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FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM
Editors:
Drs. R.P.G.A. Voskuil
C. van Roekel
G.H. Maassen jr.
Newsletter No. 62, June 1996
Translated by Cathrien and Peter Clark
Representative in Great Britain: Mr. E.E. Shaw, 298 Totnes Road Paignton – Devon TQ4 7HD Tel. 0803-553616

The England trip
The recent excursion to England organised by the Friends’ Society took place from 17 to 21 April. Thanks to the co-operation of Colonel B. Middleton, Controller of the Airborne Forces Security Fund, the 50 strong party of excursionists was accommodated in one of the army buildings at Browning Barracks in Aidershot.
Visits to two operational airfields were included in the programme. At Brize Norton the group was given a guided tour of No. 1 Parachute Training School by Squadron Leaders R.E.A. Wadley and G.E. Sizeland. The visit to Fairford was possible thanks to the permission given by Squadron Leader l.S. Pollitt and his staff. At Fairford, now used by the American air force, an explanatory talk by former Glider Pilots Mike Dauncey and Peter Clark was included in the tour. In Aidershot the group was honoured by a visit from Arnhem veteran Bob Peatling.
A report on the excursion by Eef and Nelie Vellinga is given below. Their trip to England was a gift from the Airborne Museum Foundation and the Society of Friends of the Airborne Museum to mark Eef’s retirement from his work at the museum.
The England excursion was ’rounded off with a reunion held in the Airborne Museum on Friday 24 May. During the reunion videos were viewed and recollections and photographs exchanged.

Excursion Report
17 April 1996.
At last the ‘Big Journey’ began. We left in the morning by bus, destination England. Following a visit to Ypres in Belgium, known from the First World War, the journey was continued on to Calais. The French customs were particularly irritating and gave us a thorough going-over, looking for ‘hash’ perhaps! Luckily none was found and we were finally allowed to board ‘le Shuttle’.
25 minutes later we were in England. What an experience! From France to Great Britain without a glimpse of water. From Folkstone we travelled to Aidershot where we arrived at our ‘hotel’ around 7 o’clock in the evening.
Unpack suitcases and then dinner in the Mess. Everyone was ready for a good meal. After one or two nightcaps in the bar, all retired to bed at 11 pm. This took a bit of getting used to in such varied company, but in the end everyone got a good night’s sleep, in spite of the odd snorer.
18 April.
Up at seven o’clock, breakfast, and then to the Airborne Forces Museum, where the history of British airborne troops is shown. After lunch our journey continued on to Middle Wallop where we visited the interesting Museum of Army Flying. Back at Aidershot it seemed that the chef had again excelled himself. We took a short stroll after a splendid dinner, and then once again spent a pleasant hour or so in the bar until eleven o’clock.

April 19 1996, during the excursion to England.

Squadron Leader R.E.A. Wadley provides explanations in the large hangar of No. 1 Parachute Training School at Brize Norton, where would-be parachutists receive their ground training.
(Photo: Berry de Reus)

19 April.
A nine o’clock departure for Brize Norton, where we arrived at eleven for a visit to No. 1 Parachute Training School (P.T.S.).
After the showing of a film about the training we were split up into two groups and shown around a huge hangar containing all manner of equipment for the training of parachutists. This was followed by a visit to the small No. 1 P.T.S. museum.
After lunch it was on to Fairford. Here too a wonderful reception, with coffee and biscuits and a meeting with two veterans, followed by a tour of this enormous airfield. Another marvellous experience! Then, later in the afternoon, back to Aidershot.
20 April.
Today to London. First to the Imperial War Museum; so huge and so much to see. In the afternoon we, together with others from the group, visited the ‘City’ of London, with Wybo Boersma as guide. At the end of the afternoon we headed once more for Aidershot. After dinner a last, enjoyable get-together in the bar.
21 April.
Back to the Netherlands after a few fantastic days. The return journey was trouble-free and we arrived back in Oosterbeek at 7 o’clock in the evening.
Once again, many, many thanks to the organisers, Chris, Robert and Berry. Truly, they could easily set up their own travel agency because everything was organised down to the finest detail and nothing was overlooked.
When Eef celebrated his retirement on 12 January 1996, we could not have imagined being given such a wonderful farewell. Our thanks to the employees, management and Friends of the Airborne Museum for this marvellous gift!!
(Eef and Nelie Vellinga)

A second trip to England?
You will have gathered from the above article that the first excursion to England was a great success. It is a shame, of course, that so many who had applied to go had to be turned down because accommodation in Aidershot was limited to 50 people.
As promised, the excursion commission discussed the chances of a possible second trip with our British friends. However, the problem is that, since recently, Browning Barracks in Aidershot is no longer in the hands of The Parachute Regiment. All activities with the exception of the Airborne Forces Museum and a few offices have been re-located. Thus, no arrangements could be made regarding local accommodation.
It was agreed that they will contact us if accommodation becomes available. Hopefully, the possible second trip could take place some time in August or October, with our provisional preference being for the latter.
Those members whom we had to disappoint with the first excursion will now of course be considered for the second. There may also be people who didn’t apply for the first trip because the time was unsuitable and who now would like to go in the autumn. They can apply by postcard and their names will be placed on a secondary list which will be used if there are places over.
At the moment payment is not required.
In the meantime, those members who applied but in the end couldn t make the trip have received a letter explaining the state of play. Every disappointed applicant, (including those who didn’t phone in about it), have had their excursion money refunded. The excursion commission will contact these people first as soon as we receive definite information from England.
(Chris van Roekel)

Request for information about photo
The front page of this Newsletter carries a photograph from the Battle of Arnhem and we would like to know where it was taken.
We do know that Sergeant Dennis Smith of the Army Film and Photographic Unit was the photographer and that it may have been taken in Oosterbeek on 18 September 1944.
The original caption states: ‘Heavy machine gun trained on houses holding snipers.’
If anyone has any idea where this photograph was taken, could they please contact Geert Maassen via the Renkum Municipal archives, Postbox 9100, 6860 HA, Oosterbeek, tel. 026 3348303.

Volunteers needed for Society work
Members regularly offer to carry out various jobs for the Friends’ Society, and in most cases these offers are gratefully accepted.
Management would now like to introduce a bit more structure into the situation and, based partly on a proposal put forward by some members, have decided to set up a number of working groups:
1. ‘Events’ working group (organisation of theme days and excursions);
2. ‘Publications’ working group (supervision of books and brochures intended for publication by the Society);
3. ‘Fund raising’ working group (including assistance on sales stands at large events).
If you have the time and inclination to join one of these working groups, drop a line to the Friends’ Society management. Your help is vital!

