FEBRUARY 2019 / NR 228 PUBLISHED EVERY THREE MONTHS

“We Leave No One Behind” The words of Lt Gen Mart C Kruif, the former Commander of Land Forces of The Netherlands

Regularly, from time thousands of civilian casualties, to time, the remains such as concentration camp of WWII aircrew and victims, bomb raid casualties, executed resistance workers soldiers are recovered and collaborators and so-called here in The Netherlands. When “line-crossers,” who had been they are identified, they are buried killed whilst trying to reach the with full military honours. How is Allied lines after September Remains of missing WW2 soldiers and airmen continue to be found this whole procedure carried out? 1944. Many of these war victims had been Cross, commenced the difficult task of reco- vering and identifying the many thousands On behalf of the Netherlands Mi- reported missing and still lay on the of decomposing bodies and establishing nistry of Defence, and in accordance battlefields in their former slit tren- war cemeteries in the liberated part of the with the Geneva Conventions, a spe- ches, unmarked field graves, tem- Netherlands. After VE-Day allied Graves cialized unit, under the Command of porary cemeteries, mass graves and Registration Units came to the Netherlands Captain Geert Jonker, has been made even in burnt out vehicles, tanks, to recover and re-inter their own war dead. responsible for the tracing, exhumation crashed aircraft or ship wrecks. From that time, the Recovery & Identification and identification of missing World Captain Geert Jonker In January 1945, at the HQ Unit’s main task became to take care of civi- War II casualties - both military and civilian - of the Dutch Free Forces of the Interior in lian casualties and - as agreed in the Geneva on Dutch territory (and occasionally abroad) Eindhoven (in the liberated southern part of Conventions - the estimated 35.000 German the Netherlands), its commander HRH Prince regardless of their background or nationality. Continuation on page 3 The main aim of this unit is to provide Bernhard ordered the establishment of the closure to next of kin and ensure a re-inter- Recovery & Identification Unit. It consisted REGULAR ITEMS ment in a marked grave. The Netherlands of an HQ and six platoons (a total of 58 Agenda Page 2 government considers this to be both a duty officers and men) and was commanded by Announcements Page 3 of care and a debt of honour. Lt. Col (Reserve Officer) Dr. A. Van Anrooy of Chairman’s Chat Page 3 The Recovery & Identification (the Dutch) RAMC - The Netherlands Army Unit, Royal Netherlands Arrmy Medical Service. Coming Events Page 4 In the final stages of World War II, it was The unit was issued British and Canadi- Looking Back Page 5-6-7 established that tens of thousands of Dutch, an-made uniforms, equipment and vehicles Club Limburg News Page 8 German and Allied soldiers had been killed and, in close cooperation with the Dutch Red 1 RAFA AMSTERDAM BRANCH THE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2019 IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2018 10 March 14.00 hrs Annual General Meeting, British School of Amsterdam

4 May 10.00 hrs Remembrance Ceremony, De Nieuwe Ooster, Amsterdam

4 May 17.45 hrs Remembrance Ceremony, Blenheim Field Grave, ZO Beemster

10 - 12 May 10.00 hrs European Area and National Conferences, Birmingham, England

29 Jun 17.00 hrs RAFA/Edambusters BBQ, Maartensdijk

We record with sadness the passing of the following members:

Mrs T Beugels Brunssum Maj Gen G Verschueren Maastricht Mr G J Beumer Amstelveen Mr L Versteeg Haarlem Mr E Carfrae Zandvoort Mr P Wierix Roosendaal Mrs K Harries Dumfries, Scotland Mr J Koster IJmuiden Mr F M S Smith Hazerswoude Dorp Mr J H ten Have Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM BRANCH 1077

Welfare If you know a member who is ill or in need of the that we may be able

to offer, please inform the Honorary Welfare Officer John Bright, or any

other committee member.

Membership Please let the Membership Secretary or any Committee member know

whenever address changes take place or if you are aware that a

member has died. We don’t mind how many times we are told because

it prevents the extremely embarrassing and hurtful situation for others

when mail is still addressed to someone who has passed away.

Internet Please help us cut down on costs by allowing us to add your e-mail

address to our distribution list.

Members on e-mail have the added benefit of receiving the bulletin

early and in colour.

