Op dinsdag 26 mei zal deskundige en gids Dirk Hoekendijk van Battlefield Tours Arnhem 1944 om 20:00 uur een lezing over de situatie van de Duitse eenheden voor en tijdens de eerste dagen van de slag om Arnhem.

Deze puur objectieve en militair technisch bedoelde presentatie belicht de Duitse kant van de gevechten van wat in Nederland wordt genoemd “de Slag om Arnhem”, maar wat in de Duitse literatuur “die Schlacht bei Arnheim” is. Een subtiel maar essentieel verschil in perceptie. Met deze presentatie geeft u een beter beeld van de situatie en van de Duitse eenheden voor en tijdens de initiële gevechten in de eerste dagen van deze slag. Op die manier wordt getracht u antwoord te geven op veelgestelde vragen over de Duitse reactie na de Britse luchtlandingen in de omgeving van Renkum en Wolfheze, als ook op de Ginkelse Heide omgeving Ede.

De presentatie wordt verzorgd door Dirk Hoekendijk MLD, Badge 87 van de International Guild of Battlefield Guides en eigenaar van Battlefield Tours Arnhem 1944 (www.bta44.nl). Dirk was 39 jaar actief in de Koninklijke Landmacht, een NTMI-veteraan en sinds 1 mei 2009 kolonel bd. Zijn specialisatie is het Duitse perspectief op de gevechten rond, om en in Arnhem in de periode september en oktober 1944. Via de onderstaande knop kunt u zich kosteloos via Eventbrite inschrijven voor deze online lezing. Na de inschrijving ontvangt u een mail met meer informatie over de online presentatie via het platform Zoom.

Schrijf nu in via deze LINK

(Overgenomen van mailing Battlefieldtours.nu)

Oosterbeek – Directeur-bestuurder Sarah Heijse van het Airborne Museum at Hartenstein zal per 1 september a.s. haar functie neerleggen. Sarah Heijse werd op 1 mei 2015 benoemd als directeur (en later als directeur-bestuurder) van het Airborne Museum en kreeg de opdracht om een toekomstvisie te ontwikkelen voor het museum. De organisatie had te maken met een overvraging van zijn capaciteit door de toenemende aantallen bezoekers en het gebrek aan faciliteiten en programmering.

In de afgelopen vijf jaar heeft het museum een complete verandering ondergaan met een grootschalige restauratie van het rijksmonument Hartenstein, een algehele museale vernieuwing van de vaste presentatie en de programmering van meerdere succesvolle tijdelijke tentoonstellingen, waaronder de expositie van de vijf zeldzame Arnhem Victoria Crosses, een tentoonstelling over het verzet, een tentoonstelling over de jeugd van Audrey Hepburn in Arnhem en een kindertentoonstelling over het beroemde boek Waterschapsheuvel van Richard Adams. Onder leiding van Sarah Heijse realiseerde de organisatie in 2017 tevens de nieuwe museale dependance Airborne at the Bridge en boekte het museum in drie opeenvolgende jaren bezoekersrecords. In 2019 ontving het museum 155.000 bezoekers.

Per 1 september zal Sarah Heijse in dienst treden als directeur-bestuurder van Cultuur Oost in Arnhem, de uitvoeringsorganisatie van de provincie Gelderland op het gebied van Kunst en Cultuur. Tot er een nieuwe directeur-bestuurder is aangesteld zal de stichting haar taken vanaf 1 september blijven uitvoeren onder het gezag van de Raad van Toezicht.

Sarah Heijse over haar vertrek: “In de afgelopen vijf jaar heeft het museum zijn bestaansrecht stevig benadrukt en heb ik samen met het fantastische team van medewerkers en vrijwilligers aan de basis mogen staan van een tweede vernieuwingsslag. Hartenstein in Oosterbeek en de John Frost Brug in Arnhem zijn mythische plekken, die een grote impact hebben op de identiteit van de Airborne Regio. Het was een voorrecht om hier aan te hebben mogen bijdragen en ik ben ontzettend dankbaar dat ik samen met het team van medewerkers en vrijwilligers veel heb weten te realiseren. Er is op dit moment een solide basis gelegd voor de toekomst. Ik draag mijn taken daarom in alle vertrouwen over aan mijn toekomstige opvolger.”

Fred de Graaf als voorzitter van de Raad van Toezicht over het vertrek van Sarah Heijse: “De Raad van Toezicht feliciteert Sarah, maar ook Cultuur Oost, met haar benoeming tot directeur-bestuurder van deze organisatie. Tegelijkertijd betreurt de Raad haar vertrek, omdat het vooral de verdienste van Sarah is geweest om het Airborne Museum te brengen op het niveau waar de organisatie zich thans bevindt. Uiteraard respecteren wij haar besluit. De Raad zal er nu alles aan doen om de vacature, die door haar vertrek ontstaat, zo snel mogelijk ingevuld te krijgen. Wij wensen Sarah in haar nieuwe functie evenveel inspiratie en voldoening toe, als zij bij het Airborne Museum heeft getoond en ervaren.”

 

Noot voor de redactie – niet voor publicatie 
Voor meer informatie over dit persbericht kunt u contact opnemen met Natalie Rosenberg, Marketing & Communicatie via nrosenberg@airbornemuseum.nl.

