Prince Edward Island

On The War Memorial Trail….. Pieter Awarded Sovereign’s Medal For Volunteers

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Pieter’s Sovereign’s Medal For Volunteers. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

May 4, 2021. On February 18, 2020, while we were in Florida for our winter vacation, I went to the movies with a few friends.  We went to see a ‘chick flick’, a film not of interest to any of our husbands, including Pieter.  While I was away, Pieter got a phone call from the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, advising that he had been nominated for the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers and this was approved by the Governor General.  Would he be willing to accept it?  (See  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign%27s_Medal_for_Volunteers)

A very surprised Pieter said it would be an honour.  We all know what happened next….  Covid put a stop to any events, and the ceremony was postponed.  Almost 14 months later, Pieter got a call from the Events Coordinator at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.  Would he be willing to have a virtual presentation ceremony?  The answer was yes.

Pieter wears the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

On April 30, 2021, Pieter Valkenburg was presented with the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal For Volunteers, for his ongoing research to uncover the stories and photos of those who served in WWI and WWII, and sharing his research findings with the public.   (See https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/342-116665)

The insignia was presented to him by the Hon. Catherine Callbeck, CM, OPEI, LLD, on behalf of His Excellency the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., Administrator of the Government of Canada, via a virtual private ceremony.   

Pieter with Catherine Callbeck.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Pieter thanks those who helped with this research project….

Given the shortness of the ceremony, Pieter was unable to thank everyone who has helped with the On The War Memorial Trail research project.  So here is what Pieter asked to be included in this posting:

“…I am deeply humbled by this honour. Thank you to those who nominated me and supported this nomination.

I started this project to offer my gratitude to Canada for liberating country of my birth. As a Canadian, I wanted to honour those soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice and the families that lost their loved ones.

My volunteerism would have never been possible without the support of many people and I would like to mention some of them. First and foremost, my wife Daria, who makes sure that a blog about my research is written, YouTube videos are posted, a Twitter account is maintained, and articles are written and published.

I would also like to thank Mike and Isabel Smith of The County Line Courier who have given us enormous support and published all the articles that my wife wrote.

Thank you to Angela Walker of CBC radio in Charlottetown, as well as CBC radio in Moncton and Halifax, CBC Radio-Canada in Moncton, and CTV Atlantic’s Live At Five.  Their support provided platforms to ask for the public’s help in researching soldiers.

This project initially began with 48 names on a Cenotaph and has expanded to cover soldiers in Atlantic provinces.  I thank the many Legion members in the Atlantic provinces who have helped fulfill photo requests. 

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 in Borden-Carleton is commended for its willingness to create a wall of honour with pictures of the WWI and WWII soldiers that we have researched and that are mentioned on their Cenotaph.

One of the names on this Cenotaph was that of a 23 year old WWII pilot from PEI.  He died but saved his crew and the village of Wons in The Netherlands by choosing to stay with his plane after it was shot down.

With the help and cooperation of the Tryon and Area Historical Society on Prince Edward Island, and the Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation in The Netherlands, a memorial panel for this pilot and his crew was installed in 2019 near the crash site.

I would like to thank the many families that donated pictures and stories about relatives who served. These contacts have been heartwarming and have enriched our lives. We were able to meet a number of them, and are honoured by the gratitude they’ve shown that their relatives are not forgotten.

Over the years, we have visited Vimy Ridge, Menin Gate, and many cemeteries in France, Belgium, Germany, and The Netherlands to pay our respects to the soldiers that we have researched and written about and to honour them by placing small Canadian and provincial flags at their graves.

These flags were provided by the offices of Senator Mike Duffy, our federal Member of Parliament, Wayne Easter, and our provincial Member of the Legislative Assembly, Jamie Fox. 

During these visits we met many other volunteers, who devote their time to make sure that the sacrifice made by the soldiers will never be forgotten, such as research volunteers for the three Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands.  Presently I’m assisting them in finding photos and non-military information for soldiers from the Maritimes.

Remembrance of those who gave their lives for our continued freedom is important, and no soldier buried overseas should ever be forgotten.  My research work will continue. Thank you….”

The ceremony was very emotional and touching, and as a very proud wife, I was delighted that Pieter received this award.  I’m extremely proud of him for his incredible work in bringing history to life by telling the stories of individuals who served in WWI and WWII.

