe, and died on October 6, 1944.  He was one of 12 members of the regiment killed in action in Putte, a town on the Dutch-Belgian border, in a fight on October 5, 1944 that marked the beginning of the Battle of the Scheldt.  (For more information see Eternal Memorial for Canadian Heroes)

All of the Canadian soldiers were initially buried in Putte’s churchyard.  Putte is south of Bergen Op Zoom, where Russell was subsequently reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery.  Putte recognized the sacrifices made by soldiers and Russell’s name is listed on a war memorial in the Dutch part of the town. (See https://www.tracesofwar.nl/sights/541/Oorlogsmonument-Putte.htm)

Soldiers Buried In Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium

Alexander Fraser MacDonald

Alexander Fraser MacDonald. (Photo submitted by Sandy Burgess)

Sandra Burgess submitted a photo of her father, Alexander Fraser MACDONALD, explaining that “…he served with The Regina Rifles, and was killed on October 31, 1944 in Breskens during the Battle of the Scheldt.  He was from Trenton, Nova Scotia, the son of George and Annie MacDonald. He was married to Aileen Hoganson and they were expecting a baby (me) when he was killed. I was on a river cruise in 2012 and was blessed to be able to visit his grave at Adegem…”

Thank you to Sandra Burgess, Janet Latchford, Florence MacLachlan, Helen O’Connell, Darlene Roberts, and Russell Soble for sharing photos and anecdotes.  Thank you again to CTV’s Atlantic Live At 5 for helping to get the word out on this quest of remembrance. Atlantic Canadians remember their loved ones who are buried overseas.

More photos and stories in Atlantic Canada Remembers – Part 3! If you have photos or information to share, please email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

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“No soldier buried overseas should be forgotten.”

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

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

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

James Grant Anningson

James Grant Anningson. (Photo submitted by Brenda Budd)

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

image002 John Angus Beaton

John Angus Beaton. (Photo submitted by Alexander Beaton)

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

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

Melvin Collins

Melvin Collins.  (Photo courtesy of Phyllis Kelly)

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

Goldwin Marven Pollick

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

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

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

Ford Hilton Spidle

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

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

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

Charles Borden Tuplin

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

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

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

William Francis Stewart

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

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

Benjamin James Witherall

Benjamin James Witherall (Photo submitted by Jacqueline Inder)

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

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

Soldiers Buried In Adegem Canadian War Cemetery in Belgium

Edison Reynolds Smith

Edison Reynolds Smith.  (Photo courtesy of Angela Leighton)

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

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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The Search For A Photo Of Frank Edward McGovern Moves To YouTube

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December 9, 2020.  In telling the stories of individual soldiers, sometimes it turns out that the connections between them leads to a bigger story.  In 2017, when we were in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands, we laid flags down at the graves of soldiers who had been identified by Dutch researchers as coming from Prince Edward Island.

We also laid flags down at the grave of Lance Corporal Frank Edward MCGOVERN, of Chipman, New Brunswick, at the request of our friend and neighbour Brenda Graves.  McGovern was her uncle.

CIMG3334 Oct 5 2019 Groesbeek Frank McGovern

Grave of Frank Edward McGovern in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

McGovern was born April 26, 1925, the son of Hugh and Wilma McGovern.  Brenda’s mother Pearl was Frank’s sister.  He enlisted with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, and was killed during the Battle of Keppeln on February 26, 1945.  Keppeln is in Germany, just over the Dutch border, and after WW2 ended, he was reburied in The Netherlands.

In 2019, we again visited his grave when we were in The Netherlands.  In the spring of 2020, Pieter researched the story of Barney MCGUIGAN, and that’s when a connection was made.  He too was in the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, and also died in the Battle of Keppeln on February 26, 1945.  (See On The War Memorial Trail…..The Search For Barney Reuben McGuigan)

In researching McGuigan’s story, Pieter learned that 28 soldiers from the North Shore Regiment were killed in action that day, in the same battle.