Airborne Museum at Hartenstein
Utrechtseweg 232
6862 AZ  Oosterbeek
www.airbornemuseum.nl

Copyright © 2019 Airborne Museum, All rights reserved.

Dear Friends,

Editor: Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil Dutch-English translation: S.G.Beek-Hobart

Two months have gone by since the Commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem. As in previous years, it was a time when many of us thought back to those dramatic weeks when liberation appeared to be so near. Once again, hundreds of British and Polish veterans returned to the place where they fought thirty-seven years ago. Civilians and veterans met one another again during the various Commemoration services and very many reminiscences were revived. The Airborne Museum was full to overflowing with visitors from home and abroad. A great number of events took place during the Commemoration

which we would have liked to mention, but, alas, lack of space has compelled us to make a selection. Nevertheless, we hope that this News-letter, however modest, will con­ tribute somewhat towards keeping alive the memory of the BATTLE OF ARNHEM.

R.P.G.A.Voskuil.

News from the Chairman.

Mrs.Steinweg-ten Horn, our 2nd Secretary, has given a lot of her time to the Society of Friends since its initiation. However, at the end of September, Mrs.Stein­ weg informed us that, if someone else could be found to replace her at the end of the year, she would appreciate being relieved of her position as 2nd Secretary in order to gain more time for her previous activities. However, we most appreciate the fact that Mrs.Steinweg is prepared to continue helping the Society when necessary, though be it not as a Committee member.

At the 2nd Annual General Meeting, according to the Resignation Rota, two Commit­ tee members are due to resign; they are re-eligible. According to the Statutes, Art.8, sub 6, the Committee members are “to be nominated from those members, who, either personally or by family ties, are (or were) involved in the Allied Airborne Landing during the Battle of Arnhem in September, 1944”, Furthermore, it is important that candidates have a good deal of time available, are easy to get in touch with and can regularly undertake all sorts of activities in and around Oosterbeek. It is also desirable that they possess more than the average knowledge of English since there is a reasonable amount of English correspondence as well as the fact that our News-letter is also printed in English. With an eye to the future, may we ask you to give some thought to prospective candidates? H. van Krieken, Chairman,

News from the Secretariat.

We are delighted to announce that our adviser, Maj, W.J.M.Duyts, was decorated, on the 18th September, with the Polish para-wings with golden laurel-wreath which he received from the Zwiazek Polskych Spadochroniarzy, situated in London. This distinc­ tion, which was handed over by Lt. Z.Gasowski, was awarded Maj.Duyts for his numerous

activities for the Airborne Museum in general, and for the Polish section in particular. On behalf of all the Society’s members, the Committee has conveyed its congratulations to Maj,Duyts.

Our film afternoon on the lJth June was attended by so many that all available space was occupied. Mr.Voskuil gave a short introduction to the film, “Theirs is the Glory”, explaining how the film came into being, after which a few slides were shown of the places where the 1945 film-shots were taken. Thereafter, the film, “Theirs is the Glory”, was shown which still remained a fascinating and moving experience, A voluntary donation to the Society off 2,50 was given by all those present, which was most welcome to help cover the costs.

Our moral and somewhat modest financial support was given to the 7th Royal Horse

Artillery in their sporting achievement in order to collect enough money for the pur­ chase of an adapted car for the veteran, Len Clarke, who was wounded in such a way during the Battle of Arnhem that he was left a permanent invalid. The collection resulted successfully.

Another of our members, Mr.Ray Sheriff, performed a marathon “swim” at the Papen­ dal Sport Centre. This was a personal initiative on the part of Mr.Sheriff in support of the Year of the Handicapped, As you probably well know, Mr.Sheriff, who lost his eyesight in 1944, was sponsored by a number of Airbornes. The substantial proceeds were given by him to “Het Dorp”. Mrs.Beek and Mr.Eykelhoff were present at Papendal to cheer him on, and consequently congratulate him.

We received an invitation from the Arnhem-Nijmegen Branch of the Royal British Legion on the occasion of the 60th year anniversary of this fine organisation, which does so much to help the veterans and their families, Mrs.Steinweg, herself a member of the Royal British Legion, attended the Remembrance Service and reception at the Jonker­ bosch War Cemetery.

The Society has once again received a few gifts from its members, namely: from Mr.J. H.Adama, three photographs and two small documents; from Mr.K.J.Prockter, a group photograph of “A” Company 2nd Batallion The Parachute Regiment; from Mr.C.Wedgebury, two Dutch newspapers, a “Gelderlander” dated 26.9.1944 and a “Vrij Nederland” dated 14.10.1944; from Mr.E. van de Weerd, his recently-published books, “De Slag om de Veluwe” and “Bevrij­ dingskroniek West-Veluwe”; and “on loan”, an American bag from Mr.J.P. den Boer. These most welcome additions were most gratefully received.

Our member, Mr.B.J. van der Meer from Kruiningen, presented the Museum with a fascia (name-board) “Airborne Museum” which he made himself with a great amount of care. This is now hanging above the main entrance at the rear of the Museum.

Finally, we would like to mention that the News-letters are prepared in their en­ tirety, by the Committee. Only the offset printing is done professionally. For this reason, as sincere amateurs, may we ask your clemency in case of inadequacies.

Last, but not least, we would like to thank all those members who have shown such interest, be it from personal contacts, telephone calls or letters,

S.G.Beek-Hobart, 1st Secretary. M.H.Steinweg-ten Horn, 2nd Secretary.

