Welcome to the website of our foundation Herdenkingspalen Hollands Kroon, founded 29 March 2019.
The foundation’s main goal is to remember the aircrafts and crew members who have crashed in the municipality Hollands Kroon during World War II, by placing remembrance posts.
Hollands Kroon is a merge of the municipalities Anna Paulowna, Nieuwe Niedorp, Wieringermeer en Wieringen
Publication of the full story of the JD149 (Wadden Sea)
Publication of the full story of Frank Gallion’s 42-7924
Report and photos of the unveiling of the remembrance post for James Juntilla at the Oudelanderweg (42-103735)
Search function added to the website
Agenda 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025
Visit of the Czech and Slovak embassies to the remembrance post for the crew of Z8838. (Middenmeer)
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Unveiling of the remembrance post for aircraft 42-103735, Oudelanderweg, Middenmeer
Monday, July 7, 2025
Visit of relatives of Second Pilot Kirkcaldie to the crash site of R1226(Breezand)
September 27, 2025
Unveiling of the remembrance post for aircraft JB843
Date to be determined
Visit of Polish relatives of the crew of Z1467 (Molenweg, Slootdorp)
On each post, an information panel is placed on which can be read what exactly happened on that location.
What was their mission? What happened with the crew members? What type of aircraft?
This information is collected by volunteers with the greatest care.
On the map is indicated, the locations of the crashes and therefore the locations where remembrance posts are or will be placed.
Commemoration of the Wellington R1226 crew – Breezand, 7 July 2025
On the afternoon of Monday 7 July 2025, a commemoration took place at the remembrance post on Zandvaart in Breezand, in memory of the crew of the Vickers Wellington R1226. This aircraft crashed in the bulb fields of Breezand during the night of 8 to 9 May 1941.
The occasion for this commemoration was the visit of Denis Kirkcaldie and his wife Jane, who had travelled from New Zealand. Denis is a nephew of the second pilot, Norman Mervyn Kebbell Kirkcaldie, who died in the crash at the age of 23. During their visit, Denis and Jane also paid their respects at Kebbell's grave in Bergen op Zoom.
The gathering began at Museum Oud Anna Paulowna, where Chris Dijkshoorn spoke on behalf of our foundation. He read an excerpt from the diary of Annie van den Berg, in which she described how she woke up to the sound of an aircraft and machine gun fire, and how relieved she was that the burning plane had not crashed into her house.
Afterward, the attendees moved outside to the remembrance post. Mayor Rian van Dam reflected on the young age of the crew members and spoke about what it must be like to be sent to war as a young man, far from home, in an unfamiliar country. Together with Denis, she laid flowers at the post.
Denis also addressed those present. He expressed his appreciation for the ceremony and said that he and Jane felt honoured to be there.
Theo Kloosterman, an eyewitness to the crash, was also present. He is now 96 years old. In addition, twelve veterans attended, led by Frans van Zwam, and the May 4th Committee of Anna Paulowna was also represented. Trumpeter Hans Elling played The Last Post, followed by the national anthems of the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
At the close of the ceremony, the names of the six crew members who lost their lives were read aloud:
Frank Leslie Herbert Eddison, age 30 – United Kingdom
Norman Mervyn Kebbell Kirkcaldie, age 23 – New Zealand
John Holt, age 22 – United Kingdom
Kennedy Tait, age 22 – United Kingdom
Cyril Paton, age 22 – United Kingdom
Arnot Flaws Wilson, age 19 – United Kingdom
They were originally buried in Huisduinen and later reburied in Bergen op Zoom.
Commemoration of Pilot James Juntilla – Middenmeer, 21 June 2025
On Saturday afternoon, 21 June 2025, the 30th remembrance post of the Stichting Herdenkingspalen Hollands Kroon (SHHK) was unveiled. The ceremony, held at the Oudelanderweg in Middenmeer, commemorated American pilot James Oliver Juntilla, who crashed his P-51 Mustang at this location on 5 October 1944.
Reception at the Cultuurschuur
The afternoon began at the Cultuurschuur in Wieringerwerf, home of the Wieringermeer Historical Society. Following coffee, tea, and biscuits, chairman Jan Wouts opened the program. A welcome address was then given by Mark Hakvoort on behalf of SHHK.
Special mention was made of:
Larry and Rebecca Tanenbaum, friends of the Juntilla family, who took time from their holiday in Europe to attend the ceremony
Colonel Heide Plummer, Air Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague
Mary van Gent, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Hollands Kroon
Mrs. Kranenburg-Bouthoorn, eyewitness to the crash
The veterans, led by Frans van Zwam, who once again attended in large and respectful numbers
Colonel Heide Plummer addressed the audience at the Cultuurschuur, thanking the foundation and all involved for their dedication to commemorating those who fought for our freedom. She emphasized the importance of keeping these stories alive for future generations.