Glider Pilot Regiment exhibition
An exhibition on The Glider Pilot Regiment during the Battle of Arnhem, entitled ‘No Engines!’, will be held in the Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ until 3 November next.
Items for this exhibition have been provided from the museum’s collection plus material and documents from the large private collection of our member Luuk Buist from Oosterbeek.

Airborne Museum gets new storage space
Two years after the completion of the ‘Facelift’ project in which the Airborne Museum underwent a thorough modernisation, a new building project has begun. The earth underneath the front, ground-floor terrace of the ‘Hartenstein’ has been excavated.
The huge space thus provided has been lined (with concrete, brickwork etc) and will be used for the storage of items which, up to now, had to be stored here and there in the museum.

IS April 1996. On behalf of the excursionists, Jan Altink hands over a 1994 Arnhem commemoration flag to assistant curator Diana Andrews in the Airborne Forces Museum, Aidershot.
(Photo: Berry de Reus)

Eugene Wijnhoud new management member
During the Society of Friends of the Airborne Museum’s AGM on 27 April 1996, Eugene Wijnhoud from Arnhem joined the management team. He replaces Arie Hofman who was obliged to step down for personal reasons.

‘Perimeter; 17-25 September 1944’, a booklet
One of our members, Mr Henk van Zoest, has independently published a beautifully prepared booklet on the Battle of Arnhem.
Henk was 13 years old in September 1944 and lived in Cronj£weg in Oosterbeek with his parents and little sister. Fifty years later he has put his recollections down on paper. The result is a 48-page diary of events as he saw them, described day by day.
The Van Zoest family lived through the first days of the struggle in Cronj£weg, but on 21 September they were forced to leave their home. They ended up in a house on the corner of Paul Krugerstraat and Steijnweg where they endured the rest of the battle up until Monday 25 September 1944.
The story is not a detailed historical report but describes the war as seen through the eyes of a 13 year-old Oosterbeek boy. The street fighting in particular, when one minute the houses were held by the British and the next by the Germans, is vividly recounted.Initially Henk van Zoest wrote the book for his children and grandchildren, but when other people began to show interest he had a number of extra copies printed. The author has made it known that any profits from the publication will be donated to the Airborne Forces Security Fund in England. The ‘Perimeter’, which is in Dutch, costs 15 guilders.

Obituary:Charles Douw van der Krap
News has reached us of the death at his home in Wassenaar towards the end of last year of Charles Douw van der Krap, Knight in the Military Order of William. He was 87 years of age.
Naval Commander Douw van der Krap took part in the fighting in Rotterdam in 1940. He was made prisoner-of-war and incarcerated in the notorious Colditz Castle, from where he made several escape attempts. He finally succeeded in escaping and after many wanderings ended up in Arnhem, just before September 1944. When the allied airborne landings took place he offered his services to the British. He became commander of the ‘Oranjebataljon’ (Orange Battalion), a group of civilians who had offered to help the airborne troops.
After the Battle of Arnhem he managed to escape across the Rhine on the night of 22/23 October 1944 as part of Operation Pegasus 1. On reaching England he reported to the Royal Navy.
Douw van der Krap has described his experiences in the book ‘Contra de Swastika’ (Against the Swastika) which appeared in 1981.

Obituary: Jacob Maris, sculptor
Sculptor Jacob Maris passed away on 5 April 1996 in Nijmegen at the age of 96. Maris became famous as the artist responsible for various war and resistance monuments in the Netherlands.
One of his most well known works is the Airborne Monument in Oosterbeek (the ‘Needle’ opposite the Hartenstein), which was unveiled on 17 September 1946 by Queen Wilhelmina (see Ministory No. 24 of July 1989).

Special offer to Society members
The Airborne Museum is offering two videos to members of the Friends’ Society at a huge discount. These are ‘D-Day; de bres in de vesting Europe’ (D- Day; the breach in fortress Europe) of approx 60 minutes duration, and ‘The True Glory; van D-Day tot VE-Day’ (The True Glory; from D-Day to VE- Day), which is about 85 minutes long. Both films are in English with Dutch sub-titles.
The normal price for these documentaries is 40 guilders each, but members in the Netherlands can obtain the pair for 30 guilders plus 7,50 post and package.
Stock is limited.
Acquisitions by the Airborne Museum
The alert observer (and connoisseur) will have noticed that the figure of the RAF airman in the Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ wore the wrong type of oxygen mask. The mask worn in September 1944 was the type ‘G’, whereas the one on display was the type ‘H’.
After 15 years of searching and with financial assistance from the Society of Friends, we have succeeded in obtaining a type ‘G’ mask, so this detail error has at last been rectified.
The glider pilot mannequin’s helmet earphones have also been replaced with the correct ‘AM’ type.
(Wybo Boersma)

Correction
Members have pointed out to us that the logo caption on the Newsletter envelopes contains an annoying mistake. The Dutch text states ‘Afbeelding van Pegasus 725 v. Chr’ (Picture of Pegasus 725 BC). This should read 725 na Christas’ (725 AD).
Our apologies for this historical ‘clanger’. The English text is however correct.
(Chris van Roekel)

Exhibition
Each year the Renkum municipal archivist Mr Geert Maassen organises a theme-exhibition in the town hall in Oosterbeek. This year the subject will again be the Battle of Arnhem.
Besides material from the archives the exhibition will include documents and photographs from the private collections of various amateur historians.
Further information about this exhibition – scheduled to run from 21 August to 25 September 1996 – will appear in the next Newsletter.

Henry McAnelly retires as ‘Airborne Battle Guide1
For more than twenty years Henry McAnelly has guided interested parties over the former battlefields in and around Oosterbeek.
As a veteran of the Battle of Arnhem he came to live in the Netherlands after the war, and on 3 March 1975 began his activities as a guide in his Landrover.
Now 73 years of age he has decided to call it a day and give up the job for which he became well known both here and abroad. He and his wife have left Oosterbeek for a new life in the ‘het Gooi’ area.

 

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Utrechtseweg 232 6862 AZ Oosterbeek
Tel. editorial staff 085-337515
NEWSLETTER No. 50, May 1993
Editorial staff:
Drs. R.P.G.A. Voskuil
C. van Roekel
G.H. Maassen jr.