In the book ‘Fields Of Valour’ by Ken Smith, he explains that “… Keppeln was a small town in Germany’s western frontier and a part of the supposedly impenetrable Siegfried Line.  As an ongoing part of Operation Veritable, the North Shore Regiment was ordered to attack Keppeln on February 26, 1945.  No apparent fortifications or troop concentrations were noted, so it was assumed, wrongly, as it turned out, that the village, being so lightly held, would fall quickly....”

It was a trap, and the North Shore Regiment was caught in it, as the Germans waited patiently.  Smith describes what happened.  “.…Camouflaged expertly were the machine gun pits and the fearsome 88mm guns, some mounted on well hidden tanks….”  50 yards from their line, the Germans “…opened up on the North Shores…. The North Shores were cut to pieces, many getting killed outright, and scores of others suffering terrible wounds...”

Among those killed was Frank Edward McGovern.  Brenda has been looking for a photo of her uncle, with no success. Lou Daley, whose uncle Aloysius DALEY lost his life in the same battle, sent a newspaper clipping in which McGovern’s death was announced.  Unfortunately, Brenda has not been able to find the paper in which the notice was published, or who sent it in.

She contacted the Chipman Legion, again with no success.  She recently received an email from a Legion member, saying that “…I can’t get the info you requested because we had a pipe break in the Branch and all of our Archives and other info have been destroyed and irrecoverable.  We have no WW2 Veterans left….”

Brenda Graves

Brenda Graves during the filming of the On The War Memorial Trail video.

With one door closing after another, Pieter decided to feature Brenda’s quest for a photo on our new ‘On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg’ YouTube channel.  With so many roadblocks in finding family and photos, the YouTube channel is one way to reach an audience that might not read this blog or our newspaper articles, or hear Pieter on the radio.  You can watch the video here:

28 men from the North Shore Regiment were killed during the Battle of Keppeln…..

Per ‘Fields Of Valour’ by Ken Smith, the following are the 28 men from the North Shore Regiment killed on February 26, 1945 during the Battle of Keppeln:

  • Richard Paul BEAZLEY
  • Gerald Albert BECK
  • Thomas Clinton BEERS
  • Aloysius John DALEY
  • Eldon Alexander DUCHER
  • Thomas Mitchell GEMMELL
  • George Luckett GRAHAM
  • William Edward HARBOUR
  • Albert Percival HEBERT
  • Emidia Austin HICKEY
  • Frederick Clarence HULL
  • Donald Charles JAGOE
  • John Albert LAFAVE
  • Hubert Ivan LUTES
  • Donald Rae MACPHERSON
  • Frank Edward MCGOVERN
  • Barney Ruben MCGUIGAN
  • Elbridge Wellington MILLER
  • Reginald Vincent MOOERS
  • Ervin Alfred MUNROE
  • Gerald Bruce MURRAY
  • Willard Bruce PARKER
  • Millard Arthur PATTERSON
  • John Giddeon PAYNTER
  • Patrick John POWER
  • Waldo Leroy RICHARDSON
  • Carol Kenneth TITFORD
  • Raoul VADEBONCOEUR

Thank you to Brenda Graves for sharing information about her uncle, and to post-production editor Wendy Nattress, who made the YouTube video a reality. If you have photos or information to share about Frank Edward McGovern or any of the other men killed in the Battle of Keppeln, please 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/

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….. Continuing The Search For Soldiers Killed In Action In WWI and WWII

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October 17, 2020.  One of the many characteristics I admire about Pieter is his commitment to find a photo and family for every WWI and WWII soldier he researches.  He refuses to believe that there is a Canadian soldier lying in an overseas cemetery who has been completely forgotten. 

