Landingsmonument

Standing proudly on the Commandoweg in Vlissingen, the Landingsmonument is a powerful testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces during World War II. This monument, officially known as the National Monument for the 4th Commando Brigade, commemorates the amphibious landing of British, Dutch, and French commandos on November 1, 1944. It serves as a poignant reminder of the liberation of the island of Walcheren, a critical event in the broader Operation Infatuate.

The Genesis of the Landingsmonument

The inception of the Landingsmonument was driven by the initiative of British former commandos who wished to honor their fallen comrades. Sculpted by the talented artist Titus Leeser, the bronze statue depicts an attacking commando, capturing the fierce determination and courage of the soldiers. Leeser crafted this evocative piece in 1952 in his studio in Ommen, and it was unveiled on May 31, 1952, by the Dutch Minister of War, ir. C. Staf. The unveiling ceremony was a grand affair, with 250 veterans marching through the streets of Vlissingen, symbolizing the enduring bond between the liberators and the liberated.

The monument's pedestal features inscriptions in three languages—Dutch, English, and French—underscoring the international nature of the forces involved. The front of the pedestal simply reads No 4 Commando, while the side plaques bear heartfelt messages honoring the ranks of No. 4 Commando who fell during the war and the local citizens of Vlissingen who suffered during the occupation and at the moment of their liberation.

The 52nd Lowland Division Memorial

Adjacent to the Landingsmonument stands another significant memorial, dedicated to the 52nd Lowland Division. This division played a crucial role in the liberation of Walcheren, landing from Breskens on November 1, 1944. Initially installed on the Oranjebolwerk near the Oranjemolen, the memorial was moved to its current location in 1952 to accompany the Landingsmonument. The bronze plaque on this memorial solemnly commemorates the division's efforts and sacrifices in liberating the island.

Operation Infatuate I

The amphibious landing at Vlissingen was a critical component of Operation Infatuate I, part of the larger Operation Infatuate aimed at liberating Walcheren. On the early morning of November 1, 1944, the first wave of landing craft departed from Breskens, which had been under Allied control since October 20. The landings began with a preliminary artillery bombardment on German positions in Vlissingen, followed by the first assault wave landing around 6:35 AM at Uncle Beach near the Oranjemolen. The attack, led by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Dawson, involved commandos from the British No. 4 Commando, including French and Dutch troops.

Relocation to the Memorial Area

In 2014, the Landingsmonument and the 52nd Lowland Division memorial were relocated to a designated memorial area outside the dike, thanks to financial support from the Interreg project 'WWII-heritage'. This new location is historically significant, as it marks the spot where the commandos landed in 1944. Although there was initial resistance from local residents, the move was intended to honor the original vision of the monument's creators, allowing the depicted commando to appear as if he is storming the dike.

In the place of the original monument, a plaque with an inscription and a poem by Patrick Churchill, a member of No. 4 Commando, was installed. The poem reflects on the bravery of the commandos and the heavy price paid by the innocent during the liberation.

Permanent Exhibition at the Oranjemolen

Nearby, the Oranjemolen hosts a permanent exhibition detailing the impact of World War II on the occupiers, liberators, and local population. This exhibition, part of the Zeeuws maritiem muZEEum, features films, photographs, and firsthand accounts from those who experienced the war, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the events commemorated by the Landingsmonument.

The Landingsmonument in Vlissingen is not just a piece of history; it is a living tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Allied forces and the resilience of the local population. It stands as a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who fought to achieve it. A visit to this monument is a journey through a pivotal moment in history, offering a profound reflection on the past and its lasting legacy.