Sacrifices for our freedom
Goirle, North Brabant, The Netherlands
Cycling route: 1048133
Provided by: Vereniging Recreatie en Toerisme Goirle, Noord-Brabant
22.1 km
01:18 h
389 kcal
26 m
Description
SACRIFICES FOR OUR FREEDOM
Thanks to Jan Schrijver and Hans Kroes of the Bond van Wapenbroeders Central Brabant department
Part 1: START at Heemerf van Heemkundige circle"De Vyer Heertganghen\\\"
The Heemerf van Heemkundige kring"De Vyer Heertganghen\\\", located at Nieuwe Rielseweg 41-43 in Goirle, is the starting point of the"Offers for our freedom\\\" cycling tour. The main building houses a museum, part of which tells about the war years in Goirle. In the museum, two events draw special attention. This concerns the fusillade in the forests of Gorp and Roovert and the deportation of the Jewish Dasché family. The heaviest war violence with the most civilian casualties took place in the October days of 1944, prior to the liberation on October 27.
The Hostages
The Gorp en Roovert estate offers space for a special monument. Hidden in the forest, on a closed plot, there is a simple memorial stone, two graves and five poles. Some original poles are in this museum.
The Gorp en Roovert estate offers space for a special monument. Hidden in the forest, on a closed plot, there is a simple memorial stone, two graves and five poles. Some original poles are in this museum.
The Dashe family
This Jewish family fled from Vienna to the Netherlands in 1939. Through Den
Haag and Oisterwijk they arrived in Goirle in July 1941 at the address Akkerstraat
33 (now Emmastraat 35). On August 28, 1942, the family was deported to Westerbork. At the beginning of October, the deportation to Auschwitz followed, where the wife and children were immediately killed. The father died a year later in the Schoppinitz labor camp.
The museum also pays attention to guiding escaped French prisoners of war, fleeing Jews and crashed Allied pilots across the border. Daily life in Goirle during the war years is highlighted and the Goirlese victims can be seen on a tableau.
This Jewish family fled from Vienna to the Netherlands in 1939. Through Den
Haag and Oisterwijk they arrived in Goirle in July 1941 at the address Akkerstraat
33 (now Emmastraat 35). On August 28, 1942, the family was deported to Westerbork. At the beginning of October, the deportation to Auschwitz followed, where the wife and children were immediately killed. The father died a year later in the Schoppinitz labor camp.
The museum also pays attention to guiding escaped French prisoners of war, fleeing Jews and crashed Allied pilots across the border. Daily life in Goirle during the war years is highlighted and the Goirlese victims can be seen on a tableau.
Cycling route, 0 - 0.9 km:
O
From the Heemerf turn left and at the end of the cycle path turn right to the Van Hogendorpplein.
o Follow this road which turns into Nieuwkerksedijk.
O
Stop after the intersection with Spoorbaan and Parallelweg. (On the right side of the road you will see Santegoets Transport)
O
From the Heemerf turn left and at the end of the cycle path turn right to the Van Hogendorpplein.
o Follow this road which turns into Nieuwkerksedijk.
O
Stop after the intersection with Spoorbaan and Parallelweg. (On the right side of the road you will see Santegoets Transport)
Part 2: Junction Nieuwkerksedijk/Spoorbaan/Parallelweg
In the early morning of October 26, 1944, the day before the liberation of Goirle, two platoons of the 2nd Royal Kings Rifle Corps went from the Poppelseweg to reconnoitre in the direction of Goirle. One of the two platoons, led by commander John Lowther, took the road in the direction of Zandschelstraat. Somewhere along this road they turned into a dirt road that led to a factory, probably the former De Wijs. There they came under close fire, wounding the commander in the leg. He jumped into a ditch for his safety and stepped on a Schuhmine in the process. Sergeant Birch came to the aid of his commanding officer, but was himself mortally wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Some others were also injured. By quickly laying a smoke screen, the injured could be evacuated. Only Sergeant Birch was left dead.
His emergency grave was located in the immediate vicinity, on the corner of Nieuwkerksedijk/Spoorbaan. Frits van Puijenbroek passed by just as a group of girls from the Wilteind were decorating Sergeant Birch's grave with flowers and ribbons. He called in photographer Jan van Boxtel to take a picture. This photo was later sent to Sergeant Birch's parents. After the liberation he was reburied at the War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom.
The emergency grave of Sergeant Birch on the corner of Nieuwkerksedijk/ Spoorbaan.
Cycling route, 0.9 - 4.9 km:
O
Continue along the Nieuwkerksedijk and cross the Tijvoortsebaan after the gas station on the right-hand side.
o Turn right in the bend (between petrol station and riding school).
o Cross the Turnhoutsebaan at the traffic lights and continue on
Nieuwkerkdijk.
O
One hundred meters after house number 22 (on the left side of the road), follow the shell path on the right side of the road.
O
Approx. 200 meters past the first open terrain strip you will see a crater immediately to the right of the cycle path. This is the result of an impact from a V-1.
O
After the shell path, follow the road and at the crossroads (dirt roads) turn right to'Klooster Nieuwkerk\\\'.
o Stop at the Monastery (left of the road).
In the early morning of October 26, 1944, the day before the liberation of Goirle, two platoons of the 2nd Royal Kings Rifle Corps went from the Poppelseweg to reconnoitre in the direction of Goirle. One of the two platoons, led by commander John Lowther, took the road in the direction of Zandschelstraat. Somewhere along this road they turned into a dirt road that led to a factory, probably the former De Wijs. There they came under close fire, wounding the commander in the leg. He jumped into a ditch for his safety and stepped on a Schuhmine in the process. Sergeant Birch came to the aid of his commanding officer, but was himself mortally wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Some others were also injured. By quickly laying a smoke screen, the injured could be evacuated. Only Sergeant Birch was left dead.
His emergency grave was located in the immediate vicinity, on the corner of Nieuwkerksedijk/Spoorbaan. Frits van Puijenbroek passed by just as a group of girls from the Wilteind were decorating Sergeant Birch's grave with flowers and ribbons. He called in photographer Jan van Boxtel to take a picture. This photo was later sent to Sergeant Birch's parents. After the liberation he was reburied at the War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom.
The emergency grave of Sergeant Birch on the corner of Nieuwkerksedijk/ Spoorbaan.
Cycling route, 0.9 - 4.9 km:
O
Continue along the Nieuwkerksedijk and cross the Tijvoortsebaan after the gas station on the right-hand side.
o Turn right in the bend (between petrol station and riding school).
o Cross the Turnhoutsebaan at the traffic lights and continue on
Nieuwkerkdijk.
O
One hundred meters after house number 22 (on the left side of the road), follow the shell path on the right side of the road.
O
Approx. 200 meters past the first open terrain strip you will see a crater immediately to the right of the cycle path. This is the result of an impact from a V-1.
O
After the shell path, follow the road and at the crossroads (dirt roads) turn right to'Klooster Nieuwkerk\\\'.
o Stop at the Monastery (left of the road).
Part 3: New Church
Several V-1s and bombs fell on the Nieuwkerk estate. About
500 meters to the west lies the fen'De Halve Maan\\\' in the woods.
deep hole in the ground, but made no casualties. Small pieces of metal and cardboard were scattered in the area. Some copies of the propaganda magazine'Signal\\\' were also found. Further damage was limited to broken windows in the area and uprooted pine trees. The V-1 was fired from Twente at the city of Antwerp. Goirle was right in that line. Not every V-1 reached its target and fell down earlier, including above Goirle. As soon as the inhabitants of Goirle heard the hum of the V-1, the eloquent prayer"Ah dear Lady, give'm another dew\\\', seemed to have been regularly heard. V-1\\\'s and caused a lot of damage.
The monastery on Nieuwkerk was inhabited by the Missionary Fathers of the Holy Family. During the war years, this monastery was a refuge for people in need. Although the monastery is located directly on the Belgian border, it was not a permanent part of an existing escape line. Escaped French prisoners of war in particular found temporary accommodation in the monastery and the associated farm. They found the monastery by chance or on the basis of a sketch of the situation. In the consultation room they received further explanation about the route from the fathers. Here they had to learn the drawn route by heart because the fathers did not want to take any risks. Following the telephone wires to Belgium, they crossed the border at the hamlet of Aerle. During the weeks of shelling, which preceded the liberation in October 1944, the monastery suffered heavy damage.
Damaged monastery roof.
Several V-1s and bombs fell on the Nieuwkerk estate. About
500 meters to the west lies the fen'De Halve Maan\\\' in the woods.
deep hole in the ground, but made no casualties. Small pieces of metal and cardboard were scattered in the area. Some copies of the propaganda magazine'Signal\\\' were also found. Further damage was limited to broken windows in the area and uprooted pine trees. The V-1 was fired from Twente at the city of Antwerp. Goirle was right in that line. Not every V-1 reached its target and fell down earlier, including above Goirle. As soon as the inhabitants of Goirle heard the hum of the V-1, the eloquent prayer"Ah dear Lady, give'm another dew\\\', seemed to have been regularly heard. V-1\\\'s and caused a lot of damage.
The monastery on Nieuwkerk was inhabited by the Missionary Fathers of the Holy Family. During the war years, this monastery was a refuge for people in need. Although the monastery is located directly on the Belgian border, it was not a permanent part of an existing escape line. Escaped French prisoners of war in particular found temporary accommodation in the monastery and the associated farm. They found the monastery by chance or on the basis of a sketch of the situation. In the consultation room they received further explanation about the route from the fathers. Here they had to learn the drawn route by heart because the fathers did not want to take any risks. Following the telephone wires to Belgium, they crossed the border at the hamlet of Aerle. During the weeks of shelling, which preceded the liberation in October 1944, the monastery suffered heavy damage.
Damaged monastery roof.
Cycling route, 4.9 - 5.4 km:
o Drive back to the Nieuwkerksedijk intersection with the 3 dirt roads.
Now go straight on over the sand path.
o After approx. 500 meters you will see a house/
farm. Stop here.
o Drive back to the Nieuwkerksedijk intersection with the 3 dirt roads.
Now go straight on over the sand path.
o After approx. 500 meters you will see a house/
farm. Stop here.
Part 4: Dennenoord/Witte Huis.
Because Goirle is on the border with Belgium, Goirle was one of the places where crashed pilots, escaped prisoners of war, Jews, etc. had to cross the border illegally. Via Belgium and France they then tried to reach neutral Spain. Various escape lines had been set up for this, but crashed pilots also knocked on the door of the Goirlese citizens. For example, one evening in 1943, Mrs. Van Bijsterveld, while she was hanging the laundry at their farm on the Poppelseweg, came across an English pilot. Members of the choir of Maria Boodschap found an English pilot in the choir of the church during a rehearsal.
The Sewuster family lived in Dennenoord during the war. They also had Jewish people in hiding. The'Witte Huis\\\' opposite is located a few meters across the Belgian border. This house was an important link in the escape line. Here the pilots were handed over to the Belgian'White Brigade\\\'. Many escaped French prisoners of war or crashed pilots arrived via the station in Tilburg at the café of Harrie Smits on the Tilburgseweg (now café D\\\'n Brands). They then went to Nieuwkerk by bicycle. Maria Smits then acted as'outrider\\\'. When Maria stopped, took off her headscarf and tied it up again, she signaled that it was safe. The Goirlese policeman Van Broekhoven also brought pilots to the border. That went as follows: Van Broekhoven was waiting with his bicycle at some distance from the town hall. A certain Horman came with a few pilots, who had a bicycle with them, at the town hall. Here he went in and the pilots knew to follow the policeman. They followed Van Broekhoven via Bergstraat and Poppelseweg. When he leaned his bike against a tree, this was the prearranged signal and the pilots knew to take the next path to the right. This path led to the villa of Countess Jamblinne de Meux, who played an active role in the escape line. Once the pilots had entered the lane, Van Broekhoven cycled on towards Poppel. At the next side road he turned right and thus also arrived at the countess's villa. From there he took the pilots further across the border. Part of this escape line in Baarle-Nassau was later rolled up due to betrayal.
