Archief voor categorie: Nieuwsbrieven

NEWS-LETTER No.18 April 1985

Editor: Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil
Dutch-English translation: Mrs Wilkinson
The newsletter is printed four times a year.

Special subject day 1th May.
A special subject day is to be organised for our members on Saturday May 1th. The programme is as seen below.
10.30 am. We will meet at the Hotel Dreyeroord in Oosterbeek, starting with a cup of coffee, whilst a short introduction about the day’s programme and the route for the walk is given.
11.15 am. A showing of the Video film ‘Back To Arnhem’, about the experiences of the Reconnaissance Squadron during the battle of Arnhem. Followed by a walk through the North West Section of Oosterbeek. This part of the village, between 19th and 25th September, formed the northern section of the Horse shoe shaped territory that the British defended. During the walk special attention will be given to the sites where the Reconnaissance Squadron and the 7th Battalion The Kings Own Scottish Borderers fought.
11.00 pm. Lunch in the Hotel Dreyeroord.
11.15 pm. Short walk through the vicinity of the Hotel Dreyeroord. This Hotel was defended by units of 7 K.O.S.B. under the command of Lt. Col. Peyton Reid. At that time the Hotel was known as the ‘White House’.
16.00 pm. End of the Special Subject Day.
Our Guides for the day are three of our members; Mr. H. Duinhoven from Oosterbeek, Mr. N.J. van der Meer from Kruiningen and Mr. R. Sigmond from Bennekom. The day is organised for us by Mr. Van Roekel and Mr. Voskuil.
The cost for the day is 15’ guilders per person and includes the cost of morning coffee, lunch and the guidebook (The amount can be paid by giro number 1103611 for the account of the Society of Friends of the Airborne Museum under the title ‘Subject Day’. Closing date for entry is 27th April.) To avoid the groups being too large, the number of people will be limited to about 100. Should there be more interested, the day will be repeated at a later date, and any late entries notified. Participants will be entered in order of acceptance, so don’t leave it too late before replying.
The day will procede even if it is raining.
Hotel Dreyeroord (tel. 085-333169) is situated on Graaf van Rechterenweg, about a 100 metres from Oosterbeek-Hoog Station. From Arnhem it can be reached by the No.l Trolleybus.

Appeal for information on fieldgraves.
The Mini-Story, enclosed with this Newsletter, is written by 52yr.old Mr.J.A. Hey. Mr. Hey is a textile technician from Hengelo. He tells us about an extensive record of information about Allied soldiers killed in action during the war in the Nether¬lands. For the greater part his information is derived from official war sources.
Thousands of Allied soldiers were killed and buried in Dutch soil. There are about 1100 soldiers lying in un-named graves. On the gravestones of these unknow soldiers are the words; ‘Known Unto God’.
Over the years, Mr. Hey has ascertained the correct graves of more than 30 unknown soldiers. This had been achieved by long and unstinted searching combined with assistance from citizens and other amateur researchers. The War Grave Commission in the Hague often calls on him for assistance. Over the years his records have earned a respected reputation.
Mr. Hey has a plan for a Roll Of Honour which will contain the names of all the British and Polish soldiers who were killed during the Battle of Arnhem.
Along with the names it will also record precisely where and when each soldier: was killed and where his fieldgrave was.
To acheive this he is appealing to the residents of Arnhem for any information that can be of assistance. If you think that you can be of any assistance please contact Mr. J.A. Hey, Aart van der Leeuwstraat 12, 7552 HS Hengelo, Holland, Tel. 074-422271 or Mr. G.H. Maassen, Archivist for the Renkum municipality.

Extract from the Mayor of Renkum’s New Year Speech.
In his New Year’s speech the Mayor of Renkum jhr. Mr. van Holthe tot Echten, recalled that through a tremendous effort by both the citizens and the Municipality of Renkum, the 40th Anniversary Commemoration celebrations had been an unforget¬table tribute to the British and Polish Veterans. He added “that it was the very least that we could do, a tribute established by our everlasting gratitude towards the British and Polish soldiers who strived in an heroic attempt to hasten our liberation. The battle may have been a military defeat, but it was a human triumph. Let us now, especially when many veterans will not return again to remember their mates, keep the flame burning and the memories alive. That is easily said, but it is a task for our Airborne Municipality, and we must remain the Airborne Munici¬pality at whatever sacrifice, even financial sacrifice, that is necessary”.

Airborne Museum attracts a record number of visitors.
During 1984, the year of the 4oth Anniversary of the Commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem, the Airborne Museum has attracted a record number of paying visitors – 98038. In 1983 it was 69954. Considering that the Friends of the Airborne Museum have free entry, and that this also applied to the Veterans, with a little simple arithmetic you will find that the official number of visitors was over 100,000.

New display case for Medal Sets.
In the large ground floor room of the Airborne Museum, a large display case for Medal Sets has recently been hung.
During the past years several Veterans of the Battle of Arnhem have, either donated, or lent their medals to the Museum. On the iniative of the secretary, Mr. W.J.M. Duyts, a showcase has been especially made. In the showcase, with every Set of Medals, there is a photo of the Veteran to whom the medal was awarded.
Meanwhile a number of Veteran Soldiers have promised, in the near future, to lend, or donate their own medals to the Museum.

 

Our Organisational Adviser was twice photographed.
1st: On the 17th September 19^lt. During the march of an Artillery Unit along the Utrechtseweg, near Kievitsdel, 15 month old Okko Luursema was photographed, on a 6-pounder anti-tank gun in the company of some British soldiers, by his mother. 2nd: years later Mr. Luursema returned to the same spot.

