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Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Michael Joseph McKenna

In memory of:

Rifleman Michael Joseph McKenna

April 6, 1945

Military Service


Service Number:

F/9280

Age:

26

Force:

Army

Unit:

Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, R.C.I.C.

Additional Information


Son of Patrick J. and Laura J. McKenna, of Montague, Prince Edward Island.

Commemorated on Page 543 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.

Burial Information


Cemetery:
Grave Reference:

XII. F. 10.

Location:

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.

Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Digital Collection

Send us your images

  • Photo of Michael Joseph McKenna– Photo of Michael Joseph McKenna – Photo submitted by On The War Memorial Trail research project
  • Newspaper Clipping– From the Charlottetown PEI newspaper The Guardian. Submitted for the project, Operation: Picture Me
  • Gravemarker– This 1945 photo shows the first burial location of Rfn McKenna along with three other QOR riflemen killed at the Berendsen Farm, near Rha, Holland.
  • Grave Marker– This photo of Rfn McKenna's gravemarker was taken in June 2003.
  • Photo 3 of Grave Marker– Photo taken in May 2005
  • Grave Marker

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To learn more please visit our help page. If you have questions or comments regarding the information contained in this registry, email or call us. For inquiries regarding the names and information found in the RCMP Honour Roll, please email the RCMP.

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