Cycling route, 5.4 - 6.5 km:
o Continue to the Turnhoutsebaan and cross it carefully.
O
Turn left on the cycle path and stop after about 10 meters at the corner of the dirt road to the right.
Because Goirle is on the border with Belgium, Goirle was one of the places where crashed pilots, escaped prisoners of war, Jews, etc. had to cross the border illegally. Via Belgium and France they then tried to reach neutral Spain. Various escape lines had been set up for this, but crashed pilots also knocked on the door of the Goirlese citizens. For example, one evening in 1943, Mrs. Van Bijsterveld, while she was hanging the laundry at their farm on the Poppelseweg, came across an English pilot. Members of the choir of Maria Boodschap found an English pilot in the choir of the church during a rehearsal.
The Sewuster family lived in Dennenoord during the war. They also had Jewish people in hiding. The'Witte Huis\\\' opposite is located a few meters across the Belgian border. This house was an important link in the escape line. Here the pilots were handed over to the Belgian'White Brigade\\\'. Many escaped French prisoners of war or crashed pilots arrived via the station in Tilburg at the café of Harrie Smits on the Tilburgseweg (now café D\\\'n Brands). They then went to Nieuwkerk by bicycle. Maria Smits then acted as'outrider\\\'. When Maria stopped, took off her headscarf and tied it up again, she signaled that it was safe. The Goirlese policeman Van Broekhoven also brought pilots to the border. That went as follows: Van Broekhoven was waiting with his bicycle at some distance from the town hall. A certain Horman came with a few pilots, who had a bicycle with them, at the town hall. Here he went in and the pilots knew to follow the policeman. They followed Van Broekhoven via Bergstraat and Poppelseweg. When he leaned his bike against a tree, this was the prearranged signal and the pilots knew to take the next path to the right. This path led to the villa of Countess Jamblinne de Meux, who played an active role in the escape line. Once the pilots had entered the lane, Van Broekhoven cycled on towards Poppel. At the next side road he turned right and thus also arrived at the countess's villa. From there he took the pilots further across the border. Part of this escape line in Baarle-Nassau was later rolled up due to betrayal.
Cycling route, 5.4 - 6.5 km:
o Continue to the Turnhoutsebaan and cross it carefully.
O
Turn left on the cycle path and stop after about 10 meters at the corner of the dirt road to the right.
Part 5: Café Rust en Lust, former Hotel de Golf and the white flag incident
About 500 meters in the direction of Goirle, is the former cafe Rust en Lust where Fons and Kee van Iersel lived at the time. Their café/farm was also a refuge for people who had to cross the border. The"Paula\\\" delivery van stopped regularly at the cafe to deliver rusks. The refugees were hidden between the biscuits. Because Fons had a permit to ferret (hunt using ferrets) in the woods of Nieuwkerk, he could carelessly bring the refugees across the border with the ferret in a box on his back.
Seen from the Turnhoutsebaan, about 700 meters behind café Rust en Lust, Hotel De Golf stood at the edge of the woods. This hotel was managed by the Franken family. The hotel was requisitioned during the war for various purposes, such as housing the Marechaussee brigade Goirle. Several Jewish families found shelter in the hotel. The Franken family also made a valuable contribution by making food parcels for Belgian prisoners of war.
Hotel The Gulf
A few hundred meters behind the hotel is the former burial vault of Graaf van Hogendorp. This crypt has also been used to hide a Jewish family. The Jewish couple Hupka from Amsterdam would go for
1,500 guilders pp be brought across the border by a guide. This guide was a fraud and he left the couple in the woods. There they were found by the Marechaussee, who placed them with the Sewuster family in Dennenoord. When it became too dangerous, they had to hide in the crypt. A few times a day, Miet Sewuster brought them their 'wet and dry'. Because of the long stay in the gloomy crypt, the oppressive silence and the deadly boredom, they fell into a deep depression and wanted to commit suicide. Guardsman Van Kasbergen managed to stop them from doing so and he made sure that they returned to Amsterdam. Eighteen months later they were arrested there and in April 1944
died in the Theresienstadt concentration camp.
In October 1944, the British had an advanced post near De Braecken (now there is a fruit farm). During a relief, the Germans thought the British were fleeing and intensified their fire. There were wounded on both sides. The British waved a white flag to evacuate the wounded. Then a curious incident occurred. The Germans and British ceased fire to collect the wounded, met and shook hands.
The Germans said to their enemies:"You are gentlemen\\\". But they did claim their wounded comrades, including the stretchers. Due to the superiority of the Germans, the British gave up their stretchers and both sides returned to their positions.
Cycling route, 6.5 - 9.8 km:
O
Go back in the direction you came from and follow the cycle path in the direction of Poppel.
O
Turn left 100 meters before the border (just before the buildings), onto the dirt road (sign: Dogs on the leash).
O
Enter the 4th path on the left (at the hiking pole node 1, in the direction of node 2).
o Turn right at the walking path junction 2.
o After 100 meters on the left side of the path is the execution site.
Cycling route, 6.5 - 9.8 km:
O
Go back in the direction you came from and follow the cycle path in the direction of Poppel.
O
Turn left 100 meters before the border (just before the buildings), onto the dirt road (sign: Dogs on the leash).
O
Enter the 4th path on the left (at the hiking pole node 1, in the direction of node 2).
o Turn right at the walking path junction 2.
o After 100 meters on the left side of the path is the execution site.
Part 6: Fusillade in the woods of Gorp and Roovert
Saturday, August 15, 1942: in the early morning gunfire disturbed the silence in the forests of Gorp and Roovert.
Monday, August 17, 1942: in the national morning papers the Höhere SS und Polizeiführer Nord West placed this announcement:"since despite the extremely urgent invitation of the Wehrmachtsbefehlhaber
- General der Flieger Christiansen - the perpetrators of the explosives attack in Rotterdam were too cowardly to report themselves, the following hostages were tackled and shot this morning:
1) Ruis, Willem, Director General, Rotterdam
2) Count EOG van Limburg Stirum, Arnhem
3) mr. Baelde, Robert, Rotterdam
4) Bennekers, Cristoffel, former police chief, Rotterdam
5) Baron Alexander Schimmelpennink van der Oye, Noordgouwe, Zeeland.\\\" The'Polizeiführer\\\' didn't even bother to mention the names of the victims correctly! Nor did he mention the place of the execution After all, no one could have heard or seen anything.
Marinus van Heerebeek, game warden and unpaid constable in the service of the firm of Puijenbroek, heard of this early morning
August 15th the gunfire. He went to investigate and found the presence of a large number of German soldiers. They were working with shovels and picks near the secret petrol depot of the Van Puijenbroek company. Five wooden posts stood upright in it
the ground. The immediate area was closely guarded. But via a detour Van Heerebeek managed to approach the place from the other side. He just saw that the Germans were leaving. The poles were gone. The gasoline depot was untouched. A piece of ground had been turned up and covered with pine needles and moss. A few days later he read in the newspaper that five hostages from St. Michielsgestel had been executed. He combined this with his sighting in the early morning of August 15.
Saturday, August 15, 1942: in the early morning gunfire disturbed the silence in the forests of Gorp and Roovert.
Monday, August 17, 1942: in the national morning papers the Höhere SS und Polizeiführer Nord West placed this announcement:"since despite the extremely urgent invitation of the Wehrmachtsbefehlhaber
- General der Flieger Christiansen - the perpetrators of the explosives attack in Rotterdam were too cowardly to report themselves, the following hostages were tackled and shot this morning:
1) Ruis, Willem, Director General, Rotterdam
2) Count EOG van Limburg Stirum, Arnhem
3) mr. Baelde, Robert, Rotterdam
4) Bennekers, Cristoffel, former police chief, Rotterdam
5) Baron Alexander Schimmelpennink van der Oye, Noordgouwe, Zeeland.\\\" The'Polizeiführer\\\' didn't even bother to mention the names of the victims correctly! Nor did he mention the place of the execution After all, no one could have heard or seen anything.
Marinus van Heerebeek, game warden and unpaid constable in the service of the firm of Puijenbroek, heard of this early morning
August 15th the gunfire. He went to investigate and found the presence of a large number of German soldiers. They were working with shovels and picks near the secret petrol depot of the Van Puijenbroek company. Five wooden posts stood upright in it
the ground. The immediate area was closely guarded. But via a detour Van Heerebeek managed to approach the place from the other side. He just saw that the Germans were leaving. The poles were gone. The gasoline depot was untouched. A piece of ground had been turned up and covered with pine needles and moss. A few days later he read in the newspaper that five hostages from St. Michielsgestel had been executed. He combined this with his sighting in the early morning of August 15.
The discovery
He discussed the situation with his employer E. van Puijenbroek and his manager JAH van Erven. Exactly one week later, the three of them investigated the spot in question: "On August 23, 1942, we dug on the spot and discovered that there were several mining piles in the ground and that there was also a body buried. We then found a few more pieces of clothing from that corpse were taken with us. These pieces were later lost. However, we did not dare to dig any further and therefore closed the pit again.\\\" The three men agreed not to talk to anyone about this during the war period.
He discussed the situation with his employer E. van Puijenbroek and his manager JAH van Erven. Exactly one week later, the three of them investigated the spot in question: "On August 23, 1942, we dug on the spot and discovered that there were several mining piles in the ground and that there was also a body buried. We then found a few more pieces of clothing from that corpse were taken with us. These pieces were later lost. However, we did not dare to dig any further and therefore closed the pit again.\\\" The three men agreed not to talk to anyone about this during the war period.
The Liberation
After the liberation of Goirle on October 27, 1944, Mr. FWC Smulders, who was later informed, reported the incident to the authorities. On Tuesday, June 5, 1945, Van Heerebeek and Smulders dug on site with a few Field Security men. When they discovered that at least one body was buried there, they closed the pit again. Subsequently, the mayor of Goirle was informed, who then informed the Public Prosecutor and the Queen's Commissioner.
On 9 June 1945 - 7 months after the liberation of Goirle - the pit was reopened and it turned out to be a mass grave.
"Five corpses were found lying all mixed up: one dead with it
face in the sand; the other reclined; another one all huddled together, as if they had just been thrown in. The stakes, which had served during the execution and had been pierced by bullets, had been placed over the bodies, presumably to prevent the ground from sinking\\\". After identification, it turned out that they were the bodies of:
mr. Robert Baelde, b. July 22, 1907, social worker, resident
in Rotterdam and held hostage in St. Michielsgestel since May 4, 1942,
William Ruys, b. August 25, 1894, director Rotterdamsche Loyd, living in Rotterdam and held hostage in Haaren since July 13, 1942,
Otto Ernst Gelder, Count of Limburg Stirum, b. April 13, 1893, deputy public prosecutor in Arnhem, living in Velp and since May 4, 1942 held hostage in St. Michielsgestel,
Christopher Bennekers, b. May 28, 1894, Chief Inspector of Police in Rotterdam, living in Rotterdam and held hostage in Haaren since July 13, 1942,
Alexander, Baron Schimmelpenninck van der Oije, b. December 21, 1913, landowner, living in Schuddebeurs and since August 14, 1942 held hostage in St. Michielsgestel.
They had been murdered as a reprisal for the acts of a communist sabotage group in Rotterdam on August 7, 1942. This group had wanted to blow up a train with German leavers. However, this failed because some of the explosives exploded prematurely. It was the first time that the Germans shot hostages as a reprisal measure.
Monument
On August 15, 1945, an impressive ceremony took place in the woods of Roovert around the spot where five innocent people were murdered three years earlier. A simple monument was erected next to the five poles. At the rear of the demarcated area are the graves of Graaf van Limburg Stirum and Baron Schimmelpenninck van de Oije. Every year on August 15, the five executed hostages are commemorated here. The current monument was unveiled in 1950, the five execution poles have been transferred to the museum of the Heemkundige Kring in Goirle.
We hope that the last words of Baron Alexander Schimmelpenninck van der Oije acquire the value he intended:
"I hope and trust that my death may yet bear fruit for the cause
of our homeland. That is a just cause and I am willing to die for it\\\".
