In 2015, as part of the commemorations for 70 years of liberation, a commemorative column was placed at the Old General Cemetery in Aalten to honour all local soldiers who fought on and around the Grebbeberg in May 1940. Seven servicemen from Aalten lost their lives during the conflict. Their names and photographs have been immortalised on the column.
The text on the column reads:
Soldiers from Aalten in May 1940
In the early morning of 10 May 1940, German troops invaded the neutral Netherlands. For our country, this marked the beginning of World War II. Mobilised Dutch soldiers took up positions in several lines of defence, including the Grebbe Line. Fierce fighting took place in the main resistance strip on and around the Grebbeberg near Rhenen.
Most soldiers survived the battle and were able to return to Aalten, often after a brief period as prisoners of war. Seven families remained in a state of uncertainty for some time. Eventually, they received the tragic news that their sons would not be returning; they had fallen in battle. Their lives were devastated by this great loss. At this site, all Aalten soldiers who fought in May 1940 are remembered.
Many residents of the Achterhoek, including a considerable number of young men from Aalten, were assigned to the 8th Infantry Regiment (8 R.I.). This unit played a vital role in the defence of the Grebbeberg. The poorly trained and equipped soldiers fought an unequal battle against an overwhelming enemy. Bravely, they attempted to hold their ground for as long as possible. The Germans, with awe, referred to the hill as ‘Der Teufelsberg’ (The Devil’s Mountain). Nevertheless, our country was forced to capitulate on 14 May 1940.
Fallen for the Fatherland on 12 and 13 May 1940:
- Private Jan ter Horst, 2-III-8 R.I. (22 years old)
- Private Gerhard Hellekamp, M.C.- II-8 R.I. (23 years old)
- Private Willem Lankhof, 2-III-8 R.I. (21 years old)
- Private Gerrit Römer, 2-III-8 R.I. (22 years old)
- Corporal Bernard Lievers, 2-III-8 R.I. (22 years old)
- Sergeant Marcel de Vries, 3-1-20 R.I. (19 years old)
- Sergeant Jan Roelofsen, 3rd Division Royal Marechaussee (36 years old)
More information: Nationaal Onderduikmuseum