Nederweert Cemetery

Discussion in 'NW Europe' started by VicInIbstock, Jul 20, 2016.

  1. VicInIbstock

    VicInIbstock Member

    I know you like a challenge but does anyone know what action happened on the 1st January 1945 around the Nederweert area of the Netherlands. I'm researching a local chap, George Faulknall, who is listed on the CWGC buried at the town's cemetery with that dare.

    Unlike some of the other locqal chaps I can't point to a Battalion or Regiment as he was a Driver with the Royal Army Service Corps and could have been all over the place doing all manner of resupply or ferrying wounded. Any clues appreciated.
     
  2. smdarby

    smdarby Well-Known Member

    No actions around Nederweert at that time. The Nederweert-Wessem canal, which is just a few hundred yards from the cemetery, was the front line from the end of Market Garden until mid-November and a number of casualties were sustained during that period. However, the area from the canal eastwards to the Maas (the 'Peel') was cleared by the end of November.

    It's possible he was killed south of the Maas near the area of Susteren prior to Operation Blackcock. It was from here that an attack was launched later in January to clear the 'Roer Triangle'. Lance Corporal Eric Harden, who was awarded a VC for actions near Linne, is buried in Nederweert cemetery along with a number of other marines and soldiers who were killed during that operation. However, as already stated, your man was killed before this action started.

    Of course, what with all the unexploded ordnance around, it's possible he ran over a mine anywhere in that part of The Netherlands. This might be the best guess, seeing as he was a driver and I can't recall any major actions taking place around that area at that time. But like I say, it is pure speculation.

    Shaun
     
  3. VicInIbstock

    VicInIbstock Member

    Thank you Shaun.
    I always suspected any answer would be speculative with him being a driver but at least I can report his death in context. I appreciate the the detail.
     
  4. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Whats his CWGC details? He may have been re-buried there after the war. The area may have been home to a CCS which would suggest he died of his wounds.
     
  5. smdarby

    smdarby Well-Known Member

    A few photos of the cemetery. I was only there a month or so ago.
     

    Attached Files:

  6. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    UK, Army Roll of Honour, 1939-1945
    Name: George Faulknall
    Given Initials: G A (George Albert)
    Rank: Driver
    Death Date: 1 Jan 1945
    Number: 276698
    Birth Place: Leicestershire
    Residence: Leicestershire
    Branch at Enlistment: Other Corps
    Theatre of War: Western Europe Campaign, 1944/45
    Regiment at Death: Royal Army Service Corps
    Branch at Death: Other Corps


    FAULKNALL, GEORGE ALBERT
    Rank:Driver
    Service No:T/276698
    Date of Death:01/01/1945
    Age:30
    Regiment/Service:Royal Army Service Corps
    Grave Reference: I. G. 7. Cemetery:NEDERWEERT WAR CEMETERY
    Additional Information:Son of George Arthur and Elizabeth Faulknall; husband of Hilda Winifred Faulknall, of Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire.
    doc4203071.JPG
    doc4203102.JPG

    The info above leads me to believe he was reburied in Nov 1945

    TD
     
    Drew5233 likes this.
  7. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Cheers TD - I see he was re-buried in Nov 1945. Can anyone convert the grid ref where he was originally buried?
     
  8. fox81

    fox81 Fox81

    Still looking? I am in fact doing research on all the graves in Nederweert, perhaps we can help each other.
     

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