I could not place them

[GoodTaste]

Two women in scrubs stopped at the door and came into the room to admire our son, never mind his being dead. They appeared to know me and, although I could not place them, I was glad of the admiration. I wanted more people to come and see him. Anyone.
Source: The Lancet

Does "I could not place them" mea "I could not find them in my memory"?

 

[5jj]

It means that you could not recall where/when you had met them before.