YouTube Channel: On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter Valkenburg

We Hear From Readers About ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

Front cover OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEurope

March 13, 2022. Once ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’ was published, we were delighted to receive a number of photos and emails.  And we were able to meet in person with a few people. (For the original posting about the book, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2022/02/19/new-book-no-soldier-buried-overseas-should-ever-be-forgotten/)

…Some of the feedback we’ve received….

PXL_20220221_163612516~3 Feb 21 2022 Brien Robertson with book photo by Moira

Brien Robertson reads the book.  (Photo credit: Moira Robertson)

Brien and Moira Robertson wrote “…We received No Soldier… today and have been reading it ever since. Such a wonderful journey telling of your travels and memorializing those lost in the tragedy of wars. And here we go again, thinking about what could happen in Ukraine. Reading the book brings home the thought that all wars are really civil wars. Lives lost for nothing. Great job telling the story so not to forget those lost. We are proud to be your friends….”

IMG_1581 Feb 18 2022 Mindy Patrick with Daria

Mindy Patrick and Daria with the book.  (Photo courtesy of Valkenburg family collection)

Mindy Patrick wanted a book for her father, a veteran who served in the US Coast Guard.

DSCN2378 Feb 22 2022 Don and Nora Coutts at North Bay Public Library

Don and Nora Coutts at the North Bay Public Library in Ontario. (Photo taken by Brad Jacobs)

Don Coutts, nephew of WW2 pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART, who is featured in the book, explained he ordered copies for himself and for the North Bay Public Library in North Bay, Ontario, where his wife Nora is Head of Children’s Services and Deputy CEO.

(See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/10/17/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-presentations-at-hannemahuis-in-harlingen/ for comments made by Don during the presentation in The Netherlands in 2019 to honour his uncle and the crew of Halifax L9561.)

Alexander Tuinhout of the Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation: Original comment in Dutch: “…We hebben het boek “No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten” besteld en inmiddels ook al uit Canada ontvangen. Hoewel we nog geen tijd hebben gehad om alles te lezen is de eerste indruk voortreffelijk! Zo’n publicatie is een monument op zich en zeker een felicitatie waard!…”

(English translation by Pieter: “…We ordered the book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’ and have already received it from Canada. Although we haven’t had time to read everything yet, the first impression is excellent! Such a publication is a monument in itself and certainly worth congratulating!…”)

The Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation organized the memorial panel to honour Elmer Bagnall MUTTART and the crew of Halifax L9561.  During the events in October 2019, Alexander gave a presentation on the crew and what happened on October 12, 1941.  You can watch part of his presentation in the documentary made about the events.

IMG_0360 Feb 23 2022 Henk Vincent

Henk Vincent, a volunteer at the Holten Cemetery Information Centre, with the book.  (Photo courtesy of H. Vincent)

The work done by the Holten Cemetery Information Centre to remember Canadian soldiers buried in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, The Netherlands is ongoing.  Pieter is one of the volunteers helping with photo wish lists for a digital archive.  (For more information on the Info Centre, see https://www.canadesebegraafplaatsholten.nl/en/home/)

IMG_6170 (1) Feb 25 2022 Alan McIvor

Alan McIvor, nephew of WW2 Flight Officer Joseph ‘Joe’ Charles McIver, wrote a book on his uncle’s service. (Photo courtesy of A. McIvor)

Alan McIvor wrote “…Congratulations on your book, “NO SOLDIER BURIED OVERSEAS.”  Good work.  I am sure it was a labour of love but lots of work, research, writing and editing…”

Alan’s uncle, WW2 Flight Officer Joseph ‘Joe’ Charles MCIVER of Kinkora, Prince Edward Island, was one of the names listed on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion – the research project that launched this blog.

(See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2019/08/17/the-ww2-flight-officer-whose-plane-went-down-while-on-patrol-near-the-arctic-circle/)

CIMG5511 Feb 25 2022 Daria with Susan & Charlie

Daria visits with Susan and Charlie Choi. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Last fall, Charlie CHOI, who was 4 years old when the Korean War started in June 1950, shared his memories in a 3 part series.  If you missed these postings, please see:

CIMG5506 Feb 21 2022 Daria with Mary Ann Greiner

Daria with Mary Ann Greiner.  (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

Mary Ann Greiner has an abiding interest in military history. Pieter and I were able to meet with her and her husband Rick, a US army veteran.

20220303_202843 Mar 3 2022 John Davis photo by Susan

John Davis is the author of ‘Outside Time Looking In’, which features two alternative history stories.  (Photo credit: Susan Choi)

John Davis is the author of ‘Outside Time Looking In’, featuring two alternative history stories, and which I’ve read with great interest.  (See https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/john-davis/outside-time-looking-in/paperback/product-18rekkpk.html?page=1&pageSize=4)

Thank you to everyone who sent in comments and photos with themselves with the book, and for your support. Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Book trailer and website….

Thanks to the amazing talents of Wendy Nattress, who does the post-production editing for the On The War Memorial Trail YouTube Channel, we have a book website: see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/.  The website has a book description, preview pages, and ordering information.

