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Alphen, van, Willem

Date of birth:
December 16th, 1898 (Haaften, The Netherlands)
Date of death:
July 13th, 1953 (Zutphen, the Netherlands)
Nationality:
Dutch

Biography

Willem van Alphen was in World War II the lockkeeper of the Helsluis which gave access from the Beneden-Merwede to the Biesbosch. He was invaluable to the Linecrossers who had to pass through this lock from Sliedrecht by always being there for them when needed. His name also appears on the British Index to Dutch Helpers of Allied Personnel for which he was also decorated. Apart from that, fairly little is known about him.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Burger (Civilian)
Awarded on:
January 18th, 1947

Awarded in Maastricht, the Netherlands
Medal of Freedom
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Burger (Civilian)
Awarded on:
April 30th, 1947
King's Medal for courage in the cause of Freedom

Sources

Photo