When he exhausts his research leads, he asks for help from the media.  Today’s posting will mention some of the searches through the media and provide an update on what he’s learned as of today.

pieter recherche photo de militaire

Pieter during an interview about WW1 soldier Basil Cormier.  (Photo credit: Jacinthe LaForest, courtesy of La Voix Acadienne)

WWI Soldier Bazil Cormier

The story of WWI soldier Bazil CORMIER, whose name is listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, was told when we visited his grave in Rouen, France in 2017. (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2017/10/01/on-the-road-to-rouen/)

In addition to the blog posting, an article was published in the Country Line Courier newspaper. (See CLC Dec 6 2017 p17 Bazil Cormier Rouen France)

Up to now, no family or photo has been found, so we wondered if we would have any success if an appeal was made in the French language media.  Jacinthe LaForest interviewed Pieter for the La Voix Acadienne newspaper.  (You can read the article here, which is in French: LaVoix14oct2020_06_10 Bazil Cormier ) So far, no one has come forward.

WWI soldier James Cairns

Another WWI soldier whose name is listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion is James CAIRNS.  He’s buried in Caix, France, which we visited in 2017. (For his story, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/09/30/the-search-for-manitoba-cemetery/) 

In addition to the blog posting, an article was published in the Country Line Courier newspaper. (See CLC Oct 18 2017 p23 Manitoba Cemetery in France) 

Before war broke out, he had moved to Manitoba and lived in the community of Cartwright.  With no luck on the Island to find family or a photo, Pieter contacted the Southern Manitoba Review newspaper and his letter was published earlier this month. The editor, Vicki Wallace, is a history buff and dug into the story, giving Pieter more information about the family.  However, up to now, no one has responded and a photo has not yet been found.  UPDATE: A photo was received in 2022.

James Cairns

WWII soldier John Clifford Rogers

For the Faces To Grave project, which is trying to find photos of WWII soldiers in The Netherlands, Pieter was unsuccessful in finding a photo for John Clifford ROGERS, whose grave at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands we’d visited in 2019. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/12/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-our-2019-visit-to-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-groesbeek/)

In addition to the blog posting, an article was published in the Country Line Courier newspaper. (See CLC Jan 29 2020 p26 2019 Visit To Groesbeek)

In an attempt to find family and a photo, Pieter contacted The Guardian newspaper, and his letter was published last week. (See https://www.theguardian.pe.ca/opinion/local-perspectives/letter-seeking-photo-of-soldier-from-second-world-war-508864/) Although he received some inquiries about his letter, to date no family or photo has been found. UPDATE: A photo was received in 2021.

John Clifford Rogers

WWII soldier Vernon James Nixon

In another Faces To Grave project search, Pieter contacted The Saint Croix Courier in St. Stephen, New Brunswick about WWII soldier Vernon James NIXON, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.   We didn’t receive a copy of this letter from editor Kristi Marples, but a few people did contact Pieter. 

Kent Caldwell of the local Legion branch mentioned that an old scrapbook had been found several years ago, and an old newspaper photo submitted for the New Brunswick Military Recognition Booklet.  The Royal Canadian Legion’s New Brunswick Command subsequently mailed Pieter the entry from the booklet.

Nixon writeup

Excerpt from the New Brunswick Military Recognition Booklet.

Then Pieter was contacted by a family member, who had visited the grave.  Hopefully, a photo will be provided.  UPDATE: A photo was received in 2021.

WWII soldier Philip Hubert Long

In another Faces To Graves project search, Pieter was interviewed by David Pate of CBC Radio’s Maritime Noon about Philip Hubert LONG of New Brunswick, who is also buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.  (You can listen to the interview here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R07RkSjTeshJA_-UO_W68fsY3FHCSLPB/view?usp=sharing) 

Within two hours of the broadcast, Pieter received a call from a family member, and hopefully a photo will be provided. UPDATE: A photo was received in 2020, shortly after the radio interview.