The Story of James Juntilla
James Juntilla was just twenty years old when his aircraft was hit over the Wieringermeer. According to his daughter Karen Juntilla, he bailed out using his parachute after oil from the damaged engine covered the windshield, making it impossible to see. He survived the descent but was soon captured by enemy forces.
Following his arrest, he was interrogated harshly. His daughter recalled, “They beat him up.”Later, he was moved between various prison camps and, like many Allied prisoners, was forced to march long distances through the snow during the harsh winter of 1944–45. These experiences left lasting scars. In later years, he spoke openly about the trauma he had endured.
Reinier Kleis, from Slootdorp, played an important role in re-establishing contact with the Juntilla family. He reached out to David, one of James’s adopted children, who in turn informed his sister Karen. Through this connection, SHHK came into contact with Larry Tanenbaum, who had been close to the Juntilla family for many years.
After the war, James Juntilla built a new life. He studied law, became a lawyer, and later served as a senior official at the Federal Communications Commission. He was a father of four (two biological and two adopted), a talented painter, an art lover, and a man who meant a great deal to those around him.
Ceremony at the Oudelanderweg
After the program in Wieringerwerf, the group made its way to the remembrance post at the Oudelanderweg. There, Mark Hakvoort recounted the story of the crash. He then invited Mrs. Kranenburg-Bouthoorn, who had witnessed the crash in 1944, to point out the direction in which she remembered seeing the aircraft go down.
Larry Tanenbaum then addressed the attendees on behalf of the Juntilla family.
He shared how he has been connected to the family since high school, having known Karen and Steve Juntilla for many years. He only recently learned about the ceremony, and since Karen and Steve were unable to attend, Larry and his wife Becky offered to represent them. Their planned stay in Amsterdam happened to coincide with the date of the commemoration, a fortunate coincidence, as Larry described it. During the ceremony, he read a personal message from Karen and Steve in which they reflected on the life of their father, as a pilot, prisoner of war, devoted family man and engaged citizen. They expressed their deep appreciation for the way his story is remembered and honored in the Netherlands. While they could not be there in person, it meant a great deal to them to be included from afar, and for Larry it was an honor to represent them.
The American national anthem was then performed on trumpet by Martin Keppel, during which the attending veterans offered a formal salute.
Larry Tanenbaum was invited to officially unveil the remembrance post.
Following this, Deputy Mayor Mary van Gent spoke to those gathered. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of remembrance, even more than eighty years after the events. She described the story of James Juntilla as a powerful example of courage and international cooperation during dark times, and thanked everyone who contributed to keeping this history visible and alive.
To conclude, wreaths and flowers were laid by the Municipality of Hollands Kroon and the Wieringermeer Historical Society.
Looking back: Commemoration on Friday afternoon, 11 April 2025 – Middenmeer
On Friday afternoon, 11 April 2025, the fourth commemoration was held at the remembrance post on the Molenweg in Middenmeer. We paused to remember the crash of the Vickers Wellington bomber Z8838 KX-Z, which went down during the night of 11 April 1942 on the farmland of the Bakker family. All six crew members from the former Czechoslovakia lost their lives in the crash.
This annual commemoration is organized in coordination with the municipality of Hollands Kroon. The wish to honour this crew every year is shared by the embassies of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Once again, the ceremony was well attended.
Attendees
Among those present were:
Mayor Rian van Dam
Cenek Hajny, representative of the Czech Embassy
Peter Klanduc and Silvia Swan, representatives of the Slovak Embassy
Willy de Bruin-Bakker, representing the family who farmed the land at the time of the crash
Jakub Dostál, great-grandson of Marie, sister of pilot Josef Kalenský
Eleven veterans, whose presence gave the event extra significance
The commemoration
The afternoon began at De Cultuurschuur in Wieringerwerf, where Jan Wouts of the Wieringermeer Historical Society welcomed all guests. Coffee, tea and biscuits were provided. Short speeches were given by representatives of the Czech and Slovak embassies, who expressed their gratitude to the municipality of Hollands Kroon and to our foundation for continuing to organise these annual commemorations. They also reflected on the importance of peace — especially relevant in light of the ongoing war on the European continent.
Afterwards, the group travelled to the remembrance post on the Molenweg. The weather was beautifully spring-like. Hans Elling played the Last Post and the national anthems of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The attending veterans rendered a salute.
Mayor Van Dam spoke on behalf of the municipality, offering warm and personal words. She emphasised that we come together not only to remember, but also to continue learning from the past. She expressed her appreciation for the deep connection between our countries, and underlined the importance of remembrance in a world where peace can no longer be taken for granted.
Jakub Dostál, who had travelled from the Czech Republic especially for the occasion, addressed the gathering. He laid a wreath on behalf of the Free Czechoslovak Air Force Association (FCAFA). This organisation is dedicated worldwide to preserving the memory of the service and sacrifice of Czechoslovak airmen during the Second World War.
