TracesOfWar.com

Memorial Harry Traast

(Netherlands, the - Zeeland - Vlissingen)

The cross on the picture has been placed in 1998 and is positioned outside the Hogeschool Zeeland, but is in a poor shape.
The plaque has been placed in the Hogeschool Zeeland and revealed by an also 17 year old pupil in the presence of the president of the association of commandos and many former commandos.

Text on the information shield next to the plaque:
Once also he was a pupil.

During the war 1940 – 1945 the city of Flushing was bombed 88 times by allied bombers. These bombing raids were aimed at German targets.
Therewith Flushing was the most bombed city of The Netherlands . In total 334 civilians lost their lives.
On Sunday night 15th of August, 1943, Flushing again was hit by the bombs of 92 American bombers. 41 civilians perished, amongst whom the 17 year old Harry Traast. Harry was hit on the spot where today the Hogeschool Zeeland has been built. Because of the many explosions Harry’s body was never found and has therefore been registered as missing.

This plaque has been provided by the Bond van Oud Stoottroepers en Stoottroepers, BOSS. (the association of commandos and former commandos).
9 – 12 – 2005

Source

• Text: Mia van den Berg
• Photos: Mia van den Berg