From the editor,

At the end of 2011, we would like to wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous Newyear. Meanwhile the winter-season commenced and eventually it turned out quieter, which allows us to indulge in other activities for the museum as well as preparing for the next season. Throughout the season and in particular during summer-holidays many tourists (from home and abroad visited our museum. One in every 100 visitors was requested by our volunteers to complete a form (museum questionnaire for Zeeland) after calling in at the museum. At the moment the results are processed. First analysis shows that we may conclude that our visitors are more than satisfied and that a visit is greatly recommendable. Since the last quarter we visited various (major) events at home and abroad; a few examples: In August we participated in the Ursul (Belgium) airfield show and displayed several historical vehicles. Due to the variety of our exhibits our stand was rather busy this time for two days. We also attended the Midden-Zeeland airfield show, in connection with the celebration of  “100 years of aviation in Zeeland”. We were offered a superb spot, which attrackted many visitors, thanks to our contribution of displayed historical operational vehicles. More about the (major) event we organised, the “Mallard Walking tour” elsewhere in this newsletter. Finally a few details about our development-plans of the so called “Liberation Park Zeeland”. It is gratifying to know that everything goes according to plan. In the first half of 2012 we hope to acquire 1470 m2 land to be used as a car park. A number of sponsors, who wil be revealed in appropiate terms in due coarse, enabled us to acquire this allotment. In the meantime the Borsele Council ensured the acquisition of the adjacent grounds. The remained required lot will be acquired next year, and we hope to commence with the first stage of the lay out of this grounds at the end of next year as soon as the wheat is harvested. At the moment some architects put real effort in finishing these plans. The all-round view will be announced through the media in the first half of 2012 and we will, obviously, keep you informed via our newsletter. If everything goes according to plan, this new stage will be opened for public on 31 October 2014. Overall, good perspectives at the end of the year.....

Interesting Local stories | Objects | Major J.D.C. Sixsmith | 6th Bn The Cameronians

On the day of the opening of the Liberation museum on 31 October 2009 Mike Sixsmith was present. Mike is the son of major J.D.C. Sixsmith who was killed on the Binnendijk in Nieuw- and Sint Joosland on the 3^rd of November 1944 during operation Mallard.

On Saturday 1 November 2009 (one day after the opening) Mike returned to the museum and took some personal belongings of his father, which he was keen to donate, with him.

These objects were his compass, a personal bible and a notebook he carried with him when he was killed. In 1944 these things were sent back to his (widow) wife Helen Sixsmith. This donation also included his bagpipe and sporran, for the last time used before his departure in 1940.

The story behind the killed major:
The first stage of operation Mallard went off smoothly, because the Sloe had been crossed without serious problems and the German defenders near the sea-dike, Derby, could be overpowered.

The second stage consisted of establishing a bridgehead on Walcheren. The Bijleveldhoeve of Arjaan Noorn on Derby Left, the left flank, was rapidly taken by the B-squad. The D-squad followed soon after. The right flank, Army Right, was controlled by the A- and C-squad.

Everything seemed to go smooth and it was expected that the advance could be continued. Gradually the left flank with the B- and D-squad moved along the Oostweg, passed the Hof Land- en Zeezicht of Mol to the second target, the Binnendijk. They had to cross this dike and clear of the enemies in the Oud Sint Jooslandpolder.

Corporal Bill Miller describes the advance to the Binnendijk as follows: “After the capture of the first farmhouse (Bijleveldhoeve) we moved on to the next farmhouse (Land- en Zeezicht) which was on fire; the screaming pigs burning alive still inside. By then unexpectedly a German machine-gun fired from the left side. We had to take cover in a ditch full of water. Instantly our “Vickers” returned fire and Rfn Burns and Rfn Dunlop tried to eliminate the machine-gunners. We kept going through the ditch towards the farm, but at once we were harassed by 88 mm grenades and mortars. We managed to reach the farm which was on fire. As soon as major Sixsmith and I ran to this farm a mortar struck close by, fortunately it did’t explode. The major said to me: “Had this one exploded, we would both have been dead”. About ten minutes later the major was killed near the Binnendijk". |Source: R. Hoebeke, "Slagveld Sloedam"|

100 years of aviation in Zeeland
As we mentioned in our previous newsletter we were invited to arrange a display of historical vehicles from the Second World War to enrich the “100 years of aviation in Zeeland” event. On Saturday 27 August about 9 a.m. we assembled at the museum whereupon we drove off with the historical vehicles towards the Midden-Zeeland airfield. Thanks to the fine weather and the several thousand spectators admiring our display, good publicity for the museum was made. It is obvious that our private photographer joined us and by clicking this link you will find some impressions of this event.

Zeeuwse museumnight
In succession of four previous succesful editions the museums of Zeeland and the Stichting Cultureel Erfgoed Zeeland (Zeeland Cultural Heritage Foundation) organised a Zeeland museumnight again on Friday 21 October 2011, in the autumn holidays in the Month of History. During this special late-night opening the museum organised various activities for visitors of any age. The programme commenced at 8 p.m. with a seeking-game for children after which the story-tellers took over the entertainment. While enjoying a snack and a drink our programme finished at midnight. We consider 233 visitors as a fine result.

2nd edition Mallard Walk proved succesful
On Saturday 29 October the 2nd edition of the “Mallard Walk” was held. This march is suitable for walkers of all ages. The youngest participants (<12 years of age) were transported to the Sloedam with historical vehicles, whereafter they walked back this track of 4 miles to the museum. The other walking distances were 8, 16.5 and 22 miles. This day was dominated by the commemoration activities. At 10.30 a.m. a sober and ceremonial commemoration took place near the Sloedam monuments. After the commemoration a column of more than 30 historical vehicles departed for the organised tour across the province of Zeeland. After noon at about 2 p.m. the column returned in Nieuwdorp where the joined musical societies of  E.M.M. - Kortgene and A.D.V.E.N.D.O – Wolphaartsdijk twice performed a liberation concert in the liberation pavilion.

We can look back at a lovely day with fine weather and 523 participants for the walk. We also like to thank everyone present at the commemoration near the Sloedam and thank all who travelled to Nieuwdorp for this special day. Some 623 pictures of this day are online, click here to view.

Acceptance of the Museumpass

As you may know we accept the Museumpass. Since 1 January 2011 your Museumpass provides free admission to the museum. The Liberation museum themselves doesn’t  (yet) sell these Museumpasses The Museumpass is a nice gift – for yourself or anyone else. And, nice to know: by buying the Museumpass you support other museums. Available online, or via 00 – 31 – 900 - 40409100

Liberation Museum Zeeland | Coudorp 41 | 4455 AH Nieuwdorp T: +31 (0)113 671475 - F: +31 (0)113 671465 Opening times: Winter season from November 9th to  April 30th Wednesday: open from 01.00 p.m. to 05.00 p.m. and Saturday: open from 10.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. Summer season from May 1st to November 8th Tuesday to Friday : open from 01.00 p.m. to 05.00 p.m. and Saturday: open from 10.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m.