PLEUN VERHOEF.
HS9/1528/3
transcription
N Dutch K.5.
Name: VERHOEF, Pleun.
P.T.C. 27-03-1943
N.T. 03-04-1943
Born: 30-11-1919, Place of birth unknown (Vianen).
Occupation: Corporal, Infantry.
Relatives.
Father: B. Verhoef, Dutch, place of birth unknown (Bastiaan Verhoef * 03-06-1893, Vianen, builder) .
Mother: H. Meywaard, Dutch, place of birth unknown (Hendrika Meijwaard * 11-11-1892, Vianen).
Sister: Adriana Verhoef, Dutch. Born 30-04-1919 Vianen.
Both at Kortendijk 3, Vianen aa de Lek, Holland.
Pte Address: Kortendijk 3, Vianen aan de lek, Holland.
Remarks 03-04-1943: To be trained as agent 02-04-1943.
ALIAS: VORSTMAN, L.
OSA signed: 18-04-1943.
S.D. signed: 02-05-1943.
NL to MT 06-05-1943.
Please arranged for this student to go to Group B schools on 16-05-1943.
D/CE-M.1 to MT-4 14-05-1943.
There is no security objection.
Sgt. Mendes STS-3 07-04-1943.
A rather closed character. As I remarked under 4, 5 and 4 are close friends with more or less the same tastes and the same temperament. Does not show any pronounced individualistic qualifications but will carry out a job successfully under good leadership. He is quite determined though not too resourceful.
15-04-1943.
As I have remarked previously 4 and 5 are close friends with the same tastes and general behaviour. As their past history shows they have been together since they left Holland. reaction to security instructions good. From security point of view I should say that inconspicuousness in behaviour was his main asset. Past history: born 30-11-1919 at Vianen aan Lek (S. Holland). Metal worker for 4 years. Called up October 1938; came to UK with his regiment via Belgium and France (Brest). Father, mother, sister still in Vianen aan Lek.
22-04-1943.
Strong personality. He is a quiet man possessing courage, self control and resourcefulness. Potential qualifications for leadership more than at first surmised. Very security minded.
30-04-1943.
Composedness of mind in his approach to a task and cautiousness in dealing with people still are his main characteristics. Otherwise nothing to report.
STS-51A 07-05-1943.
he is a hard and steadfast worker, taking pains to treat a subject as well as possible. This also holds good for all matters dealing with security. His physique is very good, though once again, contrary to what is so often the case with others, he will not attempt to make a display of it or be boastful.
Commdt. STS-5 30-11-1943.
A hard and willing worker. his powers of leadership have improved considerably and he has led several schemes with competence. Fit and very athletic.
STS-40 23-12-1943.
S-Phone. Qualified to maintain and operate the S-Phone in the field providing that he uses his own language.
Eureka. Very good pass. Capable of operating and maintaining Eureka sets. very keen student.
Reception Committee Work. A keen student who should do well in the field.
C.C. remarks: Recommended
STS-51A 04-05-1943.
Was instructed in the use of the leg-bag and demonstration descent was carried out for his benefit.
STS-50 27-06-1944.
Has been very friendly with 33K6, 33K7 and 33K13.
transcription
ORDERS for: VORSTMAN TOP SECRET Copy No. I
1. INFORMATION
The RAAD VAN VERZET is an organisation which has led an active part in underground activities in HOLLAND. Some of its cells have been penetrated from time to time, but it is believed that the main or head executive is still sound. A mission was sent to the field on 1st April 1944 (Celosse & Co) to approach the RVV and to give them the Allied Commander's directives for future action. The RVV being very security minded, would not interview our men until they had satisfied themselves that all was well. When they were eventually received by the RVV it was too late because, contrary to instructions, they had contacted several organisations, were known to the Gestapo and were arrested between 17th and 20th May. The RVV have reported the arrests and have asked for new men.
a. Operation name.
The name of your operation is RACQUETS, and you will be known by this name at the station of your departure. You will never use this name when you are in the field.
b. Code names in the Field.
I. your field name will be EITJES. This is the only name you or anyone else should use in messages from the field and it is the name by which you will be known by others members of the organisation.
II. The operational name of KRANT is FIVES, and his name in the field and in telegrams is BAREND.
III. The operational name of WEES is BOWLS and his name in the field and in telegrams will be ALBERTUS.
IV. The operational name of BOREL is HALMA and his name in the field and in telegrams will be HUBERTUS.
2. INTENTION.
You will establish contact with the RVV through the address given in Annexe I. The person at the address will put you in touch with the heads of the RVV. You will inform them that your mission with the is to act as a saboteur instructor and/or Reception Committee leader, depending on their immediate requirements.
You will always observe the security instructions they give you, and in no circumstances reveal to anybody other than your contact that you have come from this country. Your cover can be that of "onderduiker" but nothing more. You will never make contacts with other organisations or persons unless these are arranged by the RVV. The men who went on 1st April made these mistakes, hence their arrest. You must be patient because the RVV will not tolerate mistakes through imprudence to the detriment of probably hundreds of other men.
You will assist the RVV and advise them on all matters in which you have received instruction in this country. You must insist that the RVV arrange for you a safehouse in HOLLAND and arrange their sabotage organisation in such a manner that it will never clash with or compromise their other activities. This is most important.
You will never overburden the WT operator with messages, neither will you pass to us intelligence matter, as your mission is not connected with intelligence. If we require information we will ask you for it.
a. Reception Committees.
A reception committee should be made up of people of whom you have or can obtain full knowledge and feel absolutely sure. It is imperative that you bear in mind the security precautions and recruit personnel so that, should one man be arrested, he will not be in a position to give information which might prejudice other people or the organisation. You should never attend a reception committee unless absolutely necessary. Once this committee has been formed, you will advise us when it is ready to start work, the quantity of containers which it can handle safely at one time, and also send us for approval at least two suggested dropping points at which reception committees could receive stores on any single night, bearing in mind that if several grounds are accepted, it might be necessary to put all the operations on together on one night at the various dropping points. The seize of the committees will be at your own discretion and will depend upon the quantity of material you wish to receive.
b. Co-ordinates.
