Everyone deserves a decent grave

Discussion in 'Axis Units' started by Lindele, Jul 3, 2021.

  1. Lindele

    Lindele formerly HA96

    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.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2021
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  2. alieneyes

    alieneyes Senior Member

    Stefan,

    I think this is the gent in question

    John Manrho

    Regards,

    Dave
     
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  3. Buteman

    Buteman 336/102 LAA Regiment (7 Lincolns), RA

    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)."

    upload_2021-7-4_2-9-41.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2021
  4. Buteman

    Buteman 336/102 LAA Regiment (7 Lincolns), RA

    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."

    upload_2021-7-4_8-12-3.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2021
  5. Buteman

    Buteman 336/102 LAA Regiment (7 Lincolns), RA

    From a personal account of the day in question by BSM Bill Dowdall of 336/102 LAA Regiment:-

    upload_2021-7-4_8-31-54.jpeg

    upload_2021-7-4_8-32-54.jpeg
     
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  6. Buteman

    Buteman 336/102 LAA Regiment (7 Lincolns), RA

    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."

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2021
  7. Buteman

    Buteman 336/102 LAA Regiment (7 Lincolns), RA

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  8. Lindele

    Lindele formerly HA96


    Thanks Dave, comparing pics., yes,that is him. Unfortunately I am not on Facebook.
    Stefan.
     
  9. Lindele

    Lindele formerly HA96

    Yes, that is the article. May be I should aim to contact both Renate Meinhof and John Munroh
     
    Buteman likes this.
  10. alieneyes

    alieneyes Senior Member

    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
     
    Wobbler likes this.
  11. Lindele

    Lindele formerly HA96


    Dave,
    just found out another way. A researcher in North Germany digging out Allied air crafts knows John very well. Stefan.
     

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