After the liberation of Goirle on October 27, 1944, Mr. FWC Smulders, who was later informed, reported the incident to the authorities. On Tuesday, June 5, 1945, Van Heerebeek and Smulders dug on site with a few Field Security men. When they discovered that at least one body was buried there, they closed the pit again. Subsequently, the mayor of Goirle was informed, who then informed the Public Prosecutor and the Queen's Commissioner.
On 9 June 1945 - 7 months after the liberation of Goirle - the pit was reopened and it turned out to be a mass grave.
"Five corpses were found lying all mixed up: one dead with it
face in the sand; the other reclined; another one all huddled together, as if they had just been thrown in. The stakes, which had served during the execution and had been pierced by bullets, had been placed over the bodies, presumably to prevent the ground from sinking\\\". After identification, it turned out that they were the bodies of:
mr. Robert Baelde, b. July 22, 1907, social worker, resident
in Rotterdam and held hostage in St. Michielsgestel since May 4, 1942,
William Ruys, b. August 25, 1894, director Rotterdamsche Loyd, living in Rotterdam and held hostage in Haaren since July 13, 1942,
Otto Ernst Gelder, Count of Limburg Stirum, b. April 13, 1893, deputy public prosecutor in Arnhem, living in Velp and since May 4, 1942 held hostage in St. Michielsgestel,
Christopher Bennekers, b. May 28, 1894, Chief Inspector of Police in Rotterdam, living in Rotterdam and held hostage in Haaren since July 13, 1942,
Alexander, Baron Schimmelpenninck van der Oije, b. December 21, 1913, landowner, living in Schuddebeurs and since August 14, 1942 held hostage in St. Michielsgestel.
They had been murdered as a reprisal for the acts of a communist sabotage group in Rotterdam on August 7, 1942. This group had wanted to blow up a train with German leavers. However, this failed because some of the explosives exploded prematurely. It was the first time that the Germans shot hostages as a reprisal measure.
Monument
On August 15, 1945, an impressive ceremony took place in the woods of Roovert around the spot where five innocent people were murdered three years earlier. A simple monument was erected next to the five poles. At the rear of the demarcated area are the graves of Graaf van Limburg Stirum and Baron Schimmelpenninck van de Oije. Every year on August 15, the five executed hostages are commemorated here. The current monument was unveiled in 1950, the five execution poles have been transferred to the museum of the Heemkundige Kring in Goirle.
We hope that the last words of Baron Alexander Schimmelpenninck van der Oije acquire the value he intended:
"I hope and trust that my death may yet bear fruit for the cause
of our homeland. That is a just cause and I am willing to die for it\\\".
The 5 executed.
From left to right Robert Baelde, Otto EG Count of Limburg Stirum, Willem Ruys, Christoffel Bennekers and Alexander Schimmelpenninck van der Oye.
Cycling route, 9.8 - 14 km:
o Continue on the dirt road and turn left at the T-junction.
o At the 5-fork, take the 2nd path to the right.
o Turn left at the intersection (direction bicycle junction 76).
o Go straight on at the three-fork (direction bicycle junction 38)
O
At walking junction 93 (post on the left side of the road), go straight ahead in the direction of walking junction 94.
o (There may be puddles of water in rainy weather.
o In dry weather, the last part of about 300 meters is difficult to cycle).
o You arrive at the paved road at Breehees. Follow this road.
o Take the 1st road to the left (towards cycle junction 36)
o Stop at house number 6 (entrance Breehees Playground).
From left to right Robert Baelde, Otto EG Count of Limburg Stirum, Willem Ruys, Christoffel Bennekers and Alexander Schimmelpenninck van der Oye.
Cycling route, 9.8 - 14 km:
o Continue on the dirt road and turn left at the T-junction.
o At the 5-fork, take the 2nd path to the right.
o Turn left at the intersection (direction bicycle junction 76).
o Go straight on at the three-fork (direction bicycle junction 38)
O
At walking junction 93 (post on the left side of the road), go straight ahead in the direction of walking junction 94.
o (There may be puddles of water in rainy weather.
o In dry weather, the last part of about 300 meters is difficult to cycle).
o You arrive at the paved road at Breehees. Follow this road.
o Take the 1st road to the left (towards cycle junction 36)
o Stop at house number 6 (entrance Breehees Playground).
Part 7: Plane crash on Breehees
In the night of 24 to 25 May 1944, a total of 637 bombers carried out an attack on the German city of Aachen. These bombers were preceded by lighter aircraft, the so-called'Pathfinders\\\', which marked the targets with flares. At 23:17 the first aircraft flew over Tilburg and the surrounding area. One of these aircraft, an AVRO Lancaster of the 405 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force, was manned by a number of highly experienced Canadians. On the way there they got into trouble with a German night fighter, which they were able to shake off. On the way back they were less fortunate. Frederick Charles'Gus\\\' Davies, was one of those crew members and later recounted:
"We dropped our bombs and headed home. A German aircraft was also heading home. As it passed it gave us a long salvo. It blew up our left inner engine and that was the end of our race . We knew the plane would no longer fly. Gordie told us to jump out. Excitement gripped
one crew member accidentally broke his D-ring and his parachute opened in the aircraft. Gordie kept flying and waited while I helped the man deploy his parachute again
to pack. Then we jumped\\\". AVRO Lancaster
With a tremendous crash, the plane crashed on Breehees, just in front of the farm of the children of Raak. Eyewitness G.Lemmens:
"At about 2 a.m. that night I was awakened by a terrible whining, followed by a loud bang. Outside I saw a huge conflagration in the country, about 100 meters in front of my neighbour's house. Pretty soon the Germans were on the scene. They searched everywhere, but found no one. In daylight we saw debris everywhere and five large craters where the engines had smashed. The debris was removed by the Germans, but the engines left them in the ground\\\".
In the night of 24 to 25 May 1944, a total of 637 bombers carried out an attack on the German city of Aachen. These bombers were preceded by lighter aircraft, the so-called'Pathfinders\\\', which marked the targets with flares. At 23:17 the first aircraft flew over Tilburg and the surrounding area. One of these aircraft, an AVRO Lancaster of the 405 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force, was manned by a number of highly experienced Canadians. On the way there they got into trouble with a German night fighter, which they were able to shake off. On the way back they were less fortunate. Frederick Charles'Gus\\\' Davies, was one of those crew members and later recounted:
"We dropped our bombs and headed home. A German aircraft was also heading home. As it passed it gave us a long salvo. It blew up our left inner engine and that was the end of our race . We knew the plane would no longer fly. Gordie told us to jump out. Excitement gripped
one crew member accidentally broke his D-ring and his parachute opened in the aircraft. Gordie kept flying and waited while I helped the man deploy his parachute again
to pack. Then we jumped\\\". AVRO Lancaster
With a tremendous crash, the plane crashed on Breehees, just in front of the farm of the children of Raak. Eyewitness G.Lemmens:
"At about 2 a.m. that night I was awakened by a terrible whining, followed by a loud bang. Outside I saw a huge conflagration in the country, about 100 meters in front of my neighbour's house. Pretty soon the Germans were on the scene. They searched everywhere, but found no one. In daylight we saw debris everywhere and five large craters where the engines had smashed. The debris was removed by the Germans, but the engines left them in the ground\\\".
The crew
The crew of this aircraft consisted of 8 heads. They had been together as a crew for almost a year and were very experienced with more than 40 bombing missions.
The captain was Gordon Bennett. He waited until the entire crew had jumped. He was later found dead on the Bakertand. His parachute had not opened and he had a head injury. He was first buried in Goirle and reburied in 1946 at the Military Canadian cemetery in Bergen op Zoom.
Jack Rees accidentally opened his parachute in the plane. With the help of Fred Davies, he managed to land safely on arable land near Hilvarenbeek.
21 year old Eli'Bill\\\' Baker was navigator and landed safely after his jump. Together with Willard Joel (19 years old), Jack Rees and Fred Davies they escaped via the underground to Belgium. There they were arrested and taken to Germany as prisoners of war.
SA Walker had been added to the crew at the last minute. He immediately fell into German hands and also ended up as a prisoner of war.
After his arrest, Fred Davies made a terrible journey through various POW camps. In early 1945 he had to participate in the so-called'death march\\\' to stay ahead of the approaching Russians. Per
day, 30 kilometers were covered on foot under harsh conditions. On
He was liberated on April 27, 1945 and returned to England via Paris. James Frame was able to escape the Germans and with the help of various resistance members he ended up in Eindhoven. Here he stayed until the liberation in September of that year.
Nothing is known about crew member Alma Rodgers.
Part crew Lancaster from left to right W. Joel, G. Bennet, A. Rodgers and F. Davies.
Cycling route, 14 - 15.3 km:
o Continue on this paved road.
o At the end of the road (at the priority road), turn right. (Poppelseweg)
o Stop at the bridge over the Poppelsche Ley.
The crew of this aircraft consisted of 8 heads. They had been together as a crew for almost a year and were very experienced with more than 40 bombing missions.
The captain was Gordon Bennett. He waited until the entire crew had jumped. He was later found dead on the Bakertand. His parachute had not opened and he had a head injury. He was first buried in Goirle and reburied in 1946 at the Military Canadian cemetery in Bergen op Zoom.
Jack Rees accidentally opened his parachute in the plane. With the help of Fred Davies, he managed to land safely on arable land near Hilvarenbeek.
21 year old Eli'Bill\\\' Baker was navigator and landed safely after his jump. Together with Willard Joel (19 years old), Jack Rees and Fred Davies they escaped via the underground to Belgium. There they were arrested and taken to Germany as prisoners of war.
SA Walker had been added to the crew at the last minute. He immediately fell into German hands and also ended up as a prisoner of war.
After his arrest, Fred Davies made a terrible journey through various POW camps. In early 1945 he had to participate in the so-called'death march\\\' to stay ahead of the approaching Russians. Per
day, 30 kilometers were covered on foot under harsh conditions. On
He was liberated on April 27, 1945 and returned to England via Paris. James Frame was able to escape the Germans and with the help of various resistance members he ended up in Eindhoven. Here he stayed until the liberation in September of that year.
Nothing is known about crew member Alma Rodgers.
Part crew Lancaster from left to right W. Joel, G. Bennet, A. Rodgers and F. Davies.
Cycling route, 14 - 15.3 km:
o Continue on this paved road.
o At the end of the road (at the priority road), turn right. (Poppelseweg)
o Stop at the bridge over the Poppelsche Ley.
Part 8: The battle at the Vonderse bridge on the Poppelseweg
Even before the German invasion in 1940, positions such as barricades, machine gun nests, etc. were used along the Poppelseweg to protect Goirle and the South of the Netherlands. In October 1944, this road was of great importance for the Allies to enter Goirle and the southern Netherlands.
Machine gun nest Poppelseweg
Two days before Turnhout was liberated came on September 22
1944 General Sanders' German 245th Division in Goirle. On 3 October, the British 49th Division was in Ravels en Weelde. On that same day, the German lines in Goirle
fortified and in the church tower
of St. Jan an observation post was set up. On October 5, the British made an attempt from Poppel to reach Goirle. Despite the fierce fighting on the Poppelseweg, they reached the bridge over the Leij at the Hoge Vonder around 13:00. Cees van Bijsterveldt experienced it up close:
"We were in the air raid shelter. Our eldest son had to leave for a while, but came back immediately because it started to rain bullets outside. At that moment some small English tanks came from the direction of the border. The house on the other side of the road was on fire. Our house also suffered a lot of damage. The fight gradually moved in the direction of the Hoge Vonder\\\".
The British had meanwhile undamaged the bridge at the Hoge Vonder
found and Goirle seemed to be within range. But German General Sanders sent reinforcements to the threatened sector. The two tanks that had crossed the bridge came under fire and were knocked out. Cees van Bijsterveldt:
"We saw the tanks just over the bridge. The fallen crew was still there, covered with blankets\\\".