Comments on Pieter receiving the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers….

As people have learned of this award, several took the time to contact Pieter.  Here are a few of the comments:

Mike and Isabel Smith, Publishers of the County Line Courier:  “Congratulations on receiving the Sovereigns Medal For Volunteers. What an accomplishment.

The award appropriately reflects your passion and the endless hours you have spent making phone calls, researching and following leads to recover and secure information and photographs of veterans whose stories might have been forgotten and lost.

Your dedication honours the service and sacrifices of these veterans who served their country.

On behalf of The County Line Courier Community Newspaper, congratulations and keep up the good work.”

Susan and Charlie Choi: “Congratulations Pieter!!!!!!!  Very exciting news and very well deserved!” 

Mieke de Bie: “It is a great honour for him. He may be proud of it because he deserves it! It happens not everyday… I am excited too, and also proud of our cousin.”

Marjorie Inman:  “Thank you Pieter for your many years of devotion to this worthwhile project.”

Rheal Leger and Simone Belliveau: “Congratulations to Pieter. That’s a major honour for a great continuation of his project. Outstanding work Pieter!”

Alexander Tuinhout, Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation: “Congratulations Pieter! Receiving this medal is not only an honour, but also a public recognition of the important work that the both of you do and have done already. Commemorating the fallen during both World Wars is not only about history, but also about connecting people and keeping the memories alive.”

Brien and Moira Robertson: “Congratulations for your award. It is such an honor. Everyone is proud of you. It is a wonderful achievement and the fallen dead were very honored through your achievements.” 

Remco and Barbara de Jong: “Woooow, congratulations on this extraordinary award and recognition. And in my opinion no more than is deserved. Not that you are doing this great job to get a medal but for the gratitude of the next of kin. That their loved ones didn’t sacrifice for nothing in the end. Pieter and Daria stay healthy and especially continue with this great work. With congratulations from Fryske Makkum.”

Lina and Sergio Canonico: “Congratulations Pieter for your dedication and perseverance to this project.  It was a true labour of love and one that has meant so much to those families that have lost their loved ones.  Lest they never be forgotten.  May the good Lord bless you.”

Thank you to the Events Coordination and IT team for the Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, for arranging the ceremony.  The Canadian and PEI provincial flags were provided by Annie Lee and Elmer MacDonald, who were able to temporarily borrow them from their church.  Thank you to Catherine Callbeck for presenting the insignia on behalf of the Administrator of the Government of Canada. And a huge thank you to those who nominated and supported Pieter for this award.

The On The War Memorial Trail project continues. If you have photos or information to share, please email us 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 on the book, please see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWI Soldier Who Returned To Tryon

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April 24, 2021.  One of the joys in doing research for the On The War Memorial Trail research project is the opportunity to learn more about the families of our friends and neighbours.  Much of the focus is on those who served our country and lost their lives while in service.

Pieter with Mary Ferguson, daughter of Maynard Foy.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

However, the majority of military service personnel in WWI and WWII returned home.  We don’t often know much about their time in service, or what happened afterwards.  As families come forward with information, Pieter is trying to tell these stories. Recently we met with Mary Ferguson of Crapaud, who shared photos about her father.

Maynard Foy.  (Photo courtesy of Mary Ferguson)

WWI veteran Maynard FOY of Tryon, Prince Edward Island was born December 22, 1886, the son of Theodore Seth Harding Foy and Almira Boulter. By the time he enlisted with the 105th Overseas Battalion on March 2, 1916, he already had served 8 years in the 82nd ‘Abegweit Light Infantry’ Regiment (which later became the PEI Highlanders.  For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prince_Edward_Island_Highlanders).

On July 25, 1916 he arrived in England aboard the SS Empress of Britain. On March 2, 1918 he was transferred to the 13th Reserve Battalion, then a month later to the 26th Overseas (New Brunswick) Battalion.