Normally, you will use maps of the Netherlands, scale 1:50.000. If, however, you are unable to procure these maps you may use the ANWB maps in the manner in which you have been trained, also giving the distance and bearings of the two nearest villages, towns, or places. In any case, always give the series number and scale of the map which you are using. See Annexe II.
You have been instructed in reception work and as to the type of grounds that are suitable. It is necessary to keep some distance away from anti-aircraft defences and also to avoid zones which are usually patrolled by German night fighters.
c. Lighting System.
See Annexe III for instructions as to the lighting system you must use.
d. Convention to be used by Committee.
You will receive a microprint of the conventions you must use. See Annexe III.
e. Special Orders to the Field.
You will take with you to the field microprints of certain special orders which will be camouflaged. See Annexe IV.
4. METHODE.
On the first favourable night in the July moon period, you, BAREND, ALBERTUS and HUBERTUS will be dropped together by parachute in HOLLAND at a point which will be explained to you prior to your departure.
Immediately upon landing, you will proceed with your package to your safehouse which is close by. Your parachute equipment must be buried or destroyed. The two packages containing ALBERTUS' WT equipment will be buried separately and in such a manner that a third person would be able to find them. if it is considered not safe for you to go there personally.
Contact Address. As explained in Annexe I.
Residence. This must be arranged for you by the RVV and you should not be housed with BAREND, HUBERTUS or ALBERTUS; you should never communicate with each other unless this is done by cut-out.
4. ADMINISTRATION.
You will carry with you the sum of Hfl. 5000,- for your own personal use; also 2500 French Francs and 2500 Belgian Francs should you require these in case of emergency.
In addition to the above, you and BAREND will each take with you the sum of Hfl. 25.000,- This total amount -
Hfl, 50.000,- is for the RVV; you will only hand it over when somebody from the RVV asks you for it. Although you and BAREND will only give him a total of Hfl. 50.000,- this man will ask for Hfl. 50.001,- this is simply a check that the money is going to the right person.
a. Package-Equipment-Camouflage.
I. Your personal baggage will consist of one paper parcel.
II. You will have in your pocket the sum of Hfl. 150,- in small money for your immediate needs.
III. The remainder of your personal money (Hfl. 4850,- Ffrs.2500,- and Bfrs. 2500,-) is camouflaged in a money belt.
IV. BAREND, ALBERTUS and HUBERTUS will all have Hfl. 5000,- Ffrs. 2500,0 and Bfrs. 2500,- on their persons. BAREND
will also be carrying Hfl. 25.000,- for the RVV.
VI. Your code (one-Time-Pad) etc will be camouflaged as per Annexe XII.
VII. In HUBERTUS' suitcase there is a silent .32 with 50 rounds of ammunition. He will hand these to you as soon as
convenient.
b. Cover Story. See Annexe V.
c. Clothing. You will receive these in accordance with your requirements.
d. Equipment. You have been interviewed as to your requirements for the field and you will receive these and your
parachute at the station of departure, See Annexe VI.
e. Documents. You have been issued with a Dutch Identity Card.
f. Return to this Country. You have been interviewed by an officer with regard to routes and have been given all the necessary information. See Annexe VII.
5. COMMUNICATIONS.
a. In the field. You will use the various methods which you have been taught: postboxes, Cut-outs, etc. Messages will
not be sent by you direct to the WT operator, but will be passed to and from the RVV. The RVV will then pass them
to the WT operator.
b. Wireless. You will do all the encoding and decoding of your messages. You will never show your codes to anyone
else and you will always destroy that part of your One-Time-Pad which has been used for past messages. This is
very important because if you do not do this and if you are caught by the Gestapo, they will not only be able to
decode your past messages but will also be able to find your correct secret number. records of messages exchanged
with us should not be kept. See Annexe XI.
c. Innocent Letters.
Code. You will use the convention which you have been taught. See Annexe VIII.
Address. You will send your Innocent Letters to an address as per Annexe VII.
Signatures. You will sign your Innocent Letters EITJES; if we write to you we shall sign LISBET.
d. BBC Messages. On the first, second and third days and on the two following Sundays we shall broadcast as per
Annexe IX. This will serve to prove your bona fides, if necessary.
e. Safehouse (Emergency Address). It is important that we should remain in contact with you and, if possible, you
should give us an address before you leave for the field. If you are unable to do this, you should let us have an
address at the first possible opportunity by WT. For password and reply, see Annexe VII.
f. Identity Checks. If we have reason to suppose that you have been arrested and that the Germans are working the
transmitter, we shall ask you an 'innocent' question. If you are safe you will give us the correct answer, but if we do
nor receive the correct answer we shall presume that you are in enemy hands. See Annexe X.
g. Pigeons. You will take with you a pigeon by which you can send a message advising us of a safe landing. Pigeons
can also be sent later to your Reception Committees. By this methode you will be able to send us long and codes
messages or even film negatives of printed matter, plans, etc.
6. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.
Your rank on leaving this country will be 2/Lt. and your salary will be credited to your account with the Dutch Government.
LONDON, 26th June, 1944
transcription
VORSTMAN
You have been trained in the use of the EUREKA set. The EUREKA's are being dropped to an RVV Reception Committee and will be part of your mission to:
1. Claim these two sets from the RVV explaining they were, or will be, dropped at the reception ground BERTUS.
2. Put these tow sets into operation at, or as near to as possible, pinpoints which we shall send to you in HOLLAND
once you have advised us that you are installed and that you are in possession of the two sets.
