2016 volume 3:

Number 5: September & October

Version: English

2016

Nieuwsbrief RCL Branch 005

“The Liberation of the Netherlands”

President Gerard Hendriks Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 005

The Liberation of the Netherlands 1 november 2016 Warm recollections he had of the beautiful nights in the tropics; the palm trees, the amazingly green scenery and the kind inhabitants of New Guinea. This is the way every veteran has his own memories.

Coming back from New Guinea he married on August 17, 1966 with Dini ten Veen. Last August th they were able to look back to their 50 wedding anniversary for better or for worse. Past away on 24 August at the age of 75 years old, Comrade Willem Lith. His life was signed by taking care of other people. Being visible in society as a veteran characterized his citizenship. The veterans pin shaped in a “V”, n August 24, 2016 Willem Lith (75), which stand for freedom, peace and veteran, he chairman of the Bond van wore with honour at holidays and O Wapenbroeders, dep. Amstelland and commemorations in Amstelveen. Serving his member of RCL Branch 005, died. homeland, the military participation, remains visible in society in this way. He was well known in Amstelveen by his presence on May 5 at the parade of many military vehicles of “Keep Them Rolling” and the inflammation of the Amstelveen liberation fire and also because of his compassionate speeches at the Indies remembrance nights on August 14. By joining in at the national Anthem “the Wilhelmus” at the hoisting of the Dutch colours. Always in service of peace and liberation missions. Detaching of Dutch military to regions appointed by the UN. Since his 17th he was professional soldier at the Repressing terrorism between internal divided Royal Navy and was detached to New Guinea (’61- religion groups is difficult. Cultural differences of ’62). He did not take part in immediate war many centuries play a huge part in this operations. He was together with others responsible for maintenance and repair of the “Reach out, pay respect, accept one another, that aircrafts and for the take off of planes at the is peace..... was his explicit motto. At places where aircraft carrier Karel Doorman. His eyes sparkled a dictator, the army or religion have control in the the moment he told about the great time he had in country, democracy is not possible. There always the Navy. will be trouble in a country like that. Look around you!” He told many: “the military profession isn’t He lost many friends at New Guinea. Marines who just an employment, it is a way of life and living”. became victims of attacks and ambushes while on For his volunteer work he received on the occasion patrol. Also on the aircraft carrier Karel Doorman of Queens day 2007 by hand of Mayor Jan van he lost some of his friends, but he noticed this as a Zanen the decorations belonging to the Royal known danger of the military profession. For his Award: Member in the Order of Oranje-Nassau. participation and efforts he received the New Guinea Remembrance Cross at October 1, 1962 Lest we forget. from the Minister of Defence.

2 Past away on September at the age of 82 At the conclusion of this newsletter you will find a years, Comrade Jan Griekspoor. short biography about the special life of Jan Griekspoor.

ursday September 22, 2016 our comrade Jan Griekspoor exchanged his earth life for the T hereafter. Jan, weakened by his illness, has past on in silence. In the way he wished.

n September our thoughts were extensively I with the commemorations of “Operation Market Garden”. These series of events combines the spectacle of the para dropping with the importance of commemorating. It draws the attention of thousands of people, many youngsters included, which is an important signal. We would like to keep the sense of remembrance alive for the new generation. For the first time RCL Branch 005 participated with many comrades at the commemorations in the surroundings of Arnhem ad Nijmegen. You will find more information in this newsletter I the part “Logbook” in which I will report about the many commemorations in which Until the end of his possibilities he was occupied RCL005 participated in this period. with commemorating others. Participation in the RCL005 Colour Party was obvious, although he was It was the 72th commemoration of this operation not able to do it in the end. Still he was present at in which the Allied Air Force Operation (Market) commemorations and always placed his “Poppy- and the Ground Offensive (Garden) had to take cross” to honour the deceased comrades. care of the victory on the Germans. How different A very modest and appreciated person is no longer it turned out for the battle of the Airborne Division in our midst. We wish him a good journey. around Arnhem. The Airborne airdrops on the Ginkelse Heide at Ede attracted more than 40.000 Lest we forget. visitors. Unfortunately the weather played us tricks in the morning so the airdrops were postponed until the afternoon. Fortunately one was able to jump then. Many paratroopers, about a thousand in total amongst them were veterans of high age, jumped out of a Hercules C-130 Transall and even a C-17. Still about 25 “real veterans” of the Battle of Arnhem were present at the commemorations these days.

3 Membership RCL Branch 005, 2017 3 September 2016: Airborne March

In the meantime you should have received your aturday 3 September the 70th Airborne membership card of 2017. I would like to ask you March in Oosterbeek. This commemoration politely to transfer the membership fee of € 40,00 parade in the context of the Battle of to the account of the treasurer of RCL Branch 005, S Arnhem 1944 is an homage to the more please mention “membership 2017”. than 1700 deceased British, Canadian and Polish soldiers during the Battle of Arnhem and are Bank Account Number (IBAN): buried at the Airborne Cemetery in Oosterbeek.

NL25 ABNA0451117913

If you already did this, thank you very much!