On the ocassion of the 50th Newsletter

The appearance of the 50th number of the Newsletter gives us the opportunity of pausing for a moment and reflecting on the amount of work that has been, and is, carried out to ensure that the letter appears four times per year in this size and in such a well presented manner. Except for the printing, all work is done voluntarily! The first Newsletter consisted of a modest two pages and appeared in November 1980, nine months after the setting up of the Society. Its aim was to keep the members “up to date with the ups and downs of our Society and, of course, with those of the Airborne Museum”. Our letter, which from its inception has appeared in both the Dutch and English language, has been edited by Mr. Voskuil since May 1981. In May 1983, Mr. Voskuil was joined by Mr. Van Roekel as co-editor. The introduction of the Ministory offered the opportunity of drawing attention to the happenings in 1944 as well as providing present day information.
The editors put in many of their spare time hours before the letter is ready for printing. We are deeply indebted to them for the care and time they give and for the enthusiasm with which they still carry out the work. We thank Mr. De Reus and Mr. De Ruyter for their photographic work and a big thank you also goes to Mrs. Meeuwsen who, for years, has looked after the English translations.
Envelope filling and the sticking on of 1100 address labels is not the most inspiring of jobs but it is indeed an essential one. Our heartfelt thanks goes to those members who carry this out.
Through his relocation, the lines of communication between the printer and the editors have become too long. For this reason we have gone over to another printer, in spite of the good quality of the previously supplied product.
The editorial staff, now expanded with the introduc-tion of Mr. Maassen, will continue to provide you with news in their well known, inimitable style, under the auspices of the directorate.
Drs. J. Smits, chairman

From the editors
Following on from the Airborne Museum’s example, it is also high time that the Newsletter and the Mini-story received a “facelift”. Therefore, this 50th edition appears in a completely new form. From now on, not only will the text be processed in the computer and printed in two columns, but the “head” of both publications has been given a totally new look. This was designed by Mr. Jan Vogel of the “3A design” advertising agency in Oosterbeek. We would like to point out that this design was done completely free of charge for which, you will understand, we are most grateful.

Obituary: Frank Young
We have received the sad news that Mr. Frank Young passed away unexpectedly on Easter Sunday. From 1986 up to 1990, Frank Young was our society’s representative in Great Britain. During that period he
did a tremendous amount of work with great enthu-siasm.
During the Battle of Arnhem he served at the head-quarters of the Royal Corps of Signals. Mr. McFarlane served in the same unit. It was he, Mr. McFarlane, who took the photograph of the six-pounder at the corner of the Utrechtseweg and Klingelbeekseweg in Arnhem which was printed in issue No. 43 of the Newsletter. Through this photo Frank Young re-established contact with his former colleague. They had made an appointment, by telephone, to meet one another again for the first time in 50 years. Sadly that is now no longer possible. We shall miss Frank Young’s cheerful personality.

Excursion on Saturday 3 July next
This year, the society’s excursion will have “Operation BERLIN” as its topic. This was the code name given to the withdrawal across the Rhine of the remnants of the 1st British Airborne Division on the night of 25/26 September 1944.
The routes followed by the soldiers to the Rhine that night ran mostly along woodland paths and through water meadows. In order to obtain as good an impression as possible of the terrain over which the withdrawal took place, it has been decided that one of the 1944 routes will be followed entirely on foot during the excursion on 3 July.
The provisional programme is as follows:
9.30-10.00: Reception with coffee in the Airborne Museum.
10.00-10.30: Departure of the small groups with short breaks in between for the walk to the Rhine through the Hemelse Berg woods and the water meadows. At specific points along the route, guides will provide explanations.
From 1300: LLTNCH in the Concert Hall in the Lower village.
Approx. 14.30: Visit to the Old Church.
15.00: Departure from the Old Church for a walk to Hartenstein via the Beneden-Weverstraat and the Hazenakker. On the way guides will provide expla-nations.
Approx. 16.30: End of the excursion.
The total length of the route to be walked is about 4 kilometres and, because some of it will be on unpaved paths, strong walking shoes are recommended. The trip will go ahead even if it rains, so good rainwear is also advised.
Chris van Roekel is organising the excursion and those wishing to take part can do so by making out a cheque for 25 guilders on post giro number 4403641, payable to the Friends of the Airborne Museum Society, under the heading “excursion”. This sum covers coffee at the reception, lunch in the Concert Hall and the excursion guide.
The maximum number of participants is limited to around 100 and these places will be filled on a “first come first served” basis. Closing date for enrolment is 15 June.

From the 13th members meeting
After the first six points on the agenda had been dealt with without comment or observation, the subject of the Airborne Museum renovation plans came up for discussion. Mr. J.W. van Slooten, directorate member of the Airborne Museum Foundation, gave a clear explanation of the plans and answered questions put by those present. The concerned-critical question was posed; does the “renovation” indicate a change of course in museum policy? Will the chance to pause, in thoughts and feelings, and to reflect on the events of the Second World War be lessened or disappear completely, and will the exposition simply become a medium for expressing a specific vision on present day events? The answer was that the format and objective of the Airborne Museum would remain unchanged. The renovation concerned improvements in presentation, a new diorama and a new exposition room.

The directorate announced that 30.000 guilders would be made available from Society funds for the new diorama. In addition to this, it was hoped that a minimum of 8.000 guilders would be raised for the same project through the “sale” of the rear wall of the diorama.
The directorate was delighted with the anonymous donation of 8.000 guilders which will be used for the renovation.
Mr. Van Roekel gave information regarding the organisation of a lottery, this on the initiative of six of our members. In this way, they want to make the renovation plans known to a wider public. By running a lottery they also hope to raise a substantial sum of money. The more members who cooperate in this the greater the chance of success. (J. Smits).

Official presentation of Kate ter Horst’s book
As already announced in the previous Newsletter, our Society has republished the book written by Mrs. Kate ter Horst about her dramatic experiences in September 1944. The book is published in both Dutch and English.
These editions were officially presented during a meeting at the Airborne Museum on 2 April. Our Society’s chairman, drs. J. Smits, opened the presentation with a look back at the events which took place in the Lower village in Oosterbeek in September 1944. “In that area people fought, grieved, prayed and died, but there also occurred deeds of common humanity and neighbourly love. Mrs. Ter Horst has become the personification of this”. Mr. Smits then related how the new edition, which was worked on by a team of people, came into being.
After this, Mr. Smits presented the first copies of “Een Regimental Aidpost”, and the English version “Cloud over Arnhem”, to Mr. J. ter Horst. In his word of thanks, spoken also on behalf of the members of his family who were present, Mr. Ter Horst resurrected memories of 1944 and 1945. His wife recorded the events and experiences of the time during her period of evacuation in Friesland by means of letters to her mother and others. This resulted in her story which has now been republished. Very moving, “in contrast to my more businesslike style”, Mr. Ter Horst remarked.
Besides Mr. Ter Horst’s account, the book also includes General Sir Frank King’s story. This British general, a captain in 1944, was among the wounded cared for in Kate ter Horst’s house.
These new editions differ from the original in that they contain many previously unpublished photographs. Both editions cost 15 guilders and are available at the Airborne Museum and in bookshops in the Netherlands. In Great Britain “Cloud over Arnhem” can be purchased through The Airborne Forces Appeal (£ 6.50 plus £ 1.00 for postage and packing when sold through mail order). Enquiries can be made at Rgt. H.Q. The Parachute Regiment, Browning Barracks, Aidershot, Hampshire GUI! 2BU.