Appointment of Organisational Adviser.
Due to the increasing amount of work, it has been necessary to call on our members for assistance, with the result that Mr. Luursema, from Arnhem, is willing to become our Organisational Adviser. His main task will be to assist with the organisation of our Subject Days and Outings. (See above photo.)

Supplement to announcement in the last Newsletter.
In our last Newsletter there was an announcement about the addressing of corres¬pondence to the Society. The following address must be added: Correspondence concerning financial matters, please address to:-
The Treasurer, Mr. R. Fennema, Benedendorpsweg 150, 6862 WP, Oosterbeek,The Netherlands .

Issue of Commemorative envelope.
In May of this year, our Society are issuing a special Commemorative envelope. This envelope will be supplied with a commemorative stamp and a special stamp from the Airborne Museum. The envelope will cost 5 guilders. Available by post it costs 6 guilders. Please transfer the amount to Giro account of the Society of the Friends of the Airborne Museum, under the heading “Commemorative Envelope”. Distribution of those ordered by post wi about the 15th May.

Many volunteers for painting.
During the recent A.G.M., on behalf of the Curator of.the Museum, Mr. De Reus, our Chairman asked for volunteers to help with the painting of the tank ou si e the Museum. Nine members quickly responded, and it is hoped to complete the. as by the end of May. Mr. E.J. Koopman, from Oirschot, has provided all the paint and brushes free. An offer that is greatly appreciated.

Unusual flag donated.
During the advance into Arnhem on 17th September 1944, Mr. M.R.F. Chandler, a soldier with the Royal Engineers, found a Quisling flag. He took the flag with him, and has kept it as a souvenir of Arnhem for nearly 40 years. In August 1984 Mr. Chandler donated the flag to the Museum.

New Photobook about Arnhem in 1945
On April 15th, a new book with photographs of Arnhem shortly after its liberation in May 1945, was published. All the photos were taken by a Mr. N. Kramer, a contemporary photographer from Arnhem. Mr. Kramer had a special permit obtained from the English, to enable him to enter the empty and derelict capital city of Gelderland. He scoured the whole city and took about 800 photos. Later on, these photos could be ordered by other interested people. The collection was forgotten, until it was found by Mr. Kramer’s grandson 3 years ago in his parents’ cellar. He took some of the prints and hung them in his own photographers-shop in Looier- straat, Arnhem. There were many reactions from the public and Mr. Verhoeff decided to produce a book. Out of about 800 photos he chose 235- Short captions have been written by Mr. P. Vroemen from Kamerik, who was in Arnhem during the war.
In the back of the book is a street-register. The Foreword and a summary of the captions are written in English.
The book is called “Arnhem Voorjaar 1945, wandelen door een verlaten stad”. (Walking through an abandonned City) Photos by N. Kramer, compiled by W. Verhoeff and P. Vroemen. It comprises of 165 pages and costs 39-50 guilders. It is available froni bookshops and the Photographers-shop in de Looierstraat in Arnhem.

Booklet: ‘It was like this/Zo was het’. 14th Edition.
Once again a new edition of the book ‘It was like this/Zo was het’ has been published. Written by Lt. Col. C.B. Mackenzie, D.S.O., O.B.E.
The last edition was published in 1981. This 14th edition is enlarged with photos of the 4oth Commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem.
‘It was like this/Zo was het’ is available in. the Museum and costs 10 guilders.

Book “Luchtbrug Market-Garden”.
In this book, published in September 1984, a survey of the air-operations that were carried out during the Airborne landings in Holland in September 1944, is given. At the same time attention is drawn to ‘the betrayal’ of Arnhem.
“Luchtbrug Market-Garden” by Bart van der Klauw and Bart Rijnhout is published by Telebook BV in Amsterdam and costs 24.90 guilders.(only Dutch edition available).

Special Association day for our members next September.
Early in S eptember a Special day is to be organised at which members can meet each other and learn of their research concerning Operation Market Garden Further information will be given in our next Newsletter. No. 19

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NEWS-LETTER No. 20 October 1985
Editor : Drs. R.P.G.A. Voskuil
Translation : Mrs A. Meeuwsen

The news-letter is printed four times a year.

“MEN OF COURAGE STILL NEED OUR CARE”
After a military action human losses are counted in numbers: the dead, the wounded and the missing. At the yearly commemoration services our attention is expressly called to the dead and the missing.
Fortunately, many wounded recover after a relatively short time. They can take up again their work as civilians or soldiers, albeit sometimes changed both mentally and physically. However, there are also wounded people who are confronted with a very harsh reality: their injuries are such that there is no remedy. After their wounds have healed they cannot continue their former life. Their expectations for the future have been crushed, their prospects look dark.

Arnhem veterans during the Silent March to the Arnhem Bridge Monument on September 21st, 1985 (Photo: C. van Roekel)

One must try and accept being an invalid, one has to rebuild the relationship with one’s wife, fiancee, children, family and friends. One must try to overcome the difficulties of revalidation and of the struggle for a new and independent existence.
The battle that must be fought is heavier and lasts longer dan the battle of Arnhem, it needs one’s complete dedication, and cannot be won without the help of others. Just as the soldier on the front relies on the assistance of many others, the disabled soldier also needs help.
In Great Britain there are organizations like the “St. Dunstans for Men and Women Blinded on War Service” and “British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association (BLESMA). These organizations posses the knowledge and experience necessary for being able to give practical help and encouragement on the painful road to revalidation, to work and to independence. By means of close personal contacts the members try to care for each other and to prevent that someone gets into trouble, is lonely or neglected.
This work is primarily done by members who have lived through these problems themselves. They are all volunteers and are dependent on donations for the money they need to do their work well.
Every year we bring flowers and wreaths to the monuments, and the graves of the dead. For the crippled survivors we reserve the best seats in the front row. Do we really think that this is all we have to do?
J. Smits, Chairman.