Participants of RCL Branch 005 also walked along in this parade. It is a impressive event which is worthwhile trying to walk along next year. The information stand of RCL005 was positioned close 3 September 2016: Report Zone to the comrades of the Royal British Legion on a meeting nice spot next to the Airborne Cemetery. A place all walkers need to come by. Eelco and Evelien de Zee had to start early in the morning to be present at this special place.

he Zone meeting of September 3th was postponed by Zone Commander Valerie T Laucke. The scheduling of this meeting did not came out right. The meeting should have taken place at the end of September/beginning of October. Many board members rescheduled their vacation planning. The Zone executives decided to plan the meeting at September 3th anyhow. At this date the Airborne March in Oosterbeek took place. So many of the RCL005 board members enjoyed their vacation of attended the Airborne March. A new date for the Zone meeting has to be announced.

4 16 September 2016: there and together it was possible for 2400 men of Commemoration Charles Reeves in the Airborne air troops to escape across the river Holten Rijn.

After the war Charles married with his Marie and they lived for more then 30 years in Holten. He voluntarily worked daily at the Canadian Cemetery n 16 September 2016 a remembrance in Holten for maintenance and repair of the graves. service was held at the General Cemetery Charles passed away March 15, 2015 at 90 years of O in Holten. The commemoration of Charles age. Reeves, passed away in 2015. Present at this Some impressions of the day at the General moment were a few British WW2 veterans of the cemetery in Holten: Market Garden Association and the Birmingham and Midland Branch of the Royal British Legion. They were visiting the Netherlands in the context of the commemoration of Market Garden. They had a very full schedule and would like to bring a salute of honour to their “Founder”, National President and comrade Charles William Reeves.

Charles Reeves fought in combat during WW2 with the Hampshire Regiment, 130th Brigade of the 43rd 16 September 2016: Battlefield tour Wessex Division. Charles survived the heavy battle WWII veteranen Vlb Volkel. in the surroundings of Nijmegen. At 27 September 1944 the 28th Hampshire Regiment fought a battle In the neighbourhood of Heteren. The fight lasted 12 days and they lost 166 men, 42 killed and 124 injured. Together with the 129th Brigade of the 43rd Wessex Division and the 101st Airborne Division they contacted the Polish Airborne Division near Driel. Canadian Engineers were already located

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n 2016 it is 71 years ago the Netherlands were liberated. From 10 until 19 September the I Netherlands-USA Foundation again welcomed veterans to whom we thank our freedom. At September 16 a very special commemoration dinner was held at the Airbase Volkel. For me it was a great honour to have been invited for this It was an honour to be present. dinner and the meeting with 14 Allied veterans, among them also 3 Canadian.

17 September 2016: Commemoration Air Crew Monument

he “Market Garden Foundation” organised a commemoration ceremony near the Aircrew T monument at 17 September at 02:00PM. This monument is close to or behind the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek. Among the participants a large detachment of British Airborne soldiers. Also the Royal Dutch Air Force was present. RCL005 was If you open the link below you are able to watch a represented by Gerard and Loes Hendriks, Anton small video of veteran James Martin (e.g. Pee Wee and Jo de Man, Marc van Aken en Peter Mensink Martin). His speech impressed many of the At the end of the ceremony the aircrafts flew by attendees. which carried the paratroopers to the Ginkelse Heide. https://www.facebook.com/InspecteurGeneraalde A impressive and unexpected honour to al the rKrijgsmacht/videos/1103496143031243/ crew who gave their lives for our freedom.

6 boats. Conny did serve at the Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRNS).

17 September 2016: Commemoration Engineers monument in Driel

A part of: “Torn from the oblivion ………” from Alice van Bekkum. Written to the occasion of the search and finding of the history of Canadian soldier H.C. Magnussen, one of the casualties during the many crossings of the Nederrijn. The commemoration in Gorinchem was the first appearance of RCL Branch 005 and its Colour Party.

fter the commemoration in Oosterbeek the RCL party left to Driel to attend the A commemoration at the Engineers monument. At this place the Canadian soldiers were commemorated who were part of the pull back and crossing of the Nederrijn of the Allied troops from Arnhem and Oosterbeek. Canadian soldiers in their storm boats achieved many crossings to secure the Airborne troops.

First picture of RCL005 Colour Party in Gorinchem. The “gezellige” aged lady on the picture is Conny Bateman during the commemoration at the Engineers monument. Her husband was one of the engineers who co-operated at the crossing in the

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Quote: “I heard he was killed in the night of 25/26 of September 1944 during the evacuation of the allies, who were surrounded by the Germans at Oosterbeek at the battle of Arnhem. Magnussen and another six Canadian engineers drowned during the crossings in the so called ‘storm boats’, which were equipped with outboard motors. Meant to transport material like a jeep across the river. You have to imagine this took place in very heavy The RCL Colour Party fully deployed and led by Sgt circumstances; in pitch dark, in poring rain and at Arms Martin Reelick arrived at Oosterbeek to be under the barrage of the enemy. The British part of the Colours, which were lined up behind engineers only had paddles, which meant the the “Cross of Sacrifice”. Canadians evacuated the largest group of about 2400 men, most British and Poles” End of quote.

Escorted by the Pegasus Pipes and Drums the Colours were brought to the Cross. An impressive

view.

