Cemeteries and Memorials - Graveyards Holding Dutch Graves N - Z

• 50. Nantes, Cimetière Civil du Pont du Cens, Loire-Atlantique, France • 51. North Hollywood, Valhalla Memorial Park, Ca, USA • 52. Oegstgeest, Begraafplaats 'Het Groene Kerkje', Z. Holland, Netherlands • 53. Ollerton Cemetery, Nottinghamshire, UK • 54. Orry-la-Ville, Oise, France • 55. Pembroke Dock, Llanion Cemetery, Pembrokeshire, UK • 56. Rotterdam, Gemeentelijke Begraafplaats Crooswijk, Z. Holland, Netherlands • 57. Scarborough Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK • 58. Ulvenhout, R.K. Begraafplaats, Brabant, Netherlands • 59. Volvat, Erehof Vestre Gravlund, Oslo, Norway • 60. Yeovilton Naval Cemetery, Somerset, UK • 61. Field graves •

50. Nantes, Cimetière Civil du Pont du Cens, Loire-Atlantique, France

44 Rue de de la Patouillerie, Pont du Cens, in Nantes, 01.3457W/47.1434N. The Cemetery is locally also known as Cimetière de la Gaudinière.

Nantes 060124-1

Dutch RAF aviator

Hellegers, Paul Marie Constant, Res 2Lt Vl, 640B Sqn, born Venlo, NL, 07/03/1923,

† Gouloux, Nièvre, F, 11/08/1944, grave L/D/8

Hellegers and crew are buried in the last row right of the Cross of Sacrifice. His burial is the Southernmost grave of all Dutch RAF aviators lost in Europe. Nantes 060124-3

Map 198. Location of Cimetière Civil du Pont du Cens, Nantes, France

51. North Hollywood, Valhalla Memorial Park, Ca, USA

Dutch RAF aviator

Beukema, Rijke, Sld 2kl Vl, 31 EFTS, born Alphen a/d Rijn, NL, 01/09/1924,

† De Winton, Alberta, CA, 12/12/1943, grave 3/11470/N/A.V.

Valhalla Memorial Park, North Hollywood, Ca, USA. Source: Peter Huender, USA

52. Oegstgeest, Begraafplaats 'Het Groene Kerkje', Z. Holland, Netherlands

Haarlemmerstraatweg 3, Oegstgeest

Het Groene Kerkje, Oegstgeest Oegstgeest Groene Kerkje 080507-4

The 'Groene kerkje' dates from the early 8th Century. It underwent several rebuildings, extensions and restaurations. The name 'Groene kerkje', 'Green church', dates from the time that the church was covered in ivy. This was removed in 1954, when the church received an extensive renovation.

During World War 2, its churchyard was used to bury casualties who had fallen in the area. More than 175, Allies and Germans. Most graves were relocated later, German casualties to Venray, NL, the Dutch to ereveld Grebbeberg. 27 War graves now remain, 17 of Allied servicemen, mostly aviators, and seven of Dutchmen killed by the Germans because of their activities in the Resistance. E. van Ditmarsch is the only Dutchman amongst the servicemen. They are buried in a single row, at the far left or North corner of this small cemetery.

Source: F. Lugt, 'Oorlogsgraven in Oegstgeest', Oegstgeest, 4/2005

Dutch RAF aviator

Ditmarsch, Eric, Off Vl 3kl MLD, 322F Sqn, born Semarang, Java, NEI, 27/11/1922,

† Elsgeester polder, Rijnsburg, NL, 13/02/1945, grave 406D

The grave of E. Ditmarsch is third from right Oegstgeest 050707-8

The same row in 1945. Source: Oorlogsgravencomité Oegstgeest, via Dick Breedijk

The same row in 1946.Source: Oorlogsgravencomité Oegstgeest, via Dick Breedijk

Map 199. Location of Begraafplaats 'Het Groene Kerkje', Oegstgeest

A Halifax made a failed emergency landing close by, in what were wet meadows at the time, see map in the chapter on E. Ditmarsch. The seven men crew did not survive the impact. Four could be identified there and then, three could not. All were and still are buried at the Groene Kerkje. Four graves with names, two graves initially marked as 'unknown'. Three names on the headstones of the joint grave were added later. The CWGC did not mark any of the seven crew graves at the Groene Kerkje with 'special Memorial', indicating that the real grave is elsewhere. Dick Breedijk holds eyewitness accounts, including the one of the DIB doctor involved in the identification process after the Liberation, that make clear that the joint grave holds three hands and one foot. Meaning that we have to assume that the other remains of three of the crew are still buried under the Kleyn Proffijtlaan, Oegstgeest, in the remains of the Halifax wreck. The CWGC did not produce any statement that contradicts this assumption. A MR&ES team did investigate the wreck site in the winter of 1945, but their dig was made at another crash site nearby, not at what is now the Kleyn Proffijtlaan.