With no flank cover, the British were in a critical position. Moreover, when the corps plan was changed, they decided to withdraw to the area near the Nieuwkerksebaan when darkness fell. The chance of a quick liberation of Goirle was lost.
Because the Germans understood that the Poppelseweg was an important route for the Allies, the troops in Goirle were reinforced with the Kampfgruppe Chill, an experienced and well-equipped unit. From Abcoven, the British troops were under constant fire from the German artillery. In the morning of October 6, 1944, Chill's troops counterattacked and heavy fighting took place in the vicinity of De Braacken (now the fruit farm).
A few days later, the Allies decided to shift the priority and focus more on the liberation of the Western Scheldt in Zeeland. This would make it possible to reach the port of Antwerp freely. Due to these new plans, the 49th British Division was transferred to the Zundert area in mid-October.
The fighting from 5 to 7 October had claimed many casualties. On the British side, 13 persons were killed, 55 were wounded and 13 were missing. The losses on the German side are not fully known, but certainly not less than the number of British casualties.
However, the shelling of each other's lines with heavy artillery fire continued. The people of Goirlen lived in air raid shelters and could only go outside during fire breaks. A witness report:
"In the back of the garden we had made a large air-raid shelter. During the shelling we lived in that air-raid shelter. Sometimes we could quickly
house to cook something. My father-in-law once went to the bakery to get bread, just as the shells started falling again. When he came back without bread, he said that he had been lying on the side of the street for an hour and a half."
Many houses, factories and the like were totally or partially destroyed by these shellings. There were also casualties among the population.
Damaged house on Bergstraat
Cycling route, 15.3 - 16.6 km:
O
Continue on the Poppelseweg to Goirle. At the artwork of the hill with the posts, go straight ahead into the Bergstraat.
o Take the 2nd road on the left (Parallelweg), just before the large parking lot.
o Stop after approx. 100 meters at house number 6.
Even before the German invasion in 1940, positions such as barricades, machine gun nests, etc. were used along the Poppelseweg to protect Goirle and the South of the Netherlands. In October 1944, this road was of great importance for the Allies to enter Goirle and the southern Netherlands.
Machine gun nest Poppelseweg
Two days before Turnhout was liberated came on September 22
1944 General Sanders' German 245th Division in Goirle. On 3 October, the British 49th Division was in Ravels en Weelde. On that same day, the German lines in Goirle
fortified and in the church tower
of St. Jan an observation post was set up. On October 5, the British made an attempt from Poppel to reach Goirle. Despite the fierce fighting on the Poppelseweg, they reached the bridge over the Leij at the Hoge Vonder around 13:00. Cees van Bijsterveldt experienced it up close:
"We were in the air raid shelter. Our eldest son had to leave for a while, but came back immediately because it started to rain bullets outside. At that moment some small English tanks came from the direction of the border. The house on the other side of the road was on fire. Our house also suffered a lot of damage. The fight gradually moved in the direction of the Hoge Vonder\\\".
The British had meanwhile undamaged the bridge at the Hoge Vonder
found and Goirle seemed to be within range. But German General Sanders sent reinforcements to the threatened sector. The two tanks that had crossed the bridge came under fire and were knocked out. Cees van Bijsterveldt:
"We saw the tanks just over the bridge. The fallen crew was still there, covered with blankets\\\".
With no flank cover, the British were in a critical position. Moreover, when the corps plan was changed, they decided to withdraw to the area near the Nieuwkerksebaan when darkness fell. The chance of a quick liberation of Goirle was lost.
Because the Germans understood that the Poppelseweg was an important route for the Allies, the troops in Goirle were reinforced with the Kampfgruppe Chill, an experienced and well-equipped unit. From Abcoven, the British troops were under constant fire from the German artillery. In the morning of October 6, 1944, Chill's troops counterattacked and heavy fighting took place in the vicinity of De Braacken (now the fruit farm).
A few days later, the Allies decided to shift the priority and focus more on the liberation of the Western Scheldt in Zeeland. This would make it possible to reach the port of Antwerp freely. Due to these new plans, the 49th British Division was transferred to the Zundert area in mid-October.
The fighting from 5 to 7 October had claimed many casualties. On the British side, 13 persons were killed, 55 were wounded and 13 were missing. The losses on the German side are not fully known, but certainly not less than the number of British casualties.
However, the shelling of each other's lines with heavy artillery fire continued. The people of Goirlen lived in air raid shelters and could only go outside during fire breaks. A witness report:
"In the back of the garden we had made a large air-raid shelter. During the shelling we lived in that air-raid shelter. Sometimes we could quickly
house to cook something. My father-in-law once went to the bakery to get bread, just as the shells started falling again. When he came back without bread, he said that he had been lying on the side of the street for an hour and a half."
Many houses, factories and the like were totally or partially destroyed by these shellings. There were also casualties among the population.
Damaged house on Bergstraat
Cycling route, 15.3 - 16.6 km:
O
Continue on the Poppelseweg to Goirle. At the artwork of the hill with the posts, go straight ahead into the Bergstraat.
o Take the 2nd road on the left (Parallelweg), just before the large parking lot.
o Stop after approx. 100 meters at house number 6.
Part 9: Many casualties from the shelling
Due to the continuous shelling of the English artillery on the German positions, many shells ended up in Goirle. Unsuspecting citizens fell victim to this. On October 5, 1944, Master Dirksen wrote in his diary:
"The first pieces have already fallen, including a large hole in the church tower and some more or less damaged houses. And what's worse.... the civilian population counts its first deaths.... people who became unsuspecting victims
of the first shrapnel\\\".
On this tragic day, eleven inhabitants of Goirle lost their lives due to grenades. They were all surprised: Anna van Beek (31 years old), Cornelis Elissen (37 years old), Adrianus Gillis (44 years old), Cornelis van de Pol (24 years old), Catherina Hendriks-van de Pol (36 years old) and her son Wilhelmus (11 months). Her eldest son Petrus (7 years old) was seriously injured and died on January 24, 1945 from his injuries.
One grenade ended the five-person family of Franciscus van Nuenen on this day. Their house on Parallelweg at number 6 was hit by a grenade that killed the entire family. These were father Franciscus van Nuenen (36 years old), mother Henrica van Nuenen-Putmans (34 years old) and their children Wilhelmina (5 years old), Cornelis (3 years old) and Marina (4 months).
Dead couple
Van Nuenen-Putmans
Two oldest deceased Van Nuenen-Putmans children
The shelling continued, sometimes violently, and the list of victims grew: On October 10, 1944, Josephus Vekemans (aged 53) passed away. A day later, Peter van Erven (aged 73) died. On
Catherina Glock-Otten died on October 13. Adrianus van Erven (40 years old) died on 20 October
1944, just like Anna van Laarhoven-van Boxtel (42 years old) and her 6 year old daughter Maria. On October 22, 1944, Johannes Couwenberg (33 years old) was killed. On 25 October 1944, two days before the liberation, Josephina Eijsermans (15 years old), Christina Janssen-Tegelaars (27 years old) and Henri-
Cus Martens (50 years old). Due to the heavy
injuries, sustained during these days, died on November 2
1944 Cornelia van de Pol (10 years old), on November 4, 1944 Hendrina Aarts-Brok (52 years old) and Johannes Eijsermans (25 years old) on December 6, 1944.
The terrible shelling eventually cost the lives of 25 people.
Cycling route, 16.6 - 17.4 km:
o Go back to the Bergstraat and turn left, towards the center of
Goirle.
o In the Bergstraat, take the road to the right, the one between Huize Anna
(No. 28) and the nursing home Thebe Elisabeth is located (St. Annastraatje).
o At the end of this road (immediately after the bridge) turn left.
o Stop before the next bridge.
Due to the continuous shelling of the English artillery on the German positions, many shells ended up in Goirle. Unsuspecting citizens fell victim to this. On October 5, 1944, Master Dirksen wrote in his diary:
"The first pieces have already fallen, including a large hole in the church tower and some more or less damaged houses. And what's worse.... the civilian population counts its first deaths.... people who became unsuspecting victims
of the first shrapnel\\\".
On this tragic day, eleven inhabitants of Goirle lost their lives due to grenades. They were all surprised: Anna van Beek (31 years old), Cornelis Elissen (37 years old), Adrianus Gillis (44 years old), Cornelis van de Pol (24 years old), Catherina Hendriks-van de Pol (36 years old) and her son Wilhelmus (11 months). Her eldest son Petrus (7 years old) was seriously injured and died on January 24, 1945 from his injuries.
One grenade ended the five-person family of Franciscus van Nuenen on this day. Their house on Parallelweg at number 6 was hit by a grenade that killed the entire family. These were father Franciscus van Nuenen (36 years old), mother Henrica van Nuenen-Putmans (34 years old) and their children Wilhelmina (5 years old), Cornelis (3 years old) and Marina (4 months).
Dead couple
Van Nuenen-Putmans
Two oldest deceased Van Nuenen-Putmans children
The shelling continued, sometimes violently, and the list of victims grew: On October 10, 1944, Josephus Vekemans (aged 53) passed away. A day later, Peter van Erven (aged 73) died. On
Catherina Glock-Otten died on October 13. Adrianus van Erven (40 years old) died on 20 October
1944, just like Anna van Laarhoven-van Boxtel (42 years old) and her 6 year old daughter Maria. On October 22, 1944, Johannes Couwenberg (33 years old) was killed. On 25 October 1944, two days before the liberation, Josephina Eijsermans (15 years old), Christina Janssen-Tegelaars (27 years old) and Henri-
Cus Martens (50 years old). Due to the heavy
injuries, sustained during these days, died on November 2
1944 Cornelia van de Pol (10 years old), on November 4, 1944 Hendrina Aarts-Brok (52 years old) and Johannes Eijsermans (25 years old) on December 6, 1944.
The terrible shelling eventually cost the lives of 25 people.
Cycling route, 16.6 - 17.4 km:
o Go back to the Bergstraat and turn left, towards the center of
Goirle.
o In the Bergstraat, take the road to the right, the one between Huize Anna
(No. 28) and the nursing home Thebe Elisabeth is located (St. Annastraatje).
o At the end of this road (immediately after the bridge) turn left.
o Stop before the next bridge.
Part 10: Mine incident behind the church
After the liberation, on November 30, 1944, a terrible accident took place a few hundred meters behind the church of St. Jan. There, just past the bridge over the Ley and along the Tramdijk, were a few allotment gardens. Mr Weijters was working in these gardens when he stepped on a mine. The Germans had laid mines in many places in the fields and forests in order to stop the Allied troops. During this work he stepped on a mine, which exploded. As a result, Weijters lost a foot. Soon Dr. Daniels and Chaplain Denissen present. English soldiers were nearby and they were called to give expert help with regard to the mines. Dr. Ansems and Chaplain Remy had also arrived in the meantime. The young Chaplain Denissen was already on his way to the wounded Weijters to administer the Sacrament of Holy Oil to him. Unfortunately, the chaplain also stepped on a mine and both his feet were ripped off. Dr. Ansems, who saw both victims lying there, braved the danger to prevent both from bleeding to death. Of
with the help of some first aiders and English soldiers, he succeeded in removing the victims from the dangerous terrain. Mr. Weijters and Chaplain Denissen were taken to the Fraterhuis for further medical treatment. For Chaplain Denissen this was no longer of any use. That same evening he passed away. Chaplain Denissen was born in Berkel-Enschot and was 27 years old. In the five months that he had been working in Goirle, he had already gained a lot of respect. in the Hoogeind district
a street named after him. Chaplain Dennis
Cycling route, 17.4 - 17.6 km:
o Turn left over the bridge and stop in front of the church.
