Mortsel Remembrance Project 5 April 2018
Today, 5th April at 15.35h it is exactly 75 years ago that American bombers wanted to destroy the German Erla aircraft factory in Mortsel. They dropped no less than 600 heavy bombs, but most bombs did not fall on the factory but elsewhere. The balance: 936 deaths, including more than 250 children. It was the deadliest bombardment in the Low Countries during the Second World War.
A Remembrance Project is created to remember each of the 936 victims.
- Norbert Van Ostaeijen, born on 14 October 1924 in Berchem, lived in Deurne and was in the Erla factory at the time of the bombing.
Died at the age of 18.
- Janineke Van Biesen, born on 23 October 1931 in Wilrijk, lived in Mortsel and was a student in Sint-Vincentiuscollege at the time of the bombing.
Died at the age of 11.
