Memorial Belgian Paratrooper Sergeant Jan Melsens

To the right of the war memorial is a monument “In memoriam Jan Melsens (1922-1944), who died in Meeuwen”.

Belgian paratrooper Sergeant Jan Melsens was dropped along with others near Linde on 6 September 1944, for an operation called "Caliban." The Belgians' task was to gather intelligence and set up ambushes.
After several battles, they made contact with British tanks that had reached Helchteren. On 9 September 9, they and the British became involved in heavy fighting. On 10 September, Jan Melsens and his men discovered a German artillery unit that posed a significant threat to the British. He immediately opened fire, and after a fierce battle, he was reported missing.
His body was found the next day, surrounded by empty ammunition pouches. His attack and sacrifice forced the Germans to withdraw, eliminating their threat.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Luc Van Waeyenberge