The medical case history sheet at Camp Hill Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia noted that Maynard was admitted on July 13, 1919 – straight from the hospital ship HMHS Araguaya. (See https://wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/ships/view.php?pid=3451) His injuries had occurred during the Battle of Amiens. (See https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/battle-of-amiens) 

According to the medical file, during the battle Maynard “…was carrying a smoke bomb in his left trousers pocket in the attack of August 8, 1918 when a machine gun bullet struck the bomb, causing it to explode, burning his left leg from the trochanter major to ankle, and palms of both hands…”  The trochanter major is a bony prominence toward the near end of the thighbone ie the femur, the point at which the hip and thigh muscles attach.

In a report for the 2004 Foy Reunion, Maynard’s great-granddaughter, Melissa Gauthier wrote that “… As a result of the explosion, Maynard’s leg caught fire. In Maynard’s attempt to put it out with his hands, they were burnt so bad he couldn’t straighten them. They greatly resembled claws….”

The medical care history report explained that “… The bullet penetrated the thigh in upper third.  Has been in hospital since that time….” Maynard had been taken to England from a hospital in Rouen, France, then returned to Canada once he was stable enough to travel, and remained in hospital quite a while longer.  He wasn’t discharged until January 12, 1920.

Emma Howatt Foy.  (Photo courtesy of Mary Ferguson)

Once back on the Island, he settled in Tryon and ran a mixed farming operation.  “… He married the love of his life, Emma Howatt, then proceeded to have 11 children…” said Melissa in her report. They had married in Bedeque on September 13, 1923.

The Foy siblings. Left to right, standing: Ralph, Mary, Cecil (+), Theo (+), Marion, Keith, Percy, Ruth (+), Lorne.  Seated, left to right: Louise, Betty (+) (Photo courtesy of Mary Ferguson)

Maynard’s leg never healed properly. Melissa recounted that “…my grandfather…Ralph Foy… often took Maynard to the doctors to have the bone fragments extracted from Maynard’s leg. As painful as it sounds, Maynard didn’t feel a thing for the explosion had left his leg numb….”

Maynard died on April 18, 1957, and is buried at the Tryon People’s Cemetery in Tryon, Prince Edward Island. He’s never been forgotten by his family.  Mary Ferguson recalled that “… he was a very patient guy who never got cross.  Eleven kids and he never got cross!….”

Thank you to Mary Ferguson for sharing photos and information about her father.  Maynard Foy was fortunate as he was able to return home from WWI. Three men from the same area were not as lucky in the Battle of Amiens, and are buried overseas:

If you have photos or information to share, please email us at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog. Please note that Pieter is still looking for a photo of James Cairns and Bazil Cormier.  UPDATE:  A photo of James Cairns has been found!

© 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 Leigh Hunt Cameron Moves To YouTube

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Pieter during Leigh Hunt Cameron video

Pieter during the filming of the YouTube video ‘Photo Search – WWI Soldier Leigh Hunt Cameron’ (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

March 24, 2021.  When Pieter began his research to find out about the men listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, his hope was to have a photo of each man, to go with the stories he was able to unfold.

He always thought that finding a photo of a soldier who died without ever leaving the Island wouldn’t be difficult to find.  However, this has not been the case for WWI soldier Leigh Hunt CAMERON.  (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2019/04/29/the-ww1-soldiers-who-never-left-canada/)

Born in Albany, Prince Edward Island on May 6, 1898 to Anna Jane Cameron, Leigh was raised by his grandparents, Alexander Walter Cameron and Phoebe Ann Murray.

In 1907, Anna Jane married Arthur Edwards from Ontario, and they moved to Carman, Manitoba. They had 3 daughters and 1 son.

Leigh enlisted on March 2, 1916 with the 105th Battalion, C Company but shortly afterwards caught measles and developed pneumonia.  He died of these causes on May 5, 1916, and is buried in the cemetery of the Free Church of Scotland in Cape Traverse, Prince Edward Island.  While visiting his grave, Pieter wished he knew what this young man looked like.  (Note: The cemetery is now called Cape Traverse Community Cemetery)

Pieters saying

After several years of an unsuccessful search for family or friends, he’s taken his appeal for a photo to YouTube, in the hope that a viewer might come forward:

Thank you to post-production editor Wendy Nattress, who made this YouTube video a reality. If you have photos or information to share about Leigh Hunt Cameron, 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/

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/

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

You can subscribe to: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ591TyjSheOR-Cb_Gs_5Kw

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

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4452150 Happy New Year

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

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

Arnold Taylor photo from Barbara Simester

Arnold Dudley Taylor.  (Photo courtesy of Barbara Simester)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grave of Arnold Taylor from Barbara Simester

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

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

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

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

CIMG9464 Barbara Taylor with Pieter and Photo Arnold Taylor

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Previous postings on Islanders killed in Italy….