2 RAFA AMSTERDAM BRANCH THE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2019 The Royal Air Forces Association Announcements The Chairman’s Chat Membership Thank you to to all but a handfull of members who have paid their subscrip- In the 39 years that I have been involved with the Amsterdam Branch tion for 2019. Those who have not, will shortly be receiving a reminder. I have witnessed many changes. We have now almost gone full circle Welcome to the following new members: by ending up in a similar situation to that which existed in the 1960s, which was Mr G Hazell ­- Ordinary Member before the late Peter Sainsbury became involved and turned the branch into a huge Mr W Mulders ­- Associate Member success. Sadly, we no longer have the facilities, sponsors and empathy that existed Text from page 1 continued war dead on Dutch territory, for whom one toward the Royal Air Force and RAFA in those early days, at that time less than single war cemetery was established in 1946. 25 years after the end of WWII. Therefore, at the present time, I really do not know In 1951 the unit transformed into two operational Graves Concentration Compa- how matters will pan out in the Branch’s future. Any suggestions about this vital nies: No. 118 GC-Coy and No. 158 GC- Coy, within the Dutch version of the RASC. question, of how to ensure the continuation of our Branch, from you, our mem- These companies also had to be able to be deployed for Cold War duties. The recovery bers, would be most welcome. of civil and German casualties went on, but as by now the Allied GRUs had completed One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is our commitment to welfare their tasks and had left the Netherlands, these companies also started taking care of provision. The number of cases here in the Netherlands that require our financial the bodies of Allied soldiers that were still assistance are now few and far between, but we do, where possible, keep an eye frequently being found. In 1972 both GC-Coys were de-mobilized. open for members who are ill, hospitalised, incapacitated etc. In cases such as Their task was taken over by a newly establis- hed section at the Dutch RASC Training Cen- these, the sending of a card, making a telephone call, or the receipt of flowers, can tre, which was named after its first predeces- sor: Recovery & Identification Unit.Today, the work wonders. unit’s work is still nowhere near completion. Remains of missing WW2 soldiers and airmen Something else that, I believe, has grown much stronger in recent times, is remem- continue to be found in the Netherlands; in mainly individual field graves, but also entire brance. The number of people attending the ceremonies we organise has increased aircrews of Allied bombers. In their archaeo- immensely; the same can be said of ceremonies organised by local groups across osteological laboratory at Soesterberg three identification specialists work on about thirty the country. Examples of this are the lighted candles placed, on each war grave to forty WW2 cases each year. Their unique task combines the fields of before Christmas, at Holten and Oosterbeek. forensic archaeology, conflict archaeology, archaeo-osteology, odontology and military 2019 will be a less demanding year for Ricky and me since we will no longer have history. Modern day techniques such as DNA- testing, isotope testing and three-dimensional to worry about what to buy or produce for the bingo evenings. The change is facial reconstruction have found their way to the RIU laboratory, making it also possible to something that didn’t really impact until sometime after the final bingo evening; re-open cold cases going back as far as the this was due to our continued involvement in the Remembrance Ceremony, the 1950s. This unit closely cooperates with its international counterparts in addition to the Christmas Lunch, the end of 2018 accounts, membership matters and various re- Defence Sections of The Hague embassies. The Dutch government considers the ports. However, I am sure we will still find things to keep us busy now that things work of the RIU to be a duty of care and a debt of honour; this not only to the fallen, are slowing down. who gave their lives so that the Netherlands could be free, but also to their comrades Finally, a reminder to you all that our AGM will and to their next of kin who sometimes have had to wait for over seventy years for their take place on Sunday 10 March 2019 and I hope loved ones to be identified and their demise to meet you there. accounted for and brought to light. Photos RIU 3 RAFA AMSTERDAM BRANCH THE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2019 RAFALO’s round-up Coming Events Amsterdam Branch Annual General Meeting SUNDAY 10th March 2019 British School of Amsterdam, Fred Roeskestraat 94A, 1076 ED Amsterdam 14.00 hours Dedication Agenda Item Chairman’s Opening Remarks 1. Apologies of Absence 2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 3. Matters arising from the Minutes The new Chief of the Air Staff On 3 December 2018 it was 4. President’s Report announced that Air Marshal Michael 5. Honorary Secretary’s Report Wigston CBE is to be promoted to 6. Honorary Treasurer’s Report Air Chief Marshal and appointed as Chief of the Air Staff, in succession to 7. Honorary Welfare Officer’s Report Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier. 8. Membership Secretary’s Report 9. Elections 10. Any other business 11. Date next AGM

