Eerbetoon Geallieerde Vliegeniers Lingewaal
Allied Airmen Tribute Lingewaal
Asperen-Herwijnen-Heukelum-Spijk-Vuren
During World War II four Allied planes were shot down and one made an emergency landing in what is now the municipality of Lingewaal in the Netherlands. Out of the six airmen three were killed in action, one is still missing and two became prisoner of war. This is their story.
Why a tribute?
The Allied air offensive played a crucial role in defeting Nazi Germany. Without the destruction of the German war industry and infrastructure World War II would have lasted much longer and would have cost many more victims. Yet this part of the war is relatively unknown in the Netherlands despite the fact that in nearly every Dutch village, town or city Allied and German planes crashed.
War II and the stories of these airmen are now far behind us and the number of people who experienced the war is quickly diminishing. It is therefore very important that we keep remembering those young men who contributed so much for our freedom so far from their homes.Their efforts and sacrifices cannot be forgotten and what better way than by a permanent and visible tribute.The historic societies of Herwijnen, Heukelum, Spijk and Vuren are working together to make this possible. It is a tribute in which education for young and old is at the center. We have to preserve and pass on this important part of our recent history.
Mei 1945, door de Duitsers geïnundeerd land .
Lockheed P-38 Lightning