Owing to your other activities it may be impossible for you to operate these sets continually throughout the whole moon periods, and you will therefore consult the RVV for the recruiting and training of two men to do nothing else but operate the sets.
You will be given a list of code signals for each set and will be explained the type of BBC messages which will be broadcast. We shall explain to you the wireless message which type of BBC message will be applicable to each set.
The object of this special mission is to assist the RAF for dropping operations in HOLLAND and bombing operations in GERMANY.
It may be necessary to have sets switched on on each night of moon periods and for the whole of the standby times. Operators will therefore see that they have spare accumulators so that the EUREKAs can be in constant use if necessary.
transcription
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH EUREKA Nr. 563.
1. CALLS for No. 563 will be:
DATE YOU
1 JL
2 VI
3 ZN
4 TT
5 QM
6 YE
7 SI
8 JH
9 XB
10 QW
11 VL
12 ZE
13 SU
14 QH
15 JN
16 SZ
17 YT
18 LV
19 VY
20 JU
21 YM
22 PI
23 VF
24 YR
25 PB
26 JJ
27 XF
28 PW
29 VX
30 SQ
31 JQ
2. a. BBC messages will be transmitted in connection with this EUREKA when Home Station wishes you to operate.
2. b. Times and days to be arranged between Home Station and Out Station.
3. A six figure number will be broadcasted over the Flemish Belgian News Service at 18:30 hours GMT. Wave lenghts are as follows:
Long Wave 1500 m.
Medium Wave 261 m.
Short Wave 25 m.
31 m.
41 m.
49 m.
For example:
The six-figure numbers may be 278129.
This will be broadcast as TWEE ZEVEN ACHT EEN TWEE NEGEN.
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH EUREKA Nr. 562.
1. CALLS for No. 562 will be:
DATE YOU
1 CW
2 EX
3 MD
4 KI
5 VU
6 EB
7 MI
8 KQ
9 ER
10 XM
11 DR
12 MH
13 FT
14 GY
15 OI
16 DX
17 YW
18 KD
19 OW
20 YQ
21 DI
22 XR
23 PU
24 EJ
25 KW
26 GW
27 DO
28 HG
29 IE
30 HF
31 KG
2. a. BBC messages will be transmitted in connection with this EUREKA when Home Station wishes you to operate.
2. b. Times and days to be arranged between Home Station and Out Station.
3. A TWO figure number will be broadcasted over the Flemish Belgian News Service at 18:30 hours GMT. Wave lenghts are as follows:
Long Wave 1500 m.
Medium Wave 261 m.
Short Wave 25 m.
31 m.
41 m.
49 m.
For example:
The TWO-figure numbers may be 5 3.
This will be broadcast as VYF DRIE.
transcription
ANNEXE TO ORDERS.
You will all four be dropped at a point on the APPELSCHE HEIDE on sheet 32 AMERSFOORT.
After burying your kit and equipment you will proceed to your contact address, which is approximately one km from where you will be dropped:
Boerderij van der Zalm,
Landbouw School
APPELSCHE HEIDE
Password: "Ik kom voor de volkstelling 1945".
Should you not be received by this address, or should you find anything abnormal you van proceed to the following address:
Boer Arie Hilhorst
'DE HOOGESTEEG
1½ km West of BUURTSDIJK.
1½ km S.E. of ZEVENHUISEN.
The password is the same as for the Landbouw School.
transcription
ANNEXE I.
Intitial contact on landing and initial address of RVV
Baron W.F.F. VAN VERSCHUER
De Hooge Spijk
near BEESD
Tel: Beesd 8.
Cancelled, see FIVES.
Wolter Frans Frederik baron van Verschuer (Arnhem, 24 april 1891 - Beesd, huis Hooge Spijk, 21 juni 1952) was een Nederlands bestuurder.
Van Verschuer was een telg uit het geslacht Van Verschuer en een zoon van mr. Barthold Philip baron van Verschuer (1841-1910) en OtteIine Marie barones van Balveren, vrouwe van Mariënwaerdt (1851-1928), telg uit het geslacht Van Balveren. Hij promoveerde in 1918 op stellingen aan de Universiteit Utrecht. In 1920 werd hij burgemeester van Beesd wat hij tot en met 1938 zou blijven. Vanaf 1938 was hij lid van Provinciale, vanaf 1938 van Gedeputeerde Staten van Gelderland, beide tot aan zijn overlijden. Vanaf 1947 tot zijn overlijden was hij curator van de Landbouwhogeschool te Wageningen.
In 1951 verzorgde hij samen met Dick Buurman een publicatie over de statengriffiers van Gelderland. In 2008 werden reisdagboeken van hem gepubliceerd.
Van Verschuer trouwde in 1922 met Willemine Louisa Maria barones van Heemstra (1899-1971), telg uit het geslacht Van Heemstra, met wie hij drie kinderen kreeg, onder wie Otto Willem Arnold baron van Verschuer (1927-2014). Hij overleed op het landgoed Mariënwaerdt op 61-jarige leeftijd.
Source: Wikipedia.
transcription
VERHOEF, Pleun P.O.W. card Dutch Section
Born: VIANEN a/d LEK, 30-11-1919
Alias: VORSTMAN, Pleun @ EITJES @ VERMAAS, Pieter.
Sent: From UK 05-07-1944.
Reported dead. drowned when plane crashed. Information received from a Gestapo agent on 28-04-1944 (?). This plane carried 4 of our agents, including VERHOEF and most of their material was recovered by the Germans. This Gestapo agent used WT plan taken by one of them to transmit to us. However, VERHOEF was not mentioned in his message, which said that on 24-07-1944 the Germans brought a body ashore of an unknown person and it is presumed this was VERHOEF.
Height 5' 10". Oval face. Broad forehead; hair receding at temples; straight nose; large full mouth; round chin; slightly cleft; brown eyes; brown hair; ears stick out slightly; scar on right knee.
transcription
Tel: Welbeck 6611 Special Forces Headquarters
Block 2,
Montagu Mansions,
London, W-1
15 October, 1944.
Enclosure.