BLESMA needs your help, too 1
In Great Britain, since 1932 BLESMA has given aid to people who lost their limbs or became blind as a result of participating in both world¬wars and many other military conflicts. Amongst other things, BLESMA administers some special homes for warinvalids, assists in the development of artificial limbs, provides revalidation, helps to find work and fights for reasonable pensions. BLESMA is an independent organization which depends on donations for money.
If you want to help these soldiers who were so grievously wounded while doing their duty, you can send your donations to your Society’s English Representative, Mr. A. Maynard. If you mention “BLESMA”, he will see to it that it reaches the organization.
Special subject afternoon with lecture and films on Saterday, November 23rd 1985
On Saterday, November 23rd, the Society will organize another Special Subject afternoon. This time we will be guests at the ELEKTRUM in Arnhem. The programme is as follows:
13.30 hrs : reception of the participants. If you want to, you can visit the exhibition about the part electricity plays in our daily life.
14.15 hrs : lecture by Mr van Roekel : The role of the Hohenstaufen Division
in the Battle of Arnhem.
15.15 hrs : interval of about 30 minutes.
15.45 hrs : “Impressions of the commemoration-service held at Oosterbeek Airborne Cemetery on September 22nd, 1985”, a video-film by Mr B. de Reus.
16.00 – 16.30 hrs : “Comrades at Arms” : a television documentary made by Yorkshire television in 1984 concerning the experiences of General Sir John Hackett and Dr Lipman Kessel during the Battle of Arnhem.

Mr R. Beasley hands over to Major Duyts the set of medals belonging to Staff Sergeant John Douglas Brooke, who sadly died in 1984. (Photo : B. de Reus)

The ELEKTRUM is situated on the KIingelbeekseweg between Arnhem and Oosterbeek, a few hundred metres from Onderlangs/Bovenover. The new telephone-number is: 085-568020.

New edition of the pastel-drawing poster.
The poster made by Arnhem artist Johan Paulus Pieters, which was brought out by the Society in 1984, has appeared in a new edition, this time in the A-4 size. It costs hfl. 3,–.

The medal show-case in the Airborne Museum.
In our Newsletter no. 18 of April 1985, we told about the purchase of a special medal show-case for the Museum. From Major Duyts, the Secretary of the Society, we received the following information about the show-case:
“For some time now the Museum has been in the possession of the show¬case which was donated by the Society of Friends of the Museum. We can now exhibit the sets of medals given to us by veterans of the Battle of Arnhem, in a dignified way. The show-case has been given a place in the so-called “medal corner” of the large room and has been adapted to the forms of the.other presentations of veterans who received the Dutch Military William Order and the Victoria Cross.
The show-case has a background of maroon felt and a beautiful oak frame. With its many silver and bronze medals and their colourful ribbons it pays an impressive homage to the Arnhem heroes. We have tried to accompany the medals by photographs of their former owners.
Since George Gatland donated his medals to the Museum some years ago, several other veterans have done the same. These medals are an outward symbol of the courageous deeds of the members of the 1st British Airborne Division and the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade Group.
The Museum has also received sets of medals from relatives of Arnhem veterans, so that these medals will be kept and honoured amongst the others.
Many medals were accompanied by the message that there is only one place where they belong: in the Hartenstein Airborne Museum at Oosterbeek.”

New commemorative envelope.
Last September the Museum issued a new commemorative envelope. It shows the portrait of Lt-Colonel W.F.K. Thompson, commander of the 1st Airlanding Light Regiment R.A. in September 1944, together with the Royal Artillery emblem. It costs hfl. 5,– and is obtainable from the Museum.

Medals for the Airborne Museum.
Former Staff sergeant John Douglas Brooke was one of the veterans who regulary attended the commemorations of the Battle of Arnhem. The last time he was present was in September 1984; he died some weeks later.
One of.his last wishes was that his medals, received during .a many-sided military career, be donated to the Airborne Museum. The donation took place on September 20th by former Gunner Royal Artillery, Mr. R. Beasley, who was accompanied by Mr. R. Laing. The set, which consists of ten medals, was received by Major W. Duyts, secretary of the Airborne Museum. The medals will be given a place in the special show-case.

Questionnaire for our Dutch members.
On May 4th, 1985, we held our annual Special Subject day. It was organized by three of our Dutch members. As we knew the special subjects they are interested in, we could ask them to take the origanization upon them, confident that they would succeed. There has been a growing awareness of the fact that the more we know about the special subjects that our members are interested in, the greater the chance that we will be able to organize events that will interest and please them. As the Society has shortly been offered the use of a computer with printer,, we are now able to compile information about the special interests of our members, together with other important data.
In order to do this as efficiently as possible, Mr 0. Luursema has drawn up a questionnaire which our Dutch members will find with this newsletter. Dutch members are kindly requested to answer the questions as extensively as possible, so that we may obtain accurate information about your special interests and hobbies. We guaranteer that this information will be for our use only, nobody else will be able to obtain this information.

New start of the Educational Project.
Thanks to the generosity of various members and firms it has become possible to have Mr van Roekel’s documentation printed. The documentation has been sent to all primary and secondary schools in the Arnhem region, together with an invitation to visit the Museum at a reduced entrance-f ee. Many schools have already reacted positively and we expect that during the coming winter-season our Museum will play a well-earned part in many history-lessons. We are very happy about this special activity of our Museum.