News from the Treasurer.

I am very pleased to say that the contribution for 1982 will remain at a minimum amount off 15,-, in spite of all the strongly increasing costs. Thanks to an increase of members, as well as to a large number of members who pay more than the minimum con­ tribution, we can continue with our objective, which is “giving support to the Museum”.

An additional point about which we are very pleased is that a Family Admittance Card will be shortly obtainable. The name of the person written-in on the card is, thus, con­ sidered an “ordinary member”, whilst the other family members are considered “extra­ ordinary members”. The amount payable on such a Family Admittance Card will be a minimum off 25. -, regardless of the number in the family; they must however all be living at the same address.

The enclosed Accept-Giro cards can be used for the payment of your 1982 contribu­ tion. Would you be so kind as to fill in on this card, “ordinary member” or “extraordi­ nary member”. This only applies, of course, to those living within the Netherlands.

Finally, we would like to mention that any new members registering after 1st July of the current year need only pay a half-year’s contribution. Those who register after the 1st October need not pay any contribution for that current year provided that the contribution for the following calendar year is booked over immediately.

H.Hendriks, Treasurer.

An Afternoon with a Special Theme: Arnhem and Oosterbeek in Ruins,

After the Liberation in May, 1945, when civilians returned to the South-Veluwe, they found that great parts of Arnhem, Oosterbeek and surrounds were terribly destroyed and looted. On Saturday, 28th November, an afternoon will be organised, with this period as the theme of the afternoon.

Mr.G.H.Maassen, who complied “Oosterbeek Verwoest” (“Oosterbeek in Ruins”) will give a brief introduction over his study on this subject. Then, together with Mr.Voskuil, slides will be shown of photographs taken in 1945, and you will be led on an imaginary walk through the debris of Oosterbeek and surroundings.

At the end of the afternoon, the film, “Thuiskomst” (“Homecoming”) will be shown. This documentary, which was commissioned by the Municipality of Arnhem, was made in 1945 by R.Hornecker. The film shows us how the people of Arnhem returned to their war-torn city and how they tried to make it relivable again. The Municipality Archives in Arnhem has kindly made this film available.

This special afternoon on the 28th November will take place in the Concert-Hall on the Benedendorpsweg, opposite the old church, ir. Oosterbeek, and will start at 2,15 p.m. A contribution off 2.50 per person will be payable to help finance such an after­ noon, so that the Society’s funds are not too depleted.

Thirteenth reprint of the book, “It Was Like This/ Zo was het”.

During the last 25 years, very few descriptions of the Battle of Arnhem have been so regularly reprinted as the book, “It Was Like This/ Zo was het”, written by Lt.Col. C.B.Mackenzie, D.S.O., O.B.E.

The first edition appeared in 1955, and contained 48 pages, Since then, the photo material in particular has been regularly supplemented. In the 9th edition, an account appeared, for the first time, of the role of the First Independent Polish Parachute Brigade Group during the fighting in Oosterbeek and Driel. This resulted in increasing the book’s volume to 84 pages. To this date, 29,000 copies have already been sold. The rights of publication which were originally in the hands of the Airborne Committee, have now (for this lJth edition) been passed on to the Airborne Museum Foundation.

The book costs f 9.50.

Brig Mackenzie visits the Airborne Museum.

Brig. Mackenzie then a Lt.-Col. , who was General Staff Officer 1 (Ops) on Gen.

Urquhart’s staff during the Battle of Arnhem, visited the Airborne Museum in Hartenstein on Sunday afternoon of the 20th September last. This was, for Brig. Mackenzie, his first visit. He was shown round by Messrs. Wilhelm and Boersma, During the tour, Brig. Mackenzie gave a most interesting account of the situation in Hartenstein House during the Battle of Arnhem, when the building was being used by the First British Airborne Division as their Headquarters. After the tour, Brig. Mackenzie signed a number of copies of the lJth edition of his book, “It Was Like This/ Zo was het”.

Brig. MackenziG and Mr.Eoersma (r.) visited the diorama of Gen. Urquhart’s command post, in the cellar of Hartenstein. (Photograph B. de Reus)

new Airborne Museum Guide.

Both the Dutch and English editions of the new Airborne Museum Guide have now been published; this sixteen-page illustrated booklet is available for the price off 1.-.

The first few pages of the Guide relate briefly, though concisely, the events which took place in 1944. The rest of the Guide contains brief descriptions of all the exhibition areas open to the visitor during the tour of the Museum.

New publications about the Battle of Arnhem.

The number of publications since 1945 regarding “Arnhem”, is ever-increasing. We would now like to draw your attention to a recently published book, “Bevrijdingskroniek West-Veluwe” (“Chronicle of the West-Veluwe Liberation”) written by E. van de Weerd en G.Crebolder. Although the largest part of the book is dedicated to the fighting which took place in the Municipalities of &l.e and Barneveld in April 1945, nevertheless the first three chapters are completely concentrated on the battle in 1944 and a few events which followed inasmuch as they occurred in the afore-mentioned municipalities.

