John Manroh from the Netherlands recently received one of the highest awards of Germany (Verdienstkreuz am Bande). For example for his continuous efforts to find German airmen shot down and buried in the ground in their machines. And eventually organizing a decent grave and sending a message to the German families. The story was written by Renate Meinhof in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Her uncle 23 year old Hans-Gottfried Meinhof was shot down on 1st January 1945 in flying a FW190 just south of Breda. I think it is a very moving story and the work of John is an excellent example for improving German-Dutch relationships. I wish, I could contact John and tell him directly. Stefan.
Stefan From the War Diary of 102 LAA Regiment, RA. "WAR DIARY – JANUARY 1945 1 January 1945 09-15 hrs – 7 enemy aircraft (ME-109 & FW-190) passed low over BREDA. 3 destroyed by 336 Battery. (Category I claims submitted). (German Operation BODENPLATTE)."
From the War Diary of HQ 1 Corps CRA. "WAR DIARY – JANUARY 1945 1 January 1945 Between 09-00 and 1000 hrs up to 40 enemy single engine aircraft and jet propelled aircraft passed over the Corps area, 10 of which were shot down. 102 LAA Regt claimed three. GILZE (RIJEN) airfield was the only target attacked."
Photo by Renate Meinhof of John Manroh. In a German newspaper yesterday. Weltkrieg und Familiengeschichte: „Jeder verdient ein gutes Grab“ "John Manrho auf der Kriegsgäberstätte Ysselsteyn nahe der deutschen Grenze, am Grab von Hans-Gottfried Meinhof, den er gefunden hat." "John Manrho at the Ysselsteyn war lodge near the German border, at the grave of Hans-Gottfried Meinhof, whom he found."
Article from the Dutch Government about the recovery of missing WW2 aircraft of all nationalities. Wreckage Recovery of Second World War Aircraft
More than one way to skin a cat. Scroll down and you'll see his phone number and a template to send him a message. mobile power systems Regards, Dave
Dave, just found out another way. A researcher in North Germany digging out Allied air crafts knows John very well. Stefan.