Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC)

On The War Memorial Trail…..The Soldier From Birch River Who Served In Italy And North West Europe But Lost His Life 5 Months After WWII Ended

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August 17, 2026. One can imagine the relief that soldiers and their families felt when WWII in Europe was officially over, after the Allies formally accepted Germany’s unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945.  While some soldiers slowly began returning home, others remained in Europe, tasked with various duties in liberated countries and as a post-occupation force in Germany.

Unfortunately, not everyone who had survived WWII returned home. Accidents and illness led to the death of several soldiers.  One such soldier was Edward Alexander MUNRO, who died in a road accident in Germany in October 1945, at the age of 27, while serving with the 2nd Line 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade Company of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (Canadian Army Occupation Force).

Birch River is in northern Manitoba, near the border with the province of Saskatchewan. (Map source: Google Maps)

Born September 17, 1917 in Birch River, Manitoba, Edward was the son of Thomas ‘Tom’ Henry and Margaret ‘Maggie’ (nee Moore) Munro.  He had three brothers: John Peter, Angus James, and Charles ‘Charley’ George, and two sisters: Kathleen (married name Delyea) and Sarah Louise.

Blanche Cowley-Head, a First Nations genealogist, wrote to let us know that Edward’s mother Maggie, and her sister Harriet, “…were sisters that married Munro brothers.  The two sisters were the daughters of Peter Moore of the Shoal River Band (now known as Sapotaweyak Cree Nation). They lost their Treaty and Indian status upon their marriage to non-status Indians….” (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapotaweyak_Cree_Nation)

The search for a photo of Edward was successful when Glenda Foster, Office Administer at the Swan Valley Legion Branch #39 in Manitoba was able to find one. Glenda explained that she “…was born and raised in Birch River, I do know of the family and was well acquainted with Charley….”

….Edward enlisted in 1942…

When he enlisted at Military District No. 10 ‘B’ Company of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba on August 27, 1942, Edward was working at his father’s mixed farming operation in Birch River, and said that he’d left school at the age of 17.   His Personnel Selection Record stated that he was “…pleasant mannered and cooperative…” and “…walks with a slouch, talks freely and is quite friendly…” and noted that all three of his brothers were in the army – two with the Royal Canadian Artillery and one with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders.  He enjoyed playing softball and was interested in becoming a barber after the war.

On September 19, 1942, Edward was transferred to No. 100 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre (CABTC) in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. Shortly before completing his basic training, his Platoon Commander stated that he was a “… good soldier…” with a “…smart appearance, talkative…” and “…might be a good prospect for Provost duties, as a Corporal in charge of a small group of men…”

Edward Alexander Munro. (Photo submitted by Glenda Foster of the Swan Valley Legion Branch #39 in Manitoba)

After completing his basic training, Edward was sent to A20 Royal Canadian Army Service Corps Training Centre in Red Deer, Alberta on November 18, 1942 for further training.  He qualified as a Driver Class III wheeled vehicles on December 23, 1942.  (This meant he had passed the tests to drive standard military trucks and soft-skin wheeled vehicles at a beginner-to-intermediate trade proficiency level.)

After receiving his Class III certification, he was granted Christmas leave until December 27, 1942, in what turned out to be the last chance he would have to see his family before going overseas.

Once he returned back to Red Deer, he was hospitalized on December 30, 1942 until January 4, 1943 with a fractured rib.

….Edward left Canada for overseas service….

On March 11, 1943, Edward left Canada for the United Kingdom.  Upon arriving on March 17, 1943 he was assigned to No. 1 Canadian Army Service Corps Reinforcement Unit (RCASC RU), effective the following day. This logistical training and staging unit was based in Aldershot in Hampshire, and administered by Canadian Military Headquarters (CMHQ) in London.

Newly arrived soldiers from the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) received additional operational and combat training. As active field units in the First Canadian Army needed reinforcements due to casualties, No. 1 Reinforcement Unit could deploy combat-ready replacements directly to the front lines.

On June 4, 1943, Edward was assigned to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Brigade (CIB) of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC).  A few weeks later, on June 25, 1943, he was sent to 1st Canadian Infantry Divisional Troops Company (12 Company) RCASC for more training, before returning to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Brigade (CIB) on July 7, 1943. Edward was among the soldiers being prepared for the Italian Campaign – the upcoming Allied invasion of Italy, which began after the successful landings in Sicily (Operation Husky). (See https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/military-history/second-world-war/italian-campaign)

  ….Edward served in Italy….

