Holland Cemeteries

Holten Canadian War Cemetery

Holten is a village 20 kilometres east of the town of Deventer, on the main A1 motorway from Amsterdam to Bremen in Germany. Following the A1 motorway, turn off at exit 26 and follow the N332 in the direction of Holten. Follow the N332 until reaching a signpost for Holterberg. Turn right onto the N344 in the direction of Holten, then at the T junction turn left towards Holten and follow this road to the roundabout. Take second exit then turn first right towards Holterberg. Follow this road uphill until you see a green Commission sign pointing to the right. Turn right down the track and follow to the end. Turn left and the cemetery lies along here on the left hand side.

Historical Information: The Netherlands fell to the Germans in May 1940 and was not re-entered by Allied forces until September 1944. The great majority of those buried in Holten Canadian War Cemetery died during the last stages of the war in Holland, during the advance of the Canadian 2nd Corps into northern Germany, and across the Ems in April and the first days of May 1945. After the end of hostilities the remains of over 1,300 Canadian soldiers were brought together into this cemetery.

  1. Aiken, B/119116 Rifleman James Earl, d. 6 April, 1945; Grave XI. F. 15.
  2. Archer, B/138327 Rifleman Burgess Douglas Eavers, d. 7 August, 1945; Grave XII. E. 15.
  3. Atkinson, B/131294 Rifleman Elmer Harold, d. 10 April, 1945; Grave II. A. 3.
  4. Beatty, B/63322 Rifleman Robert Earl Clayton, d. 7 March, 1946; Grave VIII. B. 16.
  5. Burns, B/146999 Rifleman William, d. 10 April, 1945; Grave II. A. 11.
  6. Cholette, B/68757 Lance Corporal Irvin, d. 23 April, 1945; Grave XI. G. 9.
  7. Cockburn, B/64220 Corporal Alexander, d. 16 April, 1945; Grave XII. D. 14.
  8. Crawford, B/117602 Rifleman Thomas Edward Cornelius, d. 6 April, 1945; Grave XI. F. 14.
  9. Desjardins, B/138786 Rifleman Leonard, d. 25 April, 1945; Grave XII. E. 5.
  10. Ewoniuk, B/163666 Rifleman George, d. 10 April, 1945; Grave II. A. 7.
  11. Fryday, B/136751 Rifleman George Albert, d. 4 May, 1945; Grave VII. F. 12.
  12. Jackson, B/95983 Rifleman Walter Leslie, d. 16 April, 1945; Grave XII. D. 9.
  13. Jones, B/149153 Sergeant Howard Arnold, d. 25 April, 1945; Grave XI. E. 7.
  14. Luscombe, B/163524 Rifleman Nicholas John, d. 25 April, 1945; Grave XI. E. 4.
  15. McCombs, B/68360 Rifleman Wilbert Charles, d. 23 April, 1945; Grave XI. G. 12.
  16. McKenna, F/9280 Rifleman Michael Joseph, d. 6 April, 1945; Grave XII. F. 10.
  17. Mylles, B/118080 Rifleman Allan Robert Lawson, d. 11 April, 1945; Grave III. B. 9.
  18. Ouderkirk , B/143209 Rifleman Gordon William, d. 16 April, 1945; Grave XII. D. 12.
  19. Parson, B/126697 Rifleman Gordon Walter, 25 April, 1945; Grave XII. E. 4.
  20. Pennell, B/42738 Rifleman Harry Horace, d. 16 April, 1945; Grave XII. D. 15.
  21. Reichelt, B/166052 Rifleman Albert Joseph, d. 19 July, 1946; Grave XI. H. 2.
  22. Rintala, B/119439 Corporal Walter Oscar , d. 26 April, 1945; Grave X. D. 1.
  23. Shepherd, C/102756 Corporal Frederick Richard, d. 17 April, 1945; Grave XII. D. 13.
  24. Smith, K/75883 Rifleman Melvin Charles, d. 4 May, 1945; Grave VII. F. 9.
  25. Taylor, B/70183 Lance Sergeant Leonard Howard, d. 20 April, 1945; Grave IX. E. 16.
  26. Wheeler, B/119538 Rifleman Lewis Morley, d. 25 April, 1945; Grave XI. E. 2.
  27. White, B/64238 Rifleman Walter Samuel, d. 16 April 16, 1945; Grave XII. D. 11.
  28. Woodruff, B/160815 Rifleman George Clifford, d. 6 April, 1945; Grave XI. F. 13.
  29. York, B/115539 Rifleman Mervin Henry, d. 10 April, 1945; Grave II. A. 14.
Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery

Groesbeek is located 10 km south east of the town of Nijmegen and close to the German frontier. The Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery is 3 km north of the village and 1500 metres east of the main road to Nijmegen. On leaving the A73 motorway at the junction Overasselt Mook Groesbeek follow directions to Mook. Follow direction signs towards Mook War cemetery. After passing Mook War cemetery continue to the village of Groesbeek to a set of traffic lights. Turn left at the lights onto Dorpstraat passing through Groesbeek. The road name then changes to Molenweg. A Commonwealth War Graves Commission direction sign indicates the right hand turning from Molenweg onto the Zeven Heuvelenweg. The Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery is located on the right hand side, about 1 km after entering this road. On the Memorial in the Canadian War Cemetery at Groesbeek are inscribed the following words: Pro amicis mortui amicis vivimus, We live in the hearts of friends for whom we died.

Thirty-four Riflemen, including Sgt Aubrey Cosens, VC, died during the brutal battle 26 February, 1945 that was part of Operation Blockbuster. They, and many more who died of wounds received during the battle, are buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery. To read more about the Operation and the days leading up to the battle read the research paper written by former Rifleman and retired U.S. Army Colonel William C. Ball: The Regiment’s “Toughest Scrap” February 26, 1945.

  1. Bean, Captain Harvey George Willmott, d. 14 February, 1945; Grave I. D. 5.
  2. Bell, B/157584 Rifleman George Armstrong, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave X. H. 16.
  3. Blencoe, B/63868Lance Corporal Robert William, d. 30 March, 1945; Grave XX. E. 2.
  4. Brown, L/91715 Rifleman Ross Alexander, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 6.
  5. Brown, B/56077 Rifleman William Robert, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 9.
  6. Calbert, B/116330 Rifleman Herbert Cuthbertson, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 1.
  7. Calnan, B/159468 Rifleman Edward Anthony, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave VII. H. 12.
  8. Chadbolt, Lieutenant Donald David, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 9.
  9. Chambers, Lieutenant John James , d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 8.
  10. Clark, B/139286 Rifleman Omar Emerson, d. 2 April, 1945; XXII. D. 13.
  11. Clyne, B/64183 Corporal Harold Bernard, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 14.
  12. Cosens, B/46495 Sergeant Aubrey, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 2.
  13. Crocker, B/117972 Rifleman Alfred, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 5.
  14. Cross, B/149901 Rifleman Glenn Morton, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 3.
  15. Dafoe, C/120291 Rifleman Russell David, d. 20 December, 1944; Grave II. D. 4.
  16. Davies, B/621145 Rifleman Herbert Edward, d. 31 March, 1945; Grave XX. B. 6.
  17. Dearness, B/36737 Lance Corporal William Alexander, d. 27 February, 1945; Grave XVI. H. 1.
  18. Dowling, C/9916 Rifleman Delmar Marvin, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave VII. F. 15.
  19. Duguay, B/24480 Rifleman Gaston, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave IX. C. 5.
  20. Dyck, B/24429 Rifleman John, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave XXI. D. 2.
  21. Dyson, B/44572 Rifleman Richard Isaac, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 4.
  22. Ellwood, B/126474 Rifleman John Evendon, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave VII. H. 9.
  23. Fidge, B/145438Corporal Jack Milton, d. 26 February, 1945
  24. Fraser, G/53534 Lance Corporal Edward William, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. B. 11.
  25. Gagne, B/155379 Rifleman Samuel Joseph, 7 December, 1944; Grave IV. E. 1.
  26. Goldsmith , B/46911 Rifleman Harold, d. 8 April, 1945; Grave XVII. F. 2.
  27. Grant, Lieutenant Edward Leslie Nicholas, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 10.
  28. Gray, B/160788 Rifleman Allan Francis, d. 5 March, 1945; Grave VII. F. 16.
  29. Hearty, B/52460 Rifleman Vincent Alfred, d. 19 December, 1944; Grave II. D. 6.