Information days a huge success
For the first time the Airborne Museum held an information day on Saturday 3 April. The theme was material from the Second World War. This experiment appears to have been a huge success since many people took the opportunity of bringing along various objects and documents for the perusal of the experts present. One of the most remarkable was an Italian army Red Cross chest, but smaller objects and documents were also brought along. A most extraordinary item was a pamphlet which was dropped by the Germans over Oosterbeek in September 1944, inviting the British Airborne troops to surrender.
More than a thousand people visited the Airborne Museum on 17 and 18 April, the National Museum weekend. A number of our members had set up their personal collections for the public to inspect and ask questions about. Among these were Mr. R. Sigmond with his 7th Battalion, The King’s Own Scottish Bor-derers collection, Mr. R. Gerritsen with material con-cerning the liberation of Arnhem and Oosterbeek in April 1945, the “Arnhem Battle Research Group” comprising Mr. P. Vrolijk (study object, 1st Parachute Battalion), Mr. B. Kornet (11th Parachute Battalion) and Mr. P. Reinders (156th Parachute Battalion), and the Dutch Aircraft Examination Group under the direction of Mr. R. Markus. This last group is involved in the excavation of aircraft which crashed during the war.
High British decoration for Truus Oosterhaar

Mrs. Truus Oosterhaar, one of our members from Arnhem, has been made “Honorary Member of the Most Excellent British Empire” (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II of England. Mrs. Oosterhaar receives this honour in recognition of the fact that, for the last 50 years, she has tended the graves of allied airmen in Oosterbeek. In July 1942 and in February and June 1943, three bomber aircraft came down in the Renkum area, costing the lives of nine crew members. They were buried in the General Cemetery in Oosterbeek. Despite the risks involved due to the German occupation, the then thirteen year old Truus Oosterhaar cared for their graves; this she still does to this day. Every week she catches the bus from Arnhem to Oosterbeek, where she tends the graves with great devotion and dedication.
The decoration will be presented by the British Ambassador during the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem in September.

The Airborne Museum renovation has begun
In March a start was made on the renovation of the Airborne Museum. The exposition rooms on the ground floor have been repainted, the photos and drawings renewed whereby the grouping was also amended. Next, is the improvement of the lighting. This first phase will be completed before the summer so that the other work can begin after the September remembrance.
The acquisition of funds for the renovation work is going extremely well. Up to now a sum of around 150.000 guilders has been raised.

Lottery
The lottery, organised by a number of our members, has been publicised by means of a letter to the Friends in the Netherlands. The success of the lottery lies in our hands, the Friends of the Airborne Museum; success is dependent on the members. You will also do something to help?! Friends do not just leave their friends and the Airborne Museum in the lurch, do they?
The “Polen van Driel” (the Poles of Driel) help the Airborne Museum
A new action has been initiated in connection with the raising of funds for the Airborne Museum renovation. It concerns the sale of the book “De Polen van Driel – De le Poolse Onafhankelijke Parachutistenbrigade van generaal-majoor Stanislaw Sosabowski tijdens de Slag om Arnhem in 1944” (“The Poles of Driel – The 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade of Major-General Stanislaw Sosabowski during the Battle of Arnhem in 1944”). This A4 format book, which comprises 152 pages with 290 illustrations, has been reduced in price from 29,95 guilders to 25 guilders. With each copy sold, the distributor and seller will donate a total of 5 guilders between them for the reorganisation and rebuilding of the museum. The author, George F. Cholewczynski, strongly supports this initiative.
The Oosterbeek book dealers Romijn and Meijer & Siegers are joining in this action as is, of course, our Society through sales in the Airborne Museum. Those interested can obtain the book direct from these sources.

Obituary: major Digby Tatham- Warter
Last March, the 75 year old Major Digby Tatham- Warter passed away in Kenya. During the Battle of Arnhem, he commanded “A” company of the 2nd Parachute Battalion. Major Tatham-Warter became one of the most talked about officers in the battle due to his extraordinary appearance. During the fighting around the bridge in Arnhem he wore a bowler hat and carried an umbrella for recognition since he could never remember the daily password. It also served as a morale booster for his troops.
When the battle for the Rhine bridge ended on 21 September 1944, the lightly wounded Tatham-Warter was made prisoner of war. Shortly afterwards he managed to escape and was taken into hiding by the Wildeboer family. With the aid of the Ede underground, of which Bill Wildeboer was the leader, he assisted with the organisation of the mass escape of British troops, “PEGASUS 1”, which took place on the night of 22/23 October 1944. In this operation approximately 120 men escaped through German lines to the other side of the Rhine.
In 1946 he emigrated to Kenya.
A character based on Major Tatham-Warter appeared in the 1977 film “A Bridge Too Far”.
For his conduct during and after the Battle of Arnhem

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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM

Utrechtseweg 232,6962 AZ OOSTERBEEK, the Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain: Mr.E.E.Shaw, 298,Totnes Road, PAIGNTON,
Devon TQ4 7HD Tel. 0803 – 553616
NEWSLETTER No.48 Editor:Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil
OCTOBER 1992 Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

Special Subject Afternoon.
Our next Special Subject Afternoon will be held on Saturday.December 12th,1992.
This time we will meet in the Concerthall.Benedendorpsweg (opposite the Old Church) at Oosterbeek.Tel. 085-332046.

The programme is as follows:
13.30-14.00 hrs : arrival of members.
14.00-14.45 hrs : short lecture by Mr.G.H.Maassen,called “Some aspects of the
German use of French RENAULT tanks during the Battle of Arnhem

In 1945,six of these tanks were found on the West side of the perimeter,they had been put out of action by the British in September 1944.
Mr.Maassen has been studying the history of these tanks for some time,he will report on his findings up till now.
14.45-15.15 hrs : tea break.
15.15-16.45 hrs : showing of the video-film Arnhem,the story of an escape . This film,which was made in 1976,has been based on the book by Graeme Warrack,called “Travel by Dark .In Holland,this book is called “Tocht door het duister.