New booklet about the destruction of Oosterbeek.
For the second time, Mesrs G.H.Maassen Sr. and Jr. have compiled a booklet with photographs about the destruction which took place in Oosterbeek between September 1944 and May 1945. It is called : “Oosterbeek Verwoest, 1944-1945”.
The first part came out exactly five years ago, in September 1980. It sold well and the publishers received many favourable reactions. Since that time many new photos have been obtained and as there were many requests for another booklet, it was decided to issue a follow-up. The new booklet contains 99 photographs, most of them were taken shortly after the liberation of Oosterbeek and they were taken both by professional and amateur photographers. It is obtainable from bookshops in Oosterbeek and Heelsum, from fa. van Doorne in Wolfheze and at the Museum, and costs hfl. 18,–. It can also be obtaines from Mr. G.H.Maassen Jr, Jan van Riebeeckweg 82, Oosterbeek, via Rabobank at Renkum, bankgiro 82.32.97, account no. 38.50.32.056. The costs are then hfl. 20,80.

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Editor: Drs. R.P.G.A. Voskuil
Translation: Mrs. A.G. Meeuwsen

Farewell to our British representative, Mr. A. Maynard M.B.E.
During the Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 22nd, we had to say goodbye to Mr. A. Maynard M.B.E., the British representative of our Society. His successor, as per January 1st, 1986, is Mr. Frank Young, who is also an Arnhem veteran. Unfortunately, for reasons of health, Mr. Young was unable to attend the Annual Meeting.
Mr. Maynard, who from 1959 was a member of the board of the Foundation, the Airborne Museum, has been our British representative since the foundation of the Society of Friends.
During all these years he solely and completely disinterestedly promoted and served the interests of our Society in England. He managed the administration of the British members, collected the subscriptions, took care of the correspondence and of the distribution of the English newsletter. He often came over to Holland, at his own expense, in order to attend the Annual Meetings.
In spite of his important input, he never sought to put himself forw . During the Annual Meeting the Chairman, Mr. J. Smits, thanked Mr. May all he has done for the Society, and presented him with a clock as a o en o our appreciation. . . .

“Dear Joe, on behalf of all our members, we thank you for all you aio and we hope to see you still often in our midst!”
Robert Voskuil.

Our Chairman Mr. J. Smits (r.) thanks Mr. Maynard for his work for the Society, (photo: B. de Reus)

Special Subject-day on Saturday, June 28th, 1986
On Saturday, June 28th, 1986, a special subject-day will again be organised for our members. The title of this day will be: “Corridor through Brabant, September 1944.”
The course of events during the Battle of Arnhem cannot be seen apart from the rest of Operation Market Garden. That is why this time we decided on an excursion to the Southern sector of the operation area. This excursion will be conducted by our member the historian Mr.Drs. K. Margry, author of the book “The Liberation of Eindhoven” an co-author of the book “September 1944”. Special attention will be paid to: the landing of the 101st American Airborne Division, the advance route of the 30th Army Corps from the Belgian border, and the German attempts to cut off the Corridor near Veghel.
The provisional programme is as follows:
09.00 hrs : Departure by coach from the car-park near the Museum in Oosterbeek. 09.45 hrs : Stop at Den Bosch railway station. This for participants who find
it easier to travel by train to Den Bosch. They must be in Den Bosch station at 09.45 hrs and are requested to mention this fact on their giro cheque.
10.30 hrs : Arrival at Valkenswaard : coffee-break.
10.50 hrs : Departure from Valkenswaard. Successive visits to: Lommel (“Joe’s Bridge”), the Belgian-Dutch border (breakout of the 30th Corps), Valkenswaard, Aalst (the bridge across the Tongelreep) and Son (the bridge across the Wilhelmina Canal).
13.00 hrs : Lunch in Son.
14.00 hrs : Depart from Son. Visit to Best (Joe Mann Monument). Hence via the landing areas of the 101st Airborne Division, and St.Oedenrode to Veghel (corridor breakout 107. Panzerbrigade). After this a visit to the Liberation Museum at Veghel.
From Veghel the bus will depart for Den Bosch.
17.00 hrs : Departure from Den Bosch.
17.45 hrs : Arrival in Oosterbeek.
The costs for this day will be hfl. 35,–, comprising the excursion by coach, lunch and the excursion guide, to be paid by giro, no. 4403641 of the Society. Closingdate is June 1st. Applications will be booked in order of entry. The maximum number of participants has been decided on fifty, so do not wait too long if you want to take part! You are requested to brinq vour oassnnrt as we have to cross the Belgian-Dutch border. ~’ P P as we

Statuette
In close co-operation with the Foundation, the Airborne Museum, the Society has again ordered a statuette to be made, this time in bronze-coloured plastic It represents a soldier who is about to throw a hand-grenade. The artist Mrs. Janneke Ros, has succeeded, with the technical and critical assistance of the Museum staff, in creating a very good statuette, giving an impression of the tension and the grim reality of those days in September, 1944. P The statuette will shortly be for sale in the Museum Shop, it will cost Hfl. 35,—. It can also be ordered by giro (no. 4184300 Stichtinq Ariborne Museum, Oosterbeek), it will then cost Hfl. 45.–.

