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Object of the month September 2024
Agfa Box Camera in Leather Case
In our extensive collection of historical artifacts, there is an object that is not only technically intriguing but also tells a profound story of courage and determination: a black Agfa box camera, carefully preserved in a brown leather case. This camera may appear simple, but the history associated with it makes it one of the most remarkable pieces in our museum. Once owned by Jozina Maria de Ligny, a young woman from Serooskerke, this camera played a crucial role in her resistance work during World War II.
The camera is more than just a photographic tool; it is a silent witness to the dangerous missions that Jos, as she was known, undertook in the final months of the war. As the island of Walcheren braced itself for what would culminate in the Battle of the Scheldt, Jos risked her life to capture secret German positions and fortifications on film. What began as an everyday object transformed into an instrument that contributed to the liberation of her country.
The Story Behind the Camera
In the summer of 1944, as the war cast its shadows over Europe, the residents of Serooskerke in Zeeland lived in hope of a swift liberation. The Allied landing in Normandy had fueled the resistance, and Jos, the daughter of the local blacksmith, was asked to take on a daring task. With her Agfa box camera in hand, she embarked on a mission to capture German positions, fortifications, and other strategic targets. These photographs would prove invaluable to the Allies in their fight against the occupiers.
On September 16, 1944, Jos captured a series of photographs that would prove to be of historical significance. She photographed the launch of a V2 rocket from the Vrederust estate, a secret weapon destined to strike London and usher in a new era of warfare. A few days later, Jos managed to take more photographs, this time of a V2 rocket on a truck that accidentally drove through the narrow streets of Serooskerke. Her courage and keen eye made these unique images possible.
In Focus: Acts of Resistance in Zeeland
The photographs that Jos took with her Agfa box camera were eventually handed over to the Allies and played a significant role in their intelligence work. Her efforts did not go unnoticed; in addition to receiving a letter of thanks from the British Air Ministry, Jos was personally honored by Queen Wilhelmina and Princess Juliana during their visits to liberated Walcheren.
Today, this camera, along with the complete dossier of Jos de Ligny, is part of the collection at the Bevrijdingsmuseum Zeeland. This object is not only a historical artifact but also a powerful symbol of the courage and determination that ordinary people can exhibit in extraordinary circumstances. This Agfa box camera tells a story that continues to inspire and reminds us of a time when the human spirit was at its strongest.