More photos of soldiers are still to be found

For a list of more soldiers from PEI that Pieter is hoping to find photos of, see here: List of photos needed

Our thanks go to the media for helping us to tell these stories:  CBC Radio’s Maritime Noon, County Line Courier, La Voix Acadienne, Southern Manitoba Review, The Guardian, and The Saint Croix Courier.  If you can help with providing information on James Cairns, Bazil Cormier, Philip Hubert Long, Vernon James Nixon, or John Clifford Rogers, please 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/

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The Search For Barney Reuben McGuigan

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August 7, 2020.  In many cases it is very difficult to find a photo of a soldier from WW1 or WW2.  Last year, a request was made for photos and information on PEI soldiers from WW2 who were buried in The Netherlands.  (See Photos and Info Requested For WW2 Soldiers From PEI Buried In The Netherlands)  One of these soldiers, buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, was Bernard ‘Barney’ Reuben MCGUIGAN.

Over the past months, Pieter was lucky in finding photos from family members for:

One last soldier from PEI who is buried in one of the three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands is still without a photo: Bernard ‘Barney’ Reuben MCGUIGAN, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek.  At 16 years of age when he lost his life, he is the youngest soldier in the cemetery.

Barney Reuben was born on May 14, 1928, the son of Thomas McGuigan and Sarah ‘Sadie’ Bisson, and baptized on June 17, 1928 at St. Paul’s Church in Sturgeon. Unfortunately his mother died in 1936 and he was brought up by his grandparents, Bernard McGuigan and Rose McGee.

On July 9, 1943 he enlisted in Charlottetown and claimed to be 18 years old, not his actual 15 years of age.  He went on to say that he “…attended rural school in PEI, completing grade 7 at age 16 in 1941, but left school because no teacher was available in the district…” He stated that he was a fisherman at the time of enlistment.  His grandmother Rose is listed as his foster-mother on his enlistment documents.

Under military rules, no one under 19 was to be sent overseas.  As a supposed 18 year old, Barney was sent for training, first to a training camp in Aldershot, Nova Scotia.  In January 1944, he was sent for infantry training in Vernon, BC.  In November 1944, he was sent overseas, arriving in the United Kingdom on November 28, 1944.

On January 8, 1945 he left the United Kingdom for continental Europe, as part of reinforcement troops.  On February 12, 1945 he joined the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.  Then, on February 26, 1945 he lost his life in Germany, just over the Dutch border, during Operation Blockbuster, the last part of Operation Veritable. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blockbuster)  He was only 16, not 19, years old.

He was initially buried in the Bedburg Military Cemetery, and then later reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek.

Screenshot_2020-08-06 Google Maps Bedburg Germany

Black X marks the location of Bedburg, Germany, where Barney McGuigan lost his life.  (Map courtesy of Google maps.)

After Barney’s death, his father wrote to the Canadian Military, asking why his son had been sent overseas when he was underage.  At the time of enlistment Barney was 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 133 pounds.  The military replied to his father, explaining that since Barney had said he was born in May 29, 1925, he was sent overseas based on that information.  Until his father wrote, unfortunately after Barney’s death, no correction to acknowledge his actual date of birth had been made.

In October 2019 we visited the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek and Pieter laid down flags at graves of Islanders, including Barney McGuigan.  (See On The War Memorial Trail…..Our 2019 Visit To The Canadian War Cemetery In Groesbeek)

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Grave of Barney McGuigan in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

With no luck finding a photo, Pieter was recently interviewed by Angela Walker for CBC Radio’s Mainstreet PEI about his quest…  Link to interview:

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VMIbebs8kn2zQv9Al4Ndoy3gezMcWHPK/view?usp=sharing

Following the interview, he was contacted by Regina Faithfull, Barney’s cousin.  She had a photo of her father, in which Barney could be seen behind a door in the background.

Photo of McGuigans from Jeanie Faithfull

Also listening to the CBC broadcast was Charlotte MacAuley, reporter for the ‘Eastern Graphic’ newspaper.  As Barney was from the area the newspaper covered, she was interested in doing a story.  Perhaps that might generate a photo in which Barney could be seen more clearly?

