A Dutch family who tend to the graves of Australian aviators have received personal thanks from the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.
In southern Netherlands, at a town called Eindhoven, lies the Woensel General Cemetery.
It is the final resting place for Sergeant Farquharson Proctor and Sergeant Mervyn Lionel Vivian Hass, Royal Australian Air Force aviators from 464 Squadron, who passed away on December 6, 1942 during Operation Oyster.
Operation Oyster was a bombing raid on Sinterklaas day (Saint Nicholas day) against the Philips radio valve company at Eindhoven. 464 Squadron inflicted significant damage on the target, losing three aircraft to anti-aircraft fire.
Sergeant Proctor from Brighton, Victoria, was just 21 years old when he passed. Sergeant Hass from Oakey, Queensland, was 27 years of age.
Air Marshal Chappell travelled to Eindhoven on April 27 to meet local man Erik Adriaensen. Mr Adriaensen and his family have kind-heartedly adopted and cared for the graves of Sergeant Hass and Sergeant Proctor.
Mr Adriaensen's family moved to Eindhoven in 1983, to a home that was close to the site where a 464 Squadron aircraft had crashed during Operation Oyster.
He had always had a strong interest in World War 2, and started to investigate what happened at Eindhoven. When he discovered that the crash was close to where he lived, he decided to adopt and care for the 464 Squadron graves.
The graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, but the Adriaensen family visit the graves on special days.
"We visit the graves on the birthdays of the air crew, Liberation Day, All Souls' Day, and Christmas Eve," Mr Adriaensen said.
"On Christmas Eve we light candles on the graves, and on special days we drink whisky at the grave and 'give some' to the air men, by tipping a little on the grave."
For the Adriaensen family, caring and visiting the graves has been an important way to educate their children on what happened during World War 2. They believe that each grave should have a picture of the individual, to help people remember and connect with the personal stories of those who gave their lives.
'It was a great privilege to meet Erik and Christine Adriaensen in Eindhoven to thank them personally for the care they have shown to the graves of our fallen aviators.'
When Mr Adriaensen received an email from the Chief of Air Force's office, he admitted he was quite shocked.
"I wondered, 'How did they find us?' I was very honoured to be asked to meet [the Chief], and although recognition is not why we do what we do, it felt very special," he added.
Mr Adriaensen was joined at this meeting by his wife Christine, his brother Reiner Adriaensen, who is a Royal Netherlands Air Force Officer, and his sister-in-law, Marjan Adriaensen.
Air Marshal Chappell presented Mr Adriaensen with a gift and his coin, and told the family the story of the coin. He thanked them for their efforts and service.
"It was a great privilege to meet Erik and Christine Adriaensen in Eindhoven to thank them personally for the care they have shown to the graves of our fallen aviators," Air Marshal Chappell said.
"It was poignant for me as Chief of Air Force to have had the opportunity to meet them a few days after Anzac Day.
"To know that the graves of our Australian service personnel, on the other side of the world, are so well cared for is a source of great comfort to both families and the Australian Defence Force."
Note: Sadly the Royal Australian Air Force has learnt of the passing of Erik Adriaensen since this meeting occurred. His kindness, generosity, and ongoing support to our fallen servicemen will not be forgotten.