18 September 2016: Commemoration Airborne cemetery Oosterbeek.

unday 18 September the annual commemoration at the Airborne cemetery in S Oosterbeek took place. Next to “Arnhem veterans” also a group of veterans from the USA, Canada and Great Brittan attended. The group made a tour through the Netherlands for a week already. It appeared a big day for RCL005. For the first time in the 72-year history RCL005 was involved in the ceremony at the Airborne cemetery in Oosterbeek to commemorate the fallen Canadian soldiers who are buried at the cemetery.

8 The day started early. We agreed to arrive timely at the cemetery. But in the surroundings of Oosterbeek and the cemetery it started to be more and more crowded, even at this early hour. We did not have VIP-tickets or something like that and at last we had to park in some grassland near the train station and walk to the cemetery. But surprisingly small shuttlebuses arrived to take us to the cemetery. Arriving, we were again amazed. Comrade Marc van Aken with our colours and RCL badge again succeeded to talk himself through the controls and arrived on a VIP-parking spot. 12 At the first Sunday followed upon September 17 yards from the entrance. Truly justified because he they are commemorated with great honour in transported all the needed colours and accessories presence of veterans, their family and thousands in his car. of committed people. Tradionally “flowerchildren” At the entrance many VIP’s and interesting people (schoolkids from the municipality of Renkum and were to be watched. Like the oldest foreign bearer surrounding communities) place their flowers at of the Dutch Military William order in England. the graves during the remembrance service.

What struck out was the huge crowds everywhere. I heard afterwards there were between 6 and 7 thousand people who attended the ceremony.

Several Canadian soldiers are buried here. Mainly engineers who helped the Allied troops to evade across the Nederrijn.

The BBMF was present as well. In perfect timing At the Airborne Cemetery in Oosterbeek more the Lancaster of the British Bomber Memorial then 1750 allied soldiers are buried, who died in Flight flew by. the Battle of Arnhem.

9 18 September 2016: Commemoration 7th Battalion Royal Hampshire Regiment

Next the Royal Air Force Historic Flight with a B-25 Mitchell accompanied by a Spitfire.

n 23 September 1944 the 7th Battalion the Hampshire Regiment was given the O order to secure the river crossing between Heteren and Driel. Here you find a large floodplains area of about 500 meters from the Drielse Rijn dike unto the river. In this area there was the brick factory the “Korevaar”. The Germans regularly

made the crossing from their positions in Renkum A day never to forget. Next year we will be back for to occupy these factory and floodplains. This sure. resulted in several confrontations with the Hampshires. Many casualties fell at both sides, 42 men died and 111 got injured on British side. On 3 October the battalion was released by units of the 101st USA Airdropping Division. The front side of the Monument, which is placed, says:

"TO COMMEMORATE THOSE MEN OF THE 7TH BATTALION THE HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM IN THIS AREA FROM 23RD SEPT 1944 TO 4TH OCT 1944"

After this commemoration in Oosterbeek, some of our comrades left for the commemoration in Driel/Heteren, the Hampshire Regiment. I myself went to a very special commemoration at the border area near Groesbeek and Kranenburg (Germany).

10 Followed by the "ROLL OF HONOR" with the names 18 september 2016: Herdenking of the 42 killed soldiers of the battalion. Market Garden Kranenburg (Dld)

The monument has been designed by the Hampshire-veteran Charles Reeves (1924-2015). After the war he has been working for years on the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. The monument has been build mostly by mortared brick, finished with parts of natural stones. At the front side a panel of impala granite has been inserted as well as the 42 names of the fallen soldiers. The monument is 2.47 meters high. Across the monument at the other side of the Drielse Rijn dike is still the brick factory the “Korevaar”. Troops of the 7th Battalion Hampshire Regiment combatted unday 18 September a special in this area from 23 September until 3 October commemoration was held in front of the 1944. The Royal Hampshire Regiment has been town hall in Kranenburg (Germany) the merged into the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment. neighbour community of Berg en Dal S (Groesbeek) near the war monument “Hass totet, Liebe versohnt”. Every year at the first Sunday on or followed upon September 17 a modest short commemoration takes place at this monument. All in memory of two killed American soldiers at Sunday 17 September 1944. Finally after a long period of time it became known what has happened to the two soldiers. Also their identity has been revealed: Technical Sgt George T. Harrison and Corporal William H. Armstrong. This is why this year the organisation spent more effort in the ceremony. Military of the 82nd Airborne

Division al well as members of the Embassy of the The cause of this monument was the visit of United States of America, but also family of the veterans of the Hampshire Regiment at the fallen soldiers attended. commemorations of Operation Market Garden in An eyewitness ms Broekman told her story and 1985. A group of 20 veterans visited the combat explained what she experienced that day. field. During their visit they were slightly disappointed there existed no monument for their part in the battlefield all the more because their unit was the first to enter Heteren. A request of one of the veterans, Charles Reeves, addressed to the municipality of Heteren occurred to place a monument for the troops – and particularly those who died – of the Hampshire Regiment. This initiative was also heard by the locals and the The musical part has been performed by the Wyler Committee for the Commemoration Monument Choir and orchestra of Kranenburg. In the region of was founded. Kranenburg en Groesbeek has been a constructive At the end of this commemorations pigeons are atmosphere for many years in case of mutual always released as a token of freedom. commemorations.

