Kroeze, Jan Hendrik

Date of birth:: February 28th, 1919 (Weerselo, the Netherlands)
Date of death:: April 21st, 1945 (Hengelo, the Netherlands)
Buried on:: Dutch War Graves Catholic Cemetery Hengelo
Plot: V. Grave: 272.
Nationality:: Dutch

Biography

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Bronzen Leeuw (BL)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:: Nederlandse Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten (N.B.S.), Nederlands Verzet
Awarded on:: December 5th, 1952

Recommendation:
He has distinguished himself in combat against the enemy by exceptionally courageous and tactful conduct as a member of the KP organisation in Twenthe, making himself useful by receiving French PoW's who had escaped from Germany and escorting them to and across the border in Brabant and Limburg. He also frequently helped Allied aircrews from downed aircraft near the border, providing them with clothing and shelter.
He brought weapons from so-called droppings safely to Hengelo when the hiding place somewhere else had been compromised. He distributed weapons and gave instructions on how to use them.
He also disarmed several Germans, guarding the the railway when weapons were still in short supply.
He lost his life in a car accident shortly after the liberation of Twenthe.

Posthumously awarded (Royal Decfree no. 17)