On August 16, 1943, Edward boarded a ship that left the United Kingdom the following day and arrived in Sicily on August 27, 1943, where his unit, No. 3 Canadian Infantry Brigade Company, RCASC, was taking part in the final stages of the Operation Husky before going on to mainland Italy for the upcoming Italian Campaign.

The unit had a transport and supply logistical role, supporting the 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade of the 1ar Canadian Infantry Division with essential tasks such as hauling ammunition, food, fuel, and equipment across treacherous mountain roads and river valleys in Italy.

On September, 1943, Edward and the rest of his unit later crossed the Strait of Messina to land on mainland Italy at Reggio di Calabria under Operation Baytown, the start of the Italian Campaign.  (See https://project44.ca/storymaps/southern-italy/)

The Italian Campaign followed Operation Husky in Sicily. (Map source: Juno Beach Centre)

Vehicles would be driven under severe conditions, with heavy reliance on relay drivers and field maintenance during the upcoming battles as troops moved up through mainland Italy, including Ortona and the breakthroughs of the Hitler and Gothic Lines.

On November 4, 1943, Edward was transferred to No. 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade Company, RCASC, and a few days later, on November 12, 1943, seconded to 112 Forward Maintenance Centre (FMC), one of several highly mobile logistical hubs set up just behind the front lines, where ammunition, fuel, food, and spare parts were stored.

Edward remained with 112 FMC until July 4, 1944, when he was hospitalized at No. 15 Canadian General Hospital in Caserta, Italy.  There is no indication that Edward was wounded, so it’s possible that he was in hospital for an infection.  During the summer of 1944, malaria was a major issue, due to the marshy, mosquito-heavy terrain that had been intentionally flooded by retreating German forces.

After his hospital discharge on July 15, 1944, Edward was placed in an X-4 Reinforcement Unit for a short period, until July 25, 1944, when he was transferred to No. 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade Company, RCASC.  The unit was stationed in a rest area along the Volturno River valley in southern Italy, near the towns of Piedimonte d’Alife (today’s Piedimonte Matese) and Raviscanina.

Edward had a chance to recuperate more fully, before returning to No. 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade Company, RCASC on August 23, 1944. The unit was in central Italy, positioned just south of the Gothic Line, and had begun staging logistics for Operation Olive, an offensive aimed at breaking through the German Gothic Line fortifications. This meant moving large quantities of ammunition, rations, and fuel up mountainous terrain to sustain front line infantry units.  The main assault on the Gothic Line began 3 days later, on August 26, 1944.

It was also a period when Edward took additional training, qualifying as a Driver i/c Class III on September 15, 1944.  (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’. Class III meant he was qualified to drive heavy trucks and armoured cars, but not tanks.)

On October 18, 1944, he qualified as a Driver Mechanic (MV) ‘C’, which meant he not only was qualified to operate military vehicles, but was also able handle field repairs, basic mechanical troubleshooting, and routine vehicle maintenance.

Shortly after completing his training, his unit moved north across the Apennines to prepare for the assault on the Gothic Line.

….Edward left Italy for northwest Europe…

On March 7, 1945, Edward and his unit left Italy from Leghorn, the port in Livorno, as part of Operation Goldflake, arriving in Marseilles, France two days later.  Operation Goldflake was the codename for moving troops from Italy to North-West Europe.  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Goldflake)

Once in France, the unit travelled north by road and train to join the 1st Canadian Army in Belgium and The Netherlands, again providing crucial logistical and transport support.  In The Netherlands, the unit was part of the support provided for the advance across the IJsselmeer, the liberation of Apeldoorn, and beginning on May 2, 1945, for Operation Faust, the delivery of food, coal and medical supplies across German lines for the relief of the starving Dutch.

Operation Faust ended on May 9, 1945 with the surrender of Germany, but in that short one week period had delivered between 840 and 1,141 tons of food and supplies EACH day!  (See https://rclsa-asrlc.org/stories/op-faust/)

….Edward was in Germany with the CAOF….