Crew of Halifax, that crashed in Oegstgeest on 24/5/1943 at 02.30h. Left to right: F/O. T.H. Green, Ba, age 25; Sgt. A.M.H. Black, Fe, age 25; Sgt. A.E.P. Rochester, Wop/Ag, age 33; F/Sgt. M.E. Zapfe, Ag, and the collective grave of F/Sgt. H.G. Freeman, Nav, age 24; Sgt. H.J. Gibbs, Ag, and F/O. J.E. Rigby, pilot, age 21. Oegstgeest 060524-1

Oegstgeest 060524 crash site 1

The temporary Monument consists of seven vases with flowers, arranged in a circle on top of the wreck site, commemorating the seven airmen that died here. Within 24 hours after the ceremony, one of the flower bundles was stolen from its vase. Obviously it is not known to all in Holland that such flowers are a symbol expressing recognition and respect for the fallen, and that such symbols are not to be touched.

On 09-05-2009 a permanent monument was revealed at this site, as a result of a great effort given by Dick Breedijk.

53. Ollerton Cemetery, Nottinghamshire, UK

St. Peter's Close, side lane of Forest Road, 01.0049W/53.1207N

Dutch RAF aviator

Jongh, Oscar Geoffreij de, Res 2Lt Wnr, 82 OTU, born Smyrna, Turkey, 14/07/1917,

† Norwell Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire,GB, 22/11/1943, grave Serv/1209

Ollerton 070128-1

Ollerton 070128-2

Three of De Jongh's crewmembers are buried in Ollerton too. Ollerton 070128-3

Map 200. Location of Ollerton Cemetery, Nottinghamshire, GB

54. Orry-la-Ville, Oise, France

29 km N of Paris, on N17.

Het ereveld telt 114 graven van Nederlanders die omkwamen in Frankrijk. Verder bevinden zich in het ereportaal nog eens vier gedenkplaten met de namen van 108 Nederlandse slachtoffers. Drie van deze platen geven de namen van militairen die omkwamen bij de torpedering van het SS Pavon bij Duinkerken (1940). Eén gedenkplaat werd geschonken door de voormalige verzetsbeweging 'Union Patriotique Néerlandaise' en bevat de namen van Nederlandse verzetsstrijders in Frankrijk en van Nederlandse verzetsstrijders die omkwamen tijdens hun doortocht door Frankrijk.

Orry-la-Ville 050702-7

Dutch RAF aviators

Badings, Wouter (Wout), Off Zwnr 3kl, 320B Sqn, born Haarlem, NL, 05/06/1914,

† St. Laurent-sur-Mer, Calvados, F (?), 08/06/1944, grave A/1/6

Bakker, Eduard (Eddy), Off Vl 1kl, 320B Sqn, born Rotterdam, NL, 28/03/1909,

† Lanvéoc-Poulmic, Finistère, F, 25/10/1943, grave C/1/9

Bevelander, Adriaan (Adje), Res 2Lt Vl Wnr, 320B Sqn, born Bandoeng, Java, NEI, 23/05/1917,

† Picquigny, Somme, F, 20/03/1944, grave B/R/1/2

Birsak, George Gaston Andrea (Bob), Off Zwnr 3kl, 320B Sqn, born Djokjakarta, NEI, 16/03/1910,

† Picquigny, Somme, F, 20/03/1944, grave B/R/1/4

Burgwal, Rudolph Frans (Rudi), Res 1Lt Vl, 322F Sqn, born Soerabaja, Java, NEI, 27/09/1917,

† St. Isle, Mayenne, F, 13/08/1944, grave A/1/3

Cohen, Robbert Simon (Robbie), Tijd Res 1Lt Vl, 613F Sqn, born Rotterdam, NL, 24/07/1922,

† Breux-sur-Avre, Eure, near RN12, Tillieres sur Avre, F, 11/08/1944, grave C/3/3

Haije, Johannes Henricus Hubertus de la, Sgt Vl Telegr MLD, 320B Sqn, born Hoensbroek, NL, 27/05/1920,

† Tréauville, Manche, F 26/11/1943, grave A/1/4

Hollander, Leendert den, Korp Vl Schutter, 320B Sqn, born Noordwijk aan Zee, NL, 02/01/1923,

