Every year on Christmas Eve, a most touching ceremony takes place on Texel, at the War Cemetery at Den Burg. This year the annual lighting of the candles for each of the 167 graves took place despite somewhat blustery weather, and the results after darkness had fallen were spectacular.

Sea currents meant that a number of war dead were washed up on the shores of Texel. In addition, extremely powerful guns were located there, and many aircrew fell victim to them or to night fighters from nearby bases in Holland. Amongst those who perished were a number of Pathfinders, including Leslie Laver and four other members of the Steven crew, who were shot down on 14 January 1944. (See Why the Archive Began)

It is wonderful that these lost soldiers, sailors and airmen, some known only to God, are still remembered so respectfully and so thoughtfully.

The candles were placed by Texel island veterans, together with Bram van Dijk, Jan Nieuwenhuis, and “some other enthusiasts”. Photographs courtesy of Jan Nieuwenhuis.