Commemorative envelope.
This year’s commemorative envelope issued by the Airborne Museum,had been dedi cated to No.2 (Dutch) Troop of No.10 (Interallied) Commando.Ten members of this Commando-unit fought in the Battle of Arnhem.One of them,Mr.A.F.M.Bakhuys Rooze- boom.was killed.
The envelope shows the coloured sleeve—emblem of the Commando’s.All envelopes have been numbered,from 001 till 750, and have been stamped on September 17th, 1992.They cost f 5,— when bought at the Museum.The envelope can also be ordered by paying f 6,— by giro,no. 4184300 of the Airborne Museum “Hartenstein’ at Oosterbeek,mention “envelope 1992″.

Book :”We will remember them”.
During the month of September,an exhibition was held in the Municipal building at Oosterbeek,showing the photographs made by the Arnhem photographer Herman Truin of the commemorative meetings of the first 25 years after the Battle of Arnhem.
At the same time a book was published which contains all photographs of the exhibition.The book is called “We will remember them” and was presented to the burgomasters of Arnhem,Renkum and Heteren on August 26th.
The book contains 128 pages and 165 photo’s.The texts with the photo’s are both in Dutch and in English. The Truin working group which is responsible for the appearance of the book,did not want to give a complete history of those first 25 years of remembrance. The photo’s are meant to tell the story and recall the atmosphere of those early years.The texts with the photo’s have therefore been kept short and concise.
Mr.J.Vogel of the advertising agency 3A-Design at Oosterbeek is responsible for the beautiful design.
The book costs f 27,50 and can be bought at the Museum and in bookshops in the regio.lt can be ordered by giro from the Museum,the price is then f 35,— , In England the book can be obtained from the Airborne Forces Museum at Aldershot.

Diary “Oosterbeek 1944”.
As we wrote in our last newsletter.Hendrika van der Vlist’s book “Die dag in September”,has now been translated into English,to the author’s great satis¬faction. For years there has been much demand for an English translation of this diary which describes the events in the emergency hospital in the Schoonoord Hotel at Oosterbeek.
The Society has undertaken the publication of this English edition.On August 28th, the first copy of the book was presented to the author by the Society’s chair¬man, drs .J .Smits during a meeting at the Museum.
This booklet,of which 750 copies have been printed,has been illustrated with many photographs,many of which have not been published before.The introduction has been written by Dr.T.F.Redman,Captain with the 133rd Parachute Field Ambulance RAMC in 1944.

Special Polish stamps for sale.
The Society has managed to obtain a number of Polish stamps showing the generals SOSABOWSKI, ANDERS and MACZEK.A set consists of four stamps of each general(=!2 stamps) and costs f8,-,posCage included.
There is also a very small number of sheets containing 50 stamps of general SOSABOWSKI,at the price of f30,-
For method of payment we refer to diary “Ooscerbeek 1944.”
Lions Club donation.
The Oosterbeek Lions Club has donated a floodlight installation for the Airborne Museum.The new installation was put into use by the chairman of the Museum,drs.J.W.A.M.Verlinden,and the Lions Club president,Mr.Bernard Enklaar, on Thursday,September 17th,at 20.30 hrs. In 1991,the Lions Club also donated the floodlight installation for the Airborne Monument.
The money for this year’s donation was raised during a very successful Music Night on September 4th.Thanks to this spontaneous initiative,the Museum’s striking front is now illuminated at night.
Reprint of “Oosterbeek destroyed.”
The photo-booklet “Oosterbeek verwoest/Oosterbeek destroyed,1944-1945” by G.H.Maassen,was published in 1980. As this edition,as well as the second edition of 1981,had been sold out for years.it was decided to publish a reprint. This third,amended,edition can now be bought at the Museum and in bookshops in the region.lt costs f 20, .

Message from your U.K.Rep.
Thank you for your support of the Friends and your generosity- A Kindly reminder that subscriptions are due January 1st 1993. Donations are always welcome!
Ted Shaw,U.K.Rep.
Donation of benches.
The Dinner Club of the 3rd Parachute Battalion (1941-1945) has donated two beautiful wooden benches to the municipalities of Arnhem and Oosterbeek.They were presented to the burgomasters of Arnhem and Renkum by Major A.Bush MC on the terrace of the Museum,on Friday,September 18th.They were then blessed by Father A.Wissing of the Oosterbeek parish of St.Bernulphus.The benches will be provided with a plaquette and placed in the Market-Garden park at Arnhem and along the cycle-path of the Ginkelseweg towards Renkum Heath.
New figures in Diorama.
The other day,two new figures were placed in the Museum’s diorama’s.
In the so-called German show-case,a figure has been added wearing the uniform of a German tank unit. This uniform was given to the Museum some time ago.
In the diorama of the “Street scene at Oosterbeek”,the figure of a Commando has been added.This on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Royal Netherlands Commando’s.The uniform belongs to Mr.Beekmeijer who fought with the 7th Battalion, The Kings Own Scottish Borderers during the Battle of Arnhem.He was taken prisoner of war and on his return in England he was given a new uniform.lt is this uniform which is now shown.

Attention! Who can help?
The Airborne Museum needs some voluntary helpers for work to be done during the winter period.
1) A team of volunteers has been busy for a year now with the Museum’s photo – archive.These 1500 photo’s must be ordened and put into the computer.At the same time,the Museum has also an archive with copies of every photo.These must also be re-organized and the Museum is looking for somebody willing to help with this job,it will take one morning or afternoon a week.
2) Every article and photograph in the Museum has been provided with a text. The Museum is planning to put all these texts into the computer.The texts are both in English and in Dutch,there are plans to translate them also into German.Some¬body is needed to type these texts into the computer.The work must be done in the Museum.
3) The material in and around the Museum needs constant maintenance and care. There is a need for somebody who will assist the curator doing not too difficult repair- and maintenance jobs,one morning or afternoon a week.
If you are interested,please contact the Museum or Mr.W.Boersma.Binnenhof 38, 6715 DP.EDe. Tel. 08380-39633.
Correction.
Lieutenant Len Wright belonged to C Company of the 3rd Para Battalion,which,un¬der the command of Major Lewis,managed to reach the bridge at Arnhem.
He has informed me that in the book “”The Harvest of Ten Years”, the sequence of some photo’s is not correct.The text with the photo’s showing 3 platoons of C Company should read: top : No 8 Platoon, second: No.7 Platoon.
Mr.Wright has promised to send me in due course the names of the men in the photographs,as far as he will be able to remember them. In the mean time, possessors of the book can now correct the relevant text.
(A.Groeneweg)