The book opens with a chapter about the landing on the Ginkel Heath on the 18th September 1944 and the fighting which followed. Then, there is an extensive description of the Pegasus I and II Operations, in October and November 1944, which were meant to see that the Allied soldiers who had been left behind after the Battle of Arnhem were brought to safety on the other side of the Rhine. The third chapter is dedicated to “The Incredible Patrol”. It is the story of an intelligence-officer of the 101st American Airborne Division, who, together with five men from the Betuwe, crossed the Rhine on the JOth October 1944, into the still German-occupied Veluwe. The chapter tells of their wanderings over a period of days, and how they return, via Wolfheze, the Ginkel and Heelsum, to their division in the Betuwe, with twenty German prisoners of war.

The book is well-written and contains many interesting photographs and maps, It is published by the Barneveldse Drukkerij en Uitgeverij (Barnevelds Printers and Publishers) and costs f 28.-.

Monument to the 21st Independent Parachute Company.

On the 21st September, 1981, in the garden of the house, “Quatre Bras” (crossroads Utrechtseweg-Stationsweg in Oosterbeek), a monument was unveiled to the 21st Independent Parachute Company in memory of their presence in this area in 1944. This seems, in a way, hardly special; so many memorial plaques and monuments have been erected over the past years. However, what is notable in this case is that it concerns an extremely original monument (designed by the 2J-year-old Saskia Deurvorst from Oosterbeek) and that the

text is, for the first time, dedicated to the population of Oosterbeek and the support which was given: “In memory of the 21st Independent Parachute Company which held this area during the Battle of Arn_hem and of the people of Oosterbeek who sacrificed so much to give their support”. David Eastwood, C.B.E., M.C., then one of the platoon-commanders, and Ans Kremer, living at Stationsweg 8 in 1944, both gave moving speeches, and then together removed the English and Dutch flags from the me�orial.

The Burgomaster of Renkum and his wife, together with many English and Dutch sym­ pathisers were present at this ceremony.

The stimulating and active cooperation of the owners of “Quatre Bras”, B. & D. Architects Bureau, was exemplary. The English veterans and their Dutch guests were given a warm and splendid welcome, whict was both mentally and physically stimulating; without mentioning the fact that the hosts took such great pains, at their own cost, in orga­ nising everything prior to the unveiling.

On this rather matter-of-fact note, we would also like to tell of an individual human experience: after 37 years, David Eastwood saw for the first time the then five year old little girl whom he, as a twenty-four year old lieutenant – in between his official activities – had tried to amuse in the cellar of “Quatre Bras” by playing games to try and take her mind off the incomprehensible horror of war.

A.Groeneweg.

Dear Friends,

At the General Membership Meeting which recently took place, you were able to meet our Society’s first definite Committee. Since then, the positions on the Committee have been delegated, with the result that we now have a permanent Editor for the News-letter.

Nevertheless, we have ·not yet been able to decide on the size of the News-letter and the’ frequency with which it will appear. This is much dependent on the available finances, Until now, the News-letter has been printed, free of charge, by a group with the interests of the Museum at heart. However, it is impossible for this Group to continue the printing work, and we shall therefore have to find another means of printing the News-letter, which will certainly incur costs.

The high postal expenses also limit our possibilities. Nonetheless, our intention is to send three News-letters per year, which will n0t only contain news about the Society and the Airborne Museum, but also more general information concerning Operation Market Garden.

Discussing newly published books on this subject, is one of many pos­sibilities, And, naturally, any ideas or suggestions from our members are extremely welcome. R.P.G.A. Voskuil

NEWS FROM THE SOCIETY:

Information from the Secretariat: The First General Membership Meeting,

As you well know, our first General Membership Meeting was held on the 14th February, 1981. The provisional Committee was extremely pleased to welcome 96 members, as well as Mr.A.Maynard M.B.E., our representative in Great Britain, who had managed to find the time to be present, at his own costs, for which we are most grateful,

The Chairman opened the meeting with a warm welcome to all present. The Annual General Report for 1980 was presented and considered with no further comment. Thereafter, the Annual Financial Report for 1980 was considered, and accepted•.

The election of your first definite Committee was noted as No. on the Agenda, The interim-Chai man expressed his gratitude to the members of the provisional Committee who were now resigning, namely Mr.C.G.Klaver and Mr.M.E,Mooy; their contribution in getting the Society onto its

feet was most appreciated. Special words of thanks were also given to Major W.J.M.Duyts for all the support which he gives to our new So­ ciety in so many ways in his capacity of adviser,

The two new candidates for nomination (presented by the provisional Committee) were introduced to the members present, and as·there were no further candidates (presented by the members), the Committee was chosen without the need to vote. Since then, the various positions on the Committee have been delegated, and are as follows:

Mr. H.van Krieken – Chairman; Mr. J.A. Eykelhoff – Vice-Chairman; Mrs. S.G.Beek-Hobart – Secretary (1st); Mrs. M.H.Steinweg-ten Horn – Secretary (2nd); Mr. H.A.Hendriks – Treasurer; Mrs. J.Smit-Duch teau – Member; Drs. R.P.G.A. Voskuil – Member.

The Chairman thanked tfte members present for their confidence in the Committee.

Messrs.J.Kardol (Paasberg 17, Oosterbeek) and J.Smits (Boulevard 9,

Velp) were nominated for the Cash Committee; in this respect, both the years 1980 and 1981 will be taken into consideration as the Society had no Cash Committee during its first year of existence.

At this point, the members were asked if there were any questions. This resulted in a most interesting amount of suggestions and ideas,

many well-prepared, varying from matters of policy to practical points. In the meantime, these points have been discussed and the respective persons have been, or will be, informed of the results.

