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Memorial Fons Helsen

Remembrance plaque for civilian victim Fons Helsen. Fons Helsen and August Stessens were unfortunately under attack by an allied mortar attack on September 16, 1944. The allies bombed a German fortification with anti aircraft artillery from Geel (Ten Aard) with. By miracle August survived the attack; Fons was heavily injured and died in a nearby aid station. Even though the fierce bombing, the German fortification was able to shoot down the Dakota 42-100981 plane on September 17, 1944.

This remembrance plaque is places on the chapel of Pontfort with a special reason. The chapel, amidst the fields where Fons was hit, was built in gratitude of the safe return of 2 brothers from the eighteen day campaign. Both these stories make this place a special location.

The remembrance plaque is an initiative of the administrators of the website battleforthelocks.be. The complete story therefore can be found on this website.

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

  • Text: Dries Majewski
  • Photos: Dries Majewski