Meensel-Kiezegem Plot of Honor
History Information
Chapel built in 1964, to commemorate the 20th remembrance day of the raids by members of the German and Flemish SS in August 1944. It’s the entrance of the plot of honour of the killed inhabitants of Meensel-Kiezegem.
Plot of Honor for the people of Meensel-Kiezegem, who where killed due to the raids of the German and Flemish SS in August 1944. Just before the liberation of the region, most victims were deported to Neuengamme Concentration Camp. The outcome of both raids was horrifying: 4 people were murdered on the spot, 63 inhabitants died in the Nazi concentration camps. Only 28 hostages including 9 women and children were able to survive this tragedy.
There is also the memorial grave of the Canadian Squadron Leader E.D.Blenkinsop (Teddy), who died on 23 January 1945. After the crash of Lancaster III JA976 "S for Sugar" he hid at the resistance in Meensel-Kiezegem. During a razzia he was captured.
Squadron Leader BLENKINSOP Edward Weyman - Service Number: J/3467
405 Sqdn. Royal Canadian Air Force
Died 23 January 1945 Age 24 Canadian
Commemorated at RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL Panel 278.
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Croix de Guerre (Belgium).
Son of Hubert Weyman Blenkinsop and Winsome Hazel Blenkinsop, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