During the meeting, the Committee was most pleasantly surprised with a

few gifts for the Museum, namely from Mr. Schagen (Zaandam) three books which cannot be found in the bookshops anymore, relating to the “Battle of Arnhem”, and from Mr.Polderman (Zwijndrecht), a cap-badge of the Royal Artillery. The Chairman expressed his thanks for such generosity. On behalf of the Airborne Museum Foundation, Major Duyts thanked the provisional Committee for their initiative in setting up the Society

of Friends, and for the time and attention which has been shown since.

He wished the permanent Committee much success, and his words were much applauded by the members.

Finally, the Chairman thanked all the members present for their most enthusiastic participation, which had certainly contributed to the success of the afternoon. After the closing of the meeting, a few authentic films were shown, which the Museum had made available.

Together with a number of guests, the members were shown extremely interesting and moving film material, by Drs.A.Groeneweg, who also explained and answered questions.

All in all, a most successful afternoon, which the Society can look back on with much pleasure and satisfaction.

Gifts from our members:

Since our last News-letter, the Society has received a few objects for the Museum. One member, who wishes to remain anonymous, surprised us by presenting six British maps from 1944; he also loaned the Museum

a working 62 set (radio transmitter) with the relevant documentation. Yet another member presented a small tin used for water-purifying tablets. These gifts were gratefully accepted and have already found

a place in the Museum collection. Maybe you could also see if you have anything which might be of interest to the Museum; documents and photographs are also most welcome.

We have also received a few donations. The Veterans’ Club of the well­ known 21st Independent Parachute Company, donated an amount of f500,-. One of our members, Mr.K.G.Prockter, has twice sent us (via Mr.Maynard) an amount collected together by veterans, and another member made a donation in remembrance of Cdr.H.Heukesfeldt Jansen. Such gifts are not only of great financial support, but also a moral support, and the Society is most grateful.

Number of Members:

We now have almost 300 members including some veterans of the 1st Bri­tish Airborne Division, the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade, as well as of RAF Squadrons.

Should you wish to make any friends members, Information Sheets with Application Form attached, are obtainable in the Museum, or on written. request. For members in Great Britain, requests can be made to Mr.A.Maynard M.B.E., 49, Glenfarg Road, Catford, SE6.1XN, London (Tel. 01-698-8969).

General Information:

In order to keep postal ox.ponsos as low as possible, we have had to decide to send only ono copy or th.o News-letter to each address, even when there are moro Sociuty mombors living at the same address. How­ ever, extra copies are’alway s available, and can easily be forwarded on request.

In this respect, we would also like to inform you that no personal titles will be used on the addressed envelopes’ simply because, in many cases, this is not known; for this reason, we ‘feel it wiser to decline from mentioning titles which might be incorrect.

The Committee will be very pleased to hear about any new suggestions you might have (the suggestions at the General Membership Meeting gave much “food for thought”). Remember that this is your Society and your interest and contribution towards it, is of great importance.

s.G.Beek-Hobart Secretaries M.H.Steinweg-ten Horn

 INFORMATION FROM THE TREASURER:

Mr. C.G. de Graaf, an Accountant living and working in Oosterbeek, has very kindly offered to help (with no financial reward) in the finan­ cial administration f the Society. Much of his assistance includes the use of a computer, and I would therefore ask you to kindly check your name and address, so that they be introduced correctly into the com­ puter system. Any alterations deemed necessary can be sent to me.

May I also remind those members who have not yet paid their contribu­ tion for 1980 or 1981, to make the necessary amount over to the Society as soon as possible, for which I am most obliged. A duplicate 11a ccept­ giro11card is hereby enclosed for those concerned.

The Society would like to especially thank those members who have con­ tributed more than the minimum amount; such contributions are a great help to the Society.

At this point, I would like to elucidate somewhat on the minimum con­ tribution of f15,-, half of which is handed over to the Museum in ac­ cordance with our objective: supporting the Museum. The yearly admit­ tance card is provided from this amount. It is obvious that with the remainder (!7,50 per member) the Society does not have much leverage.

The Treasurer, H.A. Hendriks

PRESENTATION OF THE FILM “THEIRS IS THE GLORY”.

At the request of many members, “Theirs is the Glory” will be presented on Saturday, 11th June, at the Concert-hall in Oosterbeek. Most of the shooting of this film about the “Battle of Arnhem” took place in August and September of 1945 in the same places where the actual fighting had taken place a year previously. Soldiers (of all ranks) who had fought here in September 1944, returned to the former battlefield especially to participate in this film; no professional actors were used.

This British film has no sub-titles.

Before the film presentation begins, Mr. Robert Voskuil will give a brief introduction, and explain how the film came into being. A few slides will also be shown in this introduction.

The.presentation starts at 2 p.m. and is only open to members of the Society.

NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM:

British J inch Mortar for the Museum.

Last month, a long-cherished hope of the Museum Board was fulfilled. The Museum finally came into possession-of a British J inch Mortar, the type which was frequently used in the “Battle of Arnhem”.

A year ago, Mr. McAnelly £rom Westervoort, informed his contacts in England that the Airborne Museum would be most- interested in receiving such a weapon; in February, a positivo reply was received from the Central Ordnance Depot in Dennington, that such a Mortar could be presented to our Museum. Special thanks here are due to Mr.McAnelly, Mr.A.Maynard, M.B.E., Liaison or.ricor R.M. Captain Langford and the Netherlands Military Attach6 in London.