Wendy also prepared a short book trailer…

…Want to follow our research?….

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

goodreads-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec0688984 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 WWI Soldier From Abrams Village Buried In Manitoba Cemetery in France

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 4 Comments

March 6, 2022.  In 2017, we visited Manitoba Cemetery outside Caix, France, to place flags by the grave of WWI soldier James CAIRNS of Kinkora, Prince Edward Island, who lost his life on August 9, 1918 during the Battle of Amiens. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2017/09/30/the-search-for-manitoba-cemetery/)

When we signed the Guest Register Book, we were astonished to find that the previous visitors had come to honour their great-uncle and great-great uncle Theodore (Ted) Francis ARSENAULT from Abrams Village, Prince Edward Island.

Pte Theodore Arsenault (Great great uncle)

Theodore Arsenault. (Photo submitted by Stephen Arsenault)

In November 2021, Colleen Arsenault shared a photo of her great-great-uncle, explaining that her mother and sister had signed the guest book in that far away cemetery. (See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2021/11/10/on-the-war-memorial-trail-linking-the-past-with-the-present/)

…4 generations of the Arsenault family have served in the military….

Shortly after this, Stephen Arsenault sent us research on Ted Arsenault, and explained that 4 generations of his family served in the military.  “…Theodore and his brother Camille were both from Abrams Village. Further descriptions as follows:

Gnr Camille Arsenault (Great Grandfather, Theodore's Brother)

Camille Arsenault. (Photo submitted by Stephen Arsenault)

  • Gnr Camille J Arsenault, 2nd Canadian (Overseas) Siege Artillery Battery CEF. Saw action at Vimy Ridge. Survived the war and re-enlisted during WW2 serving with the Canadian Army Service Corps at a POW camp in New Brunswick at the time. Camille was born August 22, 1895.
    Sgt Francis Arsenault (Grandfather)

    Francis Arsenault. (Photo submitted by Stephen Arsenault)

  • Stephen’s grandfather: Sgt Francis J Arsenault, served with 2 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.
Portrait

Edgar Arsenault. (Photo submitted by Stephen Arsenault)

  • Stephen’s father: LCol Edgar F Arsenault, Logistics Officer, Royal Canadian Air Force. Later Honorary Colonel of 14 Mission Support Squadron, 14 Wing CFB Greenwood.  

He went on to say that “…Interestingly, in my (limited) spare time, I am an Artillery Officer serving in the Primary Reserves with 1st (Halifax-Dartmouth) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA, which makes 4 consecutive generations of military service to Canada spanning over 100 years. …”

… Ted Arsenault enlisted in the 105th Overseas Battalion….

Ted Arsenault was born May 14, 1897 in Egmont Bay, Prince Edward Island, the son of François (Frank) and Adeline (nee Gallant) Arsenault.  When he enlisted with the 105th Overseas Battalion in Summerside, Prince Edward Island on May 1, 1916 he listed his occupation as farmer.

In June 1916, Ted travelled to Valcartier, Quebec with the Regiment for training prior to sailing to England from Halifax a month later aboard ‘Empress of Britain’.

…Previous stories of Islanders who were aboard the ‘Empress of Britain’ with Ted Arsenault….

Several Islanders, whose stories have previously been told, were on that same ship.  Among them were:

The ship docked in Liverpool, England on July 25, 1916.  The troops were sent to Shorncliffe and attached to the 1st Training Brigade.  They were later transferred to different training brigades in Surrey.

…Ted was gassed at Passchendaele….

In November 1916, Ted was sent to France as part of the 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment).  A year later, on November 5, 1917, during the Second Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium, Ted was poisoned by a mustard gas shell that exploded.  (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Passchendaele)

He was invalided to England and sent to the King George Hospital in London for treatment. According to his medical file, he “…had a sore throat and loss of voice for a month…” and “…breathing was difficult at night…” until January 13, 1918.

From the hospital in London he was sent to Manor War Hospital, a convalescent facility in Epsom.  It wasn’t until March 4, 1918 that the medical staff declared his chest was clear, and he was discharged 4 days later.  On May 16, 1918 he returned to France and the 14th Battalion.

….The Battle of Amiens…

The Battle of Amiens, also known as the Third Battle of Picardy, was the opening phase of the Allied offensive.  It began on August 8, 1918 and ended on August 18.  Later known as the Hundred Days Offensive, this was the battle that ultimately led to the end of the First World War.  (For more information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Amiens_(1918) and a short video clip at https://finance.yahoo.com/video/battle-amiens-started-century-ago-173913821.html)

A few years ago, a short video on ‘The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Amiens and Canada’s Hundred Days’ was prepared and is available on YouTube:

…Two Islanders lost their lives on August 9, 1918…

Byce.Amiens.map_.04

Battle of Amiens.  (Map source: http://www.rememberourvets.ca)

According to the war diary of the 14th Battalion, on the morning of August 9, 1918, the Regiment was ordered to “…march towards Cayeux, the headquarters of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade.  The march was very difficult owing to the congested traffic on the road. The Battalion was ordered to support the 8th Canadian Battalion and moved to assembly positions….”

