Donald Barrett

[RiaSchmieder]

In my village is a monument on which the name of Donald Barrett is mentioned. He was Royal Welch Fusiliers 7th Bn service no. 3458179. He died on 16th November 1944 when he was clearing a mine field between the villages of Heythuysen and Baexem. I have a picture of him and some information. At the moment we are researching all the names that are mentioned on this monument and I found that (if my information is correct), also Frank Goodhand, 7th Bn service nr. 4200587 and John Ogilvie Spencer 6th Bn service no. 4200158 were wounded and died because of the same accident. BUT John Spencer is buried in Leopoldsburg war cemetery (my guess is that he was wounded and died later) and Frank Goodhand is mentioned on Panel 4 at the Groesbeek Memorial which is also not in our area. I would love to know:
- more information about Donald Barrett (I do have an old address of his family and have to try if this is still correct)
- if it's correct that both Frank Goodhand and John Spencer also died/were wounded in the same mine field.
Any information anyone would have about these men would be highly appreciated.

[ap1]

A warm welcome Ria.

Firstly John (or Joseph) Spencer. Joined the regiment on the 5th April 1940.

On the 16th Nov 1944. His battalion were advancing towards Panheel, having crossed the Wassem Canal on the 14th.

From the History of the 6th Bn 44-45

"Carrier patrols from S Company entered Grantham and found it abandoned. They were quickly followed up by D Company who occupied the village. During this small operation further casualties were sustained on mines, mostly of the anti-personnel variety"

So most likely he died in that action, although we can't be 100%

[ap1]

Regarding Barrett and Goodhand.

Very little detail on Donald Barrett.

Frank Goodhand joined on the 16 Apr 1940. As you point out, both men serving with the 7th Bn.

From Red Dragon - 16th Nov 1944:

"The 7th Battalion, having now reverted to 158th Bde, left Kelpen at 11.30am on the 16th, clearing woods and houses, but at 2pm, it ran into a large minefield at a village between Baexem and the railway and it suffered a few casualties. The Battalion rested here for three days and on the 19th sent Sunday quietly for once."

So I think two separate incidents Ria? Hope this helps.

If you need anymore assistance please ask.

[RiaSchmieder]

Thanks, I'll check that out. Panheel is only 5 km away

[Drew5233]

6th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers 16th November 1944

[Drew5233]

7th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers 16th November 1944

[Drew5233]

Anything in the Missing Men file on Frank Goodhand Al?

You may already know-Frank Goodhand will be on the memorial because he has No Known Grave. This is normally because his original grave was lost over time (quite common for 1940 BEF soldiers, circa 4,500 missing men) or when he was killed he was blown up by artillery as an example and his remains were never found. Looking at the circumstances that the other men were killed by mine strikes the evidence appears to be pointing towards the later scenario. Groesbeek Memorial will be the designated memorial for all missing men during this particular battle/campaign.

You could apply for all three men's service records, there may be clues in them. They do cost £30 each though from the MOD.

[ap1]

Good spot Andy,

Unusually Donald Barrett is mentioned by name in the 7th Bn War Diary, as a member of the Pioneer Platoon, killed whilst clearing a minefield. I will check the Missing Files for Goodhand, though it's not a name I recall.

[ap1]

A look through the nominal roles of the "Missing Men" - Negative. During this phase the British do seem to be on the offensive, so the scenario of Frank being blown to bits is sadly the most likely scenario, rather than being taken by the enemy and never seen again.

[Drew5233]

Missing Men files normally have two paths - POWs or killed and not found. That is the purpose of the Missing Men files, at the time they were just Missing and the powers that be needed to tell the family something conclusive. The fact he is not mentioned in the file strongly suggests his death was witnessed or known about fairly soon after he died so no investigation was needed.

I'd now go with the no remains to bury scenario at this stage.