11 Thereupon in the drop zone of the 82nd Airborne Division close tot he place where he was landed with his parachute a name sign for a small lane was unveiled with the name Arie Bestebreurtje. Those who have read the book (and as a matter of fact it was mentioned in the movie “a bridge to far”) know instantly what we are talking about.

RCL005 has been invited by the Airborne Friends Groesbeek Association.

19 September 2016: Monument March Groesbeek

onday 19 September RCL had been invited at the 24th Annual Monument M March in Groesbeek. This march consisted three parts. The beginning was at the Canadian War Cemetery on which a remembrance service started. Commemoration Canadian War Cemetery Groesbeek.

t was a beautiful day, sun, more sun and again sunny. RCL deployed a full Colour Party to I attend in this first part. Sgt at Arms Danny Murphy incorporated the Honour Guard of the 82nd Airborne Division and the Standard bearer of the British Legion Holland Branch. Next to the Military Attaché s of Canada, the USA and Germany also the Ambassador and Military Attaché of South Africa was present. Next the whole group left fort he “Gavin Monument” in Groesbeek at which the fallen At the wall where the names of the missed soldiers American soldiers were commemorated. are written, there are also the names of two soldiers of South Africa. They have never been found. At the stone table near the entrance of the cemetery three flags were draped; the Canadian, South African and British Colours.

12 The Act of Remembrance was pronounced by the The Colour Party was very proud a picture was Military Attaché of South Africa. taken together with the Ambassador and Military Attaché of South Africa.

The remembrance service was accompanied by a splendid choir, which sang the National Anthems as well. The Anthem of South Africa was actually sang in three languages: English, Dutch and South African. Below you find an impression of the atmosphere of the first part of the march.

Also the Guard of Honour of the 82nd took part in this moment. Unique pictures of a very memorable start of the day.

Commemoration Gavin Monument Groesbeek

he next stop was at the General Gavin monument; commander of the 82nd T Airborne Division which landed in Groesbeek and surroundings at September 17, 1944. There were no Colours needed. The comrades of the Colour Party participated in this part of the march, but flags were not required.

13 The monument is a star shaped commemorative family name was very difficult to pronounce stone. The text on the stone says: properly.

"With feelings of gratitude and respect of the A short biography of Capt. Arie Bestebreurtje Groesbeek community for the 82nd Airborne translated from Wikipedia: Division which liberated Groesbeek under its commander General James M. Gavin from terror Arie Dirk Bestebreurtje (Rotterdam, 12 April 1916 and oppression on September 17, 1944." – Charlottesville (USA), 2 January 1983) was a

Dutch reserve-major at the Armed Infantry.

Arie Bestebreurtje was the son of Anton D. Bestebreurtje. The family moved to Switzerland in the 1930-ies. Arie studied Law in Zürich and became speed skater. In 1940 he married the Australian Gertrude M. Bersch (1915), who he met at the University of Berlin.

When the war started he escaped with his wife and daughter via Portugal to the United States, whence they travelled later to England. In October 1943 he registered voluntarily to the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and in 1944 he became Unveiling sign of Capt Arie Bestebreurtje one of the almost 300 “Jeds” (agents of the pad in Groesbeek Jedburgh-group).

1952 1945

Militaire Willems-Orde Legioen van Verdienste Lose to the Gavin monument and at the outskirts of Groesbeek there is still the area In 1944 Bestebreurtje led a “Jedburgh-team” and C close to the forest were Capt. Arie was airdropped as a Dutch connection officer Bestebreurtje touched down together with Gen. together with two Americans, Willard Gavin in the afternoon of September 17, 1944, “Bud”Beynon and George Verhaege. They were alderman Erik Wijers commenced his opening added to the American 82nd Airborne Division and speech with the story of Arie Bestebreurtje. got involved in the airborne actions near Nijmegen. Bestebreurtje was well known in the surroundings, The life of Arie Bestebreurtje is far from average. It because when he was young he made many cycle ranged from speed skating champion to minister. vacations. Also he took part in the Nijmegen 4- This day more attention was given to the war hero Days marches. Arie, “Captain Arie”, as he was mentioned at that moment by the English and Americans, because his On September 17, he went out to explore the neighbourhood near Groesbeek. He took a sentinel

