Historic Waal crossing reenacted near Nijmegen

The Pontoon Group '40-'45 will make the Waal crossing near Nijmegen on Sunday, September 17, just as the Allies did in September 1944. "We show as best we can how it was done then," says initiator Dennis Kiekebos.

A bit of a strange hobby it may be. Re-enacting historical events from World War II as faithfully as possible. With the right equipment and clothing. It is a world in itself, Dennis Kiekebos from Medemblik now knows. "Then all of a sudden you find yourself in someone's barn and you come across a field kitchen or old pontoon bridge parts from World War II," he laughs.

Kiekebos has a great passion for pontoon bridges, which are built quickly and effectively to establish a bank connection. He is broadly interested in World War II anyway. "That war is now almost eighty years behind us, but it still has an impact on our lives today. History has been hugely influential."

He was kindled by his in-laws. "My father-in-law once bought an old army car and slowly more and more was added. The old equipment often had to be restored. We also often went with family to events where World War II vehicles were on display. Since 2016, we have also been a re-enactment group, putting ourselves in the shoes of the soldiers and engineers of the time. We show history, we portray how it used to be."

The Pontoon Group '40-'45 has grown into a close-knit club of amateurs who put their heart and soul into bringing history to life. "There are many young people among them between the ages of 15 and 35, I'm kind of proud of that," says Kiekebos. Restoring, building and commemorating historical events together by imitating them: a lot of time goes into it. "One is crazy about technology and wants to restore the old equipment, while the other has a passion for history and historical knowledge. That combination makes that we can really create something beautiful."

They regularly participate as a group in an event, such as the Waaloversteek in Nijmegen in the near future. And that's not just a matter of driving the equipment somewhere. "We prepare very well, we divide the tasks as in the past. The participants come from all over Europe. We also look at the uniforms and weapons. Everything has to be right. And we delve into personal stories. For the Waalcrossing, for example, my brother-in-law is now working on the story of military pastor Delbert Kuehl, who was present at the crossing. He was not a soldier: normally, as a pastor, he encouraged the wounded or cared for the deceased. He meant a lot to the men." Kuehl survived the crossing and the war. He died in 2010.

Waalcrossing

In 1944, 260 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division crossed the Waal River in 26 canvas boats from Nijmegen toward Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden. Most of the soldiers had little or no rowing experience and could not swim. The current was strong, making the crossing difficult. From the other side they were fired upon by the Germans and great chaos ensued. Many soldiers were wounded and 48 men were killed. Despite these great losses, the liberators managed to capture the bridges at Nijmegen.

Waal crossing Sept. 15-17

Various activities surrounding the Waalcrossing will take place on the island of Veur Lent over the weekend.
On Sunday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m., the Pontoon Group '44-'45 will cross the Waal with fifteen boats and some 200 participants. For more information visit: www.pontoongroup4045.nl.