No products in the cart.
Object of the Month April 2025
Shot Signpost from Hoedekenskerke
This metal signpost, heavily damaged by bullet impacts and shrapnel, dates back to World War II. The sign stood near the village of Hoedekenskerke in Zuid-Beveland and indicated directions to nearby locations, including Baarland and Neuzen (Terneuzen). The name “Neuzen” refers to Terneuzen and was marked on the sign with a boat symbol, indicating the ferry connection that existed at the time.
Rediscovery and Restoration
The sign was discovered years ago in a ditch and emerged after mowing work. Our restoration department has made the letters visible again, allowing the original place names and symbols to be read once more. The visible damage was caused during the battles in the autumn of 1944, when the Allies advanced during the Battle of the Scheldt.
Battle of the Scheldt
This battle was one of the most intense military operations of World War II, aimed at liberating the Western Scheldt and making the port of Antwerp accessible to Allied ships. Antwerp was of strategic importance for supplying the Allied forces advancing into Europe. The Battle of the Scheldt involved fierce fighting, during which villages and towns in the region were heavily damaged or destroyed.
A Silent Witness of the War
Such signposts were used at the time by both civilians and military personnel to navigate a war-torn landscape. This particular example stands as a silent witness to the devastation and the impact of war on Zuid-Beveland. It serves as a reminder of the battles, the liberation, and the sacrifices made during the Battle of the Scheldt.