14 by surprise and returned with important Luitenant Arie Dirk Bestebreurtje was a sportsman. information. When he went out on patrol with He was one of the 20 bearers of the Vaardigheids- Gen. Maj. James Gavin next day they were medal of the Royal Dutch Brigade “Princess Irene”. ambushed. He killed a German and saved the life of his commander. On later patrols he got injured After the war on his hands and elbow. Just a few days later he After the war Bestebreurtje emigrated tot he USA moved to a British Unit and succeeded to get to and had three more children. In 1952 he was the Waalbridge after killing a sniper and naturalized and became American citizen and was imprisoned another. He helped to occupy the honorable dismissed from the military service at 10 conquered area to able the American Airborne July 1952. In 1954 he went to the Theological troops to land. At the end of October he joined the Seminary in New York and became a minister at British in the Liberation of Den Bosch. He was the the Presbyterian Church, first in Louisville, officer who maintained the connections between Kentucky and later in Charlottesville, Virginia. In the British and de Dutch military forces. 1981 he retired. In the night of April 7 to 8 het took part in In January 1983 he sunk through the ice and Operation Amherst. His team consisted of RAF- passed away. His wife Trudy died in 2000. Captain Harcourt, Carel Ruijsch van Dugteren and the British Sergeant, radio operator, C.C. Somers. They were airdropped at Hooghalen in Drenthe, but due to bad weather they ended up near Camp Westerbork. During the landing Bestebreurtje unfortunately injured hs leg and could not proceed in the operation. Harcourt hid him in the forrest where he stayed for a few days. After 4 days he achieved to get to the farm of sir Schutten in Hooghalen on his hands and knees. Harcourt was captured. The other team members were air dropped spread out in the country, so there was no contact possible with them. Friday 12 April the region and Camp Westerbork was liberated by the The street sign was unveiled by a distant cousin Canadians. (Kees Bestebreurtje) and two grandnephews of During the war Bestebreurtje was named “Harry” Arie Bestebreurtje, Mingus (7) and Lev (4) by because the Americans and Brits could not pulling away pieces of an old parachute at the pronounce his family name properly. place about 100 meters from the spot Arie landed.

Students of the “Op de Heuvel” lay down several Decorations stones near the street sign on which letters were Bestebreurtje earned 18 medals. Bestebreurtje written forming the text: “Verschil mag er zijn” was next to Dwight Eisenhower the most (“distinction is allowed”). decorated soldier in the USA.  Militaire Willems-Orde (MWO.4) 23 October 1952  Oorlogsherinnerings-cross  Verzetsherdenkings-cross  Bronzen Cross, 30 March 1945  Legioen van Verdienste, 13 August 1945  Lid in de Orde van het Britse Rijk (MBE), 20 July 1946  Purple Heart, 21 July 1947  Croix de Guerre (1939-1945), 9 July 1949

15 5 October 2016: Commemoration Pilot Officer Harold Wakeman

n 5 October 2016 for the 72nd time the tragic accident was commemorated O whereat P/O Harold Wakeman died in the township “De Klomp” in Veenendaal. The stories of how it happened are not all clear. But in general it is known as a tragic accident at which the wingman Also preparing of the sugar beet themselves was of Harold Wakeman dropped the bombs slightly to tried out. early striking the Typhoon of Harold.

Again, this year, it was a beautiful day. Sunny and warm. Just like the notorious day in 1944 an eyewitness narrated. The morning already started for Jo and Anton de Man. They arrived early at the Next at 01:00PM the actual commemoration Calvijn school; the school which adopted the grave service at the grave of Harold Wakeman started. of Harold Wakeman. Every year RCL Branch 005 From Canada a distant relative, Glenn Syme, had attends to explain to schoolchildren of grade 7 and arrived together with his two sons to show them 8 what the war meant to everyone; or what had this special place and tell them the special story. happened. This year Jo and Anton de Man arrived at the school to narrate children about the hunger winter and they let them taste the “sugar beet” and how it was prepared for food to eat. A very successful morning, in which the children had many questions and were very curious.

Many guests attended like the invitees of the Canadian Embassy, a delegation of the Air Force Base in Volkel and a very large group of the Calvijn School. The RCL Colour Party positioned timely and with dignity at the grave side together with Of course there were several attributes to fit and veterans from Veenendaal. Numerous interested put on. people took their places.

16 Afterwards there was a social gathering with all those involved in "Onder Ons" (Among us) in Veenendaal.

7, 8 en 9 October 2016: Garden Days in Beervelde (Belgium)

n this weekend RCL had been invited to take part at the Garden Days of Beervelde in

I Belgium. I hear you thinking: Beervelde?? Belgium?? Garden Days?? What is the reason for The children of the Calvijn School sang and played RCL to be there? their instruments during the ceremony. The National Anthems “Oh Canada” and “Wilhelmus” were sung very beautiful.

This time Canada acted as a host country and

World War One and Two became the main theme Several poems were recited by the children. of the Garden Days.

In acknowledgement of everything Canadians sacrificed for Belgium and of course the Netherlands during the two wars it was decided to invite Canada as the guest of honour at the 56th edition.

The children assisted with the hoisting of the national flags and bringing the many flowers arrangements.

The reference to WWI and WWII was very clear. And leading up to the Battle of Passchendaele the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 had decided to propose a British-inspired show garden. RCL Branch 005 had been invited as part of RCL Zone Europe to pay more attention to both wars as well as the main goal of RCL, the commemoration and remembrance of fallen Canadian soldiers.

17 delicious coffee and cake. It can be called a “Joint Effort” with the Legion Home.

End of October: Commemorations in response to the Battle of the Scheldt.

Eelco and Evelien de Zee did bring the RCL Promotion Pavilion to the Belgium village. By video/photo, old newspapers and posters “the Great War” was displayed well again. Also Poppies and Remembrance Day were not left out. “The Salient Remembrance Detachment” showed a re-enactment of living history of this period.