With the end of WWII, Edward was granted a well-deserved leave to the United Kingdom, from May 18 to 31, 1945.  Shortly after returning to his unit, he was transferred to the newly formed 2nd Line 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade Company (Canadian Army Occupation Force), RCASC as a Driver Mechanic (MV) ‘C’ on June 14, 1945. This new unit was sent to Germany to support the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division (Occupation Force), as part of the Canadian Army Occupation Force (CAOF), which was involved in policing, rebuilding, and securing the British Zone of occupied Germany.

Edward’s unit was responsible for transporting bulk supplies using 3-ton to 10-ton trucks, and accounting for the supplies and rations, and maintaining fuel depots.  On-site mechanics, like Edward, kept the unit’s vehicle fleet operational.

He was given an 11 day leave to the United Kingdom, from August 12 until 24, 1945.  On September 27, 1945, Edward was admitted to No. 6 Canadian Field Dressing Station (RCAMC) in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, a distance of 257 km (160 miles), remaining there until he was discharged on October 3, 1945.

The distance between Apeldoorn and Oldenburg is 257 km.  (Map source: Google Maps)

….Edward died in a road accident in Germany…

Drawing of accident site from Edward Munro’s service file.

Just a few days after being discharged, Edward lost his life in a vehicle accident while a passenger in an armoured scout car that was returning from ‘Alexandra Airport’ (Flughafen Oldenburg/Alexanderheide) located 5 km (3 miles) from Oldenburg.  His brother, Charles ‘Charley’ George, who also served in 2nd Line 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade Company, was a passenger in the front seat of the vehicle, and was injured in the same accident.

According to the Court of Inquiry, an accident occurred “…on the Bad Zwischenahn Road between Bad Zwischenahn and Oldenburg, Germany at 2305 hours 5 Oct 1945…” with 4 soldiers in the vehicle.  The speed of the vehicle was judged to be “….normal, at approximately 25 miles per hour….” and evidence indicated that “…the accident occurred due to a combination of weather conditions, slippery roads, bad lights, and poor visibility…”

Edward “…was instantly killed as a result of this accident…” Three other soldiers from the same unit were injured: Pte A. THOMSON (the driver of the vehicle); Pte C. G. MUNRO (Edward’s brother); and L/Cpl M. D. WHITE.

Testimony by several witnesses who stopped to help following the accident reported that the vehicle had hit a tree.  Pte R. E. QUADE stated that he “….looked inside the vehicle and noticed that three of the men were inside, and one, I would say, was dead or dying….and the fourth was outside, walking around with blood on his face….”

Cpl Roy W. STATES, another witness, said he’d stopped to help, tried unsuccessfully to immediately get help, before returning to the vehicle and “…saw to my horror a body with his head smashed in…”

Edward, with a fractured skull, was the only fatality.  He was taken to No. 16 Canadian General Hospital in Oldenburg, with the death certificate signed on October 6, 1945.

Charley was seriously injured with “…head lacerations, concussion, and a fractured right scapula…”  He returned home to Birch River after being discharged from the Canadian Army and died in 2002.

….Edward is buried in Holten…

Edward was initially buried in the Canadian Military Cemetery in Osterscheps, Germany (near Oldenburg) before being reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands on March 8, 1946. During our 2025 European War Memorial Tour, Pieter placed Canadian and Manitoba flags by his grave.

Pieter at the grave of Edward Alexander Munro after placing Canadian and Manitoba flags. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Pieter reflected that Edward’s death resonated after learning that not only had he helped so many soldiers as a member of the essential services provided by the RCASC, he had been part of Operation Faust. “…After being involved in saving the lives of so many starving Dutch citizens, it is tragic that this man lost his life in a vehicle accident over which he had no control…”

…..Edward will be listed on the National Métis Veterans Memorial Monument….

Once we noticed that Edward is not listed on the National Métis Veterans Memorial Monument just outside of Batoche, Saskatchewan, but his brother Charley is, we sent in an application to have his name added.  (See https://www.metismuseum.ca/metisveteransmonument/)

In January 2026, we received an email from Ryan Nordmarken, Senior Administrative Coordinator at the Gabriel Dumont Institute – Métis Culture & Heritage Dept., advising that the application was approved. “…This submission has been added to the list to be included with the next engraving.  Thank you!...”

…..Munro Peninsula is named in Edward’s honour….