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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM
Utrechtseweg 232, 6962 AZ OOSTERBEEK, The Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain: Mr. E.E.Shaw, 1.Willow Close.Stilton,Peterborough,Cambridgeshere. tel. 0773-245420.
Editor:Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskui1,
Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

In Memoriam Mrs.Kate ter Horst-Arriens.
On February 21st of this year, Mrs.Kate ter Horst sadly died because of a tragic accident. She was 85 years old.
Some days earlier,I had visited her and her husband in the old vicarage to talk about the plans for organizing an exhibition about the Airborne commemorations. Mr.and Mrs. ter Horst did both show much interest in this initiative,which was to be expected as both of them always felt intensely involved in everything concerning the yearly commemorations.
They always kept open house during the yearly Pilgrimage in September and more than once I have had the privilege to be present at a meeting between Mrs.ter Horst and veterans who had stayed in or near her house in September 1944.She was a warm-hearted and trustful woman and to’ see the way she welcomed old friends was a moving experience.
During the Battle of Arnhem,her house was turned into an emergency dressing station. After the war she wrote about her experiences in a story called A Regimental Aid – post ” which was included in a Dutch book of short stories,called Niet tevergeefs (Not in vain.)In 1959 het story was published in English under the title Cloud over Arnhem”. T1
She became best known,however,for her part in the film “Theirs is the glory ,in which she read from the Bible to the wounded men around her in her house. In 1977 her story was told again,this time in “A Bridge Too Far.”
To the British she became the symbol of the willingness to give help to the Polish and British troops by the Netherlands civilians during the Battle of Arnhem.
She was a modest woman and,in spite of all the publicity,she preferred to remain in the background.
Her sudden death has made a deep impression on many of us. Our thoughts of warmest sympathy go to Mr.Jan ter Horst,who himself was seriously hurt by the accident, and to the other members of her family. We hope that they may receive the strength to bear this great loss.
Robert Voskuil, editor.

Excursion.
The Society’s yearly excursion will take place on SATURDAY,JUNE 27th.This year the theme of the excursion will be the aspects of the medical aid during the Battle of Arnhem and after it. This excursion is therefore a continuation of Mr.van den Breemen’s lecture in November of last year and of this year’ sexhibition in the Airborne Museum in March/April.
The provisional programme is as follows:
09.30-10.00 hrs : arrival at the Museum, coffee.
10.00-12.00 hrs : excursion by coach to a number of (former) hospitals and dressing¬stations at Wolfheze.Oosterbeek and Arnhem :the Wolfheze psychiatric hospital.Schoonoord.Tafelberg,the Pietersberg,the old vicarage,St.Elisabeth’s hospital and the site near the bridge of the former Water-Board building.
12.00-12.30 hrs : to Apeldoorn via Deelen.Lunch at Motel-Restaurant “De Cantharel” at Ugchelen.
12.30-14.00 hrs : LUNCH
14.00-16.30 hrs : visit to a number of places at Apeldoorn where wounded soldiers were received and taken care of after the Battle: the site of the former St.Liduina hospital,the railway station (from where many wounded soldiers were sent to Germany),the St.Joseph hospi¬tal, the Royal Palace “Het Loo” and the site of the former Juliana hospital.
We will end our tour in the Koning Willem III barracks which was known as the “Airborne Military Hospital”. It was here that Doctor Warrack hid himself and from this place that he later managed to escape.
16.00-17.00 hrs : return to Oosterbeek. End of excursion.
The excursion is organized by Robert Voskuil from Oosterbeek and Ruud Kreling from Apeldoorn. ”
You can book for this excursion by paying f 37,50 per person by giro no. 4403641 or bank no. 53.66.21.128 of the “Vereniging van Vrienden Airborne Museum” at Oos¬terbeek.State “Excursion.” The sum of f 37,30 includes the excursion,coffee lunch and the excursion-guide.The maximum number of participants is 50.Bookings will be handled in order of receipt of payment,and should reach the treasurer before June 7th.You will be informed by our treasurer,Mr.Fennema,whether you are included in the excursion,or not!

After the opening of the exposition “Wounded soldiers,civilians and occupiers”, Dr.Jan Terlouw talks to the British doctors Derrick Randall and David Wright. (Photo:B.de Reus)
Exposition
The exposition ” Wounded liberators,civilians and occupiers” in the Museum,was opened on March 4th,1992,by the Queen’s Commissioner for Guelderland,Dr.Jan Terlouw. The opening was also attended by two medical doctors who took part in the Battle of Arnhem and belonged tot the Royal Army Medical Corps.Dr.Derrick Randall took care of the wounded in the cellars of the Hartenstein Hotel and Dr.David Wright had a dressing-station in the cellars of the former Water-Board building near the bridge at Arnhem.
Another visitor during the opening was the glider—pilot who had flown Dr.Randall to Arnhem:- John McGeogh.
The British guests were very impressed by the wealth of material shown at the exhibition.The exhibition drew a very large number of visitors and was closed on April 12th.
75mm Pack Howitzer for the Airborne Museum.
The Museum*s latest acquisition is a 75mm Pack Howitzer of the type which was used in September 1944 by the 1st Airlanding Light Regiment,Royal Artillery.
The gun was donated by the United States Navy.Our next Newsletter will give the full story about the presentation of this gun.
Rectification.
The last sentence of the article in our last Newsletter about Major Digby Tatham Warters book “Dutch Courage and Pegasus” contains a mistake.Orders from outside Holland should contain a Eurocheque with the amount stated in DFL:DFL 20,- and not the amount of £ 4.50.

“Who was Who”, a handy reference book.
Friday,March 20th,saw the presentation of the book “Who was Who during the Battle of Arnhem”. As the sub-title :”The Order of Battle of Airborne officers who fought at Arnhem in 1944″ suggests,the book gives a survey of all British and Polish units which landed at Arnhem,with their officers. It also mentioned the functions of the officers within their units.
The book also contains a register of names,a very handy help to locate a specific person speedily. It contains many photographs.wellknown and less wellknown.of both groups of soldiers and of single persons.
It was compiled by our member Mr.Chris van Roekel,who received much help from many sides.
The first copy of the book,which has been published by our Society,was presentented to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Airborne Museum, Drs.J.W.Verlinden, during an informal meeting at the Museum.
The book contains about 90 pages and costs f 20,-.If you want a copy sent to you by post,please pay f 23,- by giro to the treasurer of the Society,stating “Order of Battle.”
Reminder to”Friends of the Society in Great Britain”.
A kindly reminder that subscriptions for 1992 were due in January,but it is not too late for those who have forgotten.
Thanks. Ted. U.K.Rep.