The Battle of the Scheldt is one of the five largest battles in Canadian Military History.

he days were very busy for RCL Branch 005. The whole week was related to the T commemoration of the Battle of the Scheldt. At many places in Zeeland and the east of Noord Brabant remembrance ceremonials were organized. RCL005 did attend to some of them with a delegation and its Colour Party. Very impressive ceremonies, but alas we could not be present at all of them. For the busy days RCL005 succeeded to “manage” sleeping quarters at the Air Base Woensdrecht. This was about in the middle between all events. Our gratitude goes to the Commander of the Air Base who allowed us to settle us there. Some of our comrades felt like being “home” again. Well the time for travelling became more comfortable in this way. Sure it was for the weekend as you can read next.

The remembrance ceremonials related to the

Battle of the Scheldt will be spread over a weeks Berry and Yvonne Swarthoff of Restaurant time in the future by a new association “Stichting Mondani were present with their Canadian Herdenkingen Brabantse Wal”. products to promote and sell and of course

18 27 October 2016: Liberation of – arrived on this Saturday. The monument is Bergen op Zoom placed on the Sloedam, which played an important role in the battle during WW2. uesday 27 October the liberation of Bergen op Zoom was commemorated. At first at the T British cemetery. Next the attendees went to the Liberation monument at the Arnoldus Asselbergsstraat and to the Resistance and commemoration monument behind the St- Gertrudiskerk.

In presence of among others the Canadian Defence Attaché Col. Mike Hogan and his wife Tracie and the Colour Party of RCL005 the bloody battle for the liberation of Walcheren 72 years ago was taken in remembrance.

Mayor Frank Petter laid wreaths at the monuments on behalf of the municipality of Bergen op Zoom. So did many representatives of various organizations. It was the 72nd time the commemoration of the liberation of Bergen op Zoom took place. RCL Branch 005 was present with a delegation.

Representative Harry van der Maas laid a wreath on behalf of the Province of Zeeland. Alderman Arjan Beekman did the same on behalf of the community of Middelburg. The Battle of the Scheldt is being commemorated in this week every year on many locations in Zeeland and in Bergen op Zoom. In the battle on both sides of the Westerschelde thousands of soldiers and civilians were killed. For Canada it was one of the largest military operations in WW2. In this battle more than 6,000 Canadian soldiers lost their lives. 29 October 2016: Commemoration at the Sloedam ery early the comrades of RCL005 went on their way. After all the first V commemoration at the Sloedam started at 10:00AM. On this annual commemoration of the Battle of the Scheldt at the monument of Sloedam near Arnemuiden many people – young and older

19 29 October 2016: Commemoration at UNCLE BEACH Vlissingen

fter the commemoration at Sloedam was ended we hurried to Vlissingen to take part in the commemoration near the A Orange Mill at Uncle Beach at 01:00PM. Fortunately we could have a quick but nutritious lunch before we left to go to the monument at Uncle Beach.

Hans Koeman of the “Oorlogsjaren Vlissingen” Association heralded at the sad line of names: “Every name is a cry for peace”. Since last year the new association takes care of the commemoration at the based of the Orange mill. Students of the Scheldemond College were reading out the dead list. “If you need to read out the name of a boy of eight years old, it makes you emotional. When I was eight, I was able to simply play outside”, Daniël Zielstra (17) said. Vlissingen commemorated the Battle of the Mayor Bas van Tillaar in his speech also wondered Scheldt at Uncle Beach this Saturday afternoon. how the dark days were for the people in The weather was fine, very different to 72 years Vlissingen. Days full of fear, lost of loved ones. He ago the veteran present, Patrick Churchill, told us. recited a piece of the diary of Red Cross medic Jens Now 92 year old Patrick Churchill landed on 1 who worked in the hospital which was in the line of November 1944 at Uncle Beach, together with the heavy fire. British-French 4th Command troops. The elderly veteran pronounced the “Act of Remembrance” on this Saturday. It was noiseless in Vlissingen. De city commemorated the liberation of the town and all those who were killed. The soldiers and civilians who died during the liberation in those hideous days between 1 and 4 November 1944.

It appeared a peaceful but also long commemoration caused by the reading of all the names of the deceased soldiers and civilians from Vlissingen. But also because of the beautiful poems made by the students of the Scheldemond College. It was for the first time RCL005 with its Colour At the end the Colour Party accompanied by the Party was invited to participate to this event. pipes and drums marched through Vlissingen.

20 Scheldt”. Besides that many attention is given to the role of the “Zeeuwse” war volunteers, who have been sent to the Dutch Indies in the period of 1945-1948. Several periods of WW2 are being showed thematic. Both German and Allied pieces are largely present. This makes the museum attractive for many people, remarkable but no doubt important is the attention the museum gets

from out of Germany. The collection of the

museum is gathered in 30 years. A large part of this 29 October 2016: Visit of the liberation collection has been brought together by elderly museum Zeeland in Nieuwdorp. who in time are moved and during the cleaning of the attics and sheds were being confronted with nd again….after the remembrance service gear from WW2. in Vlissingen quickly to the reception at the A Liberation museum in Nieuwdorp. The reception started at 03:30PM with coffee and cake. And also a round tour by the owner.