† Frichemesnil, Somme, F, 20/06/1944, grave B/L/2/2

Hulzen, Cornelis Johannes van, Res Sgt Vl, born Baarn, NL, 1/11/1905,

† Héricourt-sur-Thérain, Oise, F, 15/5/1940, grave A/1/9

Jong, Johannes Jacobus de, Sgt Vltg Telegr, 320B Sqn, born Tjimahi, Java, NEI, 21/10/1923,

† Picquigny, Somme, F, 20/03/1944, grave B/R/1/3

Kuijpers, Wilhelmus, Korp Vl Schutter, 320B Sqn, born Heer (near Maastricht), NL, 14/06/1917,

† Picquigny, Somme, F, 20/03/1944, grave B/R/1/1

Lüschen, Herman, Res 1Lt Vl, 320B Sqn, born Veendam, NL, 05/02/1911,

† Frichemesnil, Somme, F, 20/06/1944, grave B/L/2/4

Pelt, Richard Willem Hubertus van, Res 2Lt Wnr, 320B Sqn, born Rotterdam, NL, 08/07/1913,

† Lanvéoc-Poulmic, Finistère, F, 25/10/1943, grave C/1/8

Posthumus, Izaäk, Sgt Vltg Telegr, 320B Sqn, born Palembang, Celebes, NEI, 15/10/1923,

† St. Laurent-sur-Mer, Calvados, F (?), 08/06/1944, grave A/1/7

Sitters, Caspar, Sgt Vl, born Rotterdam, NL, 21/11/1911,

† Héricourt-sur-Thérain, Oise, F, 15/5/1940, grave A/1/8

Stenger, Paul Hendrik, Res 2Lt Vl, 118F Sqn, born Purmerend, NL, 21/01/1921,

† St. Omer, Pas-de-Calais, F, 20/06/1942, grave B/R/1/6

Tex Bondt, Cornelis Joan 'Tex' den, Off Vl 2kl, 320B Sqn, born Amsterdam, NL, 03/09/1920,

† Frichemesnil, Somme, F, 20/06/1944, grave B/L/2/1

Veen, Johannes, Res 2Lt Vl, 118F Sqn, born Garoet, Java, NEI, 21/12/1918,

† St. Omer, Pas-de-Calais, F 20/06/1942, grave B/R/1/5

Velleman, Johannes Hendrik, Korp Vltg Schutter, 320B Sqn, born Batavia, Java, NEI, 22/12/1923,

† Frichemesnil, Somme, F, 20/06/1944, grave B/L/2/3

Woesik, Pierre Fortunus van, Sgt Vl Telegr, 320B Sqn, born Pare, Java, NEI, 04/12/1920,

† Cherbourg Harbour, Manche, F, 28/10/1943, grave A/1/5

Plot A row 1. Right to left the graves of I. Posthumus, W. Badings, R.F. van Woesik, J.H.H. de la Haije and R.F. Burgwal. Orry-la-Ville 050702-1

Plot B right, row 1. Right to left the graves of P.H. Stenger, J. Veen, G.G.A. Birsak, J.J. de Jong, J. Bevelander and W. Kuijpers. Orry-la-Ville 050702-4

In the OGS Casualty Register the grave references for plot B were found to be inconsistent in some cases. For instance, J. Veen's grave was reported as Nr. 6 without plot or row number, A. Bevelander's grave was mentioned as B/2, and J.H. Velleman's grave as B/2/3. The actual situation was investigated on 2/7/2005, and reported to OGS. The response was immediate, with a new reference system that now includes an L for left and R for right. This improvement was implemented in the online Casualty Register too. Furthermore, the reference of Cohen's grave, given as C/3/3, but found to be the 2nd grave from the left in row C/3, was explained by counting from grave C/3/1, which is an open space, not occupied by a grave. These improvements are reflected in the map below, and throughout the text of this study.

Source: OGS, J.J. Teeuwisse, email 5/4/2005

Figure 23. Layout of the Dutch Field of Honour in Orry-la-Ville after a correction made in 2005

Map 201. Location of ereveld Orry-la-Ville, Oise, France

55. Pembroke Dock, Llanion Cemetery, Pembrokeshire, UK

04.9252W/51.6934N, North side of London Road. Not to be confused with the Military Cemetery in the Llanion area of Pembroke Dock, NW of Llanion Cemetery on the map below.

