A group of volunteers in the Netherlands is hoping to find more information on a Winnipegger that died during World War II.
David Van Coolwijk is one of the group members building a monument in Muiden, Netherlands. The monument is in memory of the crew of Halifax JB803, which crashed near the town on May 1, 1943.
The Royal Air Force plane was shot down by a German night fighter while on a bombing raid. All crew members on board died when the plane crashed.
Van Coolwijk says that each year he and his family would go to the airmen's graves on Christmas Eve and light candles in their honour.
Despite the crash taking place 75 years ago, Van Coolwijk says it's important to remember the people that served.
"They gave their lives for us. We can live now like we do, because of them. They gave everything, and we think that's very important to remember."
He says that they've decided to not just erect a monument but to find out more information about the crew. "At this point, if you go to the gravesite or monument, it's only names. It doesn't say anything. If you can tell a story about a crew member or show people a picture, it comes to life a bit."
That's important for helping people understand the reality of what people sacrificed.
No info on St. James airman
The group has had trouble tracking down info on St. James airman, Sgt. Thomas D. Scarff.
Van Coolwijk says that searching records has not turned up much information other than the fact that Scarff was from St. James. They would like to find out more information about Scarff to add to the monument.
If you have information on Scarff, Van Coolwijk says that you can contact him via email at davevancoolwijk[at]hotmail[dot]com
Tue, Jun 25, 4:00 PM
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