  30. Jamieson, B/158378 Corporal Harold, d. 2 April, 1945; Grave XXII. D. 12.
  31. Jones, B/155174 Corporal Frank Lewis, d. 31 March, 1945; Grave XX. E. 6.
  32. Kachafanas, B/162294 Rifleman William, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 7.
  33. Keith, B/159825 Rifleman William Churchman, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 7.
  34. Klacza, B/103245 Rifleman John, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 15.
  35. La Rose, B/79266 Rifleman Kenneth John, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave VIII. E. 13.
  36. Lawson, B/124032 Rifleman Robert, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. B. 14.
  37. Lloyd, F/7471 Rifleman Merrill Perez, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 6.
  38. Macara, B/162039 Rifleman Ronald, d. 4 April, 1945; Grave XVII. F. 3.
  39. McDonald, H/69947 Rifleman Robert James, d. 5 March, 1945; Grave VII. H. 1.
  40. Mearns, D/114787 Rifleman John, d. 30 March, 1945; Grave XX. A. 9.
  41. Messing, B/63407 Rifleman Earl James Elliot, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 8.
  42. Nahwegezhic, B/52575 Rifleman Charles, d. 28 February, 1945; Grave XVI. G. 13.
  43. O’Farrell, B/158610 Rifleman Lawrence Cornelius, d. 5 March, 1945; Grave VII. F. 13.
  44. Ostrom, B/155267 Rifleman John Kenneth, d. 1 March, 1945; Grave XXIV. D. 1.
  45. Paradis, L/154271 Lance Sergeant Marc Joseph, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave VII. H. 2.
  46. Patience, B/116298 Rifleman Donald Norman, d. 6 April, 1945; V. E. II.
  47. Patrick, D/139783 Corporal Jack Harry, d. 31 March, 1945; Grave XX. A. 7.
  48. Patterson, B/36812 Corporal Edward St Julian, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 10.
  49. Payne, B/64479 Sergeant Harold, d. 12 February, 1945; Grave I. B. 13.
  50. Pocock, B/157996 Rifleman Dalton Clair Burns, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. B. 13.
  51. Prentice, B/17334 Rifleman Melville Emerson, d. 2 April, 1945; Grave XXII. D. 1.
  52. Ragen, Lieutenant Amos, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 12.
  53. Reid, B/157100 Rifleman Douglas Walter, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 4.
  54. Rielly, B/145134 Rifleman Arthur, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 1.
  55. Russman, D/135305 Rifleman David, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave VII. H. 4.
  56. Sereres, B/157668 Rifleman Joseph Arnold, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. B. 12.
  57. Shilson, B/68048 Rifleman William Henry, d. 22 December, 1944; Grave II. B. 16.
  58. Steffler, A/104737 Rifleman James Harold, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 13.
  59. Stewart, B/66123 Corporal Peter Joseph, d. 19 December, 1944; Grave II. D. 5.
  60. Struk, B/112352 Rifleman Stephen, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave VIII. E. 14.
  61. Thomas, D/142366 Rifleman Eugene Robert, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave VII. H. 3.
  62. Thorell, K/46678 Rifleman Ole Herman, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 2.
  63. Tuttle, K/76048 Rifleman Chester Clinton , d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. H. 11.
  64. Walsh, B/117669 Lance Sergeant John Wilbur, d. 3 March, 1945; Grave VII. F. 14.
  65. Warner, B/119318 Rifleman Leonard Joseph, d. 11 April, 1945; Grave XI. D. 3.
  66. Watson, B/157616 Lance Corporal Clarence West, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. D. 11.
  67. Webber, B/63924 Company Quarter Master Sergeant Charles Robert, d. 12 February, 1945; Grave I. D. 1.
  68. Wheeler, B/149466 Rifleman James Clinton, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. B. 9.
  69. Wilson, B/131997 Rifleman Hector William, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. B. 16.
  70. Wilson, K/15645 Rifleman Rollo Charles, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. B. 15.
  71. Woodley, B/9251 Rifleman Norman Victor, d. 26 February, 1945; Grave VIII. F. 16.
  72. Woods, B/37706 Rifleman James Alfred, d. 9 June, 1945; Grave XXII. D. 15.

"In Pace Paratus – In Peace Prepared"

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