Pembroke Dock Llanion Cemetery Pembroke Dock 050620-5

Pembroke Dock

Dutch RAF aviators

Martaré, Edward, Off Vl 1kl MLD, 320C Sqn, born Den Haag, NL, 21/03/1904,

† 7 miles SSE of St. Govan's Head, GB, 26/07/1940, grave T/195

Ras, Johannes Gerardus, Korp telegr MLD, 320C Sqn, born Amsterdam, NL, 24/04/1911,

† 7 miles SSE of St. Govan's Head, GB, 26/07/1940, grave T/196

Pembroke Dock Llanion Cemetery on London Road. The War graves are scattered over the cemetery. The picture shows the grave of Martaré, and the one of Ras behind him. Pembroke Dock 050620-5

Map 202. Location of Llanion Cemetery, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, GB

56. Rotterdam, Gemeentelijke Begraafplaats Crooswijk, Z. Holland, Netherlands

Rusthoflaan near Kerkhoflaan

In May 1941, the local civil authorities set aside for Allied war casualties a plot in the immediate vicinity of the Dutch war graves. A number of British airmen were moved to this plot from other parts of the cemetery and from scattered graves in the surrounding countryside; and subsequent Allied casualties were buried there. These graves were constantly tended and provided with flowers by the people of Rotterdam, in contrast to the German graves which were ignored. The enraged Germans therefore caused them to be removed, in May 1943, to the remotest corner of the cemetery. They were fenced off by wooden hurdles, and even for a short time guarded by an armed sentry to keep away visitors. There is 1 Commonwealth burial of the 1914-1918 war and a further 124 Commonwealth burials of the 1939-1945 war, 5 of which are unidentified. There are 11 Polish burials.

Dutch RAF aviator

Bootsma, Johannes, Sgt Wnr MLD, 320B Sqn, born Den Haag, NL, 07/02/1919,

† Achmer airbase near Osnabrück, G, 02/05/1945, grave P/2/106

Crooswijk 050416

The Dutch War graves in Crooswijk are in field P, behind the chapel as seen from the entrance. Most of the men buried here fell during the May 1940 fighting. At the far Northeastern edge of the cemetery, close to the A20 motorway and bordering the Boezemlaan, is plot FF with CWGC graves, most of which are Allied aviators who fell over Holland.

Map 203. Location and plan of Rotterdam Crooswijk

57. Scarborough Cemetery, Yorkshire, UK

Manor Road corner Broadway, 00.2506W/54.1702N

As far as the Scarborough Cemetery is concerned at the rear of the photos you can see a boundary wall which at one time had metal railings, these have been taken away many years ago and the cemetery was in a great state of disrepair with no identifiable main entrance hence lack of other photos.

Source: Russell Legross, email 12/5/2005

Scarborough was heavily bombarded in 1914 and was severely attacked by enemy aircraft in 1941, having been one of the Home Port fixed artillery defence posts during the 1939-1945 War. What was formerly known as 'Scarborough' Cemetery consisting of two distinct portions divided by a road, has since been recognised as two separate cemeteries, the older part in Dean Road, which contains the Cross of Sacrifice erected after the 1914-1918 War, now being called Dean Road Cemetery. The newer portion to the left of it, bounded by Broadway on the north and Manor Road on the south, is known as Manor Road Cemetery.

Dutch RAF aviator

Bruijne, Gerardus, Dpl Sld, No. 11 I.T.W. (Initial Training Wing), born Gouda, NL, 15/09/1918,

Died of disease, Scarborough, Yorkshire, GB, 19/09/1943, grave U/6/19

Scarborough 070128-3

Plot with WW2 casualties, mostly aviators. Other War graves are scattered all over the vast Scarborough Cemetery. Scarborough 070128-02

Map 204. Location of Scarborough Cemetery, Yorkshire, GB

58. Ulvenhout, R.K. Begraafplaats, Brabant, Netherlands

To the left of the St. Laurentiuskerk in the village center. The War graves and Memorial stone are located 20 meters from the entrance, at the extreme left.

Ulvenhout 050604-3

Dutch RAF aviator

Heijblom, Adrianus Machiel, Sgt Vltg Schutter, 320B Sqn, born Ginniken-en-Bavel, NL, 14/10/1914,

† Achmer airbase near Osnabrück, G, 02/05/1945, no grave nr

Map 205. Location of RK Begraafplaats, Ulvenhout

59. Volvat, Erehof Vestre Gravlund, Oslo, Norway

entrance Sorkedals Veien near Volvat

Het Nederlandse ereveld telt 37 graven van Nederlanders die omkwamen in Noorwegen, Zweden en Finland. Onder hen militairen van de Koninklijke Marine en vrouwelijke gevangenen van het concentratiekamp Ravensbrück, die door het Zweedse Rode Kruis onder leiding van Graaf Folke Bernadotte werden geëvacueerd. Het aantal herbegravenen bedraagt 23; 14 doden worden met een 'In Memoriam' grafteken herdacht.