After the liberation, on November 30, 1944, a terrible accident took place a few hundred meters behind the church of St. Jan. There, just past the bridge over the Ley and along the Tramdijk, were a few allotment gardens. Mr Weijters was working in these gardens when he stepped on a mine. The Germans had laid mines in many places in the fields and forests in order to stop the Allied troops. During this work he stepped on a mine, which exploded. As a result, Weijters lost a foot. Soon Dr. Daniels and Chaplain Denissen present. English soldiers were nearby and they were called to give expert help with regard to the mines. Dr. Ansems and Chaplain Remy had also arrived in the meantime. The young Chaplain Denissen was already on his way to the wounded Weijters to administer the Sacrament of Holy Oil to him. Unfortunately, the chaplain also stepped on a mine and both his feet were ripped off. Dr. Ansems, who saw both victims lying there, braved the danger to prevent both from bleeding to death. Of
with the help of some first aiders and English soldiers, he succeeded in removing the victims from the dangerous terrain. Mr. Weijters and Chaplain Denissen were taken to the Fraterhuis for further medical treatment. For Chaplain Denissen this was no longer of any use. That same evening he passed away. Chaplain Denissen was born in Berkel-Enschot and was 27 years old. In the five months that he had been working in Goirle, he had already gained a lot of respect. in the Hoogeind district
a street named after him. Chaplain Dennis
Cycling route, 17.4 - 17.6 km:
o Turn left over the bridge and stop in front of the church.
Part 11: The Church of St. John Decapitation
In the run-up to the liberation, the parsonage was occupied by German officers, who used the house as a casino for one day. September
In 1944 the billeting followed one another. On Wednesday, October 4, a section of the Red Cross settled in the presbytery. The next day the first shells hit behind the church. The Germans used the church tower as an observation post and therefore the tower was a target for the English artillery. Most of the stained glass windows were broken and a few shells hit the spire. This caused it to tilt. The Goirlese population lived in the air raid shelters and also in the basement of the presbytery. 30 people lived here and 2 babies were born in the shelter. The tower and the church remained under Allied fire. At the liberation
October 27, the church counted ten hits and the tower fifty-five hits. Partly due to the strong wind, the tower fell
spire on Monday, October 30, with a thunderous roar on the nave of the church. It took two weeks before the roof of the church was closed again. In the years after the liberation, the church was first restored. The restoration of the tower was only started in 1953 and on December 23 of that year the rooster was placed on the new spire.
A monument has been placed against the wall of the church tower to commemorate the Goirlese war victims. On one side of the cross, the fallen Goirlese soldiers are commemorated, with the text:"Pray for the souls of AAJC Mallens,
Stricken spire of the Church of St. Jan.
FPH Vekemans, AC Versteden, J. van der Wal fallen in the fight for the fatherland.
This concerns:
Adrianus Mallens, who served with the Grens Bataljon hunters on the border between Goirle and Poppel. After the invasion on 10 May, he and several other border guards fled via Belgium to Dunkirk. With the hot breath of the Germans on their necks, they boarded the ship Pavon that would take them to Cherbourg. En route, the ship was fired on by the Germans and received a direct hit. 80 were killed and 50 injured. Adrianus Mallens was one of the injured. When it
ship was put on the French coast, the wounded were transferred to Calais. Adrianus Mallens died there on May 17, 1940 at the age of 29. His family searched for him for years until he was accidentally discovered in the cemetery of Orry-la-Ville, north of Paris.
Florentinus Vekemans was a member of an underground resistance group. On
October 3, 1944 he was sent by the leader of this group with an assignment to the front line, in the vicinity of Nieuwkerk. He never returned from this mission and his body was not found until August 1948 in a ditch on Nieuwkerk.
Antoon Versteden was deployed with the security forces of the auxiliary airfield Ockenburg near The Hague. On May 10, 1940, the airfield was attacked by aircraft. The Germans wanted to control this airfield because the royal family could depart from this airfield. Versteden was seriously injured in these attacks and died of those injuries in a hospital in Delft on 11 May. Antoon Versteden is buried in the cemetery of St. Jan in Goirle, between the fallen Allied soldiers.
Jan van der Wal was First Lieutenant and stationed behind the Maas-Waal canal to defend the Heumense bridge. On May 10, 1940, a group posing as deserted soldiers crossed the bridge. She de-
then popped up as a raid commando. A group of Dutch soldiers tried to stop the Germans from a pit with a machine gun. Van der Wal was fatally hit.
On the other side of the cross, the fallen civilians are commemorated with the text:"And of all those who lost their lives through the brutal violence of war or in concentration camps. These were 42 in number\\\".
NB:
On the other side of the road, under the 5 arches of the former town hall, hangs a memorial plaque of the Goirlese military victims who fell in the Dutch East Indies. These are:
Johannes Jansen, 22 years old, 8 September 1947 in Tasik on Malaja Petrus Vermeeren, 21 years old, 27 November 1947 in Parigie Henricus van de Ven, 23 years old, 6 May 1949 in Godean
Cornelis Verhoeven, 20 years old, September 6, 1949 in Porsea.
In addition, they have a memorial stone in the cemetery of St. Jan.
Cycling route, 17.6 - 18.4 km:
O
Continue through the Kerkstraat and at the end of this street go straight on over the Abcovenseweg.
o At the T-junction (after approx. 150 metres) follow the cycle path straight ahead.
o Stop at number 23"\\'t Huufke\\"
In the run-up to the liberation, the parsonage was occupied by German officers, who used the house as a casino for one day. September
In 1944 the billeting followed one another. On Wednesday, October 4, a section of the Red Cross settled in the presbytery. The next day the first shells hit behind the church. The Germans used the church tower as an observation post and therefore the tower was a target for the English artillery. Most of the stained glass windows were broken and a few shells hit the spire. This caused it to tilt. The Goirlese population lived in the air raid shelters and also in the basement of the presbytery. 30 people lived here and 2 babies were born in the shelter. The tower and the church remained under Allied fire. At the liberation
October 27, the church counted ten hits and the tower fifty-five hits. Partly due to the strong wind, the tower fell
spire on Monday, October 30, with a thunderous roar on the nave of the church. It took two weeks before the roof of the church was closed again. In the years after the liberation, the church was first restored. The restoration of the tower was only started in 1953 and on December 23 of that year the rooster was placed on the new spire.
A monument has been placed against the wall of the church tower to commemorate the Goirlese war victims. On one side of the cross, the fallen Goirlese soldiers are commemorated, with the text:"Pray for the souls of AAJC Mallens,
Stricken spire of the Church of St. Jan.
FPH Vekemans, AC Versteden, J. van der Wal fallen in the fight for the fatherland.
This concerns:
Adrianus Mallens, who served with the Grens Bataljon hunters on the border between Goirle and Poppel. After the invasion on 10 May, he and several other border guards fled via Belgium to Dunkirk. With the hot breath of the Germans on their necks, they boarded the ship Pavon that would take them to Cherbourg. En route, the ship was fired on by the Germans and received a direct hit. 80 were killed and 50 injured. Adrianus Mallens was one of the injured. When it
ship was put on the French coast, the wounded were transferred to Calais. Adrianus Mallens died there on May 17, 1940 at the age of 29. His family searched for him for years until he was accidentally discovered in the cemetery of Orry-la-Ville, north of Paris.
Florentinus Vekemans was a member of an underground resistance group. On
October 3, 1944 he was sent by the leader of this group with an assignment to the front line, in the vicinity of Nieuwkerk. He never returned from this mission and his body was not found until August 1948 in a ditch on Nieuwkerk.
Antoon Versteden was deployed with the security forces of the auxiliary airfield Ockenburg near The Hague. On May 10, 1940, the airfield was attacked by aircraft. The Germans wanted to control this airfield because the royal family could depart from this airfield. Versteden was seriously injured in these attacks and died of those injuries in a hospital in Delft on 11 May. Antoon Versteden is buried in the cemetery of St. Jan in Goirle, between the fallen Allied soldiers.
Jan van der Wal was First Lieutenant and stationed behind the Maas-Waal canal to defend the Heumense bridge. On May 10, 1940, a group posing as deserted soldiers crossed the bridge. She de-
then popped up as a raid commando. A group of Dutch soldiers tried to stop the Germans from a pit with a machine gun. Van der Wal was fatally hit.
On the other side of the cross, the fallen civilians are commemorated with the text:"And of all those who lost their lives through the brutal violence of war or in concentration camps. These were 42 in number\\\".
NB:
On the other side of the road, under the 5 arches of the former town hall, hangs a memorial plaque of the Goirlese military victims who fell in the Dutch East Indies. These are:
Johannes Jansen, 22 years old, 8 September 1947 in Tasik on Malaja Petrus Vermeeren, 21 years old, 27 November 1947 in Parigie Henricus van de Ven, 23 years old, 6 May 1949 in Godean
Cornelis Verhoeven, 20 years old, September 6, 1949 in Porsea.
In addition, they have a memorial stone in the cemetery of St. Jan.
Cycling route, 17.6 - 18.4 km:
O
Continue through the Kerkstraat and at the end of this street go straight on over the Abcovenseweg.
o At the T-junction (after approx. 150 metres) follow the cycle path straight ahead.
o Stop at number 23"\\'t Huufke\\"
Part 12: Hiding address"\\'t Huufke\\"
Jan Brock, a widower with 6 children, lived and worked here during the war.'t Huufke grew into a real resistance farm. It started as a favor to Chief Warden Van Broekhoven, who encountered French prisoners of war several times during his service. Jan Brock was prepared to host these Frenchmen for a while. It started with one group, but more followed. Later, pilots who had to escape to Belgium were also added. Resistance members of the'Albrecht\\\' gang, who were mainly active in the Biesbosch, were also given shelter here. At one point there was even a double agent, Joachim Günter Heintz, a 45-year-old Argentinian. He acted as a German officer of the Luftwaffe with an ID of a shot British secret agent. German soldiers were even stationed in the adjoining barn. At one point there were 30 Germans on one side of the wall and 3 resistance fighters, 4 people in hiding and a double spy on the other side. The people in hiding were dressed as farmhands, ate at the table and helped with the farm work. A few weeks before the liberation, the Germans installed a telephone line
under Abcovenseweg. The messages were brought to liberated Hilvarenbeek by the sons Cees and Jaoneke. Fortunately, on one of these trips, 16-year-old Cees was shot at by a German
without fatal consequences.
\\\'t Huufke at Abcoven.
Many escaped prisoners of war, pilots and other people who had to flee were sent to Belgium via Goirle and then sent via
France to reach neutral Spain and Portugal. As a border village, Goirle was an important link in various'escape lines\\\'. Many prisoners of war arrived in Tilburg by train from the east of the Netherlands. Here they came into contact with people who brought them further. In the period 1942-1944, for example, the Goirlese constable Van Broekhoven illegally crossed the border at least 107 people and handed them over to the Belgian resistance organization'De Witte Brigade\\\'. Goirlenaar Jan Stabel was part of the line Erica (Drenthe - Goirle) with A. van Pelt and H. van Gestel. Probably through betrayal they were arrested and via Camp Vught and the prison in Assen they ended up in the Natzweiler concentration camp. Jan Stabel died here on June 27, 1943.
Some places where people in hiding and prisoners of war stayed before they crossed the border: the former convent of the fathers on the Tilburgseweg and the last block of houses on this road before Tilburg with the Goyarts family (just before the viaduct of the A58), Café Smits (now café D\\\'n Brands) and various farms on the Rielseweg. The clergy and especially Chaplain Remy also contributed.
Many Jews tried to get to Belgium via the Tilburg - Turnhout bus line. Checks were often held at the border and a lot of money was often handed over to the German inspectors to be allowed through.
Cycling route, 18.4 - 19.1 km:
O
Continue on the Abcovenseweg and after the park with billy goats and chickens, turn right (Abcovensedijk).
o Stop before the bridge over the Leij.
Jan Brock, a widower with 6 children, lived and worked here during the war.'t Huufke grew into a real resistance farm. It started as a favor to Chief Warden Van Broekhoven, who encountered French prisoners of war several times during his service. Jan Brock was prepared to host these Frenchmen for a while. It started with one group, but more followed. Later, pilots who had to escape to Belgium were also added. Resistance members of the'Albrecht\\\' gang, who were mainly active in the Biesbosch, were also given shelter here. At one point there was even a double agent, Joachim Günter Heintz, a 45-year-old Argentinian. He acted as a German officer of the Luftwaffe with an ID of a shot British secret agent. German soldiers were even stationed in the adjoining barn. At one point there were 30 Germans on one side of the wall and 3 resistance fighters, 4 people in hiding and a double spy on the other side. The people in hiding were dressed as farmhands, ate at the table and helped with the farm work. A few weeks before the liberation, the Germans installed a telephone line
under Abcovenseweg. The messages were brought to liberated Hilvarenbeek by the sons Cees and Jaoneke. Fortunately, on one of these trips, 16-year-old Cees was shot at by a German
without fatal consequences.