A different part of the collection has been donated by war veterans and/or their survivors who

became very impressed after a visit to the museum

and would like to make a contribution. A grant to The earlier name of the museum: “Infatuate” has the museum was quickly settled. been altered after a thorough rebuilding in to A beautiful museum which is worthy visiting. “Liberation museum Zeeland”. Infatuate was a Although one is very busy with the enormous codename which referred to one of the landing expansion of the museum to 3.5 ha there still are operations on Walcheren. many things to see. Together with the amazing

stories of the owner and you probably get it: we were kept busy for a few hours to see and hear about everything. It triggered us to ask the owner politely to end his round tour , because we had a few more things to do.

29 October 2016: Lecture in the Sint Gertrudis church in Bergen op Zoom

e were lucky we made reservations to have dinner together. So dinner was The museum points especially at the battle of W served when we arrived in Bergen op Sloedam, but in general at the “Battle of the Zoom at location and we could sit down very easy.

21 It was a moment of rest in a very hectic day so moderator during the lecture. This lecture far…….. and the day did not end yet. At 08:00PM a originated by the cooperation with the Canadian lecture started in Bergen op Zoom. The Canadian Embassy to the Netherlands. Ambassador to the Netherlands invited us on this Saturday evening to attend the “Canadays It became very late before the comrades of RCL Lecture”. The theme of this lecture was: Branch 005 were able to get some sleep. It was the end of a beautiful, summery and most of the time “Freedom is a verb” hectic day.

The ambassador is would like to reach out to 30 October 2016: Canadays in Bergen op children and youngsters. That is the reason she Zoom wrote a letter to schools:

Program: “ We are obliged to preserve our freedom for now 9.30AM: Oecumenical Service at the St-Gertrudis and in the future. In my opinion it is very important Church in Bergen op Zoom. we pay attention to the soldiers and civilians who 11.00AM: Commemoration service at the Canadian were killed in the Second World War and think War Cemetery 01:30PM: Reception at the Markiezenhof in Bergen about the value of our freedom. Because that op Zoom freedom seems to be normal but is regrettably not obvious. See what happens in the world around us, far away, but for sure also close by. I will be glad to discuss this over with you all.”

ith the oecumenical service in the Gertrudis Church and a ceremony at the W Canadian Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom Canadays, the commemoration of the Battle of the Scheldt came to an end on Sunday. Canadays had been organized this week by the provinces of Freedom is normal, but is not obvious. The lecture Zeeland and Noord-Brabant, several “Zeeuwse” pointed at the huge responsibility which is asked of municipalities, Bergen op Zoom and the Liberation everybody, young and elder, about themes as Museum in NIeuwdorp. The Canadian Ambassador freedom and peace. The content is closely to the Netherlands, ms Sabine Nölke, was guest at associated with the end of WW2 and the role the commemoration in Bergen op Zoom. Canada played for our country. One tries to reach a wide range of people with the lecture. Young and elder and with different backgrounds and opinions. This lecture was taken care of by appealing speakers, internationally known: ms Marlies Allewijn, author of the book: ‘she was 16’ and General oos Mart de Kruif, former Commander of the Dutch ground troops. Our comrade and former Chair of the Senate mr Fred de Graaf acted as

22 During the liberation of the Netherlands 7,600 young Canadians were killed, most of them during the Battle of the Scheldt. More than 6,000 lost their lives in the combat in the South West of the Netherlands and Flanders during the battle of keeping the ship route to Antwerp open. “For our soldiers the Battle of the Scheldt meant mud and blood. But later the gratefulness of the citizens”, Ambassador Nölke enounced. In Bergen November op Zoom 1,119 Canadians are buried. 11 November: Groesbeek 11.00AM: Remembrance Representatives, civilian and military, of a.o. Day. Canada, United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, United 11 November: Reichswald Cemetery Kleve States, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Germany 11.00AM: Remembrance Day. and the Netherlands laid their wreaths. 13 November: Remembrance Day 11.00AM RCL

Apeldoorn. 13 November: Remembrance Day 11.00AM The Hague. 13 November: Remembrance Day 11.00AM Rotterdam.

December 24 December: Candle night f.i in Holten.

On the next pages you will find a short biography of our late comrade Jan Griekspoor who passed away on 22 September 2016.

23 would never know his father and was raised as good as possible by his Jewish mother. She does not have time for him and that is why he most of the time wanders around on the streets with his friends. Jan is 11 years old and the outbreak of WW2 will become the worst part of his life. As a

Jewish boy he perceived the hate against Jews grows and continuously he needs to be very alert. One day when he goes along with a friend and his mom to get something, they are stopped by a German soldier and accused of theft. The mother of his friend is being executed instantly and both boys are hit with riffle butts. On his back you can see the spots of the abjection and whipping of this cruel oppressor. Jan acts dead and is unconscious for awhile. His friend is less fortunate and the moment Jan regains consciousness he sees his intestines out of his belly. This is very difficult to tell for Jan and he burst into tears. A few days later they are captured and transported to camp Dachau, where he survives. Jan never talks about it, but sometimes you get the answers you are looking for. His words: “Oh, that is in the past”. But you can see hell in his eyes, the horrors and frustration. Jan never sees his mother again.