Our Chairman,Mr.Smits,presents the first CODV of “Who was Who” the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the’Airborne Museum Drs J W Verlinden,who is also Burgomaster of the Renkum Municipality’To the left of Mr.Smits is Mr.C.van Roekel.the author o? ^’book To the far left is Mr.Siegers of the publishing firm Meiier & Siegers at Oosterbeek.

(Photo:B.de Reus)
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Newsletter No. 63, August 1996

From the editors
You may have noticed that the previous Newsletter dropped onto your doormat much later in the season than is normally the case. One of the reasons; shortly before Number 62 was due to be printed, thieves broke into the printers’ premises and removed all the computer equipment. This seriously hampered production, including that of our Newsletter. We apologise for the delay on behalf of the printers.
Without doubt you will also have noticed that not all photos were provided with the correct captions; in the Dutch edition some sentences appeared in the wrong places. This bungling was entirely due to the woeful lack of attention-to-detail on our part, for which we also apologise.

Exhibition about The Glider Pilot Regiment
Friday 7 June 1996 saw the opening in the Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ of the exhibition ‘No Engines, gliders and glider pilots before and during the Battle of Arnhem’. The official opening ceremony was carried out by Brigadier M.D.K. Dauncey DSO, a section commander in ‘G’ Squadron The Glider Pilot Regiment in September 1944.
The exhibition provides a summary of the history of the British Glider Pilot Regiment, the training of pilots, the various types of glider, the airborne operations in which gliders were used and the fate of the gliders after they were no longer used for operations.
There is a huge collection of photographs to be seen as well as a beautiful model of a Hamilcar glider, personal possessions from various glider pilots, uniforms and pieces of equipment.
Some 600 Horsa, Hamilcar and Waco gliders landed at Arnhem in September 1944 and, sadly, not a single example has survived. For the most part they were set on fire by the Germans both during and following the Battle of Arnhem. After landing the glider pilots were also useable as infantry, and during the battle were to be found everywhere, engaged in the fighting. Because of tills the Glider Pilot Regiment paid a very heavy price. Approximately 1300 men from the regiment landed at Arnhem. Of these 229 lost their lives.
Friends’ Society member Luuk Buist from Oosterbeek has provided many of the items in the exhibition. Luuk began collecting material about the Glider Pilot Regiment 20 years ago and has become an expert on the subject.
The ‘No Engines’ exhibition continues in the Airborne Museum until 3 November 1996.
Highly recommended!

Friday 7 June 1996, Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ in Oosterbeek. Brigadier Dauncey and his wife view the ‘No Engines’ exhibition under the approving eye of Luuk Buist
(photo: Berry de Reus)

Stereo viewer
Before, during and after the Battle of Arnhem, British and American reconnaissance aircraft took hundreds of aerial photographs of the battle area. These photographs were taken perpendicularly and care was taken to ensure that each photo overlapped the next in the sequence by about 60%. This was necessary for viewing the photos stereoscopically later on. Slides have recently been made from 21 stereo sets and these can now be viewed using a special cabinet-mounted stereo viewer. The equipment was built by Mr H. de Wijs from Vianen. The cabinet and viewer were financed by the Friends’ Society and were officially handed over to the Airborne Museum Trust on 26 July 1996. Amsterdam stereo photographer W. van Keulen, who produced the reproductions from selected stereo photographs, was present at the ceremony and gave an introduction into this unusual form of photography.

Powell gives his ‘smock’ to the Airborne Museum
Geoffrey Powell, commander of ‘C’ Company, 156 Parachute Battalion in September 1944, has presented the Airborne Museum with his original parachutists’ jacket, the ‘Denison smock’. At the same time he handed over a letter written to himself by Brigadier Hackett from the latter’s underground address in Ede. The letter contained news of officers left behind after the battle and asked Powell to take care of recommendations for decorations. It was smuggled back across the Rhine to allied lines during Operation Pegasus 1. Major Powell was the only 156 Parachute Battalion company commander to escape across the Rhine during the night of 25/26 September 1944.

Obituary: Hans Deerenberg
Hans Deerenberg, one of the Airborne Museum volunteers who assisted behind the cash-desk for more than twelve years, passed away on 26 May 1996 following a serious illness. He was absolutely correct and unflappable. Under circumstances in which others would resort to panic – power failures, false fire alarms, the arrival of four unexpected coachloads of visitors (always Brits) – Hans would remain controlled and calm.
His cremation service was attended by many, many mourners, a wonderful tribute. We shall never forget him and will always be grateful to him.
(A. Groeneweg)

Obituary: Major-General Eric Mackay
We have received news of the death at the end of December last year of Major-General Eric Mackay at the age of 73. Captain E.M. Mackay commanded ‘A’ Troop 1st Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers in September 1944. He and his men fought in two buildings on the east side of the northern ramp of the Rhine bridge in Arnhem. At the end of the battle he was taken prisoner by the Germans, but escaped after just one day in captivity.

bi front of the De Bilderberg hotel in Oosterbeek Major- Genernl Eric Mackay poses with a copy of his booklet ‘Whoa Mahomet’ during the 50th commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem in September 1994.
(photo: Robert Voskuil)

Immediately following his return to allied lines Mackay put his experiences down on paper, as he put it: ‘for my family and for the soldiers with whom I fought’. This story appeared in ‘Blackwoods Magazine’, a Scottish publication, in October 1945 under the title ‘The Battle of Arnhem Bridge’. A Dutch translation was made later and this was published as a booklet in 1947 entitled ‘Whoa Mahomet, De Strijd om de Rijnbrug’.
Eric Mackay was present at the 50th commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem in September 1994. One of the Newsletter’s editors took the opportunity of interviewing him then, and the accompanying photo was taken at the same time.

Purchase of material
Financial assistance from the Friends’ Society has enabled the Airborne Museum to purchase a number of pieces of equipment and documents from the collection of veteran and former ‘Airborne Battle Guide’ Henry McAnelly. This material has been on long-term loan to the museum since 1978.
New storage space ready
The new storage space under the museum’s front balcony, which has been the subject of intensive activity over the last few months, is now ready. This increases the museum’s storage area by 70 square metres. The building work and equipping were partially financed by the Friends’ Society.
Background painting added to diorama
A small background painting has been placed in a former window in the signal corps diorama in the cellar of the Hartenstein museum. This creates the impression that one is looking out of the cellar onto the Utrechtseweg. As in the other dioramas, this painting was made by Arnhem artist Huub Milder. Part of the project cost was met by the Friends’ Society.