\\\'t Huufke at Abcoven.
Many escaped prisoners of war, pilots and other people who had to flee were sent to Belgium via Goirle and then sent via
France to reach neutral Spain and Portugal. As a border village, Goirle was an important link in various'escape lines\\\'. Many prisoners of war arrived in Tilburg by train from the east of the Netherlands. Here they came into contact with people who brought them further. In the period 1942-1944, for example, the Goirlese constable Van Broekhoven illegally crossed the border at least 107 people and handed them over to the Belgian resistance organization'De Witte Brigade\\\'. Goirlenaar Jan Stabel was part of the line Erica (Drenthe - Goirle) with A. van Pelt and H. van Gestel. Probably through betrayal they were arrested and via Camp Vught and the prison in Assen they ended up in the Natzweiler concentration camp. Jan Stabel died here on June 27, 1943.
Some places where people in hiding and prisoners of war stayed before they crossed the border: the former convent of the fathers on the Tilburgseweg and the last block of houses on this road before Tilburg with the Goyarts family (just before the viaduct of the A58), Café Smits (now café D\\\'n Brands) and various farms on the Rielseweg. The clergy and especially Chaplain Remy also contributed.
Many Jews tried to get to Belgium via the Tilburg - Turnhout bus line. Checks were often held at the border and a lot of money was often handed over to the German inspectors to be allowed through.
Cycling route, 18.4 - 19.1 km:
O
Continue on the Abcovenseweg and after the park with billy goats and chickens, turn right (Abcovensedijk).
o Stop before the bridge over the Leij.
Part 13: The end of'Huis ter Loo\\\'
Just before the bridge stood Huis ter Loo on the left, popularly called'het Loo\\\'. On April 22, 1944, farmer Jan Moonen and his wife move into the Loo. He was a farmer leader of the Landstand, a farmers' organization based on nationalistic ideals. That same night a Halifax bomber explodes over Goirle around 02:00. He was on his way back from a bombing raid on Düsseldorf and was hit by the German anti-aircraft guns above Tilburg. Because the plane must have exploded in the air, it fell down in several pieces. The plane crashed into the farm while two engines, the tail and the propeller were found elsewhere. Moonen's house and horse stable burned down completely. The barn could be saved by the Goirlese fire brigade. The civilian population did not help with the fire because Moonen was a farmer leader in the Landstand.
The devastation at'Huis ter Loo\\\' after the crash on 23-4-1944.
Five bodies of crew members were found near the plane wreckage. The body of radio operator Leslie Hanson was found on Hilvarenbeekseweg. Only Sergeant Major Morrisey survived the crash. He was captured and taken to a hospital in's-Hertogenbosch with a broken forearm and a broken upper leg. At first it was thought that this lone survivor was named Charley Phygalt. His family was informed by mayor Van Ginneken. It was not until much later that the correct identity of the Canadian became known, namely FD Morrisey. The killed crew members were the following soldiers:
O
Pilot Second Lieutenant Wilfred Vornbrock (aged 24), who was reburied after the war at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom.
O
Lieutenant Frederick Cannaart (aged 21), reburied after the war at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom.
O
Navigator Second Lieutenant John Laird (aged 21), also reburied after the war in Bergen op Zoom.
O
Gunner Second Lieutenant John Renning, also reburied in the same cemetery in Bergen op Zoom.
O
Bombardier Sergeant Major Leslie Hanson (aged 21). He is buried in the cemetery of St. Jan in Goirle.
o Flight Engineer Sergeant Lionel Walters (age 22), who is also in
Goirle is buried in the cemetery of St. Jan.
In 2002, an uncle of Lionel Walters reported to the municipality of Goirle because he wanted to visit the grave and the site of the crash. Witnesses to the crash were sought through the local circle and they were present during the visit. Then the cap of Lionel Walters also appeared, which had been kept by a Goirlenaar all these years. This cap was exhibited in the museum of the local history circle. In October 2009, Barry Walters, the son of the deceased Lionel Walters, visited his father's grave for the first time. When he visited the museum of the local history circle, he was handed his father's cap.
At the time, the story also surfaced that Lionel Walters was not his real name, but his wife's name. He was of Jewish descent and his real name was Lionel Cohen. The British Air Force thought it better that he should have a Western name. In case of calamities, the Germans could immediately recognize him by his name as a Jew.
Cycling route, 19.1 - 20.5 km:
O
Drive back to the Abcovenseweg and turn left in the direction of the center.
o Turn right at the crucifix into Van Haestrechtstraat.
o Take the 4th road on the left (Beatrixstraat)
o At Oranjeplein, drive straight ahead into Emmastraat.
o Stop at house number 35 (left of the road).
Part 14: The Jewish Dasché family
Since 5 July 1941, the Jewish Dasché family lived at Akkerstraat 33 (now Emmastraat 35). They came from Vienna and via The Hague and Oisterwijk they ended up in Goirle. The family consisted of the parents Eric and Edith Dasché-Adler, the daughters Valerie
Ruth (Valli) and Elisabeth Charlotte (Lisl) and son Tobias Joachim, who op
August 1, 1941 was born here in the Akkerstraat.
When mayor Van Ginneken had to report all Jewish residents on 26 June 1942, their fate was in fact already sealed. Despite his conversations with the"Grüne Polizei\\\" in Tilburg, they were picked up on August 28 at 4.30 pm and taken to Tilburg. That same day, the family was deported to Camp Westerbork. Just two months later, at the beginning of October, the family was taken to the far-away
extermination camp Auschwitz. The mother (39 years old) and the three children were killed soon after their arrival (probably around October 5). Father Dasché died on October 31, 1943, he was then 44 years old, in the labor camp
Schoppinitz. Family Dasché with some neighbours
A stone has been laid in the facade of the Emmastraat 35 building in memory of the Dasché family. In 2013, several Stolpersteine were installed on the sidewalk in front of the house. Stolpersteine is a project by the German artist and entrepreneur Günter Demnig. He erects memorials on the sidewalk in front of the homes of people who were expelled, deported, murdered or driven to suicide by the Nazis. These Stolpersteine (literally'stumbling stones\\\') recall, among other things, Jews, Sinti and Roma gypsies, political prisoners, homosexuals, Jehovah\\\'s witnesses and'euthanasia\\\' victims . The artist calls them Stolpersteine because you trip over them with your head and your heart, and you have to bend to read the text.
During the war, Goirle also housed three mixed-married Jews. They were arrested, but because the partner was not Jewish, they were eventually allowed to go home.
Cycling route, 20.5 - 20.7 km:
O
Continue through Emmastraat and at the end turn right into Molenstraat.
o Stop at the mill.
Part 15: Windmill"De Visscher\\\" as an air raid shelter
Windmill'de Visscher\\\' was located behind the field of fire of the St. Janstoren, which contained a German observation post. The British and Canadians wanted to eliminate them. Moreover, they had observed that there were people in the mill whom they also mistook for Germans. On October 20, 1944, there was plenty of shooting again. The people from the vicinity of the mill sought shelter in the thick mill mountain, reinforced with sandbags. A report from that time:
"\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s the evening when the grenade rain sets in, a mother with her eight children is still in her own house, close to the mill. She must be sending six children ahead. tending, she will follow as soon as possible. A moment later she comes running, the little one in one arm, a girl of six in the other. Just at the foot of the mill a terrible shard hits her, on the
side of the six-year-old girl, who kills mother and child instantly. The little one is still calm and unharmed in mother's arms when the miller, who has watched everything from the mill, rushes to the rescue. Poor wretch! He carries the child safely with the brothers and sisters under the mill ...\\\".
This mother, Anna van Laarhoven-van Boxtel (42 years old) and her daughter Maria (Ria, 6 years old) from the Groeneweg came
one to by the Allied grenades.
Anna van Laarhoven-van Boxtel.
Cycling route, 20.7 - 21.3 km:
O
Continue via Muldersweg and Molenstraat to the junction with Tilburgseweg.
o At restaurant A Casa, turn right onto Tilburgseweg.
O
Turn left immediately after the H. Hart statue and then right into the Kloosterstraat.
O
Drive straight ahead between the posts and past two memorial tables on the left.
o Stop after approx. 30 meters before the entrance of the library.
Part 16: The brother house, headquarters, shelter and hospital
The brothers lived in the building of the current Goirle library for many years. There they had a training college (training for brothers who became teachers) and a primary school. On October 1, 1995 the brothers left Goirle.
In January 1940, the consultation rooms are requisitioned for the staff of the Dutch 2nd regiment, 3rd cyclist battalion. The refectory is used for officers' meetings.
On 13 May 1940, the Germans confiscated the consultation rooms, the dormitories of the trainees and the recreation room. On May 25, 1941, the Germans leave and after weeks of cleaning, the trainees return. In June 1942, the Deutsche Polizei is billeted for a short period. In May 1944 the Germans are at the door again, this time soldiers who came from the Russian front to escape
rest. They left again at the end of July.
A German sentry at the entrance of the brother house
On October 16, when the shelling from Belgium continues, the internees are sent home. The brother house is now set up as a first aid post. Some consultation rooms are officially becoming Burgerziekenhuis.
During the first days of the shelling in October 1944, about 35 residents from the village, including a complete family, stayed in the heating cellar of the brother convent. On October 16, 56 villagers had sought refuge with the brothers. Thirteen of them were'entirely subsisting\\\'. On October 18, two children were born there.
The cellar of the brother house, furnished as an air raid shelter.
After the liberation on October 27, the English set up a hospital in the brother house. There will be 18 doctors, 10 of whom are surgeons. In total, the hospital has approx.
170 employees. For the large number
to accommodate the injured
Thomas School, which is adjacent to the brother house, attached to the hospital. Several Allied soldiers, who were wounded at the front along the major rivers, are nursed here or die in the brother house. A number of them are buried in the cemetery of St. Jan. In April
In 1945 the English leave the brother house and a month later the training college starts again.
Cycling route, 21.3 - 21.6 km:
o Go back through the Kloosterstraat in the direction of the H. Hart statue.
o At the Chinese restaurant, turn right into St. Jansstraat.
o Stop at the entrance to the cemetery.
The brothers lived in the building of the current Goirle library for many years. There they had a training college (training for brothers who became teachers) and a primary school. On October 1, 1995 the brothers left Goirle.
In January 1940, the consultation rooms are requisitioned for the staff of the Dutch 2nd regiment, 3rd cyclist battalion. The refectory is used for officers' meetings.
On 13 May 1940, the Germans confiscated the consultation rooms, the dormitories of the trainees and the recreation room. On May 25, 1941, the Germans leave and after weeks of cleaning, the trainees return. In June 1942, the Deutsche Polizei is billeted for a short period. In May 1944 the Germans are at the door again, this time soldiers who came from the Russian front to escape
rest. They left again at the end of July.
A German sentry at the entrance of the brother house
On October 16, when the shelling from Belgium continues, the internees are sent home. The brother house is now set up as a first aid post. Some consultation rooms are officially becoming Burgerziekenhuis.
During the first days of the shelling in October 1944, about 35 residents from the village, including a complete family, stayed in the heating cellar of the brother convent. On October 16, 56 villagers had sought refuge with the brothers. Thirteen of them were'entirely subsisting\\\'. On October 18, two children were born there.
The cellar of the brother house, furnished as an air raid shelter.
After the liberation on October 27, the English set up a hospital in the brother house. There will be 18 doctors, 10 of whom are surgeons. In total, the hospital has approx.
