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Object of the Month April 2024
A Heroic Act
In the twilight of World War II, several residents of Terneuzen distinguished themselves through their courageous contributions to the Allied liberation efforts. On the night of October 25, 1944, Scottish soldiers of the 52nd Lowland Division crossed the Westerschelde from Terneuzen, a maneuver that marked the beginning of the liberation of Zuid-Beveland. For this risky task, four men were selected by Karel J. de Koeijer and Captain I.S. Toussaint, following a request from headquarters. One of these men was Theophilus de Ridder, a dockworker from Axel, whose extensive knowledge of the local waters was crucial for the operation.
Amidst a solemn period of prayer and reflection before the mission, the men continued their journey, which soon took a grim turn when they were bombarded with German grenades. As dawn broke and they approached the steep sea dikes, the first liberation force was confronted with the devastating power of war, resulting in the tragic destruction of one of their landing craft.
The Story of the SS Dagger
During the liberation action, the detachment from the 5th Battalion (Royal Scots Fusiliers), to which Theophilus de Ridder and his comrades belonged, encountered an SS officer. When ordered to execute the officer, De Ridder refused and chose instead to take him prisoner. During the disarmament of the SS officer, De Ridder obtained a service dagger as a war trophy.
A Lasting Memento
This dagger, now housed in the Bevrijdingsmuseum Zeeland, represents not only a personal memento of a pivotal moment in the liberation of the Netherlands but also stands as a lasting tribute to the steadfast humanity and courage of Theophilus de Ridder, his comrades, and all the Allied soldiers who fought for our freedom.