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

George Alfred DUNN:

Ernest Murray NORTON:

Albert Eugene ARSENAULT:

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail…..The Continuing Search For A Photo of WWI Soldier Joseph Arthur Desroches

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CIMG4888 Nov 10 2020 Pieter being interviewed by Radio Canada Acadie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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….. Remembering WWI Soldier William Earle Davison

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Remembrance-Day-2019-Images-1024x520

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

Coloured photo Davison

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

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

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

CIMG4858 Oct 28 2020 Irene & Earle Davison

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No 22 General Hopsital Camiers

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

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

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

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

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

CIMG4821 group photo

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

….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…..A PEI Soldier In The Devil’s Brigade

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments
1st_Special_Service_Force.patch

First Special Services Force patch.  (Image courtesy of  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Special_Service_Force)

October 26, 2020.  The spark to inspire research into a Canadian soldier tends to happen in the most innocuous of circumstances.  For Pieter, it was while standing at the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion on a blustery November 11 several years ago.  Unlike many of us, he looked at the names and wondered who they were.  Had any of them been in The Netherlands, the country of his birth, and helped liberate it?   That moment sent him on a quest that has involved lots of research, many visits to archives, cemeteries, and monuments in several provinces and four European countries.  And he’s not finished.

For North Rustico resident Paul Keleher, that moment happened at Michael’s picture framing counter in Charlottetown.  “… A clerk brought out a Devils Brigade poster and I noticed a name from North Rustico…” Keleher said.  “…Until then, I had no idea there were Canadians in the Devils Brigade, let alone any from Prince Edward Island!…”  The name he noticed on the poster was Joseph Robert GAUTHIER.

That was the spark that initially piqued Paul’s interest, and then  “…I bumped into a relative who mentioned where he was buried and said that his widow was still alive and living in Drummondville, Quebec….”

Paul found the grave in the St Augustine Cemetery in South Rustico and decided he wanted to learn more.  Like Pieter, who served in the Dutch Air Force, Paul Keleher is also a veteran, having served in the British Army. “…I was in the Royal Green Jackets and served in Malaya and then Borneo on active service 1963 to 66.  I was later posted to Berlin.  This was shortly after the wall went up...”

IMG_1680 Cemetery photo from Paul Keleher

Grave of Joseph Robert Gauthier. (Photo credit: Paul Keleher)

After speaking to Gauthier’s widow Dorothy, a British war bride from the southern part of England, he contacted us for a bit of advice from Pieter on how to proceed with further research.  “…I enjoy your articles on local Canadian Soldiers so when I heard about Joey I thought of you...”

CIMG4448 Sep 20 2020 meeting with Paul Keleher

Pieter (standing) with Paul Keleher and his wife Hasmah. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

….Origins Of The First Special Service Force aka The Devil’s Brigade….

So, what was the Devil’s Brigade?  Officially known as First Special Service Force (FSSF), this was an American-Canadian commando unit, formed in 1942, and commanded by the US Army’s Fifth Army. The unit trained in Helena, Montana and served in the Aleutian Islands, then fought in Italy and France before being disbanded in December 1944.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Special_Service_Force)

In Canada, the Minister of Defence approved sending soldiers to the unit, but decided to say they were forming the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion.  Volunteers were recruited under that name, and were also known as the ‘2nd Canadian Parachute Battalion’.  No mention was made of ‘First Special Service Force’ or that it was to be an international unit at the time.  However, in April–May 1943 they received the designation 1st Canadian Special Service Battalion.

Peter Layton Cottingham, author of ‘Once Upon A Wartime: A Canadian Who Survived the Devil’s Brigade’ noted that all the men wore the same uniform.  “…we were issued American Army clothing which was ‘space age’ compared to the ‘King’s Burlap’ we had all worn in the Canadian Army…”

The name ‘Devil’s Brigade’ came after a diary was found on the body of a German lieutenant in Italy, according to an account in ‘The Devil’s Brigade’ by Robert H. Adelman and George Walton:  “…In it was written ‘The Black Devils are all around us every time we come into the line, and we never hear them come’….” 

