Information about the webmaster:
I was born in the summer of ‘82 in Best, a small town just north of Eindhoven (the Netherlands). The interest in
WWII history ignited at a young age. My grandparents experienced the German occupation of the Netherlands,
and told me many stories of the war years.
After the war my grandfather, who lived in Best, told me about the battles that had been fought in Best. He took
me to the forest and showed me the Joe Mann monument. Joe Mann, an airborne soldier of the 101st Airborne
Division, who sacrificed his life to save the life of his brothers in battle.
That story got stuck in my head and I wanted to learn more. My grandmother later told me what it was like to
see the airborne troops landing in Son. She called them: ‘the angels from the sky’. The Airborne interest grew on
me, and evolved itself into a research project.
My grandfather had more to tell. My town wasn’t liberated by the American airborne troops, but by the 15th
Scottish Division. The brave Scots fought as lions for more then a month to retake my village from the Germans.
They lost many men in the process.
WWII history ignited at a young age. My grandparents experienced the German occupation of the Netherlands,
and told me many stories of the war years.
After the war my grandfather, who lived in Best, told me about the battles that had been fought in Best. He took
me to the forest and showed me the Joe Mann monument. Joe Mann, an airborne soldier of the 101st Airborne
Division, who sacrificed his life to save the life of his brothers in battle.
That story got stuck in my head and I wanted to learn more. My grandmother later told me what it was like to
see the airborne troops landing in Son. She called them: ‘the angels from the sky’. The Airborne interest grew on
me, and evolved itself into a research project.
My grandfather had more to tell. My town wasn’t liberated by the American airborne troops, but by the 15th
Scottish Division. The brave Scots fought as lions for more then a month to retake my village from the Germans.
They lost many men in the process.
WWII research became a hobby. Some of the research projects are already available on this website, some will be available over time. Most
research I’ve done is related to my hometown Best. But over time I extended my WWII interest in more divisions, regiments and battalions.
Although you might notice an emphasis on the 101st Airborne Division. But, not only the 101st saved Europe from oppression, hundreds of other
Divisions and soldiers from different nationalities helped to liberate Europe. They all deserve a warm place in my heart!
I am a member of foundation Remember September 1944 and during the year I visit lots of events to remember those valiant men who gave
their life for our freedom. I hope with telling some or their stories, people will continue remembering these brave men. Lest we forget!
Sincerely,
research I’ve done is related to my hometown Best. But over time I extended my WWII interest in more divisions, regiments and battalions.
Although you might notice an emphasis on the 101st Airborne Division. But, not only the 101st saved Europe from oppression, hundreds of other
Divisions and soldiers from different nationalities helped to liberate Europe. They all deserve a warm place in my heart!
I am a member of foundation Remember September 1944 and during the year I visit lots of events to remember those valiant men who gave
their life for our freedom. I hope with telling some or their stories, people will continue remembering these brave men. Lest we forget!
Sincerely,