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Does anyone know what this means?

Discussion in 'Western Europe 1943 - 1945' started by sapphotwins, Jun 4, 2010.

  1. sapphotwins

    sapphotwins Member

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    Hi Everyone,

    I recently recieved William J.P. DuSomme's sevice file.He had been killed in Germany Feb.28/45.He had been buried close to where he was killed and then later moved to Groesbeek in Holland.I wanted to know the place of his temporary grave as close as possible.In the file it says he was buried at a point 5 miles south west of Xanten. On another page which is a "Field Service" page,report of death it asks "place" and written in it says "Germany Xanten sheet 034 404".What or where is sheet 034 404 or is it in reference to a map or ????Any help would be appreciated. Thank you Freda
     
    sapphotwins, Jun 4, 2010
    #1
  2. formerjughead

    formerjughead The Cooler King

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    Thats a 6 digit coordinate for the map named "Xanten"
     
    formerjughead, Jun 4, 2010
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  3. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Xanten is a town in Germany near the Rhine River. There was a battle there in early 1945. Was Mr. duSomme Canadian?
    Here is a link to a map of the region xanten germany - Google Maps

    Here is a portion of an article which mentions the area

    Simonato was wounded in early 1945 after entering Germany with the Allies -- a battle at Xanten which took 100 Canadian lives -- and he understands how difficult it can be for most people to relive those bad memories.

    WWII vet writes to help community to remember - Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin - Ontario, CA

    Without that specific map, I think it will be difficult to pinpoint the exact location.
     
    LRusso216, Jun 4, 2010
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  4. sapphotwins

    sapphotwins Member

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    Thanks for the info.Yes he was a canadian from Toronto.His brother was only five when he was killed and now at seventy he would like to know about him,he just never knew how to find out so I'm trying to help him.

    Freda
     
    sapphotwins, Jun 4, 2010
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  5. Icare9

    Icare9 Member

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    The CWGC entry for him gives his Regiment which may help trace where they were that day....
    Name: DUSOMME, WILLIAM J. P.
    Initials: W J P
    Nationality: Canadian
    Rank: Private
    Regiment/Service: Algonquin Regiment, R.C.I.C.
    Date of Death: 28/02/1945
    Service No: B/148905
    Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
    Grave/Memorial Reference: XXV. A. 16.
    Cemetery: GROESBEEK CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY

    Have you applied for his Service Record, including request for all details relating to his death and initial burial?

    You may also be able to obtain the Battalion War Diary covering that period which may provide additional details.
     
    Icare9, Jun 5, 2010
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  6. lwd

    lwd Ace

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    There may also be copies of the map still in existence. I'd check with the history office of the Canadian forces. If allied maps were the same the West Point Map series may actually have it available.
     
    lwd, Jun 5, 2010
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  7. Icare9

    Icare9 Member

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    There were 55 Canadian casualties buried in Groesbeek that were killed the same day. Others may have died later from wounds, but the List is attached. There are 2 others from the Algonquin Regt, buried in Row C Plots 2 and 3 which might indicate that they died a little later than William.
     

    Attached Files:

    Icare9, Jun 5, 2010
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  8. sapphotwins

    sapphotwins Member

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    Thankyou everyone for your help.

    Freda
     
    sapphotwins, Jun 5, 2010
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