Yank re-enactment at the Paulushoef:
Some people have a passion for living history. During National museum weekend in
the Netherlands, ‘The Klondikes’ and ‘Yank re-enactment’ set up a WWII style aid-station
at the Paulushoef farm in Son. The Paulushoef farm is located on the dropzone which
was used by the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Market Garden in September
1944.
Museum ‘Wings of liberation’, together with the members of ‘Wheels’, organised tours
in military vehicles. Visitors were driven towards the dropzone where they could
see an aid-station, almost identical to the original aid station set up at the Helena
Hoeve in September 1944. The Helena Hoeve is located just west of the Paulushoef
farm, in the Soniuswijk in Son. Berta Roefs, who lived in the Helena Hoeve during
the war, was 30-years-old when the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division jumped
into combat. While she was in the air raid shelter, military medical personnel had
set up an aid station at her parents’ farm. Her nextdoor neighbor, Wan van Overveld,
picked her up today, to show her the replica Helena Hoeve aid station. They went
to great lenghts to give an accurate impression of a WWII style aid station by dressing
up in vintage uniforms and civilian clothing. Every detail was taken care of and
the visitors truly enjoyed the experience. A special thanks for the hospitality of
the van Overveld family and all participants who gave the visitors a great day!
To see some links of interest click on:
Berta Roefs - Her story
The Paulushoef farm in September 1944
The Klondikes
Yank re-enactment’s website