Dutch RAF aviators

Bom, Antoon, Marinier 2kl, 320C Sqn, born Amsterdam, NL, 17/08/1918,

† Elle, Lista peninsula, N, 02/12/1941, grave I/3

Dolman, Jan Dirk, Off Vl 2kl MLD, 320C Sqn, born Beusichem, NL, 12/06/1911,

† Elle, Lista peninsula, N, 02/12/1941, grave I/4

Lijn, Hendrikus Wilhelmus de, Korp Vl MLD, 320C Sqn, born Amsterdam, NL, 16/05/1917,

† Elle, Lista peninsula, N, 02/12/1941, grave I/5

Tongeren, Klasinus van, Sgt Telegr MLD, 320C Sqn, born Kesteren, NL, 02/12/1912,

† Elle, Lista peninsula, N, 02/12/1941, grave I/6

Map 206. Location of erehof Vestre Gravlund, Oslo, Norway

60. Yeovilton Naval Cemetery, Somerset, UK

Formerly St. Bartholomew's Church, in 1993 rededicated as the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church, to all those who died in the service of the FAA. The church borders the airfield, and is well signposted.

Yeovilton 050619-5

The Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church (and Naval Cemetery)

The Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm at Yeovilton) has enjoyed a close friendship with the parish church of St. Bartholomew began in 1940 with the commissioning of RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron). During 1940-42 fifteen victims of air accidents were buried in the churchyard before the opening of the Naval Cemetery on its southern boundary in 1942. In 1988, much of the church structure having become unsafe, it was made redundant. It was then that the often discussed idea of using St. Bartholomew's as the Anglican Church for RNAS Yeovilton was put into action. The Royal Navy seized the opportunity and bought the 'job-lot' for 1. This triggered a series of national and international appeals to restore the church to its former glory under the guardianship of the newly formed Trustees. An Order in Council signed by the Prince of Wales and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother formally sealed this process. St. Bart's, (as it has come to be affectionately known) passed from the local Diocese of Bath and Wells to assume the mantle of the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Chapel - effectively a private chapel housing the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Record Book and fitting focal point for those lost in conflict and other events. On 11 November 1993, after much restoration work, it was dedicated for use as such. Its appeal is world-wide and many visitors are struck by the beauty and upkeep of the place.

St. Bart's has captured the imagination of many and it remains a gem of a place. For the bereaved it is a place of focus, for the Fleet Air Arm it is the place to celebrate the constant baptisms, weddings and funerals but more than that it has an extraordinary sense of the Holy, and that is what draws so many people back.

As well as the graves outside the church near the road, there is a dedicated naval cemetery at the rear of the church and a Memorial beyond that.

Dutch RAF aviators

Mallee, Gerard Adriaan, rank ?, 1847FAA Sqn, born Amsterdam, NL, 16/11/1921,

† Yeovilton, Somerset, GB, 26/04/1944, grave RNAS ext. D/2

Tutein Nolthenius, Henri Paul Jules (Hans), Res 1Lt Cav, 57 OTU, born Apeldoorn, NL, 12/11/1916,

† Ilton, Somerset, GB, 27/06/1943, grave RNAS ext. C/3

RNAS Extension of the churchyard. The third or C-row, 3^rd from left, is the grave of Tutein Nolthenius. Mallee's grave is 4^th row, 2^nd from left. Yeovilton 050619-8

RNAS Yeovilton Church

Map 207. Location of Yeovilton Naval Churchyard, Somerset, GB

61. Field graves

Field graves are graves, usually at crash sites in the case of airmen, where servicemen remained buried where they fell, or where their initial burial took place. Four types can be distinguised:

1. Known field graves

2. Known sea graves

3. Unknown field graves

4. Unknown sea graves

Regarding the Dutch RAF/FAA aviators who were lost, only unknown field or sea graves apply. By definition, we can only show the area in which they were lost, and then only if that area is known.

Below is an example of a field grave, for five aviators from Czechoslovakia, in whose cases it was decided to leave them buried inside the wreck of their aircraft, and to let the wreck remain in place.

Field grave of five CZ aviators, in the wreck of their aircraft, behind the farm at Kanaalweg 5, Nieuwe Niedorp, Noord-Holland. Nieuwe Niedorp 080918-3

Nieuwe Niedorp 080918-5

Nieuwe Niedorp 080918-4

The poppy was the first flower that would show itself on the paraphets of the trenches in the First World War, when mankind refrained from trying to destroy nature and itself for a few days. This brightly coloured fragile flower became a symbol of hope - of life and peace after War.