Wreath-laying
Wreaths and flowers were laid on behalf of:
Municipality of Hollands Kroon(by Mayor Van Dam)
The Czech Embassy(by Cenek Hajny)
The Slovak Embassy(by Peter Klanduc)
Wieringermeer Historical Society(by Jan Wouts)
The Bakker family(by Willy de Bruin-Bakker)
More information
Read more about the crash of Z8838 KX-Z:
Crash info Z8838 – Middenmeer
Click here for all photos of the commemoration
Attention to Crashed German Aircraft in Hollands Kroon
The Stichting Herdenkingspalen Hollands Kroon (Foundation for Remembrance Posts Hollands Kroon) has been active for five years. During this time, we have placed 29 remembrance posts in our municipality to honor the crew members of aircraft that crashed in Hollands Kroon during the Second World War. Until now, these were allied aircraft with crew members of various nationalities. For example, crew members from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States lost their lives in Hollands Kroon. Some crew members survived the crashes. Additionally, aircraft from the Netherlands also crashed here, such as a Fokker C.V., for which we placed a remembrance post along the Schelpenbolweg in the Wieringermeer.
In addition to allied aircraft, German planes also crashed in Hollands Kroon during the war. As a foundation, in collaboration with the municipality of Hollands Kroon, we want to draw attention to these crashes as well. These incidents also involved young men who lost their lives, leaving families behind in grief. For relatives, the uncertainty about what exactly happened often remains an open wound that does not heal. Questions haunt them, such as: What happened to the aircraft that day? What was the fate of the crew? Why did the plane crash? Was it due to allied actions, a Dutch aircraft, or friendly fire? This lack of answers can complicate the grieving process and leave a sense of incompleteness.
Do You Have Information About German Aircraft That Crashed in Hollands Kroon?
If you have information and are willing to share it with us, please email the foundation at info@shhk.nl.
29th remembrance post unveiled on October 5, 2024
On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the 29th remembrance post was unveiled, in memory of 23-year-old American pilot Benjamin Pollard. Pollard died more than 80 years ago when his P51-B Mustang crashed into the Wadden Sea due to engine failure. The ceremony was organized by the Herdenkingspalen Hollands Kroon Foundation (SHHK) and was the last unveiling of this year, concluding a series of impressive commemorative moments.
Reception and Welcome
The ceremony started at 2:00 PM with a reception at the NUBO Motor Museum in Hippolytushoef, where owner Gerard Numeijer acted as host. It was the second time that his museum served as a reception area on an unveiling day, and the collection of historic motorcycles and a huge collection of items related to aircraft from the Second World War provided an atmospheric and fitting environment.
After the reception, Mark Hakvoort, chairman of our foundation, opened the ceremony. In his opening speech, he spoke about what happened on April 9, 1944 above the Wadden Sea. He also reflected on the recently deceased veteran Dick Doornik with stories and anecdotes. Doornik had been a regular presence since the very first unveiling on September 14, 2019. Trumpeter Dirk Bak, who died earlier this year, was also remembered and their involvement over the past five years was remembered with gratitude.
The Ceremony
Around 2:45 PM, the group left for the location of the remembrance post, a spot with a view over the Wadden Sea where Pollard crashed more than 80 years ago.
Although the presence of veterans is always a permanent part of SHHK ceremonies, it was special that no fewer than 12 veterans were present this time, which made the ceremony extra impressive. Trumpeter Hans Elling played "The Last Post" during the ceremony, and a minute's silence was observed. Hans also blew the American national anthem.
Mayor Rian van Dam gave an impressive speech for the unveiling. She expressed her respect for the young American pilot Benjamin Pollard, who lost his life in a foreign country, fighting for the freedom of others. She also praised the SHHK board for their work. Thanks to this commitment, with the 29th memorial pole already, the stories of all those young men who risked their lives, and sometimes lost them, for our freedom are kept alive.
After the speech, Mayor Rian van Dam and Juris L. Jansons, Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, jointly unveiled the remembrance post, after which they also laid a wreath together.
With this 29th unveiling, SHHK concluded this year of commemoration. The foundation is looking forward to the coming year, in which new unveilings will take place.
In 2012, pilot H.N. (Bluey) Mottershead, commander of 158 squadron, spoke these words. He flew more than 25 bombing missions in World War II. After the war, Mr Mottershead dedicated himself to the memory of fallen airmen.
To reach our goal we want to place remembrance posts throughout the municipality, at those points where planes have crashed.
To purchase these posts we need financial funds. If you are interested to support us you can contact us through email address: info@shhk.nl
We will get in touch with you as soon as possible. For more information check out our list with current sponsors.