As far as we know, only the “Koninklijk Nederlands Leger en Wapen Museum” (Royal Netherlands Army and Woapon Museum) in Leiden possesses such a· British J inch Mortar.

The “Ordnance, smooth bore, muzzle loading, J inch Mortar”, as official­ ly described, was developed from the 3 inch Mortar which Sir Wilfred Stokes evolved in 1915. The range was originally ea. 1500 metres, but this was improved to 2600 metres (Mark 2). It weighs 66 kilos. High­ explosive shells, smoke and light-shells can be fired. The mortars used in Arnhem had a specially modified bottom plate; the bottom plate which is now to be seen in the Museum was found some years ago in the Hartenstein park. The Mortar was portable in four separate parts. Special carrying equip­ ment was used, and of the 52 such pieces of equipment dropped in Arn.hem we do not have one, alas, in the Museum. For the moment, the Mortar is exhibited in the Museum’s cloak-room, but its final position will be in the cellar. The present show-case will have to be enlarged and adapted so that a sort of garden is created where the jeep now stands. In this space, the Mortar, with the men operating it, will be reassembled. The Museum is in need of a few additions for this show-case, such as helmets, shoes/boots, packing material for 3 inch mortar-shells (containers and wooden boxes), as well as shop-window dummies, or parts thereof.

W.Boersma.

The Airborne Museum is now accessible to visitors in wheel-chairs: 

A short time ago, the Municipality of Renkum made an amount of J4o.ooo,- available for the installation of J special wheel-chair lifts. There had been a continual problem that the main-door to the Museum was only reachable by a rather steep staircase. Visitors in wheel-chairs had to be therefore carried inside. The staircase to the first floor was much too steep to carry visitors in this way. For this reason, a wheel-chair lift has been installed at the front of the building, so that wheel-chair visitors can easily reach the ground floor of the Museum. There is a lift inside to the first floor as well as a lift at the back of the building for access to the cellar and the show-cases in the basement.

Increase in visitors to the Museum:

In 1980, 72,702 paying-visitors and 678 non-paying visitors (veterans etc.) came to the Airborne Museum. In 1979, there were 68,636 visitors. We terminate this News-letter with the hope that you will be able to attend the film presentation on Saturday, 1Jth June, although we realise that members living outside the Netherlands will problably find this a problem, And Dutch-English translation: S.Gg Beek-Hobart.

remain,

R.P.G.A. Voskuil

“NIEUWSBRIEF” / News-letter NR.2 January 1981

Dear Friends,

In this second News-letter, 111e are pleased to announce our forthcoming First General Membership Meeting (which is likewise our Annual Meeting)which will be held on Saturday, 14th February·, 1981, at 14.30 hrs. in the Tuinzaal of the Concert-hall in Oosterbeek. All members are invited to attend. The Concert-hall is on the Benedendorpsweg, almost opposite the beautiful, old church so well-known to those who were involved or are interested in the “Battle of Arnhem”. Parking the car is no problem.

The meeting is only open to ordinary and extraordinary members.

However, after the meeting, at approximately 15.30 hrs., we shall have the honour of showing 9 few authentic films of Operation Market Garden, which have never been shown before to the public. At this point, a limited number of guests will also be welcome to join the meeting. Whilst the actual General

Meeting is taking place, any guests will be welcome to either visit the Airborne Museum independently, or wait in the bar of the Concert-hall.

Of course, we realise that this is less relevant to our members from tt

Nevertheless, since we are sure that you will be interested in knowing as much as possible about the activities of the Society, we would like to state the following, which is especially applicable to the First Membership Meeting:

Report referring to 1980

As you probably know, the Society of Friends came into being on the 21st February, 1980, at the initiative of a small group of people.

The Board of the Airborne Museum Foundation was in complete accord with this initiative and since then has been of great support to the Society in many ways. The legal Statutes were formalised at the Notary’s office of Mr. v. . Staay in Oosterbeek.

An interim Corrmittee was formed, consisting of:

  • Mr. H. van Krieken, Chairman Dr. Oreveestraat 23, Oosterbeek
  • Mr. J.A. Eijkelhoff, Vice-Chairman J. van Dudenallenstraat 7, Oosterbeek
  • Mrs. S.G. Beek-Hobart, 1st Secretary Wolfhezerweg 13, Oosterbeek
  • Mrs. M.H. Steinweg-ten Horn, 2nd Secretary Kerkweg 18, Heelsum
  • Mr. C.G. Klaver, 1st Treasurer Wolfhezerweg 20, Wolfheze
  • Mr. H.A. Hendriks, 2nd Treasurer Meijrooslaan 54, Arnhem
  • Mr. M.E. Mooij, member Voortstreven 2, Renkum

Major W.J.M. Duyts is permanent adviser to the Society on behalf of the Foundation. Mr. A. Maynard M.B.E. of 49, Glenfarg Road, Catford, S.E.6 1 XN London is the Society’s representative in Great Britain.

The new Society was officially registered in the Chamber of Trade and Commerce for Central Gelderland on the 6th March, 1980, under No. 21543.

