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Kalkman, Jan

Date of birth:
August 10th, 1892 (Den Briel, the Netherlands)
Date of death:
November 4th, 1972 (Vlaardingen, the Netherlands)
Nationality:
Dutch (1815-present, Kingdom)

Biography

During the Second World War, Jan Kalkman commanded the tugs "Schelde", "Thames" en "Dexterous" (D-Day).

He was born in Den Briel on August 10th, 1892. On June 3rd, 1920 he married Neeltje Poldervaart (*Maassluis, June 4th, 1893). He died on November 4th, 1972.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Kapitein (Merchant Captain)
Unit:
Gezagvoerder, s.s. Schelde (W 156), Royal Navy Rescue Tug Section (Commanding Officer, s.s. Schelde (W 156), Royal Navy Rescue Tug Section)
Awarded on:
May 20th, 1943
Dutch language citation available.

Royal Decree No.4, dated May 20th, 1943.
Kruis van Verdienste (KV)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Kapitein (Merchant Captain)
Unit:
Gezagvoerder, s.s. Schelde (W 156), Royal Navy Rescue Tug Section (Commanding Officer, s.s. Schelde (W 156), Royal Navy Rescue Tug Section)
Awarded on:
February 13th, 1943
Citation:
"In heavy weather a floating dock, which was in tow of two tugs, broke away. Repeated efforts by the tugs to take her in tow again failed, and the dock was drifting rapidly towards the rocks nearby.
Captain Kalkman realised the danger of the situation. With great skill he brought his tug alongside the dock, made fast his lines and then towed her clear of danger. In the very bad weather conditions obtaining, high qualities of courage and leadership were required, and but for Captain Kalkman's action, the dock would have been lost."

Honorary member of the civil division.
Royal Decree dated February 13th, 1943.
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Kapitein (Merchant Captain)

Received with the clasps "OORLOGSDIENST KOOPVAARDIJ 1940 - 1945", "NEDERLAND MEI 1940" and "NORMANDIË 1944".
Oorlogsherinneringskruis (OHK)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Gezagvoerder (Merchant Captain)
Unit:
Gezagvoerder sleepboot "Dexterous" (Captain tug "Dexterous")
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Among other reasons also awarded for his work during World War Two.
Ridder in de Orde van Oranje Nassau (ON.5)

Sources

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