Van der Roest, William Allen.

Biography

k-Van der Roest, William Allen b. June 23, 1914, Mount Vernon, Westchester County, New York; Father William Van der Roest (1869-1933), mother Cora Louis Aller (1877-1958); Sisters Florence Mildred Knight (1886-1954), Constance W. (1898-1982), Kathryn B. (1900-1981), Gladys A. (1907-1987); Married Elizabeth Crosby Parmalee (1914-2000); Artist; Received Passport# 380273 on March 29, 1937 which listed his address as 228 West 111th Street, NYC; 24 years old; Sailed March 31, 1937 aboard the Aquitania; Served with the XV BDE, Washington BN, Co. 3, Section 2; May have transferred to the Lincoln BN, Company Secretary; Served at Brunete; Killed in action on July 7, 1937, Brunete; Carl Syvannen recounted "Van, a gaping wound in his head. He only lived for only a minute." after an air attack.
Sources: Scope of Soviet Activity; Washington’ RGASPI Fond 545, Opis 6, Delo 1005, ll.15, Fiche with date of death; USSDA (under Vander Roest, William A.) 2:1001, 61:0222; MPE (Finnish book recounts his death). Code A
Photograph: William Allen Van der Roest, passport photograph, 1937.