Items for any other business must be least 14 days prior to the AGM. Members are A400M Completes First Beach submitted to the Hon Secretary before the urged to attend the meeting. Landing Trial On 11 December 2018, meeting commences. The school hall is open from 13.30 hours an A400M crewed by 206 Sqn succes- Members wishing to submit nominations for and coffee will be served prior to the sfully completed beach landing trails at the committee are invited to do so. meeting which will start at 14.00 prompt. Pembrey Sands beach in South Wales. The nominations, of which acceptance by the The meeting will be chaired by our Presi- members concerned must be certified and dent, Commodore Chris Lorraine, and is not Eurofighter Typhoon Fleet Reaches be signed by two members of the branch, expected to take longer than one hour. After 500,00 Flying Hours On 9 November must be submitted to the Hon Secretary at the meeting there will be a free refreshments. 2018 a Royal Air Force Typhoon was unveiled with special markings to mark the global fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon 4 May Remembrance ceremonies aircraft passing the 500,000 flying The branch is involved or represented at the following ceremonies: hours mark. CON-OFFICIAL-2018 10.00 hours De Nieuwe Oosterbegraafplaats, Amsterdam First Landing on UK Carrier by F35 17.45 hours The Blenheim Grave, Zuiderweg 41, Zuidoost Beemster F35 Lightning aircraft made first F35 landings on HMS Queen Elizabeth II on 20.00 hours Airmens Memorial, Dronten 29 Septemmber 2018. The landings 20.00 hours Brunssum marked the start of more than 500 20.00 hours Crash Museum take-offs and touch-downs set to take place from warship over an 11-week period, with the jets being put through 29 June RAFA/Edambusters BBQ their paces in a range of weather con- ditions. On 18 Oct 18, an RAF F35 also Our annual BBQ with the Edambusters will take place on Saturday the 29th June. It undertook the first will again be held in the beautiful gardens of Edambusters Berry and Jacobien Verlinden air to air refuelling for at Tuinlaan 18, 3738 CT Maartensdijk, where you will be welcomed from 17.00 hours. If the type from an RAF you wish to attend please transfer € 25.00 per person to our bank account: Voyager. Royal Air Force Association NL81 INGB 0002 4773 00. Quoting BBQ. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Malcolm Mason for details: RAF Chinooks Begin Operations in Mali On 21 September 2018 0341-250 013 or [email protected] RAF Chinook helicopters began flying operational sorties in support of France. Three RAF Chinooks are being used to transport French troops and supplies around the country, providing vital logis- tical support. Photos Crown Copyright

4 RAFA AMSTERDAM BRANCH THE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2019 10 November 2018 RAFA Remembrance Ceremony at De Nieuwe Oosterbegraafplaats Amsterdam