Appeal
One of our members, Peter Clark from Deurne, is compiling a guide to the monuments to the Battle of Arnhem in the Renkum/Arnhem area, and in England. He would like to hear from anyone who has any information whatsoever on such monuments, in particular on the instigator(s), the designer, when the unveiling took place, where and by whom. Photographs of the unveilings and other details would also be most welcome.
The address for contact is; /Deltasingel 46, 5751 SM, Deurne, tel. 0493-310502, fax. 0493-321411.

A further excursion to Hamminkeln
On 27 May 1995 the Friends’ Society organised an excursion to the area around Hamminkeln in Germany where the 6th British Airborne Division landed on 24 March 1945 as part of the allied ‘Rhine Crossing’ operations.
Documentation Group ’40 – ’45 is organising another excursion to Hamminkeln, scheduled for Saturday 5 October next. In broad terms the programme will be the same as that for the SFAM’s trip in 1995 (see Newsletter no. 58). As on the previous occasion, Mr Johann Nitrowski will lead the excursion.
Knowing that some people were unable to make last year’s trip, Society members are now being offered the opportunity of joining the Documentation Group’s excursion, assuming that there are places available.
One can apply for a place on the excursion up until the closing date for applications of 16 September. Those whose applications are not accepted due to oversubscription will be informed in good time.
Further information is available from W. Boersma, tel.
0318-639633.

Culemborg, 1996 (week 30). Under the supervisory eyes of the chairman and secretary of the Police Sports Association Renkum, P. Vos and H. Boers respectively, and before the camera of Joop Bal, ‘one of the assistants from the very beginning’ Ben van Zanten strikes the first special medal for the coming 50th Airborne Walk.
(photo: Berry de Reus)

‘Gezichten van de Slag I Faces of Arnhem’
An exhibition entitled ‘Gezichten van de Slag / Faces of Arnhem – portraits and personal details of British, Germans and Poles in September 1944′ opened in Oosterbeek town hall on 22 August last. It is in three parts.
1. Philip Reinders and Peter Vrolijk, who together form the Arnhem Battle Research Group, have selected unusual items from their extensive and interesting collection for display. The selection mainly consists of pictures (portraits and photographs) and documents with personal data and experiences of boys and men who fought in the Arnhem/Oosterbeek area some 50 years ago. Pieces of equipment and other objects, some of them extremely rare, are also being exhibited (for the first time).
2. Hans and Dick Timmerman and David van Buggenum show how their searches of former battlefields with metal detectors are prepared and carried out, plus the results of these searches. The most important and unusual finds of the last two years are on show.
3. The Renkum Municipal Archives are exhibiting previously unpublished German photographs that came to light some time ago in the State Archives in Koblenz. The unknown photographer took pictures of German soldiers in action in the Dreyenseweg area (De Leeren Doedel – Oosterbeek-Hoog station). They bring over aspects of combat in a starkly realistic way. The exhibition is open on workdays from 9 am ’til 5 pm and runs until 24 September 1996.

When the call goes out for volunteers to pack, address and sort the Newsletters we are never disappointed. The photo shows four of these ‘silent workers behind the scenes’ in the Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’: (left to right) Willem de Ruyter, Jan Smits, Cees Wichhart and Mieke de Langen. (photo: Chris van Roekel, 23 January 1996)

Pegasus Walk,26 October 1996
The thirteenth Pegasus Walk will be held in Lunteren on Saturday 26 October 1996.
The walk is intended to commemorate Operation Pegasus 1 in the night of 22/23 October 1944 in which 150 allied servicemen, in hiding after the Battle of Arnhem, managed to escape across the Rhine with the aid of the Dutch resistance.

Video documentary of fifty years of Airborne Walks
On Saturday 7 September 1996, the fiftieth Airborne Walk will be held in Oosterbeek.
This jubilee will be marked by the making of a video documentary. The video will provide an impression of the background and history of this, the largest day- walk in Europe, and will include historical film material.
Bal Bedrijfsvideo in Oosterbeek has been working for some time now on the preparations for this film.
One of the many preparations for the fiftieth Airborne Walk was the striking of a special medal in Culemborg, an event which Joop Bal got down on tape.
The film, which will be available for sale at the end of September, will last about 45 minutes and will cost 37.5 guilders including postage and packing. Part of the profits will go to the ‘Lest We Forget’ Trust which assists old campaigners who are financially unable to attend the annual commemoration.
The film can be ordered from Bal Bedrijfsvideo, Rozensteeg 1, 6862 DH, Oosterbeek, tel. 026-3340719.
If you have photographs or films of previous Airborne Walks and would be happy to make them available to the makers of the documentary, please contact them at the above address.

Monument to Baskeyfield VC
Mr Th. Peelen from Rheden informs us that there are plans afoot to erect a monument to Lance-Sergeant Jack Baskeyfield VC in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
Baskeyfield (2nd Bn, The South Staffordshire Regiment) was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his action at the Acacialaan in Oosterbeek on 20 September 1944 during which several German tanks and/or self-propelled guns were destroyed.
It is presumed that he was killed on that day, and his grave has never been found.
A sum of 37,500 pounds will be required for the setting up of this monument in Baskeyfield’s home town and various activities are being undertaken to raise this money.
One of these is the sale of a special commemorative plate depicting Baskeyfield’s action. The plate costs 20 pounds plus 3 pounds postage and packing. For information on ordering from the Netherlands contact our member Alex Junier, Van Hogendorpstraat 76, 2515 NW, Den Haag, tel. 070-3893862.

New museum in Deelen
A small museum was opened in a building on the ‘kop van Deelen’ on Friday 7 June 1996. Its central theme is the air war over the Netherlands during the period 1940-1945. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr R.J.E.M. Zinnick Bergmann, who served as a Typhoon pilot with the Royal Air Force in the Second World War (see Ministory 28, October 1990).
The museum’s exhibits include many interesting pieces of wreckage from allied and German aircraft shot down during the war. Most of this wreckage has been excavated over the years from the Betuwe area by the Dutch Aircraft Examination Group (DAEG), which also cares for the conservation and description of the finds. Besides aircraft parts there is also a large collection of airmen’s personal belongings to be seen. The museum also covers the history of Deelen airfield, which was developed into an important Luftwaffe base following the German invasion in May 1940.
The museum is located in the old NCO’s mess (building 20) in Hoenderloseweg, at the highest point in Deelen incidentally, and is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (tel. 026 3718 320).

 

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