Dear General van Oorschot,
WEES, KRANT, VORSTMAN and BOREL.
With reference to the above men, who were, unfortunately, lost on the night of July 10th, I have received a detailed report from Major Seymour, as per copy attached. For your information, Johannes Kamp is WEES, Pieter Nijhoff is KRANT, Pieter Vermaas is VORSTMAN and Jan BOEREMA is BOREL.
With reference to the body of the unknown, very well built person, in view of the fact that he was in possession of a briefcase, leads me think that this man may be VORSTMAN.
You will observe that the crew and the bodies found have been buried at Makkum Cemetry, and I presume that they are all buried in row 'O' graves possibly from No. 30 -36. No doubt this will be possible for you to check up at a later date.
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) Major R.I. Dobson
Major-General van Oorschot,
B.B.O.
Pleun Verhoef (Vianen, 30 november 1919 - Makkum, Wonseradeel, 6 juli 1944) was een Engelandvaarder, geheim agent en blikwerker.
Verhoef groeide op in Vianen, als enige zoon van Hendrika Meijwaard (Vianen, 1892) en de grondwerker Bastiaan Verhoef (Vianen, 1893). Na de ambachtsschool werkte Pleun Verhoef in de blikfabriek van Verblifa NV in Utrecht.
Als dienstplichtig militair was hij tijdens de mobilisatie ingedeeld in het 6e Regiment Infanterie, dat in de meidagen van 1940 vocht bij Breda. Zijn eenheid werd teruggedreven richting de grens met België. En na de capitulatie is Verhoef in een grote groep via België en Frankrijk naar Engeland gegaan. Vanuit Devonport werden deze militairen overgebracht naar kamp DanYGraig in Porthcawl (Wales), daarna zijn de manschappen naar Congleton verplaatst en vervolgens waren zij langere tijd gevestigd in Wrottesley Park (bij Wolverhampton). Verhoef werd ingedeeld bij de paratroopers van de Prinses Irene Brigade, met goed gevolg. In oktober 1941 werd hij getraind in het gebruik van explosieven. En vanaf 2 april 1942 zat hij op diverse training schools van SOE; later viel hij onder het in het voorjaar van 1944 opgerichte Bureau Bijzondere Opdrachten (BBO), waarmee de (Nederlandse) N-section van SOE nauw samenwerkte.
Met de opdracht om namens BBO contact te leggen met de Raad van Verzet vertrok Pleun Verhoef in de nacht van 5 op 6 juli samen met Jan Bockma vanaf RAF Tempsford. Bockma was zijn wireless operator. Aan boord van de Hudson FK790 (MA-R) bevond zich een tweede SOE-team, bestaande uit de Nederlandse agenten Johannes Walter en Pieter Kwint die sabotage- en spionageactiviteiten moesten ontplooien in Duitsland. Zij zouden allen boven de dropping zone Appelsche heide bij Nijkerk worden geparachuteerd.
Het toestel van het 161 Squadron RAF werd gevlogen door de ervaren piloot flight lieutenant J.W. Menzies en zijn vaste bemanningsleden flight officer K.R. Bunney (navigator), sergeant E.M. Elliot (boordschutter) en sergeant D.J. Withers (radio-operator). De Lockheed Hudson vloog ongeveer 15 meter boven de Noordzee en kwam ter hoogte van Vlieland en Terschelling boven de Nederlandse Waddenzee. Om onduidelijke redenen heeft het toestel plots hoogte gewonnen en werd het van onderaf met een 20 mm-kanon beschoten door de boordschutter van een Messerschmitt Bf 110G-4 met 3 bemanningsleden. Dit Duitse jachtvliegtuig was na een alarmoproep tegen 0100 uur ter onderschepping opgestegen vanaf Fliegerhorst Leeuwarden.
De Hudson FK790 stortte vlak bij de afsluitdijk, zo’n 4 kilometer ten zuidwesten van Kornwerderzand, in het IJsselmeer neer. Geen van de inzittenden overleefde de crash.
De Duitse geheime diensten in Nederland wisten via een lek in het SOE-radioverkeer (van wie?) dat deze vlucht zou komen. Het toestel had pas mogen worden neergeschoten nadat de agenten waren geparachuteerd, zodat zij gevangen genomen zouden kunnen worden; maar dat bevel had de Duitse bemanning volgens de piloot, Feldwebel Lahmann, niet bereikt.
Zes bemanningsleden en SOE-agenten - waar Verhoef niet toe behoorde - werden in de dagen na de crash gevonden door vissers. Na onderzoek door een Duitse arts in het bijzijn van een Nederlandse politieagent die betrokken was bij het verzet zijn zij begraven bij de Nederlands Hervormde kerk in het nabijgelegen Makkum. In hun kleding en bagage zaten grote sommen Nederlands, Belgisch en Frans geld, code-gedichten, one-time pads, een pistool, munitie en radiokristallen.
In 1997 heeft de Koninklijke Marine het toestel geborgen. In de cockpit werden de stoffelijke resten van de nog vermiste piloot John Menzies aangetroffen. Hij is in oktober 1998 bij de overige bemanningsleden begraven op de begraafplaats in Makkum.
Pleun Verhoef is na de oorlog met begraven in Vianen; een deel van zijn lichaam was op 21 november 1945 geborgen. Net als van Menzies werden de overige stoffelijk resten van Verhoef pas in 1997 uit het vliegtuigwrak gehaald. Zijn naam staat in Vianen op het oorlogsmonument, evenals op het Verblifa-monument in Krommenie. Hij staat vermeld op het paneel van het Engelandvaardersmonument in de kapel bij het Ereveld in Loenen.