Last year my report on this ceremony focussed Shortly, following a prayer by the Rev. Stone and on the youth participation. This year it is my plea- the singing of ‘Abide with Me’, our Edambusters flew sure to report that the presence of young people, over in a perfect formation of three aircraft, precisely from The British School of Amsterdam, The Polish on time!!! School of Amsterdam, The 1st Amsterdam Cub Pack The wreath-laying ceremony was then conducted and The 1st Amsterdam Beavers, once again, made by Chairman Malcolm. Following the new Mayor of impressive contributions to the ceremony; by so Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, wreaths were placed doing, they ensured that the faith of remembrance by representatives of the Embassies of Canada, New of those who gave their lives for our, and their Zealand, Australia, Poland, The United States, Federal freedoms, which we all enjoy today, will be passed on Rep. of Germany, and the UK (John Cameron-Webb MBE), from generation to generation. This year’s ceremony was Sudeep Ale, Sqdr. Ldr. Graeme Bell, the NL Armed Forces, attended by more people than in 2017. TRBL Holland Branch, and other local organisations, as well It was opened by a welcome and address by our RAFA as the Principal of TBS Amsterdam Paul Morgan and, with Amsterdam Branch Padre, the Reverend Dr. Lance Stone. their personal handmade wreaths, the Amsterdam Cubs and There followed Beavers. the ‘Act of Re- The BSA students placed traditional wooden poppy cros- membrance’, the ses on the Commonwealth graves and Polish children flags playing of the and flowers on the Polish graves. Members of the public were ‘Last Post’, ‘The invited to lay their Silence’, and ‘The tributes. Reveille’. Next was Chairman Mal- a bible reading by colm concluded the the Branch’s new ceremony with a final RAFALO (Royal Air address and word of Members of the public were invited to lay their tributes Force Liaison Of- thanks to all present ficer) Sqdr. Ldr. Graeme Bell, RAF. Reverend Stone then gave and an invitation to an address. There followed a superb rendition of ‘We will partake of refresh- The new Mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema Remember Them’ (words by Laurence Binyon, music by John ments in the reception rooms of the DNO. Once again this Madden), by the Junior and Senior Choirs of the BSA, led by had been a well-organised and conducted ceremony by our Sally Hyland, Kate Weatherall and Liz Driessen. RAFA Amsterdam Branch. Photos & text John Bright.

11 November 2018 The Commonwealth Remembrance Service at Westduin Cemetery, The Hague John and Janet Bright represented the Branch, at the invitation by the British Ambassador Peter Wilson, to this an- nual service. At 11.45 hrs. the piper started playing to announce to all present the commencement of the walk to the ceremony location. When all were assembled before the Cross of Sacrifice, the service was opened by the Reverend Michael Sanders with a word of welcome and the singing of ‘O God Our Help In Ages Past’. The First Lesson was read by H.E. Peter Wilson and was followed by an excellent rendition of ‘Ave Verum Corpus’ by Mozart from the choir organised by Karin Hollreisser, accom- panied by a Brass Quintet of the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy. There followed an address by Michael All then processed to the Stijkel Memorial Continuation on page 6

5 RAFA AMSTERDAM BRANCH THE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2019 Text from page 5 continued Anthems of the UK and The Netherlands were sung, then came Sanders; the hymn ‘Abide With Me’; ‘The Act of Remembrance’ ‘The Blessing’ and the (unfortunately incorrect) reading read by Flying Officer Sudeep Ale and ‘The Exhortation’ read of the ‘Kohima Epitaph’. by Gary Johnson (British Embassy Defence Team). The bugler All then processed to the Stijkel Memorial where homage played ‘The Last Post’, and, following the 2 minutes of silence, was paid to the 47 men and women of the resistance against ‘The Reveille’. German occupation of The Netherlands on 10th May 1940, The wreath-laying took place with the many dignitaries, and and who were all executed on 4th June 1941, or later died in civil and military representatives placing, in groups, their wreaths. captivity. Whilst the piper played ‘The Lament’ flowers were placed, with After this sombre and moving, but appropriate, conclusion commendable solemnity, on each individual grave, by Guides to the ceremonies, all in attendance were invited to a short and Scouts and children of the Commonwealth. reception at the Cemetery Reception Room. After prayers and the ‘Act of Commitment’, the National Photo & text John Bright.

11 November 2018 In addition to the above ceremony Malcolm Mason paraded the Branch Standard at the Remembrance Sunday Service at the English Reformed Church, Amsterdam. Later that afternoon, he placed a wreath at a Remembrance ceremony at the Nunspeet War Graves.