Adelman and Walton go on to explain that the reference to Black Devils came from an initiative by the unit’s commander.  “...He had ordered a printed supply of paper stickers upon which was reproduced the insignia of his Brigade and, underneath, was a statement in German to the effect that ‘The Worst Is Yet To Come’.  The Forcemen, after killing a German, would paste one of these stickers on the German’s forehead or helmet, and then go on.  This tactic, executed by a band of blackfaced guerrillas moving soundlessly through the night, not only frightened the enemy, it also produced a mighty effect on the other beachhead soldiers and war correspondents…”

….Joseph Robert Gauthier Was In The Devil’s Brigade….

cfl_1876 Joseph Robert Gauthier

Joseph Robert Gauthier in his First Special Service Force uniform.  (Photo courtesy of Linda Craig Family Collection)

Born on February 24, 1924 in Rusticoville, Prince Edward Island, Joseph Robert Gauthier enlisted with the Carleton & York Regiment, before going into the FSSF.  He was a T4, a technical ranking which paid the same as a sergeant, but without the authority of a sergeant.  As seen on the sleeve of his uniform, a T4 wore 3 stripes with a T under the stripes. 

….The Devil’s Brigade Was Disbanded On December 5, 1944….

The unit was disbanded on December 5, 1944 near the village of Villeneuve-Loubet, France. In Cottingham’s memoir, he explained that they then travelled by boat from Marseille to Naples.   “…At Avellino we were divested of our American uniforms, being allowed to keep only our treasured and distinctive parachute boots.  We spent a few hours every day being reintroduced to Canadian Army commands and drill.  We also needed to have our new Canadian uniforms adjusted and decked out with our various insignia and chevrons of rank.  It was quite a transition. One small compensation was that we were issued the cherry berets of the Airborne regiments….”

After spending Christmas in Avellino, Italy, the Canadians returned to England in January 1945.  Cottingham noted that “…Those of us who were not sent to officers training were absorbed into the First Canadian Parachute Battalion and, following a brief course in Canadian weaponry and parachute drill, were dispatched to join the regiment already in contact with the enemy near the Rhine River…”  Family members told Paul Keleher that Gauthier joined the Black Watch after the FSSF disbanded.

In his research, Paul learned that Gauthier met his wife Dorothy Howard at a dance in Aldershot, England in 1945, and they married on December 12, 1945 in Cathedral Church of St. Michael and St. George, a Catholic church in Aldershot.

improved_photo-1 Gauthier and wife

Dorothy and Joseph Gauthier.  (Photo courtesy of Linda Craig Family Collection.  Photo restoration and colourization by Pieter Valkenburg)

In January 1946 Gauthier was discharged and returned to Canada.   War Bride Dorothy was able to follow him to Canada in July 1946. Gauthier became a fisherman, but after a few years he rejoined the Armed Forces, and served for an additional 32 years.  As part of a peacekeeping force he was in Korea in 1951 and later in Egypt.  He and Dorothy had 6 children:  3 daughters, 1 son Raymond, and 2 who have passed away.

Gauthier passed away on February 27, 1987 in Montreal and was returned back to the Island for burial. 

….Other Islanders Who Served In The Devil’s Brigade….

In addition to Joseph Robert Gauthier, Paul wrote down the names of other Islanders who served in this special unit that had been identified on the poster he saw in Michael’s.  They are:

  • Lieutenant Colonel R. W. (Bill) BECKETT of  Charlottetown
  • Private L. E. (Lawrence ‘Junior’) DURANT of  Charlottetown
  • Warrant Officer Class 2 Wilfred MACDONALD of Glenwilliam
  • Sergeant E. L. (‘Tiny’) MACLEAN of Ocean View
  • Private J. H. MCINNIS of Morrel
  • Private C. W. (Charlie) DEIGHAN of Summerside
  • Private J. F. CHAPPEL of Charlottetown
  • Private A. J. BURDETTE of Charlottetown
  • Private F. C. MCCORMICK of Ebbsfleet
  • Private C. W. (Clarence)THOMPSON of Summerside
  • Private J. (Joe) JAMIESON of North Rustico
  • Private R. E. TRAINOR of Charlottetown
  • Private W.F. (William) DOUGLAS of Mount Stewart
  • Private E. J. (‘Ping Pong’) GALLANT of Summerside
  • Private W. P. (Wilfred) DOWLING of Charlottetown
  • Private R. J. (Ray) DURANT of Summerside

William Douglas of Mount Stewart was the only Islander killed in action while serving with the First Special Service Force.

