Cpl. R. C. Michels
Photos and information courtesy of the Dutch Commando Museum and Jack Bakker who adds the following " Michels served in the French Foreign Legion from 1937 until 1940 and fought with them around Narvik, were he earned the Croix de Guerre. From No 2 Dutch Troop he volunteered for special assignments carried out by the Dutch SOE so to speak. He was dropped by parachute into Holland in October 1944 to train the resistance groups and carry out actions with them. He was very active in the very North of Holland and was disguised as a doctor with the name of Eshuis. After February 1945 he was an civil engineer called A. de Vries. His photo was known to the German Sicherheitsdienst. Within the resistance he was known as Bob. He was in constant danger of being caught by the Germans. In the end he had organized a group of 250 men to carry out operations with. He was awarded the Bronze Lion"
The photo on the motorcycle was taken when he was a Corporal. The photo with his medals shows he attained the rank of Major. The Bronze Lion is the second highest gallantry medal of The Netherlands.
Photos and information courtesy of the Dutch Commando Museum and Jack Bakker
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Date: 21/01/2011
Size: 2 items
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