Crash information BK340 Lambertschaag

During World War II more than 40 different bombers and jet fighters have crashed within de county borders of Hollands Kroon. The crashes were mostly on land, in the Ijssel lake and the Wadden sea.

Few crew members were arrested after using their parachute to reach the ground, others could flee with the help of the Resistance. However, the majority lost their lives and did not return home safely to their family and loved ones.

Information about the crash

On March 12, 1943 at 7:12 p.m., the Wellington bomber took off from Disforth airfield in England. The five-man crew aimed to bomb the Krupps factories in the German city of Essen.

The goal was not achieved. On the way there, the bomber was shot down by Leutnant Oskar Köstler's German night fighter. The plane flew on burning and crashed on the land of the Kranenburg family at 9:58 p.m. Part of the aircraft ended up in a ditch, 100 meters behind the Best family farm. This farm was located on the Westfiese Dijk, about 1.8 kilometers west of Lambertschaag. The land is now a nature reserve. All crew members were able to save themselves with their parachutes. They landed scattered in the Wieringermeerpolder and in West Friesland and were captured by the occupying forces.

Testimonials from pilot Lamontagne

The website of 425 squadron, managed by Pierre Lagacé, pays attention to the unveiling of our remembrance post and contains testimonials from pilot Lamontagne. Very interesting to read and to get an idea of ​​what the crew members of the Wellington went through.

The Canadian crew was French-speaking, as is the website. Pilot Lamontagne's testimonies are in English.

Crash Wellington Mk.III BK340 KW-T of the 425 “Alouette” Squadron

Middenmeer - Lambertschaag

The crew

Reports

Two remembrance posts unveiled on june 15, 2024

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

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

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

Photos of the unveiling