CIMG4292 Jul 22 2020 Charlotte & Pieter at Eastern Graphic

Pieter with Charlotte MacAuley at the Eastern Graphic office in Montague.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Pieter agreed to an interview, which you can read here: (EAG-A12-080520.K War researcher looking to connect with family of Barney McGuigan).

Pieter by Charlotte MacAuley

Pieter with a copy of the telegram sent to Barney McGuigan’s family, advising of his death. (Photo credit: Charlotte MacAuley)

So…. the search for a photo continues…will Pieter be able to fulfill his quest? If anyone has more information or a photo for Barney Reuben McGuigan, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.    

Thank you to Angela Walker of CBC PEI Radio and Charlotte MacAuley of the ‘Eastern Graphic‘ for helping to publicize this search. Thank you also to Regina Faithfull for submitting a photo of the McGuigan family, Jane Scott for the link to the radio interview, and to Father Art O’Shea, diocese archivist at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlottetown, for confirmation of the date of birth and baptism for Barney McGuigan.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?…

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

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

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The Mystery Pennant Commemorating Dutch Royals

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June 21, 2020.  While we were in The Netherlands last fall, we received an intriguing email from fellow Islander G. Lawrence Smith:  “...I recall a story my father, Sgt. Earl F. Smith (The Kangaroos, 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment, only Regiment to be formed in Holland) told to an old friend of his.  During Queen Wilhelmina’s parade in Holland he removed a flag from her vehicle and he was surprised he wasn’t arrested or worse. I still have the flag…”

Queen Wilhelmina was the Dutch queen during the WWII years.  After Germany invaded The Netherlands in 1940 she fled to England and spent the war years there in charge of the Dutch government-in-exile, returning in 1945 following liberation. (For more information see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelmina_of_the_Netherlands)

A flag from a vehicle during one of the royal processions across the country? This was something we had to see!  Lawrence’s father, Sgt. Earl Francis Phinney SMITH, was born in Nova Scotia and enlisted at the No. 6 Depot of the Canadian Army in Halifax on July 22, 1943.  He had originally enlisted in 1940 and served three months with the 2nd Battalion of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, but was released due to a medical condition.  In 1943 he re-enlisted successfully and was sent overseas on April 30, 1944.

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Sgt. Earl F. Smith.  (Photo courtesy of G. Lawrence Smith Family Collection)

In 1945, Earl Smith was posted to Hoffmeister Hall in Groningen, an Army School established in a building at the University of Groningen, where he was the Billetts Sergeant.

CIMG3701 Dec 2 2019 GL Smith Groningen Hoffmeister Hall 1945 photo 2

Staff in the front row, Earl Smith second from right. Back row, students and teachers of Hoffmeister Hall’s 5th Division High School in 1945.  (Photo courtesy of G. Lawrence Smith Family Collection)

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Hoffmeister Hall 5th Division high school staff in 1945.  Front row, left to right: SSM Honsinger, S/Sgt Clark, L/Sgt Lund.  Back row, left to right: L/Sgt Marshall, Sgt Smith. (Photo courtesy of G. Lawrence Smith Family Collection)

Up until we met Lawrence, we were unaware that the Canadian Army had established a school in The Netherlands for Canadian soldiers.  This was fascinating information.  But… what about the flag?  That turned out to be a real mystery.

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Pieter, left, with G. Lawrence Smith, holding the car flag brought home by Sgt. Earl Smith.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

As soon as he saw the flag, Pieter, retired from the Dutch Foreign Service, knew right away that this was not an official royal standard.  We determined that the ‘W’ enclosed in the heart stood for Wilhelmina, while the ‘JB’ at the top likely stood for Wilhelmina’s daughter Juliana, who became queen of The Netherlands in 1948, and Juliana’s husband Bernhard.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juliana_of_the_Netherlands for more information.)

Nevertheless, Pieter contacted the  Protocol Office of The Dutch Royal House and sent them a photo of the flag, just in case someone recognized it.  No luck.  It was a handmade pennant, with no official recognition.  It would not have been on any vehicle in which Queen Wilhelmina was riding.