Source: Wikipedia.
w.mugge@home.nl
transcription
N Dutch K.5.
Name: VERHOEF, Pleun.
P.T.C. 27-03-1943
N.T. 03-04-1943
Born: 30-11-1919, Place of birth unknown (Vianen).
Occupation: Corporal, Infantry.
Relatives.
Father: B. Verhoef, Dutch, place of birth unknown (Bastiaan Verhoef * 03-06-1893, Vianen, builder) .
Mother: H. Meywaard, Dutch, place of birth unknown (Hendrika Meijwaard * 11-11-1892, Vianen).
Sister: Adriana Verhoef, Dutch. Born 30-04-1919 Vianen.
Both at Kortendijk 3, Vianen aa de Lek, Holland.
Pte Address: Kortendijk 3, Vianen aan de lek, Holland.
Remarks 03-04-1943: To be trained as agent 02-04-1943.
ALIAS: VORSTMAN, L.
OSA signed: 18-04-1943.
S.D. signed: 02-05-1943.
NL to MT 06-05-1943.
Please arranged for this student to go to Group B schools on 16-05-1943.
D/CE-M.1 to MT-4 14-05-1943.
There is no security objection.
Sgt. Mendes STS-3 07-04-1943.
A rather closed character. As I remarked under 4, 5 and 4 are close friends with more or less the same tastes and the same temperament. Does not show any pronounced individualistic qualifications but will carry out a job successfully under good leadership. He is quite determined though not too resourceful.
15-04-1943.
As I have remarked previously 4 and 5 are close friends with the same tastes and general behaviour. As their past history shows they have been together since they left Holland. reaction to security instructions good. From security point of view I should say that inconspicuousness in behaviour was his main asset. Past history: born 30-11-1919 at Vianen aan Lek (S. Holland). Metal worker for 4 years. Called up October 1938; came to UK with his regiment via Belgium and France (Brest). Father, mother, sister still in Vianen aan Lek.
22-04-1943.
Strong personality. He is a quiet man possessing courage, self control and resourcefulness. Potential qualifications for leadership more than at first surmised. Very security minded.
30-04-1943.
Composedness of mind in his approach to a task and cautiousness in dealing with people still are his main characteristics. Otherwise nothing to report.
STS-51A 07-05-1943.
he is a hard and steadfast worker, taking pains to treat a subject as well as possible. This also holds good for all matters dealing with security. His physique is very good, though once again, contrary to what is so often the case with others, he will not attempt to make a display of it or be boastful.
Commdt. STS-5 30-11-1943.
A hard and willing worker. his powers of leadership have improved considerably and he has led several schemes with competence. Fit and very athletic.
STS-40 23-12-1943.
S-Phone. Qualified to maintain and operate the S-Phone in the field providing that he uses his own language.
Eureka. Very good pass. Capable of operating and maintaining Eureka sets. very keen student.
Reception Committee Work. A keen student who should do well in the field.
C.C. remarks: Recommended
STS-51A 04-05-1943.
Was instructed in the use of the leg-bag and demonstration descent was carried out for his benefit.
STS-50 27-06-1944.
Has been very friendly with 33K6, 33K7 and 33K13.
transcription
ORDERS for: VORSTMAN TOP SECRET Copy No. I
1. INFORMATION
The RAAD VAN VERZET is an organisation which has led an active part in underground activities in HOLLAND. Some of its cells have been penetrated from time to time, but it is believed that the main or head executive is still sound. A mission was sent to the field on 1st April 1944 (Celosse & Co) to approach the RVV and to give them the Allied Commander's directives for future action. The RVV being very security minded, would not interview our men until they had satisfied themselves that all was well. When they were eventually received by the RVV it was too late because, contrary to instructions, they had contacted several organisations, were known to the Gestapo and were arrested between 17th and 20th May. The RVV have reported the arrests and have asked for new men.
a. Operation name.
The name of your operation is RACQUETS, and you will be known by this name at the station of your departure. You will never use this name when you are in the field.
b. Code names in the Field.
I. your field name will be EITJES. This is the only name you or anyone else should use in messages from the field and it is the name by which you will be known by others members of the organisation.
II. The operational name of KRANT is FIVES, and his name in the field and in telegrams is BAREND.
III. The operational name of WEES is BOWLS and his name in the field and in telegrams will be ALBERTUS.
IV. The operational name of BOREL is HALMA and his name in the field and in telegrams will be HUBERTUS.
2. INTENTION.
You will establish contact with the RVV through the address given in Annexe I. The person at the address will put you in touch with the heads of the RVV. You will inform them that your mission with the is to act as a saboteur instructor and/or Reception Committee leader, depending on their immediate requirements.
You will always observe the security instructions they give you, and in no circumstances reveal to anybody other than your contact that you have come from this country. Your cover can be that of "onderduiker" but nothing more. You will never make contacts with other organisations or persons unless these are arranged by the RVV. The men who went on 1st April made these mistakes, hence their arrest. You must be patient because the RVV will not tolerate mistakes through imprudence to the detriment of probably hundreds of other men.
You will assist the RVV and advise them on all matters in which you have received instruction in this country. You must insist that the RVV arrange for you a safehouse in HOLLAND and arrange their sabotage organisation in such a manner that it will never clash with or compromise their other activities. This is most important.
You will never overburden the WT operator with messages, neither will you pass to us intelligence matter, as your mission is not connected with intelligence. If we require information we will ask you for it.
a. Reception Committees.
A reception committee should be made up of people of whom you have or can obtain full knowledge and feel absolutely sure. It is imperative that you bear in mind the security precautions and recruit personnel so that, should one man be arrested, he will not be in a position to give information which might prejudice other people or the organisation. You should never attend a reception committee unless absolutely necessary. Once this committee has been formed, you will advise us when it is ready to start work, the quantity of containers which it can handle safely at one time, and also send us for approval at least two suggested dropping points at which reception committees could receive stores on any single night, bearing in mind that if several grounds are accepted, it might be necessary to put all the operations on together on one night at the various dropping points. The seize of the committees will be at your own discretion and will depend upon the quantity of material you wish to receive.
b. Co-ordinates.