170 employees. For the large number
to accommodate the injured
Thomas School, which is adjacent to the brother house, attached to the hospital. Several Allied soldiers, who were wounded at the front along the major rivers, are nursed here or die in the brother house. A number of them are buried in the cemetery of St. Jan. In April
In 1945 the English leave the brother house and a month later the training college starts again.
Cycling route, 21.3 - 21.6 km:
o Go back through the Kloosterstraat in the direction of the H. Hart statue.
o At the Chinese restaurant, turn right into St. Jansstraat.
o Stop at the entrance to the cemetery.
Part 17: Commonwealth War Graves at Kerkhof St. Jan
In the cemetery of St. Jan, part of the cemetery has been set up as a Commonwealth War Cemetery. Turn right immediately after the entrance and follow this path. After the bend, on the right-hand side are the graves of 27 fallen allied soldiers and of the Goirlese soldier Antoon Versteden. With an interruption of a few years, the Central Brabant Division of the Bond van Wapenbroeders organizes an annual commemoration at these graves from 2003 onwards. This commemoration takes place on October 27 (the day Goirle was liberated) or on a day immediately preceding it. Since 2010, the students of group 8 of BS De Bron have adopted the monument and the graves. This means that, prior to the commemoration, they will receive a lesson about the events surrounding the liberation of Goirle in October 1944. There will also be extensive talks about contemporary freedom and how schoolchildren experience it. They each write a poem about freedom and 3 of these poems are recited by the students during the commemoration ceremony. The children also clean the graves a few days before the commemoration.
Monument and graves at the St. Jan cemetery
In this cemetery, mainly the soldiers who fell in Goirle are buried. Some of them crashed their plane. Others suffered serious injuries at the front in North-East Brabant and died after the liberation of Goirle in the military hospital that was set up in the convent of the Brothers.
In the first row, from left to right:
Leslie Hanson (aged 21), British, Flight sergeant, died on 23-4-1944 (crashed at Abcoven)
Antoon Versteden (aged 20), Dutchman, died on 11-5-1940 in Delft Lionel Walters (aged 22), British, Sergeant, died on 23-4-1944 (crashed at Abcoven) Because Lionel Walters is a Jew, a stone is placed on his tombstone instead of flowers. This is an old Jewish custom. James Horrocks (aged 19), British, Sergeant, died on 25-5-1944 (crashed near Riels Hoefke)
Malcolm H. Graydon (aged 23) Australian, Flight Sergeant, died 5-25-
1944 (ditto)
Roy ED Robinson (19 years), Briton, Sergeant, died on 25-5-1944 (idem) Kenneth H. Allaker (22 years), Briton, Sergeant, died on 25-5-1944 (idem) Peter Wade (23 years ), Australian, Flight sergeant, died on 25-5-1944 (ditto) Stanley Patterson (aged 21), British, Sergeant, died on 25-5-1944 (ditto)
In the 2nd row from left to right:
Eithne Swanton (aged 28), British, Corporal, died on 21-11-1944 (Died in the Hospital of the Brothers after a car accident). She is the only female soldier buried here.
Graham C. Cridland (aged 19), British, died 11-23-1944 (He volunteered to warn a woman about mines behind St. John's church. On the way back he disabled mines, but lost both legs when he stepped on a mine. He died in the hospital with the Brothers.)
Henry G. Hardman (aged 23), British, Private, died 12/1/1944. (Conditions unknown.)
Albert J. Robson (aged 22, British, died on 4-1-1945. (circumstances unknown)
Wiktor Tatarczyk (21 years old), Pole, Soldier, died on 30-12-1944. (Seriously wounded in fighting at the Maas, Kapelsche Veer. Died in the Hospital of the Brothers)
Stanislaw Gomulka (27 years old), Pole, died on 6-1-1945. (Idem)
Peter Baker (aged 19), Briton, Corporal, died on 5 -10-1944 (Killed in action at the Vonderse bridge on the Poppelseweg.)
George H. Hancock (19 years old), British, Private, died on 5-10-1944 (idem)
In the 3rd row from left to right:
John Gannon (aged 20), Briton, Driver, died 2/7/1945. (Conditions unknown)
Wladyslaw Topko (24 years old), Pole, Soldier 1st class, died on 12-2-1945. (Seriously injured in fighting at the Maas, Kapelsche Veer. Died in the hospital of the Brothers)
Donald Hooker (aged 30), Briton, Driver, died 2/19/1945. (circumstances unknown)
Robert Ch. Buckley (aged 25), British, Soldier, died 2/23/1945 (Red his truck over a mine)
Kenneth L. Ratcliff (age 22), British, Marine, died 2/5/1945. (Conditions unknown)
Kenneth A. Strauch (aged 22) Briton, Bombardier, died on 3/15/1945. (circumstances unknown)
Zigmund Sosnowski (21 years old), Pole, Soldier, died on 31-12-1945. (Seriously injured in fighting at the Maas, Kapelsche Veer. Died in the hospital of the Brothers)
John E. Goodwin (aged 26), British, died on 6-10-1944 (Filled in the woods of Gorp and Rovert.)
Albert Ch.Jeeves (age 32), British, Private, died on 26-3-1945. (Conditions unknown)
William A. Byrd (age 24), British, Sergeant, died 3/30/1945. (Conditions unknown)
John Th Sharman (age 38), British, Sergeant, died 4/1/1945. (Conditions unknown). At her own request, an urn with the ashes of the widow of John Sharman was placed in the grave of her deceased husband on 27-6-2001.
In the cemetery of St. Jan, part of the cemetery has been set up as a Commonwealth War Cemetery. Turn right immediately after the entrance and follow this path. After the bend, on the right-hand side are the graves of 27 fallen allied soldiers and of the Goirlese soldier Antoon Versteden. With an interruption of a few years, the Central Brabant Division of the Bond van Wapenbroeders organizes an annual commemoration at these graves from 2003 onwards. This commemoration takes place on October 27 (the day Goirle was liberated) or on a day immediately preceding it. Since 2010, the students of group 8 of BS De Bron have adopted the monument and the graves. This means that, prior to the commemoration, they will receive a lesson about the events surrounding the liberation of Goirle in October 1944. There will also be extensive talks about contemporary freedom and how schoolchildren experience it. They each write a poem about freedom and 3 of these poems are recited by the students during the commemoration ceremony. The children also clean the graves a few days before the commemoration.
Monument and graves at the St. Jan cemetery
In this cemetery, mainly the soldiers who fell in Goirle are buried. Some of them crashed their plane. Others suffered serious injuries at the front in North-East Brabant and died after the liberation of Goirle in the military hospital that was set up in the convent of the Brothers.
In the first row, from left to right:
Leslie Hanson (aged 21), British, Flight sergeant, died on 23-4-1944 (crashed at Abcoven)
Antoon Versteden (aged 20), Dutchman, died on 11-5-1940 in Delft Lionel Walters (aged 22), British, Sergeant, died on 23-4-1944 (crashed at Abcoven) Because Lionel Walters is a Jew, a stone is placed on his tombstone instead of flowers. This is an old Jewish custom. James Horrocks (aged 19), British, Sergeant, died on 25-5-1944 (crashed near Riels Hoefke)
Malcolm H. Graydon (aged 23) Australian, Flight Sergeant, died 5-25-
1944 (ditto)
Roy ED Robinson (19 years), Briton, Sergeant, died on 25-5-1944 (idem) Kenneth H. Allaker (22 years), Briton, Sergeant, died on 25-5-1944 (idem) Peter Wade (23 years ), Australian, Flight sergeant, died on 25-5-1944 (ditto) Stanley Patterson (aged 21), British, Sergeant, died on 25-5-1944 (ditto)
In the 2nd row from left to right:
Eithne Swanton (aged 28), British, Corporal, died on 21-11-1944 (Died in the Hospital of the Brothers after a car accident). She is the only female soldier buried here.
Graham C. Cridland (aged 19), British, died 11-23-1944 (He volunteered to warn a woman about mines behind St. John's church. On the way back he disabled mines, but lost both legs when he stepped on a mine. He died in the hospital with the Brothers.)
Henry G. Hardman (aged 23), British, Private, died 12/1/1944. (Conditions unknown.)
Albert J. Robson (aged 22, British, died on 4-1-1945. (circumstances unknown)
Wiktor Tatarczyk (21 years old), Pole, Soldier, died on 30-12-1944. (Seriously wounded in fighting at the Maas, Kapelsche Veer. Died in the Hospital of the Brothers)
Stanislaw Gomulka (27 years old), Pole, died on 6-1-1945. (Idem)
Peter Baker (aged 19), Briton, Corporal, died on 5 -10-1944 (Killed in action at the Vonderse bridge on the Poppelseweg.)
George H. Hancock (19 years old), British, Private, died on 5-10-1944 (idem)
In the 3rd row from left to right:
John Gannon (aged 20), Briton, Driver, died 2/7/1945. (Conditions unknown)
Wladyslaw Topko (24 years old), Pole, Soldier 1st class, died on 12-2-1945. (Seriously injured in fighting at the Maas, Kapelsche Veer. Died in the hospital of the Brothers)
Donald Hooker (aged 30), Briton, Driver, died 2/19/1945. (circumstances unknown)
Robert Ch. Buckley (aged 25), British, Soldier, died 2/23/1945 (Red his truck over a mine)
Kenneth L. Ratcliff (age 22), British, Marine, died 2/5/1945. (Conditions unknown)
Kenneth A. Strauch (aged 22) Briton, Bombardier, died on 3/15/1945. (circumstances unknown)
Zigmund Sosnowski (21 years old), Pole, Soldier, died on 31-12-1945. (Seriously injured in fighting at the Maas, Kapelsche Veer. Died in the hospital of the Brothers)
John E. Goodwin (aged 26), British, died on 6-10-1944 (Filled in the woods of Gorp and Rovert.)
Albert Ch.Jeeves (age 32), British, Private, died on 26-3-1945. (Conditions unknown)
William A. Byrd (age 24), British, Sergeant, died 3/30/1945. (Conditions unknown)
John Th Sharman (age 38), British, Sergeant, died 4/1/1945. (Conditions unknown). At her own request, an urn with the ashes of the widow of John Sharman was placed in the grave of her deceased husband on 27-6-2001.
Every year, during Remembrance Day on 4 May, the mayor of Goirle lays a wreath at the war memorial (1939-1945) in the cemetery of St. Jan. Around October 27, a commemoration is organized by the Union of Armed Brothers, where every year the story is told of one of the fallen allied soldiers.
THE BALANCE
Goirle has known many victims and destruction in the years of the Second World War. The price for freedom was high. An overview of the Goirlese victims during the Second World War and the destruction in our village.
