Kalkman, Jan

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

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.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

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:: May 20th, 1943

Dutch language citation available.

Royal Decree No.4, dated May 20th, 1943.

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

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.