Part of the exhibition “Photography during the Battle of Arnhem”, (photo: B. de Reus)

Exhibition “Photography during the Battle of Arnhem”
On Friday, March 21st, Mrs. N. van den Broek-Laman Trip, deputy of the Province of Gelderland, opened the exhibition “Photography during the Battle of Arnhem” in the Museum. This exhibition has been compiled by Messrs. B. de Reus and R.P.G.A. Voskuil, and shows the activities of people who, either professionally or as amateurs, made photographs and films in September, 1944. Three men of the “Army Film and Photographic Unit” worked as official photographers and cameramen; on the part of the Germans the battle was recorded by members of the Propaganda Kompanien”. Photo’s and cameras from both groups are being shown. Apart from these an important place has been given to material that was recorded by the civilians. There were also British and German soldiers who secretly took photographs, something which had been strictly forbidden on both sides. After more than forthy years these snapshots can now be seen in the Museum.
On the occasion of this exhibition, a brochure has been issued in limited numbers, called “Photography during the Battle of Arnhem”. Among other things it shows a number of recently acquired photographs of the Battle of Arnhem. It costs Hf1. 2,50 and can also be obtained by post: giro 4403641, Vereniging van Vrienden van het Airborne Museum, mention “brochure fotograferen”. The exhibition can be seen till May 18th.
11 Roll of Honour” of British and Polish soldiers killed during the Battle of Arnhem Our member Mr. J. Hey from Hengelo has spent several years in compiling a survey of British and Polish personnel who were killed in action or who died afterwards of their injuries.
This “Roll of Honour” contains: the names of the fallen, the unit they belonged to the place where they now lie buried, and, if known, the place of their field graves. This “Roll of Honour” will be published by the Society and will be obtainable in the Museum. Further information will follow in the next News-Letter.

In Memoriam A.J. Baltussen
Our member Mr. Albertus Johannes Baltussen died suddenly on March 9th, 1986. He was 68 years old. Mr.Baltussen was born and bred in Driel. For him the airlandings in September 1944 meant the end of the menace of being betrayed and arrested by the Germans. Shortly before he had helped members of the Resistance to disappear after an attack on the Arnhem-Nijmegen railway. However, his presence in that area at that time had been noticed by someone who wanted to betray him to the Germans. Fortunately, this traitor had been rushed to hospital for an emergency operation. Still, Baltussen knew that very soon he would have to go into hiding. Operation Market Garden changed all that.
During the Battle of Arnhem Baltussen helped British soldiers who had been dropped South of the River Rhine, to reach Oosterbeek via the Drielse Veer. After the landings of the Polish Para’s he devoted himself to helping and nursing the wounded military and civilians. In the midst of the danger and the1suffering a strong bond of relationship grew between him and the Polish soldiers, which was even more strengthened by their common faith. After the war he gave expression to his feelings of friendship and gratitude to the 1 iterators by planting red and white begonias on the graves of the re-buried Polish Parachutists on the Airborne Cemetry. Together with his sister, Mrs. Cora Baltussen, he took care of the annual Commemoration and reunion of the Polish veterans in Driel. Albertus Baltussen was a devoted Roman-Catholic, who, also because of his faith, did not live solely for himself. He was prepared to serve others, before, during and after the Battle of Arnhem. He was resolute, kind and not seeking the limelight. The Polish veterans especially had won his heart and he done much for them.
We consider it a privilege to have known this remarkable man. He leaves many behind who will remember him with love and gratitude.
J. Smits

Action for BLESMA : a great success
It has been heart-warming to find that many of our members did answer our summons to help severely handicapped veterans by way of a monetary donation. Even during the Annual Meeting we received donations by telephone! During the Annual Meeting our chairman could hand the sum of more than Hf1. 1 .300,– to Captain Richard Bingley, the BLESMA representative.
We received a very symphathetic reaction from the Health Insurance Company “Het Zilveren Kruis”. Apart from a very substantial sum of money, this company also gave a number of material items, thus enabling some very severely handicapped veterans to come and attend the September Commemoration.

Airborne Museum receives gift of Captain Richard Bingley’s medals
During the Annual Meeting, Captain Richard Bingley, our first “member for life”, donated his set of medals to the Airborne Museum. In his word of thanks, Mr. W.J.M. Duyts, Secretary of the Museum, said that in doing so Richard Bingley is surely putting an important part of his life into the hands of the Museum, as these medals do not only cover the period of the Second World War, but also the period during which he saw active service in Korea. The fact that he decided to part with these outward signs of his bravery, underlines how closely Richard Bingley still feels himself to be involved in the events around Arnhem in September 1944. Mr. Duyts ended his speech as follows: “We will always cherish these medals in our Museum with reverence and love”. The set is a very special one and consists of: the 1939-1945 Star, the Italy Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, the War Medal, the Korea Medal with bronze oak-leaf for bravery, the U.N. Korea Medal, the Territorial Efficiency Medal, the Dunkirk 1940 Medal the King Albert I Cross of Belgium and the Cross of the Confederation Europeene des Ancies Combattants.

 

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Editor: Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil
Translation: Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

Successful co-operation between BLESMA, the Friends and the “Silver Cross”.
Thanks to the intensive co-operation between BLESMA, the Friends and the Insurance Company the “Silver Cross”, the visit to Oosterbeek by eight severely handicapped veterans was a great success. They were able to participate in all events. We were all happy to discover that the Dutch facilities with regard to advanced methods of adaptability did cause considerable improvements as to eye-sight and mobility. Mr.Drew, a veteran who fought with Richard Bingley’s platoon (see Ministory IX), and who spent 13 years in hospital, told us that after all these years he could now read and write again, thanks to a donated TV-magnifying glass. Another veteran, whose left arm and left leg had to be amputated, was taught how to use some inge¬niously constructed crutches; this meant that he could now move about without having to use his wheelchair. We were very moved by these examples and very happy for the people concerned.