11 November 2018 – Remembrance Ceremony Brunssum On 11 November 2018, the 100th 72 Years of Commemoration in Sittard anniversary of the Amistice, and 2018 was the 72nd year of Com- salient west of the river Roer. as happens each year, the Foun- memorations in Sittard, Limburg. This Another 20 servicemen are buried dation War Cemetery Brunssum, in was also the 51st year that the Sittard in the Algemene Begraafplaats and conjunction with the UK and NATO War Graves Committee, the Mayor a small Remembrance ceremony is personnel at Joint Force Command and community of Sittard joined with held there on the Saturday preceding Brunssum members of the British and NATO Remembrance Sunday. conduct the community at Joint Force Command Relatives of the fallen UK service- annual Re- Brunssum and their families in the Act men are invited by the Committee to membrance of Remembrance. attend these ceremonies and have ceremony Following a service in St Peter’s done so since 1946. The Committee which is al- Church, the laying of wreaths is carried intends to continue this tradition with ways attended by the Brunssum and out in the well maintained Common- the support and assistance of those UK/NATO community and families. wealth War Cemetery in Ophoven, who will not forget the sacrifices the The Commonwealth War Graves Sittard. The graves, apart from a few servicemen made on their behalf. in Brunssum are well cared for and dating from November 1944 are Mr Rex Thompson took part in the comprise 328 British soldier’s graves mainly from the months of January ceremony and laid a wreath on behalf (in large part, Royal Engineers) - of and February 1945. Of the 239 graves of Amsterdam Branch/Club Limburg. which one is unknown. Following the in the cemetery, 233 are long known, including 3 airmen history/as- and 1 civilian. 6 graves are sociation unknown. of Am- The majority of those sterdam buried in the cemetery Branch/ were members of the Scot- Club Limburg with Brunssum, Mr Ken tish Regiments belonging Duffield took part in the ceremony and to the 52nd (Lowland) laid a wreath on behalf of Royal Air For- Division who were engaged ces Amsterdam Branch/Club Limburg. in battle in January 1945; Photos Media Centre, JFC Brunssum their objective to clear the

6 RAFA AMSTERDAM BRANCH THE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2019 2 November 2018 – EAC Brussels Governance and Health and Safety, and was given by the The European Area’s Autumn Conference took place two staff members Vikki Hall, Director of Governance and Del at the Bedford Hotel, Brussels. David Atkins attended Rowlands, Director of membership. The final activity of the day as delegate and Malcolm Mason as the Area’s Vice- was an excellent Gala Dinner at which Trophies and Certificates Chairman. On the Friday evening there was a reception, were presented. followed by a congenial dinner. On Sunday morning delegates attended a service at the The Area Conference on Saturday morning was attended Basilica and afterwards a short ceremony in the beautiful RAF by delegates and two officials from CHQ. (anyone wishing to Chapel. The band of the Belgian Air Force provided the music, receive the minutes of this should contact Malcolm Mason). the Military Wives Choir sang and RAF Air Cadets participated. Guest speaker was retired Belgian Air Force General Gerard van Caelenberge. After lunch an interesting training session The excellent weekend’s activities were organised by took place which covered the subjects of Data Protection, Air Commodore John Maas RAF. 16 December 2018 RAFA Amsterdam Christmas Lunch The lunch, held again at the Mercure Schiphol Airport ted by Malcolm, table by table, to partake of the cold and warm West Hotel, Amsterdam was, as in previous years, a suc- buffet.Ricky and Janet organised the sale of raffle tickets, and, cess. The attendees arrived at the venue and were ‘chec- following ‘The Loyal Toasts’, the draw of the raffle was made ked in’ by Janet and Ricky at the reception desk and given by Carol Lorraine and the prizes distributed to the appreciative complimentary drinks vouchers. They then made their recipients, by Ricky and Janet. way to the bar, to be welcomed by Chairman Malcolm and The guests then partook of the Vice-Chairman John. desert buffet and coffee and after- The sound of Marc Stoop’s bagpipes announced to the wards gradually made their de- guests that they should make their way to the dining area and partures for home; our Chairman take their seats at the allocated tables. commented that the staff were When all were seated, president Chris Loraine gave a word attentive, the meal was very good of welcome, a short explanation of the programme and an- and the ambiance was perfect. nounced a moment of silence for members deceased since the last lunch.Soup was then served and after this, guests were invi- John Bright - Photos Angela Krabbe