Rememberance-Day-2020-Canada-5

Thank you to Paul Keleher for letting us know about the Island connection to the Devil’s Brigade, and the service of Joseph Robert Gauthier.  This Remembrance Day, if you find yourself in St Augustine Cemetery in South Rustico, lay a flag down by his grave as a thank you for his service.

If you have information to share about Joseph Robert Gauthier, or any of the other Islanders who were in the Devil’s Brigade, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com or comment on the blog. 

© Daria Valkenburg

….Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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The WWII Soldier Killed In Action While Crossing The Foglia River In Italy

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October 9, 2020.  Four WWII soldiers on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion lost their lives in Italy…. George Alfred DUNN of the Carleton & York Regiment, Ernest Murray NORTON of the West Nova Scotia Regiment, Arnold Dudley TAYLOR, also of the West Nova Scotia Regiment, and the subject of this posting, Albert Eugene ARSENAULT of the Cape Breton Highlanders.

Albert Eugene Arsenault

Albert Eugene Arsenault. (Photo courtesy of Borden-Carleton Legion Branch #10)

Albert was born on May 5, 1916 in Palmer Road, the son of Joseph and Philoman (Minnie) Arsenault, whose family later moved to Albany.  A farm labourer before the war, at the time of his enlistment he was working as a lumberman with the Canadian Lumber Company in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia.   On April 30, 1940, he enlisted with the PEI Highlanders in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The enlistment record indicated he spoke both English and French fluently.

Like so many soldiers, he served in several units.  One of the first was the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.  On September 25, 1942, he left for England, where he served as a military guard.  He left for Italy on February 19, 1944, arriving on March 3, 1944.  In May 1944 he was transferred to the Cape Breton Highlanders.

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

One of those killed in action while crossing the Foglia River near Montecchio, during the battle to take a knoll on the Gothic defence line on August 30, 1944 was Albert Arsenault.  He was buried in the Montecchio War Cemetery in Italy. 582 Commonwealth soldiers, including 289 Canadians, who died in late August and September 1944 in the battle to break The Gothic Line, are buried here.

MONTECCHIO-WAR-CEMETERY~838-06_06_2019-13_23 CWGC

Montecchio War Cemetery, in the locality of Montecchio in the Commune of Montelabbate (Province of Pesaro).  (Photo source: https://www.cwgc.org)

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

Dunn:

Norton:

Pieter has not found family members who might have more information on Albert Eugene Arsenault.  If you can help, 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/

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…..A Face For WWII Soldier James Walter Auld

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July 7, 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)

It’s been a slow and difficult quest, but in the past few months two photos have been found, one for Joseph Edmund HENNEBERY (See On The War Memorial Trail…..A Face For Joseph Hennebery!) and now one for James ‘Walter’ AULD.

The story of how Walter’s photo was found has several twists and turns.  Pieter had zero luck in finding anyone related to this WWII soldier, who is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom in The Netherlands, until we met Helen MacEwen, who had invited us to see a WWI era map her father-in-law had sent to the Island in 1918.  (See The WW1 Era ‘Course Of The Rhine’ Map of Germany)

We brought along a ‘wish list’ of photos and after looking at the list, Helen suggested that Pieter contact Allison Ellis, as his wife Melba came from the same area as Walter.  “…Allison is a retired politician…” Helen explained, “...and knows a lot of people…”  (See http://www.peildo.ca/fedora/repository/leg:27520)

It was a long shot. Lots of people over the years have suggested names, which turned out to be a fruitless exercise, but this time Pieter found a kindred spirit.  Allison remembered a Walter Auld and it was soon determined that this was the same person.  “…. I’ve been to his grave in The Netherlands….” Pieter was told. Allison didn’t have a photo, but thought he knew who to ask.  “…Leave it with me…” he said. A week later, we were sitting in the home of Allison and Melba, and Pieter had a photo that Walter’s niece, Judy Bartlett, had provided.