Munro Peninsula in northern Manitoba was in Edward Alexander Munro’s honour. (Map source: Mapcarta)

Munro Peninsula, on Obuyi Lake (formerly known as Pincock Lake) in northern Manitoba (approximately latitude 59°07′ N, longitude 97°07′ W) was named after him in 1995. ‘Obuyi’ comes from the Chipewyan language and means ‘trees have been burned around the lake’.

Thank you to Glenda Foster of the Swan Valley Legion Branch #39 in Manitoba for sending a photo, and to Jennifer Laviolette, Editor at The Swan Valley Star and Times newspaper, for referring us to the Swan Valley Legion.  Thank you also to Blanche Cowley-Head for confirming that Edward’s mother Maggie had Indigenous roots.

The flags placed at Edward’s grave during our 2025 European War Memorial Tour were donated.  Our thanks go to:

  • Alan Waddell, Constituent Assistant, on behalf of Heath MacDonald, MP for Malpeque, for the Canadian flag.
  • Brad Robertson, Chief of Protocol, Government of Manitoba, on behalf of Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, who donated the Manitoba flag.

Pieter’s research efforts to find photos and families of soldiers continue. Do you have a story to tell? 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…… The WWII Soldier From Donaldston Who Died In A Vehicle Accident In The Netherlands

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July 13, 2024.  In the 11 part Atlantic Canada Remembers series that ran in 2021, photos submitted about Atlantic Canadian soldiers buried overseas were featured. Pieter ensured that photos of soldiers who are buried in The Netherlands were forwarded to the appropriate cemetery for their digital archives. 

In Part 2 of the Atlantic Canada Remembers series, 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 Donaldston, 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….”  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/01/13/on-the-war-memorial-trail-atlantic-canada-remembers-part-2/)

Screenshot 2024-07-03 at 11-24-35 Donaldston · Prince Edward Island C0A 1T0

Donaldston is located in central Prince Edward Island. (Map source: Google maps)

…..Frank enlisted under the NRMA in 1941….

Frank originally enlisted under the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on October 2, 1941 and underwent basic training at No. 62 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre (CABTC). (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Resources_Mobilization_Act)

After completing his basic training, Frank was sent for 62 days of advanced training at No. A19 Canadian Army Service Corps Training Centre (CASCTC) at Camp Borden in Borden, Ontario.  

From there, he was transferred to the 6th Division Ammunition Company of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) in Valcartier, Quebec on April 7, 1942.

Frank would remain with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC), an administrative and transport corps of the Canadian Army.  Their role was to provide support to Canadian soldiers wherever they went, moving supplies from the rear areas to the front-lines. They delivered all rations, ammunition, petroleum products, and all other essentials, using vehicles ranging from three- to ten-ton trucks, and forty-ton tank transporters. (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Canadian_Army_Service_Corps)

….Frank enlisted for active service…..

Francis Ivan Dougan

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

On June 1, 1942, Frank transferred from the non-active militia to active service in the Canadian Army, remaining with the 6th Division Ammunition Company in Valcartier.   

On July 7, 1942, Frank was sent to the Canadian Army Trades School in Hamilton, Ontario for a Motor Mechanics Course, which lasted 6 months. On January 20, 1943, Frank was attached to the Headquarters of the 6th Division Ammunition Company at Hastings Military Park in Vancouver, British Columbia.

On March 9, 1943, he was sent to the Headquarters of the 6th Division Company in Victoria, British Columbia.  Then, on September 2, 1943, he was transferred to the 28th Transport Company in Duncan, British Columbia, but sent on assignment with the Royal Rifles of Canada to Wainwright, Alberta, where he remained until October 19, 1943, when he returned to Duncan. 

Frank next was transferred to No. XI District Depot in Vancouver, British Columbia on February 4, 1944 for a short period before being sent, on February 16, 1944, to No. 1 Training Brigade in Debert, Nova Scotia, in preparation for overseas service. 

….Frank left Canada for overseas service….

On April 11, 1944, Frank left Canada, arriving in the United Kingdom on April 19, 1944, where he was assigned to the Canadian Army Service Corps Reinforcement Unit (CASCRU).

Frank was transferred to the 12th Battalion of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC), part of the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade (CIB) on May 1, 1944, qualifying as a Driver i/c on May 8, 1944.  (The term ‘Driver i/c’ refers to ‘Driver, internal combustion’.) 