By 11:40 am they were in position, for the expected attack at 1 pm.  “… The attack was made over very flat ground and many casualties were caused by the intense machine gun fire…”  Among the casualties killed in action that day was Ted Arsenault.

As mentioned at the beginning of this posting, James CAIRNS, who served with the 8th Canadian Battalion, also lost his life that afternoon.

…Buried at Manitoba Cemetery outside Caix…

CIMG8555 Sep 6 2017 Pieter at entrance to Manitoba Cemetery

Pieter at the entrance to Manitoba Cemetery just outside Caix. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Like so many WWI cemeteries in France, Manitoba Cemetery, where both James Cairns and Theodore (Ted) Francis Arsenault are buried, is in a rural location, surrounded by farmers’ fields.  It was fitting that during our visit in September 2017, bales of hay, a familiar site on Prince Edward Island during this period, surrounded the cemetery.

CIMG8558 Sep 6 2017 Manitoba Cemetery by hay bales

Bales of hay surround Manitoba Cemetery outside Caix.  (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

IMG_20170906_152615630 Sep 6 2017 grave of Ted Arsenault in Manitoba Cemetery in Caix

Grave of Theodore Francis Arsenault of Abrams Village. (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)

Thank you to Colleen Arsenault and Steven Arsenault for sharing information on their great-uncle and their family’s ongoing military service.  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/

OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEurope_Barcode

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 Loppersum Memorial Honours 7 Royal Winnipeg Rifles Soldiers

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

February 23, 2022. One of the wonderful things about this blog is hearing from readers and receiving additional information on stories that have been previously posted.  After a YouTube video in which a photo of Donald Charles MACKENZIE of Springhill, Nova Scotia was included, we received an email from Bruce MacEachern.

The video ‘In Remembrance’ that Bruce referred to was done by Pieter to thank those who contributed photos and stories of WW2 soldiers who are buried overseas in 2021.  You can watch it here:

Bruce wrote us that “…Lt Donald MacKenzie is my uncle on my mother’s side. Uncle Donald’s wife, my Aunt Mary, was my Mom’s sister. I was very glad to see the picture of Uncle Donald in your video. I sent a copy of the picture, and video link, to Johan Schansker, who raised a memorial in his town of Loppersum, The Netherlands, to Uncle Donald and 6 other Canadians who fell, fighting to liberate his village….”

….The Loppersum Memorial….

D C MacKenzie 1 Loppersum memorial

The Loppersum Memorial.  (Photo submitted by Bruce MacEachern)

 

D C MacKenzie 3 Loppersum memorial with 7 names

The 7 names listed on the Loppersum Memorial.  (Photo submitted by Bruce MacEachern)

The Loppersum memorial, unveiled in May 2020, honours 7 soldiers from the Royal Winnipeg Rifles who were initially buried in the General Cemetery in Loppersum in April 1945.  All 7 were subsequently reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

Lt Donald MacKenzie and Rifleman Willie DANIELS, both of whose stories have been told on this blog, are 2 of these 7 men.  Both served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and lost their lives on April 22, 1945 near Appingedam, The Netherlands at the very beginning of the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket. (For more information on the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket, see https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/delfzijlpocket.htm)

….Newspaper article about the Loppersum Memorial…..

Bruce sent us a newspaper article, in Dutch, about the unveiling of the moment in May 2020.  The article is included below in Dutch, along with an English translation provided by Pieter.

D C MacKenzie 2 Loppersum newspaper article

Article about the Loppersum Memorial.  (Article submitted by Bruce MacEachern)

Translation of Dutch newspaper article by Pieter Valkenburg:

“Canadian Monument Unveiled

On Monday a memorial was unveiled for seven Canadian soldiers who were temporarily buried in the General Cemetery in Loppersum.

On behalf of the historical society, Johan Schansker took the initiative for the monument. 

These 7 Canadians gave their lives for our freedom.  One was killed during the battle to liberate the village, the others were killed in the surrounding area.

With this monument we want to honour their memories, according to Schansker.

The monument is a maple leaf made of weathering steel, on top of which is attached a stainless steel plate with the stylized maple leaf of the Canadian flag,  The names of the seven soldiers from the Royal Winnipeg Rifles have been engraved on this plate. (For a description of weathering steel, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weathering_steel)

The picture shows the unveiling of the monument by Johan Schansker, assisted by his son Tijs.”

The memorial is a wonderful tribute.  Kudos to Johan Schansker for initiating it.

Bruce noted that “….My family and friends very much appreciate the efforts of yourself, Johan and others in remembering our Canadian soldiers. Thank You so much…”

…Missed the postings of two soldiers listed on the Loppersum Memorial?…

…The other 5 names on the Loppersum Memorial…

Here are the names of the other 5 men from the Royal Winnipeg Rifles that are listed on the Loppersum Memorial….