Before much had even been written on paper, there were already 80 candidates for membership and this spontaneous enthusiasm has been of great moral support for us all. But of course, a lot more work was necessary to get the young Society really going – a great deal of organisation, both administrative and financial, in order to get it properly started.

And, not to be forgotten, a certain amount of publicity. This was in the form

of a Press Release which in most cases was printed in full in the various newspapers and information sheets. Since then, the press has kindly published information considered to be of interest, and for this we are most obliged. Of course, a large amount of verbal contact takes place, and this, combined with an Information Sheet both in Dutch and English, has resulted in the fact that the Society now has the proud amount of 234 Friends – both from home and abroad – and this number increases almost daily.

Now that the initiative seems to have been justified by so many enthusiastic members (as well as there now being a financial basis an which to work), the interim Committee feels that the time has arrived to call members together in order to choose a definite Commlttee which can then continue broadening the Society’s work.

First General Meeting

AGENDA

Opening
General Report for 1980
Financial Report
Election of Committee members
Choosing Cash Committee
Any questions before closure of meeting
Closure
The Statutes are open to membership perusal and can be requested at the paying-office of the Airborne Museum (opening hours 11 – 17 hrs – Sunday 12 – 17 hrs.); the Statutes can also be examined in the offices of the Chairman,

Mr. H. van Krieken, General Urquhartlaan 1, Oosterbeek (open from 9 – 17 hrs. from Monday tot Friday).

Some explanation about the Agenda: Points 2 and 3

According to Art. 12(3) of the Statutes, within six months after the completion of the Society’s year, the Corrmittee is supposed to present the yearly report at a general membership meeting as well as the presentation of a balance sheet with debts and credits encountered during the preceding year. Attached herewith is the Balance Sheet for your information.

Point 4

Ordinary members have a. right to vote. This is defined in the Statutes as, “Individuals, resident in the Netherlands, \I/ho have attained the age of 16 years as of the 1st January, and who have been admitted as members”.

New committee members can be either recommended by the acting Committee or by ten members of the Society.

The nomination of candidates

Members can propose candidates for the Committee, ‘which consists of a minimum of five and a maximum of seven persons. The proposal of a candidate must be in

written form and be presented before the General Meeting; such a proposal

must be accompanied by ten signatures of existing members who must also have attained their majority.

According to Art. 8. (6) of the Statutes, committee members should: “preferably be nominated from candidates who are were involved in some way, either personally or indirectly (as a family), in the Allied Airborne Landing during the “Battle

of Arnhem” in September, 1944″.

For this reason, it is important that such involvement (direct or indirect) be mentioned in the nomination proposal, which should be sent or presented as soon as possible.

Jhe Statutes also state that the duties accorded to the committee members

are decided after the election thereof; so the delegation of the various positions on the Committee is not relevant until the new committee has actually been chosen.

The present (interim) Committee’s experience is that for all seven members permitted on the Committee, a substantial amount of time is spent on fulfilling an active role, combined with a personal involvement and motivation. For this reason, together with the fact that frequent contact is often necessary between committee members, it is important that committee members live within an easy distance of the Airborne Museum.

Nevertheless, we can assure you that it is most rewarding work.

Candidates proposed by interim Committee (in alphabetical order):

Mrs. S.G. Beek-Hobart Wolfhezerweg 13, Oosterbeek
Mr. J.A. Eijkelhoff
J. van Oudenallenstraat 7, Oosterbeek

Mr. H.A. Hendriks Meijrooslaan 45, Arnhem
Mr. H. van Krieken
Dr. Breveestraat 23, Oosterbeek

Mrs. J. Smit-Duch teau Utrechtseweg 33c, Heelsum
Mrs. M.H. Steinweg-ten Horn Kerkweg 18, Heelsum
Mr. R.P.G.A. Voskuil
c/o weverstraat 183, Oosterbeek.

Messrs. C.G. Klaver and M.E. Mooij, who were of great assistance in the setting-up of the Society of Friends, are not on the list of candidates for the new Committee. A stated by them when the Statutes were signed, they would only occupy temporary positions in order to get the young Society on its feet.

Point 5

Article 12 (4) of the Statutes states that quite apart from the Society of Friends Committee, a separate committee be appointed each year consisting of a minimum of t\1/o persons, to be chosen from the members.

This committee (Cash Committee) is charged with controlling the rendered accounts of the Society, and delivers such result to the General Meeting.

The interim Committee would like to finalise this News-letter with its sincere appreciation to the Board of the Airborne Museum Foundation and the Directorate

of the Museum for all the support shown, which has been of great importance to the society.

Very special tt nks are due to our adviser, Major Duyts, who, with his incredible energy and ideas is invaluable to the Society.

May be, at this point, also thank Mr. A. Maynard for all that he is prepared to do in order to get the Society well on its feet in Great Britain.

We have just received from Mr. Maynard the bank particulars for the payment of contributions, and these are as follows:

National Jestminster Bank Ltd., Catford Branch, 159 Rushey Green, Catford, London S.E.6 4 BJ Account no. 14643464

Payable to tile “Society of Friends of the Airborne Museum Dosterbeek”

We would also especially like to thank the members and donators who have put such trust in us.

In spite of the distance between our two co ntries, we hope that you as members of the Society, feel involv d and interested in our forthcoming committee elections, though be it impossible for any of you to actually place a vote. We shall keep

you informed as to further developments.