Normally, you will use maps of the Netherlands, scale 1:50.000. If, however, you are unable to procure these maps you may use the ANWB maps in the manner in which you have been trained, also giving the distance and bearings of the two nearest villages, towns, or places. In any case, always give the series number and scale of the map which you are using. See Annexe II.
You have been instructed in reception work and as to the type of grounds that are suitable. It is necessary to keep some distance away from anti-aircraft defences and also to avoid zones which are usually patrolled by German night fighters.
c. Lighting System.
See Annexe III for instructions as to the lighting system you must use.
d. Convention to be used by Committee.
You will receive a microprint of the conventions you must use. See Annexe III.
e. Special Orders to the Field.
You will take with you to the field microprints of certain special orders which will be camouflaged. See Annexe IV.
4. METHODE.
On the first favourable night in the July moon period, you, BAREND, ALBERTUS and HUBERTUS will be dropped together by parachute in HOLLAND at a point which will be explained to you prior to your departure.
Immediately upon landing, you will proceed with your package to your safehouse which is close by. Your parachute equipment must be buried or destroyed. The two packages containing ALBERTUS' WT equipment will be buried separately and in such a manner that a third person would be able to find them. if it is considered not safe for you to go there personally.
Contact Address. As explained in Annexe I.
Residence. This must be arranged for you by the RVV and you should not be housed with BAREND, HUBERTUS or ALBERTUS; you should never communicate with each other unless this is done by cut-out.
4. ADMINISTRATION.
You will carry with you the sum of Hfl. 5000,- for your own personal use; also 2500 French Francs and 2500 Belgian Francs should you require these in case of emergency.
In addition to the above, you and BAREND will each take with you the sum of Hfl. 25.000,- This total amount -
Hfl, 50.000,- is for the RVV; you will only hand it over when somebody from the RVV asks you for it. Although you and BAREND will only give him a total of Hfl. 50.000,- this man will ask for Hfl. 50.001,- this is simply a check that the money is going to the right person.
a. Package-Equipment-Camouflage.
I. Your personal baggage will consist of one paper parcel.
II. You will have in your pocket the sum of Hfl. 150,- in small money for your immediate needs.
III. The remainder of your personal money (Hfl. 4850,- Ffrs.2500,- and Bfrs. 2500,-) is camouflaged in a money belt.
IV. BAREND, ALBERTUS and HUBERTUS will all have Hfl. 5000,- Ffrs. 2500,0 and Bfrs. 2500,- on their persons. BAREND
will also be carrying Hfl. 25.000,- for the RVV.
VI. Your code (one-Time-Pad) etc will be camouflaged as per Annexe XII.
VII. In HUBERTUS' suitcase there is a silent .32 with 50 rounds of ammunition. He will hand these to you as soon as
convenient.
b. Cover Story. See Annexe V.
c. Clothing. You will receive these in accordance with your requirements.
d. Equipment. You have been interviewed as to your requirements for the field and you will receive these and your
parachute at the station of departure, See Annexe VI.
e. Documents. You have been issued with a Dutch Identity Card.
f. Return to this Country. You have been interviewed by an officer with regard to routes and have been given all the necessary information. See Annexe VII.
5. COMMUNICATIONS.
a. In the field. You will use the various methods which you have been taught: postboxes, Cut-outs, etc. Messages will
not be sent by you direct to the WT operator, but will be passed to and from the RVV. The RVV will then pass them
to the WT operator.
b. Wireless. You will do all the encoding and decoding of your messages. You will never show your codes to anyone
else and you will always destroy that part of your One-Time-Pad which has been used for past messages. This is
very important because if you do not do this and if you are caught by the Gestapo, they will not only be able to
decode your past messages but will also be able to find your correct secret number. records of messages exchanged
with us should not be kept. See Annexe XI.
c. Innocent Letters.
Code. You will use the convention which you have been taught. See Annexe VIII.
Address. You will send your Innocent Letters to an address as per Annexe VII.
Signatures. You will sign your Innocent Letters EITJES; if we write to you we shall sign LISBET.
d. BBC Messages. On the first, second and third days and on the two following Sundays we shall broadcast as per
Annexe IX. This will serve to prove your bona fides, if necessary.
e. Safehouse (Emergency Address). It is important that we should remain in contact with you and, if possible, you
should give us an address before you leave for the field. If you are unable to do this, you should let us have an
address at the first possible opportunity by WT. For password and reply, see Annexe VII.
f. Identity Checks. If we have reason to suppose that you have been arrested and that the Germans are working the
transmitter, we shall ask you an 'innocent' question. If you are safe you will give us the correct answer, but if we do
nor receive the correct answer we shall presume that you are in enemy hands. See Annexe X.
g. Pigeons. You will take with you a pigeon by which you can send a message advising us of a safe landing. Pigeons
can also be sent later to your Reception Committees. By this methode you will be able to send us long and codes
messages or even film negatives of printed matter, plans, etc.
6. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.
Your rank on leaving this country will be 2/Lt. and your salary will be credited to your account with the Dutch Government.
LONDON, 26th June, 1944
transcription
VORSTMAN
You have been trained in the use of the EUREKA set. The EUREKA's are being dropped to an RVV Reception Committee and will be part of your mission to:
1. Claim these two sets from the RVV explaining they were, or will be, dropped at the reception ground BERTUS.
2. Put these tow sets into operation at, or as near to as possible, pinpoints which we shall send to you in HOLLAND
once you have advised us that you are installed and that you are in possession of the two sets.
