Wellington Monument - Nieuwe Niedorp

A tribute to fallen air fighters. You pause here at the Wellington Monument and a memorial pole. Together they form a tribute to airmen who perished during the Second World War in the fight for peace and freedom.

In this region more than forty allied aircraft crashed. It concerned bombers and fighters, manned by young men from England, Canada, Australia, Poland and other parts of the world. They flew into the night, towards occupied Europe. Many did not return. The Vickers Wellington that is commemorated here, was a British twin-engine bomber. The aircraft crashed in the night of 22 to 23 June 1941. On board were five young Britons.

In Hollands Kroon stand dozens of memorial poles each with their own story. They are placed by the Foundation Memorial Poles Hollands Kroon. At every unveiling of a new memorial pole veterans give the last salute.

Although most memorial poles are placed for allied aircraft, the foundation acknowledges that also German aircraft crashed in Hollands Kroon and that the crew members were young men who lost their lives. The foundation strives to also tell these stories and possibly offer answers to next of kin.