Leo Hendrikx (continued) Edambusters After returning from flying a mission Leo Hendrikx returned to Holland but because 322 Squadron had been disban- during WWII, when Bomber Crews stood ded, he was transferred to the Dutch Air Forces (LSK) and given the job of flying light communication aircraft. During this period he took on the task of finishing the down, they would often let off steam by studies he hadn’t completed when he escaped from Holland. He had a three-year staging a huge party at their mess. contract with the LSK and was posted to Twente where a Spitfire Squadron was for- Years after the war The Air Gunners As- med, destined for the Dutch East Indies, and Leo was posted there. sociation (AGA) would pay an annual visit In 1948 Leo began studying at the Wageningen University for Agriculture. In this period to Dronten, in Flevoland. The week-long visit he had the opportunity to take up flying again; four days a month in the Air Force Reserve, ended on 4th May, when, after the memo- on Spitfires; this he did in combination with his studies at Wageningen. Around this time rial ceremony, a big party took place at the the Dutch introduced the Meteor jet fighter and in 1951, after three months training, he qua- Meerpaal. lified for this type of aircraft. He continued flying until 1955, in which year he completed his Each year on 4th May, when the Edam- studies in Agriculture Economy. busters had completed their sortie, the team In 1957 Leo joined the Heineken beer breweries. He successfully followed on- the- job would hangar their aircraft, jump in their cars training as a beer brewer and was appointed Assistant Manager at Den Bosch. His next ap- and drive to Dronten to join the AGA party. pointment, in 1963, was as Brew Master at a brewery in Trieste, Italy. Three years later he A similar party took place recently at the returned to Den Bosch as Production Manager. In 1979 he travelled the world to examine Meerpal when the Burgemeester of Dronten the various brewing methods In practice overseas, and as a result of this, vertical storage retired. The Edambusters were invited to his tanks were introduced at Den Bosch. farewell party and the team is pictured below 1972 saw a major promotion for him to Head of Building Services at Heineken, a job with him, on this occasion. that took him abroad to various Heineken breweries. Next, he became Technical Manager for Europe. When the Italian Breweries experienced serious problems, he was appointed Techni- cal Director in Milan, where he was welcomed because of his past experiences at Trieste. In 1980, due to family circumstances, he had to return to Northern Europe and was ap- pointed Director of a Heineken Malt factory in Belgium which he reorganised to become the largest in Europe. In 1985 he was sent for a new Heineken project to Argentina - a difficult place after the Colonels were ousted. In 1987, after a 30 year long and distinguished career working with Heineken, Leo retired.

7 RAFA AMSTERDAM BRANCH THE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2019 RAFA Club Limburg

Programme RAF Association Club Limburg - Year 2019 Club Evenings March 18 Annual General Meeting (Cheese and Pate to follow after meeting) April 15 Spring Bingo May 20 Barbecue Jan/Feb/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep Club Closed October 21 Horse Racing Brunssum November 18 (TBC) Autumn Bingo December 9 Christmas Buffet/Raffle (Start at 19:00 hours)

Commemorations April (TBC) Memorial/Remembrance-Roermond Cemetary Roermond May 4 Dodenherdenking (Civil & Military Kerkhof) Brunssum May 4 Dodenherdenking Linne May 26 (TBC) Margraten American War Cemetery Margraten October 5 Lancaster Memorial Service Brunssum November 10 (TBC) Remembrance Sunday Sittard November 11 (TBC) Remembrance Brunssum November 14 (TBC) Monument voor Verdraagzaamheid Haelen / Leudal November 16/23 (TBC) COM Limburg Remembrance Service Sittard

Members wishing to attend the Margraten memorial ceremony are requested to contact the Chairman..

Looking Forward The annual membership subscription for Club Limburg for 2019 through the ING Bank a/c No: 717097 in the name of: is € 20.00 as agreed at AGM 2018. You are kindly reminded STG Royal Air Force Association Amsterdam, Halfersstraat 7, that subscriptions should be paid by 31 Mar 2019. Payments 6077 CX Sint Odilienberg. IBAN details supplied upon request. can be made in cash to the Hon Treasurer (Rex Thompson) or The composition of the Club Committee is presently as follows: Reminder Gatherings of Club Limburg are Chairman/Hon Treasurer/Hon Secretary Rex Thompson held in Café Rumpener Beemden, Vice Chairman Tony Randal Heugerstraat 2a, 6443 BS Brunssum (next to the Rumpener Sporthal - RAFALO Sergeant Martin Hollow normally 19:30 hrs for 20:00 hrs start). Welfare Officer Vacant We hope to see you there at Committee Member Vacant the dates noted above.

8 RAFA AMSTERDAM BRANCH THE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2019