Two remembrance posts unveiled on june 15, 2024

On June 15, we unveiled two remembrance posts under great public interest. Guests and other interested parties gathered at the Cultuurschuur in Wieringerwerf, where our chairman, Mark Hakvoort, began with a welcome speech. A special welcome was extended to Sgt. Nicole Mitchell, who represented the Canadian Embassy. The United Kingdom was represented by Ms. Kate Burrows. Mayor Rian van Dam was present on behalf of the municipality of Hollands Kroon, and nine veterans also came to Wieringerwerf. We were once again pleased with the coffee, tea, and hospitality provided by the Wieringermeer Historical Society.

After our chairman's words, the group departed for the location of the first unveiling at Zuiderdijkweg. Here, on April 21, 1943, the Mosquito DZ386 crashed just outside the dike, resulting in the deaths of crew members Shand and Handley. Before the remembrance post was unveiled, there were speeches from Mayor Rian van Dam and Ms. Kate Burrows, after which they performed the official unveiling together. Trumpeter Hans Elling played The Last Post and the national anthem of the United Kingdom. The veterans were once again well represented, adding a fitting touch to this official ceremony. Wreaths and flowers were laid on behalf of the municipality of Hollands Kroon, the British Embassy, and the Wieringermeer Historical Society.

The second unveiling took place at Koggenrandweg near Lambertschaag. This remembrance post was erected to commemorate the crash of the Wellington BK340. The five Canadian crew members survived the crash by timely parachuting out of the aircraft. In her speech, Sgt. Mitchell expressed her admiration for the way World War II is commemorated in the Netherlands. In Canada, they do not have this tradition, especially since Canada was never occupied. The weather was not favorable during this unveiling; in the pouring rain, the remembrance post was unveiled by Sgt. Nicole Mitchell and Mayor Rian van Dam. Both then laid a wreath at the remembrance post. There were also flowers from the Wieringermeer Historical Society. The veterans, led by Dick Doornik, also provided a beautiful ceremonial contribution here. Hans Elling played the national anthem of Canada.

First Unveiling 2024

On May 25, 2024, the first remembrance post of the year was unveiled. This post keeps alive the memory of the crew of the Consolidated B24 Liberator bomber 44-49972 that crashed on March 31, 1945. All 12 crew members survived the crash. Two men eventually made it to the liberated city of Stavoren with help. The other ten crew members were taken as prisoners of war.

On the day of the unveiling, interested parties gathered at the village hall in Kolhorn, where coffee and cake were served. In the village hall, there were three propellers from the crashed bomber, one of which was in almost new condition. Remarkably, there were visible bullet holes from their own machine gun, which, during a weapons test, fired into their own engine, ultimately causing the crash.

Our treasurer, Chris Dijkshoorn, welcomed everyone. The Municipality of Hollands Kroon was represented by Deputy Mayor Mark Versteeg. Mr. Ran, who witnessed the crash, received a special welcome. Veterans were also present, and it was the first unveiling without Dirk Bak, whom we had to say goodbye to earlier this year. Jetty and her son John, who feel connected to our foundation, were also present.

After Chris's welcome speech, everyone went to the Kolhornerkade for the unveiling of the remembrance post. Deputy Mayor Mark Versteeg spoke about the events of the crash day and how extraordinary it must have been for those young soldiers to fight in an unknown place, far from home, uncertain if they would return safely. Twelve young men fought for our freedom and were lucky to survive this crash. Many others were not so fortunate. Chris read out the names and ages of the crew members. All the boys, whose ages were known, were between 19 and 21 years old.

The official unveiling of the remembrance post was carried out by Mr. Ran and Mark Versteeg. Trumpeter Martien Keppel played the United States national anthem, with the veterans saluting. After the official ceremony, wreaths were laid by Mark Versteeg on behalf of the Municipality of Hollands Kroon and by Petra Borst-Koorn on behalf of the May 4th foundation.

Click here for more information about the crash of the 44-49972

Overview crashed planes and unveiling of our remembrance posts