Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1e Luitenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Artillerie (Artillery)

Recommendation:
"This officer was appointed PTT Liaison officer to GSO First Cdn Army in Oct 44. From the date of his appointment he has carried out his duties in a most conspicuous manner. He has of his own volition, worked very long hours and forgone privileges offered. He has shown great initiative in the assembly of material and the organizing of the Dutch assistance in the repair and re-arrangement of PTT cables and equipent to suit army requirements. In particular the partial rehabilitation of the ANTWERP - ROOSENDAAL - BREDA - 's HERTOGENBOSCH - NIJMEGEN main trunk routes involving the repair of many cable breaks and the esablishment of temporary repeater stations at BREDA and 's HERTOGENBOSCH are all largely due to his energies. Rearrangement of PTT cables in BREDA - TILBURG and GRAVE to serve Army Headquarters was to a large extend carred out by the PTT under the direction of Lt Van Katwijk.

For operations on the river MAAS Lt Van Katwijk carried out a complete survey of all cables crossing the river. In many cases his recce was carried out in full view of the enemy and, at times, under heavy shell fire.

For operation 'VERITABLE' he undertook complete responsability for the diversion of the pairs in the German GOGH-CLEVE cable into 30 Corps Planning HQ's. This work was carried out and without interference to operational circuits working in the same cable. "