Nationality:

Dutch

Following the capitulation of the Dutch Army in 1940, Hans van Roosendaal and his father decided to go to Paris. Once there, Hans became driver of an ambulance section of the French Army and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his achievements under hazardous circumstances.
After the capitulation of France he decided to escape to England and he succeeded after having traveled over the Pyrenees mountains. Once in England he reported for duty with the RAF and after his flight training he was posted to 322 Dutch Squadron.
April 1st, 1945 he was shot down by Flak near Zutphen and was caught by the Germans after having made an emergency landing. After interrogation in the city of Meppel he managed to escape from the train near the city of Zwolle. He was however caught soon after and was imprisoned on Havelte airfield. Together with a Norwegian and an American pilot, he managed to escape again. Evading the Germans they succeeded in reaching the oncoming Canadian troops.
Roosendaal served in 322 Squadron until the end of the war and remained in the Dutch Air Force.
During the 50’s he emigrated to Australia.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 29th, 1940

Awarded for having brought to safety two French officers under threat of German troops

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Reserve-Adjudant-Onderofficier-Vlieger

Unit:

322 Dutch Squadron RAF

Awarded on:

June 11th, 1945

Recommendation:
As pilot of 322 Dutch Squadron RAF on an operational mission against the enemy on April 1st, 1945 after having been forced by hostile anti-aircraft fire to perform an emergency landing behind enemy lines and subsequently having been taken prisoner.
For having displayed great courage, intiative and perseverance in his repeated efforts to escape and in his third effort managing to escape and rejoin his squadron.

Royal Decree no. 12 dated June 11th, 1945.
Awarded in October 1945 by H.R.H. Prince Berhard on Ypenburg Airbase.

• - The Dutch Medals Page
  - No. 322 (Dutch) RAF Squadron