We looked through YouTube videos of the Queen during 1945, the year in which several parades took place throughout The Netherlands, just in case we could spot the pennant. Nothing. You can watch one here:

The mystery of the flag continues, unsolved at this point in time. Sgt Smith was discharged on March 9, 1946 and returned home.  His brother, George Laurie SMITH, of the Lake Superior Regiment, was not as lucky.  He died February 26, 1945 in Germany and is buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.

Thank you to G. Lawrence Smith for sharing his father’s war experience and the story of the flag.  If you attended Hoffmeister Hall’s Army School, recognize any of the men in the group photos, or can solve the mystery of the pennant with the initials of members of the Dutch Royal Family, 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/

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

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On The War Memorial Trail…..A Face For WWII Soldier Joseph Hennebery!

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May 31, 2020.  Last year, a request was made for photos and information on PEI soldiers from WWII who were buried in The Netherlands.  (See Photos and Info Requested For WW2 Soldiers From PEI Buried In The Netherlands)  One of these soldiers, buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, was Joseph ‘Joe’ Edmund HENNEBERY. 

He was born in Morell on July 7, 1919, the son of Edmund Joseph and Mary ‘May’ Hennebery, and was a sapper with the Royal Canadian Engineers – 33rd Field Company, and served in the UK, France, and The Netherlands.  He died in The Netherlands on April 20, 1945, aged 25, along with two other men, Pte L. A. CROSS, a cook in the platoon, and Sapper A. COLVIN, following an accident on April 18 while off duty.

When we were in The Netherlands last fall, Pieter placed flags at his grave.  “It’s always much more meaningful when I’m standing at a grave and have an idea what the person looked like.”  After our return, a chance encounter with Hennebery’s niece, Teresa Hennebery, resulted in a photo of her uncle, finally giving a face to the name listed on the grave.  “He looks exactly like my father” Teresa explained. “Joe is my father’s brother.”

improved colour photo Joseph Hennebery

Joseph ‘Joe’ E. Henneberry.  (Photo courtesy Hennebery Family Collection.  Photo restoration and colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

“The Hennebery Family from Morell Rear (now called Green Meadows) was very committed to the World War II war effort.  At one point seven of the twelve children in the family were serving in the Canadian Army or Air Force.  Sadly, Joe was the only one of the Hennebery siblings that did not come home.”

In 2000, Teresa visited his grave with family members.  “…That was the first time anyone from the Hennebery family visited Joe Hennebery’s grave.  It was a very emotional and impactful trip…”

20200529_184532 Hennebery family visiting grave

In 2000, Joe Hennebery’s sister-in-law Mary visited his grave, and posed for a photo with her sisters. Left to right: Laura Brazel, Mary Hennebery, Evelyn McAliney.  (Photo courtesy Hennebery Family Collection)

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Teresa and Mary Hennebery at Joe Hennebery’s grave in 2000.  (Photo courtesy Hennebery Family Collection)

On behalf of the Hennebery family, Teresa wrote that “…The family appreciates the efforts of the Dutch people to commemorate and remember those Islanders and Canadians who gave their lives for our freedom. ‘Dying for freedom is not the worst thing that could happen; being forgotten is.’…”

Joe Hennebery is not the only family member buried in a Dutch cemetery.  Michael Joseph ‘Joe’ MCKENNA, the brother of Teresa’s mother Mary, is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. “…My mother and I were in Holland in May 2000 for a commemoration ceremony for her brother (also named Joe) who was killed in Rha a couple of weeks before my other Uncle Joe died.  It was so beautiful and the people of Rha treated us like Royalty...”

Thank you to Teresa Hennebery for sharing her family photos, which will be forwarded by Pieter to the researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek.  If you have information to share about Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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.