  • Rifleman Raymond Arthur HEAMAN, son of Jerry and Ellen E. Heaman, of Hargrave, Manitoba. Died April 22, 1945, age 27.
  • Rifleman William James ‘Jimmy’ Sutherland HOLE, grandson of William and Eva Alice Hole, of St. James, Manitoba.  Died April 22, 1945, age 18. 
  • Rifleman Anton Michael SALMI, son of Jacob and Maria Salmi, of Nolalu, Ontario. Died April 21, 1945, age 31.
  • Lt Cyril Douglas SHARMAN, son of Henry and Gertrude Sharman, of St. Vital, Manitoba; husband of Ada M. Sharman, of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Died April 23, 1945, age 33. 
  • Rifleman Francis William WELBURN, son of Charles and Winnifred Welburn, of Winnipegosis, Manitoba. Died April 20, 1945, age 20.

Thank you to Bruce MacEachern for letting us know about the Loppersum Memorial.   Do you have photos or stories to share?  Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail…. WW2 Flight Student Ralph McCutcheon’s Family Remembers

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

February 20, 2022. In an earlier posting, the story of a fatal 1942 plane crash in North Tryon, Prince Edward Island, recalled the eyewitness account by Vernon Inman, a resident of the area.

Flight student Ralph Gordon MCCUTCHEON lost his life in this tragic accident that happened during his training at the No. 9 Service Flying Training School RCAF in Summerside.  This flight training school was part of No. 3 Training Command RCAF, carrying out British Commonwealth Air Training Plan training operations. (To read the original posting, see https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/08/20/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-1942-plane-crash-in-north-tryon/)

….Ralph’s family gets in touch…

Recently, Tim McCutcheon shared a photo of his uncle in uniform and wrote “…I was quite interested to read your article about the 1942 plane crash in North Tryon.  The student in question, Ralph McCutcheon, was my uncle, the oldest brother of my father.  You’ve done such a great job of researching the story and writing, especially the account of Vernon Inman….” 

2022_Ralph_0001_b Ralph McCutcheon

Ralph McCutcheon in uniform.  (Photo courtesy of Tim McCutcheon)

Tim’s cousin, Nancy McCutcheon, also wrote us.  “….I too enjoyed the article about the June 1942 plane crash in North Tryon.  Ralph was also my Uncle.  Tim and I are first cousins. Our Fathers and Ralph were brothers. There were 3 young men in the family, Ralph, the eldest, Donald (my Father), and then Bruce.  Bruce was 10 years younger than Ralph, and Donald was 2 years younger. Thank you again for telling this story.  Ralph was an important person to many, but especially to his younger brothers…”

…Excerpt of a letter from Group Captain Fullerton….

Tim also shared a letter sent to Ralph’s father from Group Captain E. G. Fullerton, Commanding Officer at the No. 9 Service Flying Training School. 

In the letter, Captain Fullerton wrote that “…A most competent and promising student, your son was well thought of by all and had been chosen by his associates at Elementary Flying Training School and at this school as their class leader.  In appreciation of this, and recognizing his ability as a leader, he was appointed acting corporal.  What speaks much more of him, however, was the affection with which he was regarded by those who knew him most intimately – his fellow classmates…”

…Dedication to Ralph in ‘The Salmagundi’ yearbook….

Nancy sent us the dedication to Ralph from the Colgate University yearbook, ‘The Salmagundi’.  The dedication reads “…To Mac, this sixty-second edition is dedicated. He died so that we may have victory, let us not fail him in the peace to come…”

Colgate University Salmagundi yearbook 1943 edition Dedicated to Ralph

‘The Salmagundi’ Colgate University Yearbook dedication to Ralph McCutcheon.  (Photo courtesy of Nancy McCutcheon)

 …Passing of the plane crash eyewitness…

Vernon Inman would have been overjoyed to learn that Tim and Nancy had been in contact with additional information.  Sadly, he had passed away a few weeks earlier.  (To read the obituary, see https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/obituaries/funerals/vernon-george-inman-67225/)

Thank you to Tim and Nancy McCutcheon for sharing information about their uncle.  We also thank the family of the late Vernon Inman, whose recollection about the accident helped Pieter in researching this story.

Do you have photos or stories to share?  Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

…Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

Daria’s book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘ is now available.  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. 

© Daria Valkenburg

New Book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten’

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

February 19, 2022. As the pandemic and social distancing measures continued into 2021, Pieter and I spent months going through my diary to decide which stories to include for a book about our European war memorial tour in 2017.

…New book is now available…

The result?  ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten….on the war memorial trail in Europe with Pieter and Daria Valkenburg’

OnTheWarMememorialTrailinEurope_Barcode

The title was inspired by a comment Pieter has made since this research project first began.

No soldier buried overseas should be forgotten

Many of the stories in the book were previously posted on this blog and published in the County Line Courier newspaper, but are now in one book, complete with colour photos.  Readers can be armchair travellers as we visit cemeteries and memorials in 4 European countries – France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany – on this very personal war memorial tour to commemorate names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion in Prince Edward Island, Canada.  This was Pieter’s first research project to be documented on our research blog.

IMG_20220126_171542 Jan 27 2022 A celebratory moment with book proof copy

With our pandemic project completed, we took a brief moment to celebrate receiving the first copy.  (Photo Valkenburg family collection)

…Book trailer and website….