Owing to your other activities it may be impossible for you to operate these sets continually throughout the whole moon periods, and you will therefore consult the RVV for the recruiting and training of two men to do nothing else but operate the sets.
You will be given a list of code signals for each set and will be explained the type of BBC messages which will be broadcast. We shall explain to you the wireless message which type of BBC message will be applicable to each set.
The object of this special mission is to assist the RAF for dropping operations in HOLLAND and bombing operations in GERMANY.
It may be necessary to have sets switched on on each night of moon periods and for the whole of the standby times. Operators will therefore see that they have spare accumulators so that the EUREKAs can be in constant use if necessary.
transcription
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH EUREKA Nr. 563.
1. CALLS for No. 563 will be:
DATE YOU
1 JL
2 VI
3 ZN
4 TT
5 QM
6 YE
7 SI
8 JH
9 XB
10 QW
11 VL
12 ZE
13 SU
14 QH
15 JN
16 SZ
17 YT
18 LV
19 VY
20 JU
21 YM
22 PI
23 VF
24 YR
25 PB
26 JJ
27 XF
28 PW
29 VX
30 SQ
31 JQ
2. a. BBC messages will be transmitted in connection with this EUREKA when Home Station wishes you to operate.
2. b. Times and days to be arranged between Home Station and Out Station.
3. A six figure number will be broadcasted over the Flemish Belgian News Service at 18:30 hours GMT. Wave lenghts are as follows:
Long Wave 1500 m.
Medium Wave 261 m.
Short Wave 25 m.
31 m.
41 m.
49 m.
For example:
The six-figure numbers may be 278129.
This will be broadcast as TWEE ZEVEN ACHT EEN TWEE NEGEN.
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH EUREKA Nr. 562.
1. CALLS for No. 562 will be:
DATE YOU
1 CW
2 EX
3 MD
4 KI
5 VU
6 EB
7 MI
8 KQ
9 ER
10 XM
11 DR
12 MH
13 FT
14 GY
15 OI
16 DX
17 YW
18 KD
19 OW
20 YQ
21 DI
22 XR
23 PU
24 EJ
25 KW
26 GW
27 DO
28 HG
29 IE
30 HF
31 KG
2. a. BBC messages will be transmitted in connection with this EUREKA when Home Station wishes you to operate.
2. b. Times and days to be arranged between Home Station and Out Station.
3. A TWO figure number will be broadcasted over the Flemish Belgian News Service at 18:30 hours GMT. Wave lenghts are as follows:
Long Wave 1500 m.
Medium Wave 261 m.
Short Wave 25 m.
31 m.
41 m.
49 m.
For example:
The TWO-figure numbers may be 5 3.
This will be broadcast as VYF DRIE.
transcription
ANNEXE TO ORDERS.
You will all four be dropped at a point on the APPELSCHE HEIDE on sheet 32 AMERSFOORT.
After burying your kit and equipment you will proceed to your contact address, which is approximately one km from where you will be dropped:
Boerderij van der Zalm,
Landbouw School
APPELSCHE HEIDE
Password: "Ik kom voor de volkstelling 1945".
Should you not be received by this address, or should you find anything abnormal you van proceed to the following address:
Boer Arie Hilhorst
'DE HOOGESTEEG
1½ km West of BUURTSDIJK.
1½ km S.E. of ZEVENHUISEN.
The password is the same as for the Landbouw School.
transcription
ANNEXE I.
Intitial contact on landing and initial address of RVV
Baron W.F.F. VAN VERSCHUER
De Hooge Spijk
near BEESD
Tel: Beesd 8.
Cancelled, see FIVES.
Wolter Frans Frederik baron van Verschuer (Arnhem, 24 april 1891 - Beesd, huis Hooge Spijk, 21 juni 1952) was een Nederlands bestuurder.
Van Verschuer was een telg uit het geslacht Van Verschuer en een zoon van mr. Barthold Philip baron van Verschuer (1841-1910) en OtteIine Marie barones van Balveren, vrouwe van Mariënwaerdt (1851-1928), telg uit het geslacht Van Balveren. Hij promoveerde in 1918 op stellingen aan de Universiteit Utrecht. In 1920 werd hij burgemeester van Beesd wat hij tot en met 1938 zou blijven. Vanaf 1938 was hij lid van Provinciale, vanaf 1938 van Gedeputeerde Staten van Gelderland, beide tot aan zijn overlijden. Vanaf 1947 tot zijn overlijden was hij curator van de Landbouwhogeschool te Wageningen.
In 1951 verzorgde hij samen met Dick Buurman een publicatie over de statengriffiers van Gelderland. In 2008 werden reisdagboeken van hem gepubliceerd.
Van Verschuer trouwde in 1922 met Willemine Louisa Maria barones van Heemstra (1899-1971), telg uit het geslacht Van Heemstra, met wie hij drie kinderen kreeg, onder wie Otto Willem Arnold baron van Verschuer (1927-2014). Hij overleed op het landgoed Mariënwaerdt op 61-jarige leeftijd.
Source: Wikipedia.
transcription
VERHOEF, Pleun P.O.W. card Dutch Section
Born: VIANEN a/d LEK, 30-11-1919
Alias: VORSTMAN, Pleun @ EITJES @ VERMAAS, Pieter.
Sent: From UK 05-07-1944.
Reported dead. drowned when plane crashed. Information received from a Gestapo agent on 28-04-1944 (?). This plane carried 4 of our agents, including VERHOEF and most of their material was recovered by the Germans. This Gestapo agent used WT plan taken by one of them to transmit to us. However, VERHOEF was not mentioned in his message, which said that on 24-07-1944 the Germans brought a body ashore of an unknown person and it is presumed this was VERHOEF.
Height 5' 10". Oval face. Broad forehead; hair receding at temples; straight nose; large full mouth; round chin; slightly cleft; brown eyes; brown hair; ears stick out slightly; scar on right knee.
transcription
Tel: Welbeck 6611 Special Forces Headquarters
Block 2,
Montagu Mansions,
London, W-1
15 October, 1944.
Enclosure.
