Beekman, Jacob "Jaap"
- Date of birth:
- December 21st, 1919 (Zwolle, the Netherlands)
- Date of death:
- November 15th, 2010 (Zwolle, the Netherlands)
- Service number:
- 2761 (SOE)
- Nationality:
- Dutch (1815-present, Kingdom)
Biography
Jaap Beekman was married to Yolande Beekman-Unternährer.
After having evaded as "Engelandvaarder" to England, Jaap Beekman became SOE agent and was also dropped as secret agent in the Netherlands.
After the war he was also send on special missions to Ceylon and Korea and was Commanding Officer Stafeskadron 11 Tankbataljon "Regiment Huzaren van Sytzama".
Promotions:
1st January 1949: Reserve Tweede-luitenant der Cavalerie;
1st January 1951: Reserve Eerste Luitenant;
1st November 1959: Reserve Ritmeester;
1st November 1969: Reserve Majoor.
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Kruis van Verdienste (KV)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Marechaussee te voet (Military Police on foot)
- Unit:
- Koninklijke Marechausse
- Awarded on:
- April 29th, 1943
Royal Decree No. 11
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Res. 1e luitenant der artillerie (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)
- Unit:
- N Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government
- Awarded on:
- September 8th, 1945
"For having displayed courage, tactful conduct and perseverance after having been dropped by parachute in August 1944 on Dutch occupied territory and for a considerable length of time having maintained under difficult conditions a most valuable wireless link between de Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten (Domestic Forces) and our Headquarters in London."
Royal Decree No. 31
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Huzaar 1e Klasse
- Unit:
- Motormitailleurgroep, 1e Eskadron Pantserwagens, Vesting Holland, Koninklijke Landmacht
- Awarded on:
- December 14th, 1949
"Has distinguished himself by performing deeds of an exceptional courageous and tactful nature in fighting against the enemy in the morning of May 10th, 1940; having been posted to a mechanised machinegun group of 1 Eskadron Pantserwagens (Squadron Armoured Cars) which was tasked with the defence of Ypenburg airfield after this had been heavily bombed from the air and having participated fearlessly as commander of six man in the defence under heavy hostile fire both from the air and from the ground, having opened fire on aircraft and paratroopers that had landed, inflicting heavy casualties to the enemy. In particular, when there was almost no leadership having acted self-confidently as commander of the position near the Watermolen on the eastern side of the airfield, at all times doggedly holding the position and setting an outstanding example to the men in his unit, inspiring them to hold out."
Royal Decree No. 27
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)
XXV
King's/Queen's Commendation for brave conduct
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- Photo 1: Hans Steenmetz
- - HEUVEL, C.C. VAN DEN e.a., Verzetsherdenkingskruis, Samsom Uitgeverij, 1985.
- MEIJER, H.G., Bronzen Leeuw, Bronzen Kruis, De Bataafsche Leeuw, Amsterdam, 1990.
- Officer ID Book
- The Dutch Medals Page
- Regiment Huzaren van Sytzama
- Message of passing away form Bestuur van de Vereniging Dragers Militaire Dapperheidsonderscheidingen
Photo
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