Thanks to the amazing talents of Wendy Nattress, who does the post-production editing for the On The War Memorial Trail YouTube Channel, we have a book website: see https://nosoldierforgotten.com/.  The website has a book description, preview pages, and ordering information.

Wendy also prepared a short book trailer….

A print copy is available internationally on a print on demand basis. See https://www.blurb.ca/bookstore/invited/9477349/b624aaedfdfdd9965cb5053d8f15aa341049af59  If you live outside Canada, simply click on the flag at the top right on the webpage, look for a flag that represents your country, and you will see the price in that country’s currency.

We hope to have an e-book available in the near future.

….CBC Radio Interview…

On February 17, 2022, a radio interview with Angela Walker ran on CBC PEI’s Mainstreet PEI program about the book ‘No Soldier Buried Overseas Should Ever Be Forgotten‘.

“A six week tour of war cemeteries in Europe looking for the graves of Island soldiers is chronicled in a new book called “No Soldier Buried overseas should ever be forgotten”. We speak with the author Daria Valkenburg.”

Here is the link if you wish to listen to it…..

Daria Valkenburg’s new book | Mainstreet PEI with Matt Rainnie | Live Radio | CBC Listen

…The first book signing…..

Pieter and I are heartened by the interest in the book, and thank all who have contacted us.  Recently, a book was signed for fellow author Sandra Wallis, of Sarnia, Ontario.  Sandra’s book ‘Not What I Bargained For’ is a memoir about raising 4 children, 2 of them with medical conditions. (See https://www.amazon.ca/Not-What-Bargained-Incredible-Conditions/dp/1486619347)

CIMG5499 Feb 13 2022 Daria signs the book for Sandra cropped  Daria with Sandra Wallis, who wanted to have her book signed by the author!  (Photo credit: Pieter Valkenburg)CIMG5500 Feb 13 2022 Daria and Sandra with book

…Thank yous!….

Heartfelt thanks go to Wendy Nattress, who prepared the book trailer and set up the website for the book.  Thank you to Angela Walker of CBC Radio for interviewing me about the book.

Thank you to everyone who contacted us about the book, shared photos, and questions.  To answer one question about whether the research is finished, I’m happy to let you know that Pieter’s research continues and there are many more stories coming up on this project blog.

Do you have photos or stories to share?  Email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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 WWI Soldier Who Served In The 1st Canadian Engineers Battalion

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

February 14, 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 is placed annually at the Tryon People’s Cemetery is for WWI veteran George Stanley HENNESSEY.

CIMG4008 George Hennessey

George Stanley Hennessey.  (Photo courtesy of South Shore United Church in Tryon.)

George was born July 20, 1887 in Cape Traverse, Prince Edward Island, the son of Lawrence and Margaret (nee Muttart) Hennessey.  On November 4, 1910 he moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he married Eliza May Thomas, a fellow Islander, on April 15, 1912.  At the time of his marriage he was employed as a machinist and Eliza as a housekeeper.

When WWI broke out, George and Eliza were back in Prince Edward Island and living in North Tryon.  George enlisted with the 105th Battalion in Charlottetown on November 17, 1915.  His attestation paper recorded that he had been in the Militia, a member of the 82nd Regiment.

On July 15, 1916, he sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia aboard the SS Empress of Britain, arriving in England on July 25, 1916.  On January 26, 1917, he was transferred to the 104th Battalion.

On February 26, 1918, he was transferred to the 124th Pioneer Battalion, which became known as the 124 Pioneer Battalion Canadian Engineers in March 1918. He was sent to continental Europe and on March 3, 1918 was despatched to a Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp (CCRC).

….George joined the 1st Canadian Engineers Battalion…

On April 19, 1918, he was transferred to the Canadian Engineers Reinforcement Pool (CERP).  On May 31, 1918, he was transferred to the 1st Canadian Engineers Battalion.  This corps built bridges, railway depots, camps, bases, and other military installations used during the war.

George joined them while the Battalion was undergoing training in Gauchin-Légal, France, a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.

On July 12, 1918, the Battalion moved to Arras, France.  The war diary for that day reported that “…No enemy shelling in Arras; our guns active.  Enemy low flying planes came over Arras twice and were heavily shelled by ‘Archies’…” ‘Archies’ refers to anti-aircraft guns.   (Source: Library and Archives Canada. War diary 1st Battalion, Canadian Engineers, 1918/05/01-1919/04/25, Reference: RG9-III-D-3. Volume/box number: 4993)

…What did the Canadian Engineers do?….

Screenshot 2022-02-13 at 18-26-27 ViaMichelin Route planner, Maps, Traffic info, Hotels

A modern day map, showing the location of Gauchin-Légal, France, identified as A, and Seilles, Belgium, identified as B.  (Map source: https://www.viamichelin.com)

Under attack or not, work for the Battalion included “…pontoon bridging and trestle framings, sandbagging, patrolling water supply systems…”

The war diary for August 1, 1918 recorded the Battalion in Dainville, France.  “…Many enemy aeroplanes up and a great deal of bombing during night…”  The Battalion moved on to Gouy-en-Ternois, France, some marching by foot, others travelling by train.

