During World War II more than 40 different bombers and jet fighters have crashed within de county borders of Hollands Kroon. The crashes were mostly on land, in the Ijssel lake and the Wadden sea.
Few crew members were arrested after using their parachute to reach the ground, others could flee with the help of the Resistance. However, the majority lost their lives and did not return home safely to their family and loved ones.
Crash of Vickers Wellington Mk IC Z8838 KX-Z of 311 Squadron at the Molenweg near Middenmeer
In the evening of 11 April 1942 at 22.01 the Vickers bombers took off from East Wretham airport. The goal of this mission was the city of Essex. All crewmembers were from then Czechoslovakia. On its way to Essex the aircraft was shot by a German night hunter. Responsible for this was Oberlieutenant Helmut Lent. He had taken off from Leeuwarden airport.
The aircraft flew burning through the sky after which it crashed at the Molenweg. All six crew members lost their lives and were buried at the military honour cemetery of Huisduinen. Currently, they are buried in a joint grave at the Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery nearby Bergen op Zoom.