General Sir John Hackett receives the “Roll of Honour” from its compiler, Mr.J.A.Hey. (photo: B.de Reus)

Although some people have accused us of performing a “commercial s un , y
pleased that we entered into this co-operation. It is rather easy to spea o gra i tude towards those who have had to live now for 42 years with pain and an leaps, tangible memories of the offer they brought for us. Now we have been a e o o something, let’s hope we will be able to do more in the future.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Board of the “Silver Cross”, the Derksen Taxica ompany, the people of the Kievitsdel Hotel, the Wiltgraef Restaurant and to our member Mr. Ton Schemkes. They all spared time nor pains in order to make these days unforget table for these so special veterans.
C.van Roekel

Special subject and contact-day.
On Saturday, November 15th, a combined special subject and contact-day will be organised for our members. The programme is as follows:
10.00 – 13.30 hrs: Contact-morning at the Westerbouwing Restaurant (can be reached by a no.6 bus from Arnhem Station). This morning can be used by members to meet other members, to discuss their special interests and to discover other people’s interests. The book-service will be present with an extensive collection.
The Westerbouwing Restaurant will also provide lunch.
13.30 – 14.00 hrs: Depart for the ELEKTRUM in Arnhem.
14.00 – 14.45 hrs: Lecture with slides about the 21st Independent Parachute Company. This 61ite unit, commanded by Major “Boy” Wilson, was in charge of the marking of the dropping- and landingzones. Afterwards they fought at several places in Oosterbeek.
14.45 – 15.15 hrs: Tea-break. Opportunity to visit the ELEKTRUM exhibition.
15.15 – 15.45 hrs: Lecture by Mr.J.A.Hey, the compiler of the “Roll of Honour” of the Battle of Arnhem. He will give background information and will be happy to answer any questions.
15.45 – 16.30 hrs: Film about the work of the British Commonwealth War Graves
Commission and/or film about the Netherlands counterpart, the “Oorlogsgraven Stichting”.
The ELEKTRUM is situated on the KIingelbeekseweg in Arnhem, some hundred metres from the road junction Onderlangs/Bovenover. Telephone: 085 – 568020.

“Roll of Honour” for General Sir John Hackett.
During a special meeting in the Airborne Museum on Friday, September 19th, General Sir John Hackett received the “Roll of Honour” from the hands of its compiler, Mr.J.A.Hey.
General Hackett was deeply impressed by the book which contains the names of every British and Polish soldier who died during the Battle of Arnhem. In his short speech the General thanked Mr.Hey for the amount of work that had to be done in order to compile this book.
The interest in this book, both in Holland and abroad, is overwhelming; several hundreds of copies have already been sold.

Issue of a new commemorative envelope.
On the occasion of the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem, the Museum has again issued a commemorative envelope. It shows a picture of Sir John Hackett, taken in 1944. Sir John was then commander of the 4th Para Brigade. During a meeting in the Airborne Museum, Sir John Hackett received the first envelope from Major W.J.M. Duyts, secretary of the Board of the Airborne Museum.

Mr.Reg Curtis: life-member.
On September 19th, Mr.Reg Curtis, a Battle of Arnhem veteran, became a life-member The Society of Friends now has six British and two Netherlands life-members

Colonel P.R.R.de Burgh thanks Christien de Haan of Heelsum for the portrait drawing she made of him, using photographs taken in 1944. (Photo: B.de Reus)

Former artillery-men visit battlefields.
On Saturday, August 30th and Sunday, August 31st, a group of men belonging to the “Royal Artillery Historical Society” visited Oosterbeek and its surroundings.
Four of its members served with one of the artillery units during the Battle of Arnhem. They were guided around the battlefields by Colonel P.R.R.de Burgh, who in 1944 served with Major-General Urquhart’s headquarters.
Colonel de Burgh is now attached to the Royal School of Artillery in Larkhill.
His preparations for the two-day excursion started a year ago and centred round the role played by the various artillery units during the Battle. Attention was also payed to the role played by the 64th Medium Artillery Regiment, which gave fire support from Nijmegen to the encircled British and Polish troops in Oosterbeek. The group visited the dropping- and landingzones near Wolfheze and Ede, former artillery positions around the Old Church in Oosterbeek, and the bridge at Arnhem. They also visited the Airborne Cemetery and the Airborne Museum.
During the visit to the Airborne Museum, Colonel de Burgh received a portrait of himself as a young man, drawn by Christien de Haan from Heelsum. She made the drawing from photographs of the then lieutenant de Burgh, which she found in the Museum-archives. Colonel de Burgh was very surprised and pleased, the more so as he did not know that these photographs existed.

Donation by Mr.Pelkman.
Our member Mr.Pelkman donated to the Museum a case for 15 smoke hand-grenades and a supply basket, dropped in 1944.

H.R.H.Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands unveils memorial tablet.
On Sunday, September 21st, H.R.H.Prince Bernhard unveiled a memorial tablet in the building of the National Sports Centre “Papendal” near Oosterbeek. This ta e reminds visitors of the fact that this area was the scene of fierce actions uring the Battle of Arnhem.
During the official meeting preceding the ceremony, a brochure was presented, called “The Battle of Arnhem, September 17th-26th, 1944 – The history of Papendal and the Johannahoeve area during the Battle”. The brochure contains 30 pages, with maps and pictures and is written by our member, Mr.0.Luursema from Arnhem.
The first copies were presented to H.R.H.the Prince and to General Sir John Hackett. The brochure is meant to tell the story to the, mostly young, visitors of the Sports Centre, and to make them aware of the fact that many lives were lost in the area where they can now pursue their favourite sports.
During the meeting H.R.H.Prince Bernhard was also presented with a copy of the “Roll of Honour”.