Helen had written that while overseas Frank “… worked as a driver in the war, mainly in the UK….”  This turned out to be incorrect, as Frank was in the United Kingdom for only a few short months – until July 25, 1944, when he, and the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade (CIB), arrived in France as part of the 21st Army Group.  He was with the Brigade until after WWII officially ended.

….Frank remained in Europe after the war ended….

On July 6, 1945, as a driver, Frank was assigned to the 4th Armoured Division Transport Company of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC), joining them in Almelo, The Netherlands.  He remained with the 4th Armoured Division until November 10, 1945, when he was reassigned to the 2/9 Canadian Infantry Brigade (CIB).

On April 7, 1946, Frank was transferred to the 48th Canadian General Transport Company of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC), part of the Canadian Army Occupation Force (CAOF) in Germany. 

….Frank lost his life in a vehicle accident….

Helen wrote that “….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….”

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, Charles Ernest Edwin CRIDLAND, who had been born in England, but was from Vancouver, British Columbia.

….Frank is buried in Holten….

2227155_1 Grave of Frank Ivan Dougan CVWM

Grave of Francis ‘Frank’ Ivan Dougan in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands. (Photo courtesy of Canadian Virtual War Memorial)

Frank was initially buried in the Canadian Cemetery in Groesbeek, near Nijmegen, before being reburied, on July 16 1946, in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands.

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….”

In 1948, Frank’s grave was adopted by a family from Delden – jeweller Jan A. Zengerink and his wife Ria.  An English translation of the letter that they wrote to Frank’s family informing them of the grave adoption was forwarded to Frank’s mother by the Department of Defence.

Thank you to Helen O’Connell for submitting a photo and information on her uncle. Do you have photos or information to share? Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

…..The Atlantic Canada Remembers series….

Missed the Atlantic Canada Remembers series? See:

….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 WWII Despatch Rider Who Was Shocked To Have Survived

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February 1, 2022.  Every fall, veterans from the Borden-Carleton Legion volunteer to place flags at the graves of veterans buried in cemeteries in the area covered by this Legion Branch on Prince Edward Island.  (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/11/04/borden-carleton-legion-honours-veterans-by-placing-flags-at-their-graves/)

One of the graves for which a flag was placed at the Tryon People’s Cemetery was for WWII veteran Richard Lea HOWATT of Tryon, Prince Edward Island, who had been a despatch rider during the war.

Richard was born March 17, 1923 in Tryon, the son of Everett King Kilburn Howatt and Clara, nee Thomas.  Before enlisting in Truro, Nova Scotia at No 6 District Depot on February 28, 1942, he was a self-employed truck driver for logging camps, and based in Melrose, New Brunswick.

His attestation form indicated he was a skilled motorcycle rider, and his hobbies included swimming, hunting, fishing, and that he played the position of goalie on a soccer team.

Richard Lea Howatt uniform

Richard Lea Howatt.  (Photo courtesy of Catherine Ann Howatt-Dickson)

Based on his skill set, he was recommended as being “…well qualified for despatch rider and motor transport generally.  Has plenty of experience…” The assessment went on to note that Richard was “…very quiet…” and that he “…is still rather young…”

CIMG5352 Pieter and Catherine Ann Howatt Dickson

Pieter with Reverend Catherine Ann Howatt-Dickson, and a picture of her father.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

…A quiet man with a wanderlust and seeker of adventure….

He was only 18 at the time of his enlistment.  His daughter, the Reverend Catherine Ann Howatt-Dickson, said that since he signed up before he was of age, “… his mother wanted to report him to the authorities, but his Dad said to let him be as he’ll do it anyways….”

Catherine Ann explained that although her father “…was a quiet man, he was the wild one of the family and no one knew what to do with him.  He had a wanderlust and was a seeker of adventure, having left home at age 13 to work in lumber camps and was a truck driver….”

After a month of basic training in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Richard was transferred to 26 Forestry Corps and sent to Valcartier, Quebec.  Catherine Ann recalled her father saying that he was “…issued a gray blanket to be wrapped in if he died.  What bugged him was that he had to pay for this out of his first pay….”

By May 17, 1942 he was in Halifax and ready to embark to the United Kingdom, arriving on May 26, 1942, and reassigned to 29 Canadian Forestry Corps.

….An unsolved mystery….

