The English version of the email of Geheugen van Zeist.

Invitation to the Unveiling of Memorial Stones at Utrechtseweg 48 in Zeist

Zeist, March 2025
📌 Dutch version above / English version below

Dear invitee,

The organizations Geheugen van Zeist, Luchtoorlog Zeist, and the 4 & 5 May Committee cordially invite you to a special gathering on Monday, April 14, for the unveiling of memorial stones at the former TNO building at Utrechtseweg 48 in Zeist.

Alderman Walter van Dijk, together with relatives of those involved, will perform the unveiling ceremony. Prior to the unveiling, a brief gathering will be held at the Community Hall of the Sionskerk, Jacob Catslaan 73, starting at 4:00 PM (doors open at 3:45 PM). After the gathering, we will walk, cycle, or drive to the crash site near Utrechtseweg 48.

⚠ Registration required: Due to the high number of relatives attending, seats for the pre-ceremony gathering are almost full. You can sign up for the (reserve) list here.
The unveiling of the memorial stones itself has no attendance limit.

The Air War in Zeist and the Crash of Lancaster KB734

During World War II, Zeist and its surroundings were repeatedly affected by the air war. No fewer than 17 aircraft crashed within the municipality, while numerous bombings and stray munitions left their mark. For some time now, Jasper Leunk of Luchtoorlog Zeist has been researching these events and documenting their impact on Zeist via www.luchtoorlogzeist.nl.

One of the most intriguing stories is that of the RCAF Lancaster KB734. During a mission on the night of June 16-17, 1944, this bomber was shot down over Zeist. The crash set off a remarkable chain of events, involving the discovery of a cap, a link to the golf club, parachutists, the resistance, and connections with relatives—many of whom will be present.

This unveiling is a tribute to the fallen crew members, civilians, and soldiers who were involved in the air war around Zeist. Their stories deserve to be told and remembered.

🗓 Note: On Wednesday, April 9, at 8:00 PM, Jasper Leunk and eyewitness Peter van der Werff (91) will be guests on Slotstad Radio to discuss the crash.

Geheugen van Zeist

These memorial stones are part of a broader project that commemorates resistance fighters, Holocaust victims, people in hiding, and significant events and locations from World War II in Zeist, Austerlitz, Den Dolder, Huis ter Heide, and Bosch en Duin. This initiative aims to create a permanent remembrance route that preserves the memory of WWII.

The project is an initiative of Geheugen van Zeist and the 4 & 5 May Committee Zeist, and is carried out by volunteers. The stories behind these events and locations can be found on www.geheugenvanzeist.nl, a website developed by the heritage partners of Zeist.

We look forward to your presence.