Memorial tablet in Oosterbeek Old Church.
During a short service, a memorial tablet was unveiled in Oosterbeek Old Church in memory of the men of 156 Para Battalion who fell during the Battle of Arnhem. The ceremony took place on Sunday, September 21st, and was performed by Mrs.Elisabeth Aird, daughter of Lt.Colonel Sir Richard des Voeux, in 1944 commander of 156 Para Battalion. Lt.Colonel des Voeux was killed in action in Oosterbeek on September 20th, 1944.
With this service ended a Battlefield Tour for former members of 156 Para Battalion, led by Colonel Geoffrey Powell and Colonel John Waddy. In 1944 they commanded “C” and “B” Company. Major Rh.J.Pott, former commander of “A” Company, also took part in the tour.

Donation of chair and set of medals to Museum.
A chair with inscription has been donated by Arthur Brawn and his wife Rene, in memory of Arthur’s brother Fred Brawn, who was killed in action in Oosterbeek in 1944. The inscription reads: “In Loving Memory of our Fred, Tpr.F.Brawn, 1st Airborne RECCE, killed Oosterbeek 19-9-1944, donated by Arthur and Rene.”
Tpr. Brawn’s set of medals were also donated to the Museum. On behalf of the Museum, Major W.J.M.Duyts received both gifts.

Polish badges of Honour.
During a special meeting in the Airborne Museum, the head of the Polish delegation from England, Captain Z.R.Gasowski, has presented Badges of Honour of the Polish Parachute Association to the following persons: Teresa Wasselkamp, Mr.H.Duinhoven Mr.J.A.Hey, Mr.K.Parmer, Mr.J.J.Rudolphie and Mr.J.Smits.
The badge intended for Mr.J.Schanstra was received by his daughter, as Mr.Schanstra sadly died some time ago.

Museum guide in Polish.
Some weeks ago the Polish guide for the Airborne Museum was published. Mrs.M.T. Saras-Janiszewska did undertake the translation.
A French guide will hopefully appear before long.

Exposition in the Airborne Museum.
During the commemoration week, the Museum showed a small exposition of portrait drawings by Christien de Haan, of commanders of the Battle of Arnhem.
Both General Sir John Hackett and Colonel Geoffrey Powell were presented with a portrait of themselves when they visited the Museum.

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Editor: Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil
Translation: Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

Portraits of Airborne-Commanders
Last year the artist Christien de Haan from Heelsum made some pen-en-inkt drawings of Airborne-Commanders who took part in the Battle of Arnhem.
At the initiative of the Society, five of these drawings have now been made as postcards and can be bought in the Museum. This first series consists of: Major-General R.E.Urquart, Major-General S.Sosabowski, and the Brigadier- Generals P.H.W.Hicks, G.W.Lathbury and J.W.Hackett.
The original portraits have been donated to the Museum by the Society. In the future we hope to be able to edit more series, for instance of men who received the Victoria Cross after the battle.
The first series of five cards can be bought for f 5,-.

Christien de Haan’s pen-and-inkt drawings of five commanders of the Battle of Arnhem.

Membership-card
The individual members of our Society will this year receive a membership-card of which the left hand top-corner is missing! This indicates that bearers of this card have the right of free entree to the Museum for one person only. We had to do this as it was noticed that some members put the letter “G” in the left hand top-corner of their individual card, in order to obtain free entrance for their whole family.
The easiest way to prevent this mis-use was to cut away the corner. It is also cheaper than having to issue cards of different colours.

Special Subject-day on Saturday, May 30th.
A Special Subject-day will be organised for our members on.Saturday, May 30th,198?. The title of the day is: Market Garden in the “Rijk van Nijmegen .
This time special attention will be paid to the middle sector of Operation Market Garden: the operational area of the American 82nd Airborne Division. This is een logical sequence to our last excursion, which covered the Brabant Corridor.
Attention will be paid to: the airlandings near Grave and Groesbeek, the capture of the bridges across the river Maas and the Maas-Waal Canal, and the actions around the Waal-bridges near Nijmegen. Visits will also be paid to the Liberation Museum 191*1*” in its new location at Groesbeek, and to the Canadian War-Cemetery. There will be time to take photographs of all locations to be visited.
This excursion will again be guided by Karel Margry, and be organised by Mr. Voskuil.
The tentative programme is as follows:
9.00 hrs: departure by coach from the car-park near the Museum.
9.15 hrs: Grave – dropping zone E/501* Para Regt.
– “link-up” with the British 30th Army Corps from Brabant.
– capture of the important bridge across the river Maas.
10.30 hrs: Overasselt -dropping zones 501* Para Regt.
10.15 hrs: Heumen – lock bridge across the Maas-Waal Canal
– Molenhoek – former Cemetery 82nd Airborne Division.
11.15 hrs: Mook
11.30 hrs: Groesbeek – Knapheide/Klein Amerika: dropping zone 505 Para Regt.
– Bredeweg: landing zone 1st British Airborne Corps (General Browning)
12.30 – 13.30 hrs: LUNCH
11.15 – 15-15 hrs: visit Canadian Cemetery.
– Wylerbaan: droppingzone 508 Para Regt.
15-30 hrs: Berg en Dal – Duivelsberg
15-15 hrs: Hotel Sionshof: short stop for visiting the monument on the side facade of the building.
16.00 hrs: Nijmegen – Waelstate/Valkhof: actions around the Waal bridge. 16.15 hrs: Oosterhout: crossing of the river Waal by 501th Para Regt. 17.00 hrs: end of excursion.
17-30 hrs: return in Oosterbeek.
The costs for this day will be f 35,- per person. This amount comprises the costs for the coach, the lunch and the excursion-guide. The money can be paid via giro 1*1*0361*1 of the Society, mention “Themadag”. The money should be paid before May 15th. The maximum number of people that can take part has been put at 50. Booking will be handled in order of receipt of receipt of payment so don’t wait too- long!

