Liberation memorial

The liberation of Wernhout on 27 October 1944

The 1944 liberation of Wernhout was a crucial event in local history, taking place in the context of the wider liberation operations in the Netherlands during World War II. In autumn 1944, as part of the Allied advance across Europe, Wernhout was liberated from German occupation on 27-10-1944.

This liberation was part of the wider Operation Market Garden, an ambitious attempt by the Allies to force a rapid push into Germany aimed at recapturing occupied territory in the Netherlands and ensuring the safety and freedom of its inhabitants. The liberation of Wernhout was a complex operation that required involvement of both local population and international Allied forces. It was the US 104th Infantry Division, nicknamed ‘The Timberwolves’, supported by the British 147th Regiment Royal Armoured Corps (RAC), armoured division, that fought against the Germans in the period from 25 to 27 October 1944, the day Wernhout was liberated.

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It is a period marked by both the harsh reality of war and the resilience and courage of those who fought for freedom. The memory of this time is kept alive through monuments and annual commemorations, which not only celebrate the liberation, but also honour the sacrifices made for the freedom we know today. It is important to keep remembering this history so that the lessons of the past are not forgotten and future generations remain inspired to cherish the values of freedom and democracy. Heavy fighting took place in the area of Wernhout, Maxburg, Maalbergen, Mereltjesstraat, Wernhoutsburg and Wernhoutse Heide with many casualties.

Memorial

Out of gratitude and recognition, our Foundation took the initiative and designed a memorial. It consists of a V-shaped steel structure against which a commemorative plaque is mounted.

The front view is a large V-shape symbolising:

• Victorie (overwinning) (Victory)
• Vrede, (Peace)
• Vrijheid, (Freedom)
• Veiligheid, (Security)
• Verbondenheid (Connectedness)
• Verhalen. (Stories)

We cannot show a photo or drawing at this time because the inauguration is yet to take place on 23 October 2024.

The memorial has come about thanks to a financial contribution from the Municipality of Zundert, De Mastboom Brosens Stichting and the Hooghe Heerlickheyt Wernhout Foundation.

Volunteers and suppliers have also contributed.

Thank you all for this!

23-10-2024: inauguration of the Wernhout Liberation Monument

The unveiling of the monument will take place on 23 October 2024, at about 10 a.m., in the presence of a delegation of the Timberwolves who will do a liberation tour coming from Wuustwezel and going via Wernhout and Zundert to Achtmaal. They will help inaugurate the monument.

The monument will stand in the park in front of the church. You are welcome to attend the unveiling.