Landing Monument

The Landingsmonument in Westkapelle commemorates the Allied landing on 1 November 1944. At this spot, the 4 Commando Brigade of the British Liberation Army landed to help liberate Walcheren.

What can you expect at the Landingsmonument?

• Two memorial stones: The monument consists of two stones with plaques. They commemorate the British servicemen who gave their lives here during the liberation of Walcheren.
  • The text on the left stone reads:
    "IN MEMORY OF THOSE OF THE ROYAL NAVY
    AND ROYAL MARINES WHO DIED OFF
    THESE SHORES ON 1ST NOVEMBER 1944
    WHILST SERVING WITH LANDING CRAFT
    OF SUPPORT SQUADRON EASTERN FLANK.

    TER NAGEDACHTENIS AAN ALLEN VAN DE
    KONINKLIJKE BRITSE MARINE EN DE
    KONINKLIJKE BRITSE MARINIERS DIE OP
    1 NOVEMBER 1944 AAN BOORD VAN DE
    LANDINGSVAARTUIGEN VAN HET SUPPORT
    SQUADRON EASTERN FLANK VOOR DEZE
    KUST HUN LEVEN HEBBEN GEGEVEN."

  • The text on the right stone reads:
    "4 COMMANDO BRIGADE
    BRITISH LIBERATION ARMY
    LANDDE HIER OP
    1 NOV. 1944
    OM HET EILAND TE BEVRIJDEN

    4 COMMANDO BRIGADE
    BRITISH LIBERATION ARMY
    LANDED HERE ON
    1 NOV. 1944
    TO LIBERATE THE ISLAND."

• Reminder of 1 November 1944: On this date, an important landing took place near Westkapelle. British commandos came ashore here to liberate the island from German occupation.
• Tribute to the fallen: The monument was erected in memory of the 172 crew members of British landing craft who died off the coast of Westkapelle.
• Special historic site: The right-hand stone was probably placed by British veterans as early as 1946. The left-hand stone was added later and unveiled in 1997 in the presence of veterans.

A place to pause and reflect

The Landingsmonument is not a large monument, but it is an impressive place of remembrance. In just a few words, it tells an important story of courage, sacrifice and the liberation of Walcheren.

Practical information

• Easy to combine with: A walk along the dyke, a visit to the tank monument or a stroll through the village.
• Access: The monument can be viewed freely.

Visit the Landingsmonument in Westkapelle and take a moment to reflect on the Allied servicemen who fought here on 1 November 1944 for the liberation of Walcheren.

Furthermore Landing Monument is near the following sights: Zuiderhoofd (±30 m), Erika (±70 m), Schoppesteele (±250 m), Playground Zeedijk (±450 m) & Ode aan Charley Toorop (±500 m).

For information

Zuiderhoofdweg 1, Westkapelle
web. Website