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
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 21 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Harold E. Kious Rescued (here, next to this marker); Molen de Traanroeier / Windmill de Traanroeier / Mόhle de Traanroeier (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Rampspoed in het verleden / Disaster in the Past (approx. 6.3 kilometers away); Beaufighter NE746 Crash Memorial (approx. 7.8 kilometers away); Leo Pinkhof (approx. 11.1 kilometers away); Slag bij Kijkduin (21 augustus 1673) / Battle of Texel (August 21, 1673) (approx. 12.8 kilometers away); Gemaal Eijerland / Eijerland Pumping Station (approx. 13.3 kilometers away);
this page online
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.)
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 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
