A Liberation Day Tribute with De Vrouw Tjitsche
The Hunger Winter of 1945 claimed countless lives, leaving deep scars that are still felt today. As painful as it is to remember this tragic time, it is equally important to reflect on the acts of courage and commitment that saved so many lives.
For this year’s Liberation Day, the town of Bolsward organized a special event to honor the heroes. On April 16th, two days before Friesland’s official Liberation Day, our dear colleague, Riemer Halbertsma, participated with his ship, De Vrouw Tjitsche.
Map of Bolsward and the Ship Journey
De Vrouw Tjitsche’s Important Role
The vessel plays an important role in the event, as she was one of the ships that carefully evacuated many of the children during the Hunger Winter, making her rich in history. This year, as part of the commemoration, the vessel carried some special guests on a short, yet meaningful ride. These special guests included 16 children from the primary schools of Bolsward, accompanied by supervisors, descendants of the crew members who once dared to sail west to rescue suffering children, and Johannes van den Heuvel.
However, Johannes van den Heuvel was not a first-time visitor. Now 90 years old, he holds a special connection to De Vrouw Tjitsche, as in 1945, he was evacuated to Bolsward aboard the ship and taken in by a Frisian family. His presence at the event added a layer of emotional significance, giving a small insight of the struggles many had to cope with.
Johannes van den Heuvel
Commemoration at Bolsward’s Town Hall
When arriving at the quay, the crew was warmly greeted by a large crowd, including several journalists. Most of those present had some sort of connection—direct or indirect—to the ship, the organization that arranged these evacuations in 1945, or the brave crew members who carried out the mission.
The group was then welcomed at the town hall, where the main commemoration took place, further honoring the heroic acts of many. There was also a valuable opportunity for two evacuees present, along with descendants of the former crew members, to share stories and memories with the audience. Additionally, a small book featuring around eight collected stories was presented. This was a meaningful event, close to many hearts in the audience, and a chance to reflect on the hardships many had faced.
Children in the Ship’s Hold
Origin of the Evacuation Effort
The evacuation effort began at the start of 1945, when the western Netherlands was gripped by extreme famine, known as the Hunger Winter. At one point, the child mortality rate was extremely high, reaching 8 in every 10 children. This prompted two men from Weesp to set out to Friesland by bicycle to seek help. Initially, they rode to Leeuwarden but found no assistance there, except a tip that a group in Bolsward might be able to help.
Upon arriving in Bolsward, the two men met with a company called Koch and Eekhof, which operated a regular freight service between Bolsward and Amsterdam. It was a risky endeavor, as Koch and Eekhof had already reduced their service due to escalating tensions with the Germans in the south. Nevertheless, they were willing to set sail to help those who were suffering. On the outbound journey, the boats carried potatoes and coal; on the return trip, they brought back malnourished children, who were welcomed and cared for by Frisian families.
Danger when crossing
It is worth noting that the treacherous crossings were not without danger. On several occasions, airplanes—both German and Allied—flew overhead. Pilots often struggled to determine which side the ship belonged to. During one crossing, the vessel was even fired upon. The bullet holes remain visible on the ship to this day.
Thanks to the dedication of those involved, delivering food to the west significantly reduced the mortality rate, lowering it to around 3 in 10. In total, approximately 500 children were brought to Friesland and placed with local families.
Celebrating the Heroes
Following the end of the war in 1945, the people of Weesp organized a festive occasion to express their gratitude for the vital aid provided during the Hunger Winter. At the time, the highest honors were given to those who had initiated the operation. Sadly, the crew who had risked their lives to sail received only a modest token of appreciation: two drink vouchers.
To highlight the crew’s contribution, last week’s commemoration placed particular attention and gratitude on the dangers the crew members endured. Not only for the crew themselves, but also for the wives and children they left behind, who lived in fear that their husbands and fathers might never return.
A Display of Gratitude
This commemoration served to bring attention and recognition to the ones who saved starving children and helped ease some of the suffering during the Hunger Winter. With great importance placed on the historic De Vrouw Tjitsche, this meaningful event provided a moment to acknowledge the pain many experienced and to express appreciation for the bravery of those who extended a helping hand.