While still in the United Kingdom, Richard applied for permission to marry Miss Margaret Ross of Culleave, Ardgay, Ross-shire in Scotland on April 6, 1943.  He stated that he had known her for 7 months and her next of kin, likely her father, was John Ross. Permission was granted in May 1943 by the military as long as the ‘…wedding did not take place before July 21, 1943…’

For some reason, the wedding never took place, and the family was mystified to learn about this from his service file, which was applied for after his death, and therefore too late to ask about.

…The dangerous life of a despatch rider begins….

On July 16, 1943, Richard was transferred to the CASCRU (Canadian Army Service Corps Reinforcement Unit) and sent for a motorcycle rider’s course, which he successfully completed.

I was interested to learn what was in the course.  If you are too, you can watch this YouTube Canadian Motorcycle Riders Training course (just under 8 minutes):

Richard Lea Howatt despatch rider

Richard Lea Howatt as a despatch rider.  (Photo courtesy of Catherine Ann Howatt-Dickson)

The role of a despatch rider was to deliver messages, no matter how dangerous the conditions.  Although communication by radio or telephone was available in WWII, it wasn’t always practical or available. Shelling by the enemy could cut lines, and signals could be intercepted or not have a long enough range.

For more information on despatch riders see:

Richard was attached to the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC), assigned to various regiments as needed. (See https://www.junobeach.org/canada-in-wwii/articles/supplying-canadas-field-army-overseas/the-royal-canadian-army-service-corps/)  On February 28, 1944 he was awarded the Good Conduct Badge.

On July 8, 1944 he was sent to France with the RCASC and assigned to 7 Medical Regiment as a despatch rider and scout.  On October 20, 1944, while on patrol, Richard had an accident that resulted in him being evacuated to England from France on November 2, 1944.  Catherine Ann related that “…as he was on patrol, he couldn’t use his headlights.  A truck hit him and he had a head injury, resulting in a 3 month hospital stay….”

…Empathy and humanity was never lost by Richard….

On March 4, 1945 he was sent to northwest Europe with RCASC, this time assigned to 82 Canadian Artillery Company and 7 Medical Regiment.  Catherine Ann related an anecdote shared by her father: “…3 German soldiers surrendered and Dad was told to take them to a warehouse.  He gave them some green apples and a cigarette while waiting for them to be picked up.  Dad was reprimanded and told he could be court martialled for sitting and smoking with them….”

On June 18, 1945 Richard was transferred to 45 Army Transport Company, then on October 28, 1945 he was sent to 63 Army Transport Company.

In another anecdote, Catherine Ann recalled her father’s anguish about the treatment of horses in the immediate post-war period. “…One of the hardest things at the end of the war in Germany was seeing wounded horses.  Dad wanted to shoot them and put them out of their misery but was told there was not enough ammunition.  Dad was very hurt as he was an animal lover and our kitchen table was always used as a makeshift animal clinic…”

…Love at first sight?….

On November 26, 1945 he returned to the United Kingdom in preparation for returning back to Canada.  At the beginning of 1946 he arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was discharged on February 27, 1946.

Richard bought a motorcycle and returned to Prince Edward Island.  One day, while in Victoria-By-The-Sea, he pulled up on his bike.  Catherine Ann told us what happened next. “ … Mom was walking with her girlfriend.  Dad didn’t know her, but asked her if she wanted a ride.  She said yes….” It seemed as if it was love at first sight.

On April 17, 1948 he married Marguerite Alexandra MacDonald and they had 5 children, of which Catherine Ann is the youngest. “…Dad did farming, then worked at CN Marine as a deckhand until he retired.  His nickname was ‘Mouse’ because he was so quiet….”

…Shocked and surprised to have survived the war…

As a teenager, Catherine Ann interviewed her father about his war experience.  “…I asked him what shocked and surprised him the most and he answered ‘that I lived’….”  Many veterans would agree with that statement!

Richard died March 17, 2003 in Tryon, and is buried in the Tryon People’s Cemetery, after a life well-lived.

CIMG5353 Sep 30 2021 Grave of Richard Lea Howatt Tryon Peoples Cemetery

Grave of Richard Lea Howatt at the Tryon People’s Cemetery in Prince Edward Island.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Reverend Catherine Ann Howatt-Dickson for sharing her father’s story with us.  If you have photos or information to share, please let Pieter know. Email him 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/ 

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

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