On August 7, 1918, they received orders to “…fill shell holes…” in the area around Gentelles Wood, France.  Work stopped a few days later due to heavy bombing, but was soon resumed.  The Battalion moved towards working on roads “…forward of Cayeux…” which is still in France.

By mid-August 1918 they were tasked with “…salvaging tools from old ‘No Man’s Land’ and old front lines….” and “…burying enemy dead…”

At the beginning of September 1918 the Battalion moved on to Villers-les-Cagnicourt, France, repairing roads and railway tracks.  The end of September found them in Inchy-en-Artois, repairing the access to the Canal du Nord bridge.

In October 1918 they moved to Ecourt St. Quentin, France tasked with constructing bridges over La Sensee River.  The end of the month found them in Écaillon, France, doing roadwork and constructing a bathhouse.

In November 1918 they moved to La Sentinelle, France and worked on “…roads, bridges, and investigation of traps…”  The end of the month found them in Seilles, Belgium.

On December 31, 1918, George was admitted to the 7th Canadian General Hospital in Etaples, France, with an ear infection that caused pain and deafness.  The ear infection was preceded by influenza, and he ended up being invalided back to England on January 25, 1919.  Luckily the condition was cleared up and his hearing restored.

George was discharged from hospital on February 19, 1919, but remained in England, where he was transferred to the Canadian Engineer Reinforcement Depot (CERD) in Seaford, a Canadian military training base in Sussex, England. On February 25, 1919 he was transferred to the Canadian Engineer Railway Battalion (CERB).

On April 3, 1919 he left Liverpool, England aboard the SS Lapland, bound for Canada.  On April 18, 1919 he was officially discharged in Charlottetown.

On July 3, 1919, he was awarded the “…Military Medal for bravery in the field…” by King George V.  (Source: Canada Gazette, 1867-1946 (Dominion of Canada), vol. 53, Supplement, August 30, 1919, Volume: 53, Issue type: Supplement)

…Back to civilian life….

CIMG5355 Oct 4 2021 Pieter with David & Pam Ing at Tim Hortons in Charlottetown

Pam Ing, centre, with husband David on left, and Pieter on the right. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

His granddaughter, Pam Ing, whose father Harry Raymond ‘Ray’ was a WWII veteran, told us that her grandfather “…moved to Charlottetown after being discharged and worked for the railway.  He died three months before I was born, so I never knew him….”

George worked as a brakeman on CNR (Canadian National Railway) and later was a conductor for a number of years before retirement.  He and Eliza had 4 sons, one of whom, William Thomas, died of illness shortly after enlistment in WWII.

George died at his home in Charlottetown on October 17, 1946 following a long illness, and is buried in the Tryon People’s Cemetery in Tryon, Prince Edward Island.

CIMG5341 Sep 27 2021 Pieter & George by George Hennessey grave Tryon Peoples Cemetery

Pieter with George Palmer by the grave of WW1 veteran George Hennessey at the Tryon People’s Cemetery in Tryon. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Thank you to Pam and David Ing for sharing recollections with us.  If you have photos or information to share, please let Pieter know. Email him at memorialtrail@gmail.com, or comment on the blog.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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. 

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

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

On The War Memorial Trail….. The WWII Despatch Rider Who Was Shocked To Have Survived

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / 2 Comments

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

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 WWII Soldier From Springhill Who Received A Military Cross

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

January 23, 2022.  In the quest for a photo of Lt Donald Charles MACKENZIE of Springhill, Nova Scotia, Pieter placed a request on ‘THE SPECTATOR: A Little Good News from Springhill, NS’ Facebook page.  Pat Crowe submitted a newspaper photo and obituary shortly afterwards, explaining that “…Donald had 4 brothers and sisters but they are all gone now…”

image0 Donald Charles MacKenzie

Donald Charles MacKenzie.  (Photo courtesy of Lydia Prange)

Pat then contacted Donald’s niece, Lydia Prange, who had a photo and explained that her mother, Lydia Jean Nelson, was Donald’s sister.  “…I was born in 1949 so never knew my uncle or grandmother….” Lydia wrote.

Born September 3, 1914 in Springhill, Nova Scotia, Donald was the son of Charles Tupper MacKenzie and Lydia MacKay.  Before enlisting for active duty with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders in Springhill on September 15, 1939, Donald was in the Cumberland Highlanders militia from June 11, 1936 until August 27, 1939.  He was employed as a road layer by Dominion Steel and Coal, a mining company.

Donald married “…Mary MacSavaney on June 19, 1936.  Their son Gordon was born on March 15, 1940…”

….Donald took a demotion in rank in order to serve overseas more quickly….

Upon enlistment, he was given the rank of Sergeant and sent to Halifax with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.  However, in order to see active overseas service more quickly, he transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers 6th Field Company on January 7, 1941, taking a demotion in rank to Private, and was transferred to Debert, Nova Scotia in preparation for going overseas.