Citizens:
Goirlenaren by war violence:
Peter W. Mutsaers
10-20-1922
11-05-1940
Riel
Gommarus A. Otten
04-02-1907
11-05-1940
Goirle
Peter GJB de Laat
06-09-1919
17-06-1941
Gelsenkirchen
(Germany)
Adrianus M. van der Pol
7/29/1922
16-07-1943
Rheinhausen
(Germany)
Joseph Hoogendoorn
23-02-1916
22-02-1944
Nijmegen
Ari Kouwenhoven
7/29/1897
22-02-1944
Nijmegen
Anna CG van Beek
03-07-1913
05-10-1944
Goirle
Cornelius Elisen
08-10-1906
05-10-1944
Goirle
Anthony C. Gillis
07-03-1900
05-10-1944
Goirle
Catharina MJ Hendriks-van de Pol
01-05-1908
05-10-1944
Goirle
Wilhelmus PM Hendriks
10-22-1943
05-10-1944
Goirle
Francis C. van Nuenen
11-21-1907
05-10-1944
Goirle
Henrica W. van Nuenen-Putmans
03-07-1910
05-10-1944
Goirle
Wilhelmina MF van Nuenen
12-24-1938
05-10-1944
Goirle
Cornelis MF van Nuenen
31-05-1941
05-10-1944
Goirle
Marina MA van Nuenen
10-06-1944
05-10-1944
Goirle
Cornelis W. van de Pol
11-01-1920
05-10-1944
Goirle
Josephus AJ Vekemans
11-21-1890
10-10-1944
Goirle
Peter C. van Erven
27-01-1871
11-10-1944
Tilburg
Catherine C. Glock-Otten
9/23/1907
13-10-1944
Goirle
Johannes C. Couwenberg
12-29-1910
10-22-1944
Tilburg
Adrianus JC van Erven
16-08-1904
10-20-1944
Goirle
Anna MCP v. Laarhoven-v. Boxtel
10-27-1901
10-20-1944
Goirle
Maria HJ van Laarhoven
19-11-1937
10-20-1944
Goirle
Josephina TM Eijsermans
20-01-1929
10-25-1944
Goirle
Christina T. Janssen-Tegelaers
10-01-1917
10-25-1944
Goirle
Henry J. Martens
02-12-1893
10-25-1944
Goirle
Florentinus PH Vekemans
04-04-1914
?? -10-1944
Goirle
Cornelia JH van de Pol
02-05-1934
02-11-1944
Goirle
Hendrina Aarts Brok
08-11-1891
04-11-1944
Tilburg
Wilhelmus M. Denissen
04-08-1917
11-30-1944
Goirle
Johannes BAM Eijsermans
10-07-1919
06-12-1944
Goirle
August E. Glock
17-05-1913
??-??-1944
Eastern Europe
Peter AM Hendriks
18-04-1937
24-01-1945
Goirle
Arthur Calvin
23-04-1937
02-02-1945
Goirle
Francisca M. Roosen
8/15/1925
02-02-1945
Tilburg
Henricus JAM Simons
12-25-1940
02-02-1945
Goirle
Anthony B.M. de Vet
07-11-1931
02-02-1945
Goirle
Anny AH van der Zande
03-01-1924
02-02-1945
Tilburg
Anna JM de Laat
5/26/1937
03-02-1945
Goirle
Henricus PJ van Rijswijk
27-04-1907
03-22-1945
Goirle
Goirlenaren in concentration camps
Erich Dashe
:
08-04-1898
10-31-1943
Schoppinitz
Edith Dashe
18-05-1903
05-10-1942
Auschwitz
Valerie R. Dasche
8/25/1931
05-10-1942
Auschwitz
Elisabeth C. Dashe
8/25/1933
05-10-1942
Auschwitz
Tobias J. Dashe
01-08-1941
05-10-1942
Auschwitz
Johannes AE Stabel
09-09-1901
27-06-1943
Natzweiler
Cornelis JP Brekelmans
6/24/1910
07-12-1944
Neuengamme
Christian JM Adams
25-01-1923
17-12-1944
Neuengamme
Cornelis G. Bikkers
25-01-1925
03-05-1945
Neuengamme or Lubeck
Shot at Gorp and Rovert:
Robert Baelde
22-07-1907
15-08-1942
Goirle
Christopher Bennekers
5/28/1894
15-08-1942
Goirle
Otto EG Count of Limburg Stirum
13-04-1893
15-08-1942
Goirle
William Ruys
8/25/1894
15-08-1942
Goirle
Alexander Schimmelpenninck van der Oye
12-21-1913
15-08-1942
Goirle
Goirlese soldiers:
Jan van der Wal (killed in action)
11-21-1912
10-05-1940 Heumen
Anton CW Versteden (ditto)
06-08-1919
11-05-1940 Delft
Adrianus ALC Mallens (ditto)
03-09-1911
17-05-1940Dunkirk (Fr)
Cornelis P. Verhagen
21-07-1910
02-03-1942 Soebang position
(N. Indies)
Johannes A. Beekmans
02-07-1917
24-12-1945 Toulouse (Fr)
Goirle has known many victims and destruction in the years of the Second World War. The price for freedom was high. An overview of the Goirlese victims during the Second World War and the destruction in our village.
Citizens:
Goirlenaren by war violence:
Peter W. Mutsaers
10-20-1922
11-05-1940
Riel
Gommarus A. Otten
04-02-1907
11-05-1940
Goirle
Peter GJB de Laat
06-09-1919
17-06-1941
Gelsenkirchen
(Germany)
Adrianus M. van der Pol
7/29/1922
16-07-1943
Rheinhausen
(Germany)
Joseph Hoogendoorn
23-02-1916
22-02-1944
Nijmegen
Ari Kouwenhoven
7/29/1897
22-02-1944
Nijmegen
Anna CG van Beek
03-07-1913
05-10-1944
Goirle
Cornelius Elisen
08-10-1906
05-10-1944
Goirle
Anthony C. Gillis
07-03-1900
05-10-1944
Goirle
Catharina MJ Hendriks-van de Pol
01-05-1908
05-10-1944
Goirle
Wilhelmus PM Hendriks
10-22-1943
05-10-1944
Goirle
Francis C. van Nuenen
11-21-1907
05-10-1944
Goirle
Henrica W. van Nuenen-Putmans
03-07-1910
05-10-1944
Goirle
Wilhelmina MF van Nuenen
12-24-1938
05-10-1944
Goirle
Cornelis MF van Nuenen
31-05-1941
05-10-1944
Goirle
Marina MA van Nuenen
10-06-1944
05-10-1944
Goirle
Cornelis W. van de Pol
11-01-1920
05-10-1944
Goirle
Josephus AJ Vekemans
11-21-1890
10-10-1944
Goirle
Peter C. van Erven
27-01-1871
11-10-1944
Tilburg
Catherine C. Glock-Otten
9/23/1907
13-10-1944
Goirle
Johannes C. Couwenberg
12-29-1910
10-22-1944
Tilburg
Adrianus JC van Erven
16-08-1904
10-20-1944
Goirle
Anna MCP v. Laarhoven-v. Boxtel
10-27-1901
10-20-1944
Goirle
Maria HJ van Laarhoven
19-11-1937
10-20-1944
Goirle
Josephina TM Eijsermans
20-01-1929
10-25-1944
Goirle
Christina T. Janssen-Tegelaers
10-01-1917
10-25-1944
Goirle
Henry J. Martens
02-12-1893
10-25-1944
Goirle
Florentinus PH Vekemans
04-04-1914
?? -10-1944
Goirle
Cornelia JH van de Pol
02-05-1934
02-11-1944
Goirle
Hendrina Aarts Brok
08-11-1891
04-11-1944
Tilburg
Wilhelmus M. Denissen
04-08-1917
11-30-1944
Goirle
Johannes BAM Eijsermans
10-07-1919
06-12-1944
Goirle
August E. Glock
17-05-1913
??-??-1944
Eastern Europe
Peter AM Hendriks
18-04-1937
24-01-1945
Goirle
Arthur Calvin
23-04-1937
02-02-1945
Goirle
Francisca M. Roosen
8/15/1925
02-02-1945
Tilburg
Henricus JAM Simons
12-25-1940
02-02-1945
Goirle
Anthony B.M. de Vet
07-11-1931
02-02-1945
Goirle
Anny AH van der Zande
03-01-1924
02-02-1945
Tilburg
Anna JM de Laat
5/26/1937
03-02-1945
Goirle
Henricus PJ van Rijswijk
27-04-1907
03-22-1945
Goirle
Goirlenaren in concentration camps
Erich Dashe
:
08-04-1898
10-31-1943
Schoppinitz
Edith Dashe
18-05-1903
05-10-1942
Auschwitz
Valerie R. Dasche
8/25/1931
05-10-1942
Auschwitz
Elisabeth C. Dashe
8/25/1933
05-10-1942
Auschwitz
Tobias J. Dashe
01-08-1941
05-10-1942
Auschwitz
Johannes AE Stabel
09-09-1901
27-06-1943
Natzweiler
Cornelis JP Brekelmans
6/24/1910
07-12-1944
Neuengamme
Christian JM Adams
25-01-1923
17-12-1944
Neuengamme
Cornelis G. Bikkers
25-01-1925
03-05-1945
Neuengamme or Lubeck
Shot at Gorp and Rovert:
Robert Baelde
22-07-1907
15-08-1942
Goirle
Christopher Bennekers
5/28/1894
15-08-1942
Goirle
Otto EG Count of Limburg Stirum
13-04-1893
15-08-1942
Goirle
William Ruys
8/25/1894
15-08-1942
Goirle
Alexander Schimmelpenninck van der Oye
12-21-1913
15-08-1942
Goirle
Goirlese soldiers:
Jan van der Wal (killed in action)
11-21-1912
10-05-1940 Heumen
Anton CW Versteden (ditto)
06-08-1919
11-05-1940 Delft
Adrianus ALC Mallens (ditto)
03-09-1911
17-05-1940Dunkirk (Fr)
Cornelis P. Verhagen
21-07-1910
02-03-1942 Soebang position
(N. Indies)
Johannes A. Beekmans
02-07-1917
24-12-1945 Toulouse (Fr)
Allied soldiers in Goirle died:
Buried at St. Jan cemetery in Goirle: 21 British, 4 Poles and 2 Australians Buried at Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom: 17 Canadians Buried at War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom: 9 British Buried at War Cemetery Leopoldsburg (Belgium): 10 British Buried at US Cemetery'Ardennes\\\' Neuville and Condroz: 1 American
Buried at St. Jan cemetery in Goirle: 21 British, 4 Poles and 2 Australians Buried at Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom: 17 Canadians Buried at War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom: 9 British Buried at War Cemetery Leopoldsburg (Belgium): 10 British Buried at US Cemetery'Ardennes\\\' Neuville and Condroz: 1 American
German soldiers killed in Goirle:
Many German soldiers also died in the fighting around Goirle. However, the exact number is not known. Because many died near the border, the field graves were on both sides of the border. All the fallen were in a field grave and those who were on Dutch territory were reburied after the war at the German Cemetery near IJsselsteijn-Venray. Over the years, all German soldiers who fell in the Netherlands have been transferred to this cemetery. Now 31,598 German soldiers are buried there. From Goirlese field graves, 70 German soldiers were reburied in IJsselsteijn-Venray.
Material damage:
The material damage was enormous, especially due to the shelling from 5 to 27 October 1944.
Completely destroyed: 3 houses, 4 farms and 2 miscellaneous. Badly damaged: 11 houses, 1 farm, 1 shop, 1 factory
and 2 miscellaneous.
Much damaged: 38 houses, 7 farms, 7 shops,
6 factories, 4 cafes, 2 schools, 2 monasteries,
1 church and tower and 4 miscellaneous.
Slightly damaged: 509 houses, 34 farms, 37 shops,
6 factories, 11 cafes, 4 schools, 1 monastery,
1 town hall, 1 union building,
1 youth house/chapel, 1 barracks, 1 border office,
1 post office and 9 miscellaneous.
NB'miscellaneous\\\' includes: bridges, sheds, cemetery, telephone exchange, etc.
Almost half of the houses in Goirle had been damaged. The southwestern side of Goirle in particular was hit hardest. The Bergstraat took the crown with 110 homes.
The material damage was enormous, especially due to the shelling from 5 to 27 October 1944.
Completely destroyed: 3 houses, 4 farms and 2 miscellaneous. Badly damaged: 11 houses, 1 farm, 1 shop, 1 factory
and 2 miscellaneous.
Much damaged: 38 houses, 7 farms, 7 shops,
6 factories, 4 cafes, 2 schools, 2 monasteries,
1 church and tower and 4 miscellaneous.
Slightly damaged: 509 houses, 34 farms, 37 shops,
6 factories, 11 cafes, 4 schools, 1 monastery,
1 town hall, 1 union building,
1 youth house/chapel, 1 barracks, 1 border office,
1 post office and 9 miscellaneous.
NB'miscellaneous\\\' includes: bridges, sheds, cemetery, telephone exchange, etc.
Almost half of the houses in Goirle had been damaged. The southwestern side of Goirle in particular was hit hardest. The Bergstraat took the crown with 110 homes.
Height Profile
Directions
| # | Description | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nieuwe Rielseweg, 5051PD, Goirle, North Brabant, The Netherlands | 0.00 km | ||
| Doctor Schaepmanstraat, 5051JL, Goirle, North Brabant, The Netherlands | 22.11 km |
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