BERGEN-OP-ZOOM WAR CEMETERY
Noord-Brabant
Netherlands
GPS Coordinates Latitude: 51.50209 Longitude: 4.33289
Location Information
Bergen-op-Zoom is a town in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant, 40 kilometres north-west of Antwerp (Belgium). Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery and Bergen-op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery are almost next to one another, 3 kilometres east of the town centre, on a road named Ruytershoveweg, which runs parallel with the A58 Bergen-op-Zoom to Roosendaal motorway.
The cemeteries can be reached from the motorway by taking the Bergen-op-Zoom exit, which leads on to Rooseveltlaan. At the first crossroads the cemeteries are signposted to the right. There is a further signposted right turn after 1 kilometre, and the cemeteries are 2 kilometres along this road on the left-hand side.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access to this site is possible, but may be by an alternative entrance.
Historical Information
Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery contains 1,284 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the Second World War. 116 of the burials are unidentified. Many of the casualties are as a result of the Battle for Walcheren (Operation Infatuate), at the beginning of November 1944. Walcheren was an island that dominated the the entrance to the River Scheldt, which the Germans fortified to prevent the allies gaining access to the vital deep water port at Antwerp. After a hard fought battle, that principally involved units from the 52nd (Lowland) Division, the 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade and the 4th Special Service Brigade, the island was secured on the 8th November 1944.
There are also seven First World War burials (one airman and six unknown sailors) and 21 war graves of other nationalities.
Total Burials: 1,312.
World War One Identified Casualty: United Kingdom 1. Total 1.
World War One Unidentified Casualties: 6. Total 6.
World War Two Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 1,087, Canada 46, New Zealand 23, Poland 18, Australia 12, Belgium 2, South Africa 1. Total 1,089.
World War Two Unidentified Casualties: 116.
Bergen-op-Zoom is a town in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant, 40 kilometres north-west of Antwerp (Belgium). Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery and Bergen-op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery are almost next to one another, 3 kilometres east of the town centre, on a road named Ruytershoveweg, which runs parallel with the A58 Bergen-op-Zoom to Roosendaal motorway.
The cemeteries can be reached from the motorway by taking the Bergen-op-Zoom exit, which leads on to Rooseveltlaan. At the first crossroads the cemeteries are signposted to the right. There is a further signposted right turn after 1 kilometre, and the cemeteries are 2 kilometres along this road on the left-hand side.
Visiting Information
Wheelchair access to this site is possible, but may be by an alternative entrance.
Historical Information
Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery contains 1,284 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the Second World War. 116 of the burials are unidentified. Many of the casualties are as a result of the Battle for Walcheren (Operation Infatuate), at the beginning of November 1944. Walcheren was an island that dominated the the entrance to the River Scheldt, which the Germans fortified to prevent the allies gaining access to the vital deep water port at Antwerp. After a hard fought battle, that principally involved units from the 52nd (Lowland) Division, the 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade and the 4th Special Service Brigade, the island was secured on the 8th November 1944.
There are also seven First World War burials (one airman and six unknown sailors) and 21 war graves of other nationalities.
Total Burials: 1,312.
World War One Identified Casualty: United Kingdom 1. Total 1.
World War One Unidentified Casualties: 6. Total 6.
World War Two Identified Casualties: United Kingdom 1,087, Canada 46, New Zealand 23, Poland 18, Australia 12, Belgium 2, South Africa 1. Total 1,089.
World War Two Unidentified Casualties: 116.
39377 Squadron Leader
Frank Leslie Herbert Eddison, D. F. C.
Pilot in 214 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
9th May 1941, aged 30.
Son of W. H. and Marion Eddison; husband of Jill Eddison.
Frank Leslie Herbert Eddison, D. F. C.
Pilot in 214 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
9th May 1941, aged 30.
Son of W. H. and Marion Eddison; husband of Jill Eddison.
PLY/X 104977 Sergeant
Harold Peace
Royal Marines, No. 48 R.M. Commando.
8th November 1944, aged 24.
Plot 16. A. 7.
Son of William Bryan and Rebecca Peace, of Beeston, Nottinghamshire.
Harold Peace
Royal Marines, No. 48 R.M. Commando.
8th November 1944, aged 24.
Plot 16. A. 7.
Son of William Bryan and Rebecca Peace, of Beeston, Nottinghamshire.
Crash Site at Den Helder
(Pictures © Frits Leenders)
148792 Pilot Officer
Ernest Frederick Victor
Pilot in 236 Squadron, Royal Air Force
18th July 1943, aged 24.
Joint grave 29. A. 1-2.
Son of Ernest and Catherine Emily Kidd, of Canvey Island, Essex.
His headstone bears the inscription "Our Treasured Son Always In Our Thoughts. Mum And Dad"
Ernest Frederick Victor
Pilot in 236 Squadron, Royal Air Force
18th July 1943, aged 24.
Joint grave 29. A. 1-2.
Son of Ernest and Catherine Emily Kidd, of Canvey Island, Essex.
His headstone bears the inscription "Our Treasured Son Always In Our Thoughts. Mum And Dad"
149154 Pilot Officer
Harold Cuthbert Stevenson
Navigator in 236 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
18th July 1943, aged 22.
Joint grave 29. A. 1-2.
Son of William and Dorothy Spours Stevenson; husband of Audrey Dorothy Stevenson, of Dursley, Gloucestershire.
His headstone bears the inscription "To Live In Hearts We Leave Behind Is Not To Die"
Harold Cuthbert Stevenson
Navigator in 236 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
18th July 1943, aged 22.
Joint grave 29. A. 1-2.
Son of William and Dorothy Spours Stevenson; husband of Audrey Dorothy Stevenson, of Dursley, Gloucestershire.
His headstone bears the inscription "To Live In Hearts We Leave Behind Is Not To Die"
Images in this gallery © Johan Pauwels