On June 18, 1941 he was on his way to the United Kingdom.  On August 1, 1941 he was promoted to Lance Corporal, and later promoted to Corporal on July 6, 1943. On September 21, 1944 he received a further promotion, to Lieutenant, upon the successful completion of officer training at Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom.

…After receiving a promotion to Lieutenant he was transferred to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles…

He requested a transfer back to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, but instead, in October 1944 he was sent to Belgium and assigned to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

image1 Donald Charles MacKenzie

Donald Charles MacKenzie.  (Photo courtesy of Lydia Prange)

On April 7, 1945 the Royal Winnipeg Rifles were in The Netherlands, and ordered to cross the Schipbeek Canal and establish a bridgehead as preparation for an assault on the city of Deventer by the 7th Canadian Brigade.  Crossing the Canal was vital to the success of the bridge operation, not an easy feat as the Bridge was strongly defended by the Germans.

…Courage and bravery led to a Military Cross recommendation…

Donald’s actions on that day resulted in a recommendation for a Military Cross.  The citation recorded that “…it was due only to the determination and boundless courage of Lt Douglas MacKenzie that a quick crossing was made possible without heavy casualties.

The enemy had a battle group dispersed around the bridge, making it impassable.  Lt MacKenzie, in command of the unit Pioneers attached to ‘D’ Company, had the responsibility of bridging the canal so that a bridgehead could be rapidly built up ready for a breakout.

The enemy fire was intense but with covering fire from ‘D’ Company, Lt MacKenzie succeeded in crawling out onto the Bridge, dragging a couple of planks. He was working well within grenade range of the enemy and at least six grenades exploded nearby, wounding him by shrapnel and blast.

With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued working until he had four planks in position, allowing the company to cross quickly and secure a solid bridgehead.

His dauntless spirit and untiring efforts inspired the men around him and resulted in the momentum of the advance being maintained…”

…Appingedam was at the beginning of the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket…

Screenshot 2022-01-21 at 10-19-20 appingedam ww2 at DuckDuckGo

Map showing Appingedam courtesy of Wikipedia.

On April 21, 1945, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles neared Appingedam, a small town of 7,000 in the northeastern corner of The Netherlands.  Along with the 7th Reconnaissance Regiment, they advanced, but the Germans blew up the bridge over the canal which the Rifles had intended to cross.

The movement of troops through Appingedam was the very beginning of the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket.  (For more information on the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket, see https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/delfzijlpocket.htm)

A translated excerpt from a Dutch account, written by Joël Stoppels of Battlefield Tours and sent by the Informatiecentrum Canadese Begraafplaats Holten, gave an eye witness account.  “…On Sunday morning, April 22, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles travelled via the railway line at Tjamsweer to the level crossing. They came under fire from the bunkers on the south side of the rails, but these were soon defused. By six o’clock they reached the railway crossing, after which they continued along the railway towards Appingedam. They were noticed by the Germans, who started to fire on the Canadians. As a result, the entire area between Tjamsweer and Appingedam came under heavy machine-gun fire and shell fire. …” 

It appears that the Germans were initially surprised as they expected troops to advance by the main road. “… There was heavy fighting at the railway bridge over the Kleine Heekt. The Germans withdrew, but not before blowing up the bridge. This was not an insurmountable problem for the Canadians. Partly to protect themselves against enemy fire, the Canadians continued dredging through the ditches. Fifteen Canadians thus reached the level crossing at Jukwerd, where they entered Mr H. Jongsma’s house, soaked and muddy, because of their platoon commander….”

The platoon commander was Lt Donald MacKenzie “…. who had suffered a gunshot wound to his right shoulder…He was placed on a bed to allow him to rest…”  In an unlucky twist of fate, this temporary resting place proved fatal.

“….The Germans unleashed concentrated fire, with two shells hitting the house. When the residents later were able to check on the wounded soldier, it turned out that he had been fatally hit by shrapnel…”

The Canadian soldiers who had brought him to the house “… had moved to the home of Mr. P. Puisten (on the same street), and could no longer offer help. Red Cross soldiers moved his remains outside the line of fire….”

Donald was 30 years old when he died in that house on April 22, 1945.  The Military Cross was awarded to him posthumously and presented to his widow.  Donald was initially buried in Loppersum General Cemetery in Groningen.  After the war he was reburied in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.

image2 Gravestone Donald Charles MacKenzie

Grave of Donald Charles MacKenzie in the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.  (Photo courtesy of Informatiecentrum Canadese Begraafplaats Holten)

… A plaque commemorates Canadian soldiers who died during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket….

This is the second story told about a soldier with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles who lost his life near Appingedam.  William ‘Willie’ DANIELS, whose story was previously told, also lost his life on April 22, 1945.

In 1995, the Stefanus Church in Holwierde placed a plaque to commemorate Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of the Delfzijl Pocket.  Donald MacKenzie and Willie Daniels are among those who are commemorated.

Plaque at Stefanus Church in Holwierde

Plaque at Stefanus Church in Holwierde, The Netherlands.  (Source: https://www.tracesofwar.nl/sights/40531/Herinneringsplaquette-Stefanus-Kerk.htm)

….. Other Soldiers Mentioned On The Plaque In The Church In Holwierde….

