Invitation to the unveiling of two remembrance posts on October 7, 2023

On October 7, we will unveil two remembrance posts on the edge of the IJsselmeer. These remembrance posts are placed and unveiled in memory of the crew of the P-47-C Thunderbolt 42-7924 and the B-24-D Liberator 42-63969. Both aircraft crashed in the IJsselmeer, killing all crew members.

The program for October 7 is as follows:

2:00 PM

Gathering at the Historical Society Wieringermeer

De Cultuurschuur, Loggersplein 1, 1771 CE Wieringerwerf

2:30 PM

Opening and welcome by Jan Wouts and Mark Hakvoort

3:00 PM

Official unveiling of the remembrance post at the Oude Zeug

Kluisgat 1, 1771 MJ Wieringerwerf

3:30 PM

Official unveiling of the remembrance post at the Dijkgat monument

Noorderdijkweg (near no. 24), 1771 MJ Wieringerwerf

3:45 PM

Closing

Unveiling of the 21st remembrance post in Wieringerwaard

On July 15, 2023, our 21st remembrance post was unveiled in memory of a special event in Wieringerwaard. On January 17, 1945, pilot David Winston Gaunt made an emergency landing with his Bristol Beaufighter NT918. Although he and his navigator Ronald Chrisp survived the crash, they were captured by the occupying forces.

For this special ceremony, the pilot's two sons, Bruce and Geoff Gaunt, came over from Canada, along with their wives Julie and Rosemary.

All guests were warmly welcomed in the White Church in Wieringerwaard, which previously served as a base for other unveilings. Chris Dijkshoorn welcomed everyone with a special welcome to the family of the pilot from Canada, Colonel Marc LaFortune and Sergeant Nicole Mitchell from the Canadian Embassy, Mayor Rian van Dam, all veterans and our loyal trumpeter Dirk Bak. There were also former residents of the crash site and representatives of the 4 May Foundation Wieringerwaard.

After Chris's opening speech, all guests made their way to the Kruisweg for the unveiling ceremony. Before the unveiling took place, mayor Rian van Dam spoke impressive words about the importance of continuing to remember, especially now that freedom seems obvious to our generation while a war is raging so close by.

Colonel Marc LaFortune indicated that he was deeply impressed by how the Netherlands commemorates the Second World War and emphasized that it is special that the Netherlands is the only country where Canada is seen as a liberator.

The remembrance post was unveiled by Bruce and Geoff Gaunt. While Dirk Bak played the national anthems of the United Kingdom and Canada, the ten veterans present gave a salute. Dirk also blew the beautiful "The Airman's Hymn". Mayor Rian van Dam laid a wreath on behalf of the Municipality of Hollands Kroon. Colonel LaFortune and Sergeant Mitchell did the same on behalf of the Canadian Embassy.

Click here for all photos and for more information.

Video report Regio Noordkop by Harm Brouwer

19th and 20th remembrance post unveiled at the Wadden Sea

On June 17, 2023, two remembrance posts for crew members who crashed into the Wadden Sea in 1943 with their aircraft were unveiled. Eighty years ago, on June 26, 1943, the Lancaster bomber W4256 was shot down by a German night fighter. All seven crew members from Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom were killed. The youngest was 20 years old, the oldest only 30. The Halifax MKII JD149 also crashed after an attack by a German night fighter in the Wadden Sea. On May 28, 1943, seven young men from Canada and the United Kingdom were also killed.

Gerard Numeijer of Nubo Motors had made his museum in Hippolytushoef available for the reception of the guests. Over a cup of coffee, our chairman, Mark Hakvoort, talked about the events in 1943. In her speech, Deputy Mayor Mary van Gent reflected on the fourteen young men who gave their lives for our freedom. Sgt Nicole Mitchell represented the Canadian Embassy and Mr. Alex Keighley was a delegate from the British Embassy. Dirk Bak was honored today for his services rendered, Dirk and his wife Jetty are present at every unveiling and provide the musical accompaniment as a trumpet player.

The unveiling of the remembrance post for the crew of the Lancaster W4256 took place on the dike at Recreatiepark Wiringherlant at the Noordstroeërweg. Sgt. Nicole Mitchell expressed her admiration for the way in which the Second World War is commemorated in the Netherlands. There has never been war within Canada's borders, but Canada played an important role in our liberation. The unveiling of the remembrance post was also performed by Sgt. Mitchell. Dirk Bak played the national anthems of Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom under the watchful eye of the veterans present.

The second unveiling of the day, the twentieth of our foundation, was for the crew of the Halifax MKII JD149. mr. Alex Keighley of the British Embassy addressed the visitors and unveiled the remembrance post. Here too, Dirk Bak blew the national anthems of the United Kingdom and Canada.

The 14 crew members are buried at the Zandburen cemetery. These heroes were commemorated here by playing The Last Post. The sounds of Dirk's trumpet gave an atmosphere of reverence and respect. The saluting veterans, who are well represented at every ceremony under the leadership of Dick Doornik, made the ceremony complete and impressive. The minute of silence that followed also contributed to this. Wreaths were laid at both the remembrance posts and the graves. The Wartena-Kok family has adopted the graves of the fallen crew members. Sandra and her son Nick placed crosses at the graves on behalf of the 102 squadron.

Click here for all information and all photos of the unveiling of W4256

Click here for all information and all photos of the unveiling of JD149

Overview crashed planes and unveiling of our remembrance posts