3 Short Videos About The Liberation Of The Netherlands

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May 6, 2020.  In the last blog posting, photos about the tulips that were placed in the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek were featured.  (See Tulips Placed At Each Grave At The Canadian War Cemetery In Groesbeek)

Alice van Bekkum, Chair of Faces To Graves, sent us a short YouTube video “Er zijn duizenden tulpen op de Canadese Erebegraafplaats geplaatst” (“Thousands of tulips have been placed in the Canadian War Cemetery”) that shows tulips being placed on the graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek by volunteers.  You can watch it here:

Historica Canada has produced a short video,  “Liberation of The Netherlands“ in their Heritage Minutes series.

 

“Think Like A Historian“, another Historica Canada production, also has a YouTube video on the Liberation of The Netherlands.

 

Happy Viewing!  If you have information to share about Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands, please contact Pieter at dariadv@yahoo.ca or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

Tulips Placed At Each Grave At The Canadian War Cemetery In Groesbeek

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May 5, 2020.  While events planned for the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands were cancelled due to social distancing to prevent further outbreaks of coronavirus, organizations and individuals have found ways to mark the occasion.  One group from BC, the Dutch Canadian Liberation 2020 Society, planned many commemorative events.  (See https://www.dutchcanada2020.com/about-us/ )

When these had to be cancelled, the Society decided to pay for tulips to be placed at the graves at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands.  Most of the soldiers buried in this cemetery fell during the fighting on the Lower Rhine between February 8 and March 26, 1945.  In addition, the names of 1,103 soldiers reported missing between August 1944 and May 1945 are listed on the Groesbeek Memorial, with only a few found since the memorial was put up.  The rest are still listed as MIA (Missing In Action).

The Cemetery was closed on the first two days in May while volunteers placed tulips in vases beside each grave.

Tulips arriving at groesbeek on may 1st spanjers

Tulips arrive at the Cemetery on May 1.  (Photo credit: Piet Spanjers)

close up of tulip by grave in groesbeek spanjers

Each grave had a vase of tulips placed by volunteers.  (Photo credit: Piet Spanjers)

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Vases of tulips line the bench along the Memorial Wall.  (Photo credit:  Scheepers family)

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Grave of L/Cpl Ralph Schurman BOULTER, North Nova Scotia Highlanders, from West Point. (Photo credit:  Scheepers family)

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Grave of PEI soldier Sapper Joseph Edmond HENNEBERY, Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers, from Morrell. (Photo credit: Scheepers family)

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Grave of L/Cpl Frank Edward MCGOVERN, North Shore Regiment, born in Chipman. (Photo credit:  Scheepers family)

Our thanks to Ad and Noor Scheepers for taking photos, including those of the graves of:

  • Ralph Schurman BOULTER, who came from West Point, Prince Edward Island
  • Joseph Edmond HENNEBERY, who came from Morrell, Prince Edward Island
  • Frank Edward MCGOVERN, born in Chipman, New Brunswick

You can read (or re-read!) about our 2019 and 2017 War Memorial tour visits to the cemetery here:

·       https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/12/04/on-the-war-memorial-trail-our-2019-visit-to-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-groesbeek/

·     https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/12/30/on-the-war-memorial-trail-pei-soldiers-buried-in-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-groesbeek/

·        https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/12/25/on-the-war-memorial-trail-at-the-canadian-war-cemetery-in-groesbeek/

In an unrelated commemorative gesture, a group of Dutch farmers used tractors to spell out ’75 Jaar Vrijheid’ (75 Years of Freedom) in the shape of a torch. They were given a citation by Dutch authorities for not respecting social distancing rules! (Watch them make this tribute in a 42 second video at https://www.nu.nl/280619/video/boeren-vormen-fakkel-met-trekkers-in-wei-en-ontsteken-vrijheidsvuur.html?jwsource=em)

No photos have yet been found for Joseph Edmond HENNEBERY and Frank Edward MCGOVERN. Can you help? If you have information to share about any Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com or comment on the blog.  UPDATE:  A photo of Joseph Edmond Hennebery was subsequently submitted.

© 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.