Thank you to Lydia Prange for sharing photos and information on Donald Charles MacKenzie and to Elaine Falconer, who manages the The Spectator Facebook page in Springhill, Nova Scotia.  This Canadian hero was featured in a Remembrance Week video entitled ‘In Remembrance’ on our YouTube Channel, which you can see here:

Do you have photos or stories to share?  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 the blog, you are welcome to do so. Our blog address: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/

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

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

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….. Happy New Year

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

January 10, 2022. Happy New Year!  As 2021 drew to a close, Pieter and I had a very long discussion about the future of this blog.  It was driven by the fact that we were nearing the storage limit allowed on our blog account. 

After Pieter expressed his desire to continue researching soldiers, particularly those buried in The Netherlands and from the Maritimes, we decided to continue, but with a few changes.

…New blog address….

The blog address has changed to: https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ but all the postings from previous years are still available.

We look forward to sharing many more stories in 2022 and invite you to share photos or information.  You can email Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1. 

…Want to follow our research?….

If you are reading this posting, but aren’t following the blog, you are welcome to do so.  See https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/ or email me at dariadv@yahoo.ca and ask for an invitation to the blog. 

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

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

© Daria Valkenburg

2021 Christmas Eve Candle Lighting In The Netherlands

/ On The War Memorial Trail With Pieter & Daria / Leave a comment

December 26, 2021.  Social distancing and the threat posed by the omicron variant altered many of the activities we like to participate in during the holidays.  In The Netherlands, a Christmas Eve tradition is to light candles by the graves of Allied soldiers and Dutch resistance fighters who are buried in one of the War Cemeteries or in a municipal cemetery.  For the second year in a row, the annual event still occurred, but without the public.

…A corrected gravestone for Barney Reuben McGuigan….

Alice van Bekkum, Chair of the Faces to Graves project for the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, wrote us that because of Covid no volunteers or children were allowed to place the candles. Instead, candles were placed by board members of the organization responsible for the Christmas candles.  (See https://www.lichtjesavondgroesbeek.nl/)

Alice wanted to let us know that Fred Hulsman, a member of the Faces To Graves Research Team who lives near the cemetery, took a photo of the corrected gravestone for WW2 soldier Barney Reuben McGuigan, of Sturgeon, Prince Edward Island.

Barney had lied about his age when enlisting and his original gravestone did not reflect his age of 16 years at the time of his death.  After Pieter and members of Barney’s family contacted the Commonwealth War Graves Commission with proof of Barney’s birth record, the correction was made.

The correction was amazing timing (a Christmas miracle?) as a photo of Barney was recently uncovered! (See https://bordencarletonresearchproject.wordpress.com/2021/12/23/on-the-war-memorial-trail-the-photo-search-for-barney-mcguigan-is-successful/)

B R Mc Guigan with candle and corrected gravestone

Grave of Barney McGuigan with his correct age at death.  (Photo credit: Fred Hulsman)

…A candle placed at the Halifax L9561 memorial in Wons…

Remko de Jong, a resident of Makkum, coordinates the candle lighting ceremony in his village. He wrote to Pieter on December 24, and explained that “…Unfortunately, again this year candles were placed without an audience…..”   Instead, candles were placed by Remko and his family and photos were taken by his son Robin. (For the 2020 candle lighting in Makkum, see:  https://onthewarmemorialtrail.com/2020/12/29/christmas-eve-candle-lighting-in-makkum/)

Graves in Makkum

Candles placed at the graves of airmen buried in the Donia Protestant Church Cemetery in Makkum.  (Photo credit: Robin de Jong)

In addition to the candles placed at the graves at 38 airmen who are buried in the Donia Protestant Church Cemetery in Makkum, located by Lake Ijsselmeer in the province of Friesland, a candle was placed at the Halifax L9561 memorial in Wons.

This memorial, unveiled in October 2019, honours the crew of Halifax L9561.  WW2 pilot Elmer Bagnall MUTTART of Cape Traverse, Prince Edward Island lost his life on October 12, 1941, but the rest of the crew were able to safely bail out of the burning plane.  (For a short documentary on the unveiling of the memorial panel and the crew of Halifax L9561, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71Rzg07kPw0&list=PLaJcEVojJra-ZwR6rvb-THj8Zr2QbUXLT&index=2)

Candle placed at Wons memorial by Robin de Jong

Candle placed at the memorial panel in Wons, honouring the crew of Halifax L9561. (Photo credit: Robin de Jong)

…Over 7,600 Canadian soldiers are buried in The Netherlands!…

Kudos to the Dutch, who never forget the sacrifices made by Allied soldiers! There are over 7,600 Canadian soldiers buried in The Netherlands!  Thank you to Remko de Jong for sharing his son’s photos, and to Alice van Bekkum for advising about the correction to the gravestone for Barney McGuigan.

If you have a story or photo to share about Canadian military personnel buried in The Netherlands, please contact Pieter at memorialtrail@gmail.com, comment on the blog, or tweet to @researchmemori1.

© Daria Valkenburg

…Want to follow our research?….

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

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

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

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.