Kanonnier Arend van Beveren
Wolverhampton > Naar koopvaardij

Also working on the farm with the Land Settlement Association was George and Lilian Firby and thier daughter Mary. Arend and Mary became good friends in a short time and by the end of 1939 they became engaged to be married.
Some letters from Arend to Mary were from August 1940. He had joined the Royal Dutch Army and was posted at Dan-Y-Graig Camp, Newton, nr Porthcawl, South Wales. He explained about life in the camp, described the food and his comrades, getting his kit and undergoing basic training. After a few weeks he was transferred to Ruperra Castle, Lower Machen, Newport, South Wales.

Links Arend
It
is thought that Arend was transferred to Wrottesley Park Camp around September
1941. His address was I Batt. H.Q. Coy. 3 Platoon. Hut 77. He later stayed in
hut 98. Several of his letters were written on letter headed paper, at the top
of each page was printed in red lettering...... Royal Dutch Brigade (Prinses
Irene)


At some point, unknown date, Arend had been given the opportunity to go to the Dutch East Indies. He had turned down this offer because he wanted to return home on leave as often as possible to spend time with Mary.
Mary and Arend had had a daughter, born in January 1942, she died at six weeks old.

Bron:
www.arendnet.com

The final voyage of Arends ship the Tjileboet was CONVOY ON 145. They sailed from Swansea, South Wales, 7th November 1942. Arrived at Belfast Lough, Ireland, 10th November 1942, then arrived at New York City, U.S.A, 25th November 1942. Set sail from New York City heading for Bahia, Cape Town and The Middle East, but was torpedoed on 28th November 1942 by the U 161. All crew lost.

Mary was unaware of Arends death for several weeks. She recieved a telegram in January 1943. In March 1943, four months after his death, Arends son was born, Arend John, my Father.
Kind regards,
Carla van Beveren (grandchild of Arend)