During World War II more than 40 aircrafts have crashed in Hollands Kroon and in parts of the Wadden Sea, Amstel lake and Ijssel lake.
Crew members of these plaines were killed, captured, went missing or found ways to escape from the enemy.
We want to remember all those crew members to make sure that they will never be forgotten.
They have fought for our freedom and as said many have given their lives. We should not ever forget this.
In the municipality Hollands Kroon, crew members from the following countries were crashed:
For items with
the remembrance post is placed and unveiled
Whitley
T4279
Middenmeer
Wagenpad
Status : Unveiled
Date : 14-09-2019
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 5 KIA
Pilot : Donald Keith MacFarland
SGLO : T1056
P-47-C Thunderbolt
41-6587
Vatrop
Vatropperweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 25-10-2019
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 1 KIA
Pilot : Ivan R. Moon
SGLO : T3034
Lancaster III
JB535
Kolhorn
Ansjoviskade
Status : Unveiled
Date : 05-09-2020
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 7 KIA
Pilot : Ernest S.Clarke
SGLO : T3339
Halifax II
LW343
Anna Paulowna
Kerkweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 26-09-2020
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 4 KIA / 3 POW
Pilot : D.J.H. Cheal
SGLO : T3172
Lancaster
W4769
Wieringerwerf
Oostermiddenmeerweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 06-02-2021
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 7 KIA
Pilot : Raymond H.Bird
SGLO : T1970
Wellington
P9286
Winkel
Groetpolderweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 18-09-2021
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 6 KIA
Pilot : D.E. Larkman
SGLO : T0905
Wellington
Z8838
Middenmeer
Molenweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 09-10-2021
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 6 KIA
Pilot : Josef Kalensky
SGLO : T1474
Lancaster III
ED816
Wieringerwaard
Slikkerdijk
Status : Unveiled
Date : 30-10-2021
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 1KIA/2MIA/4POW
Pilot : J.Thomas
SGLO : T2452
Beaufighter
NV187 / RD140
Wieringerwaard
Molenweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 30-10-2021
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 2 KIA / 2 KIA
Pilot : G.D.Warburton
Pilot : F.P.Trautman
SGLO : T5125 / T5126
Halifax
JN884
Slootdorp
Dolfijnweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 16-04-2022
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 6 KIA / 1 POW
Pilot : Kenneth R. Larkin
SGLO : T2704
Mosquito IV
DZ316
Slootdorp
Schelpenbolweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 21-05-2022
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 2 POW
Pilot : Peter Frank Hall
SGLO : T2279
Fokker
C.V-E 645
Slootdorp
Slootweg
Status : Unveiled
Datum : 21-05-2022
Klik hier voor alle informatie over deze crash en de onthulling
Bemanning : 2
Piloot : Evert Meindert Hoekstra
SGLO : T0525
Wellington
Z1467
Slootdorp
Molenweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 11-06-2022
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 6 KIA
Pilot : Witakowski
SGLO : T1582
Wellington
R1226
Breezand
Zandvaart
Status : Unveiled
Date : 02-07-2022
Whitley
Z6462
Anna Paulowna
Veerweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 17-09-2022
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 5 POW
Pilot : Albert Ernest Barlow
SGLO : T0940
Boeing B17
42-107009
Middenmeer
Tussenweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 08-10-2022
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 9 POW
Pilot : Raymond Howard Hillestad
SGLO : T4655
Lancaster III
ND357
Kolhorn
Status : Unveiled
Date : 25-04-2023 19:00h
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Bemanning : 7 KIA
Piloot : Mansfield
SGLO : T3314
Wellington
T2990
Nieuwe Niedorp
Kanaalweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 04-05-2023
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 5 KIA / 1 POW
Pilot : Bufka
SGLO : T1068
Halifax II
JD149
Waddenzee
Status : Unveiled
Date : 17-06-2023
Lancaster
W4256
Waddenzee
Status : Unveiled
Date : 17-06-2023
Beaufighter
NT918
Wieringerwaard
Kruisweg
Status : Unveiled
Date : 15-07-2023
B-24-D Liberator
42-63969
IJsselmeer
Status : Unveiled
Date : 07-10-2023
P-47-D Thunderbolt
42-7924
Den Oever
IJsselmeer
Status : Unveiled
Date : 07-10-2023
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 12 (10 POW)
Pilot : Hopper
SGLO : T5470
Detailed information about this crash and the unveiling
Crew : 1 KIA
Pilot : Benjamin Ashby Pollard
SGLO : T3578
Status : to be planned
Date :
Status : to be planned
Date :
Stichting Herdenkingspalen Hollands Kroon
Board of the foundation
Name | Role |
Mark Hakvoort | Chairman |
Chris Dijkshoorn | Treasurer |
Martin Blaauw | Secretary |
Board members fulfill their tasks on a voluntary basis