When Jan returns, he is placed in foster care, but the family does not understand Jan and does not

give him rest and understanding he is hoping for. Short summary of the life of Jan No they demean him and nag him constantly with Griekspoor (5 August 1934 – 22 September 2016) comments like: “you have to be grateful to sit at this table” and “you Jews must not complain” and

that are just the least worse remarks. After a while This document has been written in Dutch by Berry the family wants to get rid of Jan and he is placed Swarthoff and is published with permission of ms at another family by his co-guardian. Elly Griekspoor, widow of Jan. This is a revelation for Jan. He meet a family, which (Translation into English has been executed with great care adopts him as their own child, gives him everything and as exact as possible. Any possible mistake is never meant and does all things he always missed so much and to be impolite or insulting. Our apologies upfront). always wanted to do, love, friendship and care. Only his guardian remains an obstacle to him and is still nagging and bothering him with being a Jew. Jan did have a remarkable life. Sometimes he narrated something about his youth and the As Jan becomes 16 he would like to join the Navy, experiences he had. Most of the time Jan kept his he would like to explore the world, overcome his silence. Elly Griekspoor now gave permission to traumas and leave all the horror he had to suffer. publish this short overview of Jan’s life. According to him it is the best cure. His foster Jan, Johan, Griekspoor was born on August 5, 1934 parents agree totally, only his guardian is against it, in Amsterdam. Jan, at that time did not know the but fortunately because of the push of his foster hardship he was to encounter in his youth. Jan family Jan can join in the Navy.

24 It becomes the time of his life and he encounters Jewish soldier and remained silent with a tear in all corners of the world, builds up beautiful and his eyes…. exiting memories, sails on many warships like the “Jan van Brakel”, the “Willem van der Zaan”, the “Van Amstel”, the “Seven Provinces”, the “Van St. Allergonde” and the “De Ruiter”. He also sipped a beer with Prince Bernhard he slightly murmurs. He is able to tell exiting stories as well about the incident in the “Pigs Bay”, nerve-wracking it was, together with the Canadians, knowing many Russian submarines swarmed below them and we could only stand on guard…….we don’t talk about a certain debt bomb . Jan enjoys it when he shows his pictures of his time in the Navy. It indeed helped him to forget many things and he narrates Jan was eager to participate everywhere he could with pleasure. Jan never forgot his second Foster and if Wim wasn’t able to come with him he family and they maintain in contact still. arrived with Dennis van Asselt, “a whopper of a guy” Jan always implied.. Next Jan meets the love of his life and for him it is the most precious and most valued possession. Elly In 2014 Jan encounters pain in his joints and Tuinman a most beautiful gal, totally his “Ellebel”. suffers from respiratory decease, meaning he was Don’t say anything wrong about her, because you not able to march on with the Colours anymore, will have a huge problem with Jan. He never talks but still arrives at commemorations, and social about his past and so Elly heard just 12 years ago events. He is surrounded by his “Ellebel” and Jan is Jewish. Presumed she would leave him friends, his “bakkie pleur” (coffee) and “sjekkie” because of that he just whispers it very softly in (cigarettes). His most important pleasure which he her ears. enjoys very much.

Jan has had a swell time in the Navy, still visit his 2016. Meanwhile Jan is 82 years of age and his old mates often at the meetings and becomes health deteriorates very quickly, he is diagnosed member of the “Bond van Wapenbroeders” where with COPD, has trouble to swallow and could not they are able to recite their stories together. One tolerate warm food. The moment he knows he has of his best mates at the “Wapenbroeders” is Wim cancer and the pain becomes unbearable, he takes Lieshout. They visit many commemorations a difficult decision, euthanasia. He talks it all over together and participate in Colour Parties as well. with Elly and on 22 September at 09.30AM he They look like “Laurel and Hardy”.  begun his sea voyage to another dimension as he mentioned it himself. Jan always retained good memories tot he Canadians and thought he should embrace it. In Jan doesn’t want any hassle, “I go on to another this way he got acquainted with the Royal destination in RCL dress with my beret of the Navy Canadian Legion Branch 005, “The Liberation of the and I just like to ask you to go to Elly now and then Netherlands”. In the beginning the Colour Party of to see if all is well. Oh and I needn’t forget my RCL005 has been short of Colour bearers cigarettes”, despite his illness always up for a occasionally, reason for them to fill up these gaps. laugh. We will miss it very dearly. Jan and Willem were always present. They loved it, Jan was a fine man, a good person, in heart and the Canadian veterans, the “high ranks”, the soul, always bright. We cannot describe how commemorations, the appreciation, in short: difficult it was to say goodbye so sudden of Jan. rejoice. Jan always places his little cross with the star of David or just a stone at the grave of a

25 Words of comfort, condolences do not make the emptiness disappear, but are an encouragement to find strength to go on.

Jan and Elly married when he was 43 and she was 30 year of age, they would have their 40 years wedding anniversary in 2017.

Ne’sie’ah tova Jan . (Safe trip Jan)

We will miss you and never forget you Jan.

Gerard Hendriks

President RCL Branch 005

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