CIMG4156 Jun 23 2020 Pieter with Melba & Allison Ellis

Left to right: Melba Ellis, Pieter, Allison Ellis.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

James Walter Auld

Walter Auld. (Photo courtesy of Judy Bartlett Family Collection)

James ‘Walter’ AULD was born October 21, 1923 in Glenwood, the son of James and Margaret Auld of O’Leary Station, and was a garage mechanic with Corney Brothers in Summerside.  After enlisting in Charlottetown on February 20, 1942, he was sent for basic training as a rifleman.

A note in his service file indicates he was unhappy with this placement and noted he had been promised a position as a driver or mechanic when he enlisted.  His mechanical knowledge was assessed as ‘superior’ and the recommendation was made that he be transferred to a position where his skills could be used.

In May 1942 he was transferred to the Princess Louise Fusiliers (Motor Division), and by October 1942 he was on his way to England. In August 1943 he was transferred to the Algonquin Regiment.  In July 1944 he was with his unit, first in France and then as they moved into The Netherlands.

According to the War Diary for the Algonquin Regiment, on November 1, 1944 they were under the command of the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Armoured Division, and in action to try and take the town of Welberg, The Netherlands.   This was part of Operation Suitcase, which began on October 20, 1944, and as part of the bigger Battle of the Scheldt operation.  (See https://canadianbattlefieldtours.ca/operation-suitcase/)

self propelled tank p49

The war diary entry for November 1, 1944 recorded that “… Zero hour was at 19:00 hours…. We had 17 SP (self-propelled) tanks in support to deal with the enemy SP tanks…. Shortly after the kick-off, ‘A’ Company reported that one SP had bogged down and was holding the Company up  and before they got going again ‘D’ Company reported they were 300 yards from Welberg.  At 20:45 hours ‘A’ Company reported that one of the SPs had been hit and was burning.  At 21:00 hours ‘A’ Company reported another SP burning and that the situation was very confused due to heavy shelling of their positions by enemy SPs….”

At some point in this battle on November 1, 1944, Walter lost his life, aged 21. On November 6, 1944, he was buried in a cemetery in Steenbergen, not far from where he died.

Map where Auld died with arrow

Map with a black arrow showing the approximate location where Auld lost his life near Welberg. The unit had come from the area of Moerstaten. He was initially buried in Steenbergen, then later in Bergen Op Zoom. (Map courtesy of Michelin)

In October 1946 Walter was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom.  We were there in October 2019 and Pieter placed Canadian and PEI flags by his grave.  (See On The War Memorial Trail…..Our 2019 Visit To The Canadian War Cemetery In Bergen Op Zoom for an account of our visit.)

CIMG3388 Oct 7 2019 Bergen Op Zoom James Auld

Pieter by the grave of Walter Auld at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thanks to the combined efforts of Allison and Melba Ellis, Judy Bartlett, and Helen MacEwen, a photo of James ‘Walter’ Auld is on its way to the researchers at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom. 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/

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On The War Memorial Trail…..The WWI Era ‘Course Of The Rhine’ Map of Germany

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July 3, 2020.  It’s always a pleasure to hear from readers.  After reading about Harold Keith Howatt’s travels to WWI Germany as part of the post-occupation forces, Helen MacEwen contacted us about a map that her father-in-law sent to his future wife in 1918.  “…I have been reading with interest your reports about the WWI Veterans and wondered if I could bring further information about my father-in-law’s last tour after the German surrender. His name was Sgt. Herbert ‘Herb’ S. MACEWEN from Stanley Bridge…”

Helen went on to describe the map.  “…I have a copy of the ‘COURSE OF THE RHINE: From Mayence to Cologne’. It is a fold-out map of the Rhine River within a hard-cover. It is very fragile but does mention the different towns that you mentioned in your stories…” (You can read Howatt’s account at The WW1 Soldier Who Went To Post WW1 Germany)  Today we know Mayence as Mainz.

