Memorial Resistance Fighter Roger Schollaert

On the facade of a barn, among the ivy, hangs a plaque commemorating Roger Schollaert.
"Was born here
Roger SCHOLLAERT on 18-4-1914
Held here on 27-5-1944
Died a martyr
at Mauthausen 1-2-45 "

Roger Schollaert was group commander of the Partisans.

He was involved in the escape of Sergeant Charles Harold Lambert Jr.
This American belonged to the USA AF Bomber Squadron, as a right side hatch gunner.
On March 2, 1944, during his 9th mission, he was a member of the crew of a bomber B-17 commanded by pilot Glen Hufnail and bomber James Ellis. Over Cologne, their plane was hit in the right wing and the fuel tank caught fire over Belgium. Due to the risk of explosion, the pilot gave the order to evacuate.
In his escape report, Lambert briefly explained that he landed safely after his jump.
After landing, he hid in the middle of a haystack, where German soldiers couldn't find him, despite searching the area with their bayonets.
Roger Schollaert, farmer at Steenhuizestraat in Sint-Lievens-Esse, was one of the resistance fighters who helped him. Lambert lived for a short time in Steenhuize and later, probably led by resistance fighters, left for Ostiches. then to Meslin-L'Evêque and finally to Brussels where he had several hiding places.
He was always helped by organizations.


Source: Fiche d’évadé-Réseau Comète: Charles Harold Lambert.

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Source

• Text: Marie-Christine Vinck
• Photos: Marie-Christine Vinck