Oudeschild in Texel, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Siem de Waal Returns

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 1, 2026

1. Siem de Waal Returns Marker

Inscription.
On 11 May 1945 Texel born Siem de Waal from South Africa, attached to the Prinses Irene Brigade was the first allied soldier to arrive here to a spontaneous overwhelming welcome fit for a king

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is May 11, 1945.

Location. 53° 2.349′ N, 4° 51.08′ E. Memorial is in Oudeschild, Noord-Holland (North Holland), in Texel. It can be reached from Haven, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: Haven 2, Oudeschild, Noord-Holland 1792 AE, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

Atlantic Europe,

the Benelux Low Countries,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire

and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Harold E. Kious Rescued (here, next to this marker); De Zuiderhaven / The “South Harbor” (within shouting distance of this marker);

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De haven… / Der Haven… / The Harbour… (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); De Noorderhaven / The “North Harbor” (about 120 meters away); Molen de Traanroeier / Windmill de Traanroeier / Mühle de Traanroeier (about 180 meters away); Vliegtuigcrash Lancaster JA932 MG-M Gedenkteken / Lancaster JA932 MG-M Crash Memorial (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Bakker Steegie / Bakker Alley (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk van den Burg / Dutch Reformed Church of Den Burg (approx. 4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oudeschild.

Also see . . . Portrait photo of Siem de Waal (Nationaal Militair Museum). “Portrait of Siem de Waal, a South African volunteer with the Princess Irene Brigade in Great Britain” (Submitted on June 8, 2026.)

Siem de Waal Returns Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 1, 2026

2. Siem de Waal Returns Marker - wide view

The marker is the rightmost of the two visible here just to the left of the red car.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.