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Object of the Month – March 2025
A Young Zeeland Sailor at Sea
On November 30, 1919, Johannes Pieter Wagenaar was born in Schoondijke (Zeeland). As a young man, he chose a life at sea and became a merchant seaman. During World War II, merchant ships played a crucial role in Allied supply operations, but they were also vulnerable targets for enemy submarines and air forces. The Dutch merchant fleet suffered heavy losses, and Johannes Pieter Wagenaar would become one of its many casualties.
The Fateful Voyage of the OBERON
On June 19, 1941, the merchant ship OBERON departed from Freetown (Sierra Leone) bound for Hull (United Kingdom), carrying a cargo of palm kernels and general goods. During the voyage, on June 27, 1941, the ship was torpedoed while sailing in convoy S.L. 76 in the Atlantic Ocean by the German submarine U-123. The OBERON was hit midship and sank at position 25º 43′ N, 22º 47′ W. Six crew members, including Johannes Pieter Wagenaar, lost their lives.
Tribute and Official Recognition
Years after the war, Johannes’s sacrifice was officially recognized by the Dutch government. In 1951, his family was posthumously awarded the War Commemorative Cross, a decoration for military personnel and merchant navy crew who gave their lives for the freedom of the Netherlands. This tribute was accompanied by an official certificate.
In addition, the Wagenaar family received a personal letter from Princess Juliana, in which she expressed her condolences. This letter not only acknowledged their loss but also recognized the vital role of the Dutch merchant navy in the war effort.
A Lasting Memory
The documents, consisting of the War Commemorative Cross, the certificate, and the letter from Princess Juliana, have been donated to the Bevrijdingsmuseum Zeeland. They serve as a tangible reminder of the fate of the Dutch merchant navy during wartime, offering a personal perspective on the immense sacrifices that were made. They remind us that the fight for freedom was not only waged on land but also at sea—where men like Johannes Pieter Wagenaar gave their lives for a greater cause.
