I am trying to trace a soldier who was killed 14/02/1945 and is buried in Jonkerbos Cemetry. All I really know at this time was that he was in the East Lancashire Regiment. I would like to try and find out what area and why he was in that area and maybe narrow his death down to a particular battle, which should then in theory I hope place where he died. Many thanks in advance for any information.
I assume you mean this chap in the 1st Bn? CWGC :: Casualty Details killed during the fighting in the Reichswald during Operation Veritable.
According to Geoff's WW2 search engine: Private Donald Dunstan 1st Bn East Lancashire Regiment Age 18 Died 14/02/1945 14731497 Son of Thomas John and Emily Cereta Dunstan of Pencoys, Cornwall Grave Ref. 17.E.7. Jonkerbos War Cemetery There are 16 burials from the East Lancs Regiment in Jonkerbos, most of them from that period in Feb 1945. This was during Operation Veritable, the battle of the Reichswald Forest. You could narrow down a lot more where the 1st East Lancs were and what they were doing if you could find out what Division they were in, which I'm sure someone will be able to help with.
they were in 71st Bde of 53rd (Welsh) Div, they were tasked with moving to a central position just within the forest , north of Grafenthal according to the Div history when your man was killed. also During the 14th there was some shelling on the Divisional front, especially along the well-defined edges of the Forest. page 125 of Barclay's The History Of The 53rd (Welsh) Division In The Second World War have a look at this map, Grafenthal is just north-west of Asperden. http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/Canada/CA/Victory/maps/Victory-10.jpg This map will show the movements of 53rd Div during the Reichswald battle. This one will show where Grafenthal is.
So Dave, you think could our chap be one of those two casualties from the British 'shorts' on the night of 14/15th ? Looking at that ride called Oregon on that map, I'd say this GoogleEarth place mark is fairly close.
Quite likely Owen... the day of the 14th appears to have been relatively 'event-free' and the regimental history is heavily based on the war diaries (almost word for word in some instances) - if a particular day had a casualty, then its usually mentioned in the narrative (though rarely by name unfortunately). Dave
I haven't got one for the particular 14th Feb area, but this (for want of a better description) 'Trench map' shows the German defences (dated 2nd Feb 1945) at the point of their entry into the Reichswald. It may be of interest. Dave
Artillery Points Rob. The enemy had now been driven back out of range of all guns with the exception of the 7th Med Regt RCA. That is, the enemy Divisions evolved in this battle, as there were still lots within reach to the North. Again a move was precluded by road conditions. Brigadier LEGGAT visited the 7th Med Regt RCA and had to travel in a Weasel as the road was covered with water for two or three miles in places to a depth of three feet. 14th February. 09.00 Quiet night, mostly bright and clear. HF fired by 84th Bty. At 09.30 “A” Troop began to move to an alternative position owing to their present position being completely untenable due to mud and water. 10.30 The 2 I/C and LO went to the 51st (H) Div and 53rd (W) Div for information. Captain PEACE moving to CLEVE today at 12.30hrs. 15.00 Communications on “H” net to Captain PEACE difficult in spite of two Step-up stations.
Thank you all for your help and your vast knowledge. This information is of a great help and I will pass this onto my work colleague who mentioned that a relative of his was killed during the closing stages of the war at 18. That was all he knew about him. So thank you all so much. This site has helped me on 2 occassions now. The other being Thomas Joseph Chandler who was awarded a DCM for his actions during the 2nd Chindit campaign.
aha, used the Grid Square Converter on that map ref Dave gave. The "Coordinate Translator" Nord de Guerre Zone qE873473 Latitude : 51° 42' 47'' N Longitude : 6° 06' 23'' E
Would love it if anyone out there could forward a photo of his gravestone. I'm sure that would put the icing on the cake at the moment for him.
I am going to the Reichswald at the end of this month, and will take a picture of it for you. I started transcribing the 1st East Lancs War Diary today (June only thus far!) But will copy you the sections relating his death and post them here.
Hi Eddie, Swiper has beaten me to it, but here are the NA references for the ELR in 1945: WO171/5224 /5225 /5226 Each one covers a period in 1945. Bamboo.
Eddie, I have some spare time next week. Will go to Nijmegen (on my bicycle)take a picture and send it to you. promise !
That would be very nice of you. If you were anywhere near the point where Donald may have been killed that would be brilliant if some photos could be taken. Ed
No problem, but therefore I will need some more details of the 1st East Lancs positions in that period. Do you have the relevant pages of the Regimental History.
I awaiting a response from Swiper who maybe able to produce that diary for this period but if you look on post #5 there are two images that seem to locate where they may have been at the time if that helps? Ed