CIMG4111 Jun 14 2020 Herbert MacEwan in uniform

Herbert MacEwen.  (Photo courtesy of Helen MacEwen collection)

Howatt was in the 8th Canadian Siege Battery during WWI, while MacEwen was in the 2nd Canadian Siege Battery.  Both batteries were later attached to the 2nd Brigade, the only Canadian Heavy Artillery Brigade that went to Germany.

We were intrigued and made arrangements to meet Helen and see the map.  It turned out to be a surprise, as it was a foldable, panoramic map in full colour, showing the area along the Rhine River between Mainz and Cologne.  To complete the surprise, the map was written in English, but published in Germany.  It was clear that this had to be a map that pre-dated WWI and was designed for tourists!

20200614_144359 Jun 14 2020 Pieter & Helen MacEwan with panoramic map of Rhine River

Pieter and Helen MacEwen with the foldable, panoramic map. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Ralf Gräfenstein, a historian in Berlin, found a document that might explain why a map published in Germany over 100 years ago would be in English. “…These maps were made in English for tourists from Britain and Overseas, who came before the beginning of WWI and after the war to the German Rhine area…” he explained.

Ralf referred me to a 2006 dissertation written by Thilo Nowack of the University of Bonn, entitled ‘Rhein, Romantik, Reisen. Der Ausflugs- und Erholungsreiseverkehr im Mittelrheintal im Kontext gesellschaftlichen Wandels (1890 bis 1970)’ and gave a reference to the chapters that would be of interest. (Translation of the dissertation: ‘Rhine, romance, travel. Excursion and recreational travel in the Middle Rhine Valley in the context of social change (1890 to 1970)’).

In the dissertation, it was explained that “… the Tourism Society of the Rhine Area was founded in 1904… with the goal “to promote and make traveling and the stay on the Rhine and its side valleys pleasant’…” in response to the view that “… the Rhineland had lost its attraction as a travel destination since the late 19th century…”  As part of the tourism promotion effort, “… posters, brochures and other booklets were used to advertise in German, English, French and Dutch…” and placed “…in train stations at home and abroad…”  Tourist promotion was economically important as “… the invention and expansion of steam shipping and railroads enabled an enormous increase in travel on the Rhine…”

It seems likely that Herbert MacEwen could have found the map in a shop or train station someplace in Germany, most likely Cologne.  It’s clearly a tourist map, with key destinations identified along the Rhine, with brief explanations and diagrams.

20200614_144505 EXCERPT Jun 14 2020 Portion of map between Cologne & Mehlem - Copy

An excerpt from the map, showing illustrations and descriptions.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Helen noted that “…Herb had sent this map to his girlfriend in Stanley Bridge. They married in 1921.  He states that they stayed near Mehlem-on-Rhine…”

At the top of the map Herb had written “… Arrived at the Rhine on December 12th, 1918.  I have marked the bridge on which we expect to pass over. We are at present guarding the bridgehead from this site…”  This confirms the entry in Harold Howatt’s account, which stated that they had arrived in Cologne on December 12.

20200614_143410 Jun 14 2020 note on map saying unit was guarding bridge head

Herb MacEwen’s note at the top of the map.  (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

A bridgehead is the strategically important area of ground around the end of a bridge over a body of water.  (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgehead)

On December 13, Harold Howatt had noted that “….the Canadian troops marched across the Rhine, reviewed as they crossed the bridge by General Plumer and General Currie…” The bridge crossed was the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohenzollern_Bridge)

To our amazement, Pieter found a video from the Imperial War Museum of this march across the Hohenzollern Bridge: https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060008233.

Herb MacEwen was discharged on May 18, 1919.   His daughter-in-law Helen told us that “…he would be 21 years old.  He apparently, ‘conveniently,’ put his birthdate down as older than fact when he joined the Army…”

The individual stories of our soldiers enrich the sometimes dry facts of history, and it was wonderful to learn of the shared history of Herb MacEwen and Harold Howatt.

For more information on the post WWI occupation of the Rhineland, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupation_of_the_Rhineland

For more information on General Sir Herbert Plumer, who commanded the Army of Occupation, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Plumer,_1st_Viscount_Plumer

For more information on General Sir Arthur Currie, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Currie

Thank you to Helen MacEwen for sharing the story of Herb MacEwen and Course Of The Rhine Map from the early 20th Century.  If you have a story to share, 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/

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