Dear General van Oorschot,
WEES, KRANT, VORSTMAN and BOREL.
With reference to the above men, who were, unfortunately, lost on the night of July 10th, I have received a detailed report from Major Seymour, as per copy attached. For your information, Johannes Kamp is WEES, Pieter Nijhoff is KRANT, Pieter Vermaas is VORSTMAN and Jan BOEREMA is BOREL.
With reference to the body of the unknown, very well built person, in view of the fact that he was in possession of a briefcase, leads me think that this man may be VORSTMAN.
You will observe that the crew and the bodies found have been buried at Makkum Cemetry, and I presume that they are all buried in row 'O' graves possibly from No. 30 -36. No doubt this will be possible for you to check up at a later date.
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) Major R.I. Dobson
Major-General van Oorschot,
B.B.O.
Pleun Verhoef (Vianen, 30 november 1919 - Makkum, Wonseradeel, 6 juli 1944) was een Engelandvaarder, geheim agent en blikwerker.
Verhoef groeide op in Vianen, als enige zoon van Hendrika Meijwaard (Vianen, 1892) en de grondwerker Bastiaan Verhoef (Vianen, 1893). Na de ambachtsschool werkte Pleun Verhoef in de blikfabriek van Verblifa NV in Utrecht.
Als dienstplichtig militair was hij tijdens de mobilisatie ingedeeld in het 6e Regiment Infanterie, dat in de meidagen van 1940 vocht bij Breda. Zijn eenheid werd teruggedreven richting de grens met België. En na de capitulatie is Verhoef in een grote groep via België en Frankrijk naar Engeland gegaan. Vanuit Devonport werden deze militairen overgebracht naar kamp DanYGraig in Porthcawl (Wales), daarna zijn de manschappen naar Congleton verplaatst en vervolgens waren zij langere tijd gevestigd in Wrottesley Park (bij Wolverhampton). Verhoef werd ingedeeld bij de paratroopers van de Prinses Irene Brigade, met goed gevolg. In oktober 1941 werd hij getraind in het gebruik van explosieven. En vanaf 2 april 1942 zat hij op diverse training schools van SOE; later viel hij onder het in het voorjaar van 1944 opgerichte Bureau Bijzondere Opdrachten (BBO), waarmee de (Nederlandse) N-section van SOE nauw samenwerkte.
Met de opdracht om namens BBO contact te leggen met de Raad van Verzet vertrok Pleun Verhoef in de nacht van 5 op 6 juli samen met Jan Bockma vanaf RAF Tempsford. Bockma was zijn wireless operator. Aan boord van de Hudson FK790 (MA-R) bevond zich een tweede SOE-team, bestaande uit de Nederlandse agenten Johannes Walter en Pieter Kwint die sabotage- en spionageactiviteiten moesten ontplooien in Duitsland. Zij zouden allen boven de dropping zone Appelsche heide bij Nijkerk worden geparachuteerd.
Het toestel van het 161 Squadron RAF werd gevlogen door de ervaren piloot flight lieutenant J.W. Menzies en zijn vaste bemanningsleden flight officer K.R. Bunney (navigator), sergeant E.M. Elliot (boordschutter) en sergeant D.J. Withers (radio-operator). De Lockheed Hudson vloog ongeveer 15 meter boven de Noordzee en kwam ter hoogte van Vlieland en Terschelling boven de Nederlandse Waddenzee. Om onduidelijke redenen heeft het toestel plots hoogte gewonnen en werd het van onderaf met een 20 mm-kanon beschoten door de boordschutter van een Messerschmitt Bf 110G-4 met 3 bemanningsleden. Dit Duitse jachtvliegtuig was na een alarmoproep tegen 0100 uur ter onderschepping opgestegen vanaf Fliegerhorst Leeuwarden.
De Hudson FK790 stortte vlak bij de afsluitdijk, zo’n 4 kilometer ten zuidwesten van Kornwerderzand, in het IJsselmeer neer. Geen van de inzittenden overleefde de crash.
De Duitse geheime diensten in Nederland wisten via een lek in het SOE-radioverkeer (van wie?) dat deze vlucht zou komen. Het toestel had pas mogen worden neergeschoten nadat de agenten waren geparachuteerd, zodat zij gevangen genomen zouden kunnen worden; maar dat bevel had de Duitse bemanning volgens de piloot, Feldwebel Lahmann, niet bereikt.
Zes bemanningsleden en SOE-agenten - waar Verhoef niet toe behoorde - werden in de dagen na de crash gevonden door vissers. Na onderzoek door een Duitse arts in het bijzijn van een Nederlandse politieagent die betrokken was bij het verzet zijn zij begraven bij de Nederlands Hervormde kerk in het nabijgelegen Makkum. In hun kleding en bagage zaten grote sommen Nederlands, Belgisch en Frans geld, code-gedichten, one-time pads, een pistool, munitie en radiokristallen.
In 1997 heeft de Koninklijke Marine het toestel geborgen. In de cockpit werden de stoffelijke resten van de nog vermiste piloot John Menzies aangetroffen. Hij is in oktober 1998 bij de overige bemanningsleden begraven op de begraafplaats in Makkum.
Pleun Verhoef is na de oorlog met begraven in Vianen; een deel van zijn lichaam was op 21 november 1945 geborgen. Net als van Menzies werden de overige stoffelijk resten van Verhoef pas in 1997 uit het vliegtuigwrak gehaald. Zijn naam staat in Vianen op het oorlogsmonument, evenals op het Verblifa-monument in Krommenie. Hij staat vermeld op het paneel van het Engelandvaardersmonument in de kapel bij het Ereveld in Loenen.
Source: Wikipedia.
w.mugge@home.nl
