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Land, Addick Adrianus

Date of birth:
October 26th, 1911 (Haarlem, the Netherlands)
Date of death:
August 16th, 1974 (Amersfoort, the Netherlands)
Service number:
1939
Nationality:
Dutch

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Kapitein (Captain)
Unit:
Civil Affairs, Headquarters, XII Corps, British Army
Awarded on:
February 1945
Citation:
"During the whole period of operations carried out by 12 Corps in the Netherlands this officer's work has been of great value. Most has been done in the forward areas. He has invariably shown great coolness and resource in trying circumstances. This was particularly so during the period 10 Nov to 8 Dec 44. On 3 Dec. 44 he entered BLERICK 8909 Immediately behind the leading ??? when entry was only possible on feet or in a tracked vehicle and the danger of mines was considerable. Over three thousand of the inhabitants remained but all responsible administrative officials had been removed by the enemy. Evacuation was necessary. It could only done at night because the entry and exit were under observation by day. This officer appointed temporary officials to plan, order and execute the evacuation. He himself was the main driving force of this body. For six days and nights interrupted by mortar and shell fire and often in earshot of the enemy he worked unceasingly. The successful completion of the task was, in large measure, due to his unselfishness and devotion to duty"

WO 373/155/280
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Sources

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