Once again, our very best wishes,

Sincerely,

H. van Krieken Chairman.

Dit boek gaat over het deel van operatie Market-Garden dat zich in de omgeving van Arnhem afspeelde, met de nadruk op de gebeurtenissen in Oosterbeek: de landing van de Britse 1st Airborne Division ten westen van Oosterbeek; de opmars naar en gevechten in westelijk Arnhem; de strijd rond de noordelijke oprit van de Arnhemse verkeersbrug; de landing van de 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade; en de dagenlange belegering van de Oosterbeekse perimeter, eindigend met de nachtelijke evacuatie over de Rijn.
Al deze onderwerpen worden beschreven en afgebeeld op de bekende ’40-’45 Toen & Nu manier: het verhaal van de historische gebeurtenissen wordt geillustreerd met veel originele foto’s en vergelijkende opnames van de huidige situatie. Ook is een groot aantal kaarten en luchtfoto’s opgenomen. Als extra bevat deze uitgave ook een rijk geïllustreerde wandelgids langs de Oosterbeekse perimeter.
(154 pagina’s, ruim 300 zwart-wit en kleurenillustraties, gebonden. ISBN 978-90-70987-060) | € 32,50

Verkrijgbaar bij Meijer & Siegers

 

“NIEUWSBRIEF” / News-letter NR.1 November 1980

Dear Friends,

At long last, we are able to send you our first News-Letter which we hope will adequately inform you of the Society’s progress, as well as new acquisitions and interesting events concerning the Airborne Museum.
We would also like to thank you for showing such patience during the rather long wait before receiving much sign of life from the Society.

Membership

Including your membership, the Society now has some 192 members, many of whom come from Great Britain.

Visitors to the Museum

We are very pleased to inform you that great interest is being shown in the Airborne Museum – in some ways our Museum – and that up until the 31st October of this year, 68.612 visitors have been to the Museum. Quite a splendid number!

Acquisitions in the Museum

Since last September, the following items have been received by the Board of the Foundation; suffice to say that some of the acquisitions are quite spectacular:

We are very proud to have the uniform of Squadron Leader R.F.S. Cleaver, DSO, DFC, RMWO, Commander of the 570 RAF Squadron, which made daily flights tot Arnhem (in Stirlings) during the Battle of Amhem.

Her Majesty Queen Wilhelmina made Squadron Leader R.F.S. Cleaver a Knight of the “Militaire Willemsorder” 4th Class due to his heroic actions; notwithstanding the fact that on the 12th September, 1944, this RAF pilot was given command of the Squadron and had only made five flights with a Stirling, on the 17th September he flew to Arnhem with a Horsa glider behind his plane, whilst on the 19th, 21st and 23rd September, he dropped food and supplies in the area of Arnhem. On the last day, his plane was shot down and crashed. Miraculously he survived and managed, via Brussels, to escape to England, where he arrived on the 25th September. He then, once again, took over the command of his Squadron. These historic flights are all recorded in his logbook and the Museum is now in possession of a photostat copy of the logbook, generously given to the Museum by Mrs. Cleaver.

Another spectacular acquisition is the original, hand-written war diary of Lieutenant Colonel R. Payton-Reid, DSO., who commanded the 7th (Galloway) Battalion The Kings Own Scottish Borderers during the Battele of Arnhern.

This diary was presented to the Museum by Mrs. Nan Payton-R:eid, Lt. CoL Payton- Reid’s widow.

The Museum is also now in possession of its first “set of medals” belonging to an Arnhem veteran. They belong to George Gatland, Regimental Sergeant Major of the 11th Battalion The Parachute Regiment who, as Company Sergeant Major, fought in September 1944. At the last Memorial Service on the 21st September, these medals, earned with “blood, sweat and tears”, were presented to the Museum to be kept in safety and appreciation.

The Museum’s Library has been considerably extended after a most generous financial donation, whilst various smaller interns have also been added tot the collection; these are exhibited in the show-c se of new acquisitions·in the large Reception Room.

Exhibition of “Veterans of Today” (“Veteranen van Nu”)

From the 29th November to the 25th January, 1981, there will be a Photo Exhibition in the Airborne Museum. This Exhibition has been made possible with the cooperation of Photo Aviation Service, and in this way special attention is given to the great and historical planes, some still flying in Europe, which were so essential during and after the Second World War.

“Veterans of Today” consists of sixty black and white, as well as coulour, photographs and slide-b9xes of veteran planes, such as the Boeing B 17, North American B 25 “Mitchell”, Douglas A 26 “Invader”, North American T-6:”Harvard”, Douglas DC-3:”Dakota”, Avro Lancaster, Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, The Hc.villand “Tiger Moth”, Fairey “Firefly” and the Junker Ju 52.

Friends of the Society have free admittance to this Exhibition on showing their membership card.

General Meeting

The provisional Committee has pleasure in announcing the First General Meeting in January, 1981. A date has not yet been decided on as, first and foremost, we would like to have an idea of how many members will be present.

The Friends abroad will probably be unable to attend, if only due to pure destance. However, we will send you any further details as soon as they are known. We hope to show an authentic film concerning the Landing in 1944 at the same time as the General Meeting.

We hope that the first News-L tter will be of interest. May we mention that, should you have any suggestions which might improve or assist the Society and its aims, that you write and let them be known.

We remain,

SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM OOSTERBEEK.

H. van Krieken Chairman.