Roll of Honour.
One of our members has very kindly undertaken to compile an alphabetical index for the Roll of Honour. At the same time some complimentary pages for the book have been completed. These pages, together with the index, can be ordered by paying f 3.50 on giro 1*1*0361*1, mention “Index”.
The first edition of the Roll of Honour, 750 copies, is almost sold out. A second edition is now being prepared.

Security measures Museum.
The other day the security system of the Museum was extended by a close-circuit TV A couple of TV-cam.eras has been placed in a number of rooms, which can be moni¬tored, so that control of these rooms has been made easier. In addition the TV- installation has been provided with a special alarm systeem

 

Mr. Peelen handing over to Major W.Duyts the set of medals belonging to Reg Bagguley. In the middle: Mr .Groeneweg. (Photo: B. de Reus)

Donation to the Museum of Reg Bagguley’s medal set.
On Wednesday, March 4th, Mr. Th.Peelen from Rheden donated the set of medals belonging to Reg Bagguley, to Messrs Duyts and Groeneweg, members of the Board of the Museum.
Reg was serving with the 3rd mortar platoon of the South Staffordshire Battalion and as such took part in the Battle of Arnhem. On September 20th, 1944, he was severely wounded near the Old Church in the Benedendorp at Oosterbeek. He was provisionally treated in the house of the Ter Horst family. From there he was transported to the emergency hospital in the King William III barracks in Apeldoorn. Some time afterwards he was taken to the Julianahospital, where his right leg was amputated. On January 1st, 1945, he was sent to the prisoner-of- war camp Fallingbostel and afterwards to a camp near Neuremberg. There he was liberated by American troops in April, 1945.
Thirty years after the Battle of Arnhem, Reg Bagguley was chosen to represent the British soldiers who had taken part in that battle. On September 21th, 1974, he was presented with the Medal of Honour of Renkum municipality.
Mr. Peelen knew Reg very well. In his book “Gliding to death” (1976), mr. Peelen writes about Reg’s experiences during the battle.
Reg Bagguley died on November 15th, 1986. Some years before he had given his set of medals to Mr. Peelen. Mr. Peelen decided to donate this set of medals to the Museum. The Museum possesses a special show-case in which sets of medals belonging to veterans have been given an honourable resting-place. This collection is still growing and is a lasting remembrance of the soldiers who fought for the liberation of our country.

Request of the treasurer.
Members who have not yet paid their subscription for the year 1987, are kindly requested to do so as soon as possible.

Memento for the schoolchildren
The Society has taken the initiative to give to those schoolchildren who are actively involved in the commemorations of the Battle of Arnhem, a memento of this event. Thanks to the enthousiastic co-operation of the Spitman Firm, a very old Oosterbeek firm with strong ties to the other villages in the municipality, it has become possible to present the children with a beautiful brooch with the Pegasus emblem.
All 1300 children who took part in 1986, will receive this brooch. Their schools will issue them with a ticket which can be exchanged at the Museum for a brooch. This ticket will also provide them with a cheap entrance-ticket for the Museum. In 1987 the children concerned will receive a booklet which will be issued by the Society. It is the authentic diary of a schoolgirl about her experiences during the days of September 19^1*. It contains many photographs, most of which have not been published before. Thanks to the help of the Silver Cross Health Insurance Company, publication of this booklet was made possible.
A very small number of these booklets may perhaps be for sale at the Museum in September 198?.
Major-General R.E. Urquart and the Mayor of Renkum, Drs J.W.A.M. Verlinden, will write the introduction and the preface.
Thus the Society hopes to be able to keep alive the younger generation’s interest and involvement in the events which took place in 19UU. (Chr.v.R. )

The schools project.
The educational project is one aspect of our philosophy that we must enable our children to get aquainted with our Museum. Many schools make use of our educational project: we expect to welcome the 3000th pupil in the middle of April.
The Board of the Museum and the Society will take a special interest in this event. The same applies to the management of the Oosterbeek Post-office.
In our next newsletter we hope to be able to give you more information. (Chr.v.R.)

The chair project.
The table and chairs which are at the moment in use in the Museum for meetings, etc. , do not belong to the Museum, but are lent to us by the Society for Regional Geography and History. However, this Society has now moved to its new location in Doorwerth castle, and our table and chairs have to move with it!
Therefore, the Society has started a new project: the chair project.
Friends of the Society, both Netherlands and British, both as individuals and as groups are invited to donate a chair. It is a simple, sturdy, straight-backed chair. On the chair a small plaque will be put, bearing the inscription and name of the giver.
The iniative to donate a chair for the Museum came from the British, when, during the commemorations in September 1986, the first chair was donated by friends and family of a veteran who had lately died. Afterwards, Captain R. Bingley donated two chairs on behalf of his Battalion. The inscription reads: Presented by 2 Commando, 11th S.A.S., 1st Parachute Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (19^+0-19^5) •
The costs of one chair is about f 370,- . We hope to be able in this way to obtain ten chairs and a table: they will form another symbol of the existing bond between the Airborne Museum and her British and Dutch friends.

Aquisitions for the Museum.
The other day, the Museum received again a number of special weapons, thanks to brigadier Ros of the municipal police.
The Museum also regularly receives objects from the explosives disposal unit of the Army. The other day, for instance, it received a set of package material for mortar shells.

Special aquisition.
From Mrs. Kolkman of Wageningen, the Museum received part of the hour-hand of the clock of the church tower in Driel. This clock was destroyed by shell fire in 19HU.

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