BILLETED

At the end of August 1939, tens of thousands of conscripts arrived in the villages and towns along the Grebbe Line. By far the largest part was billeted with farmers and citizens. This also applied to 1st Lieutenant Hein Oomen, who was given a room at Barneveldsestraat 16 in Renswoude. This farm has been preserved in the center of Renswoude.

Uniform collar

Two stars are visible on the collar of Hein Oomen’s uniform: he was a (reserve) 1st lieutenant and section commander in the 2nd company. For his wedding day on May 9, 1940, the 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Regiment and the 22nd Battery 6-Field had collected money to offer a nice gift (a clock). Due to the impending war, the wedding was postponed until September. His wife married legally ‘with the glove’.

Company location

Hein Oomen fought in the company (2-I-22 R.I.) of reserve Captain R. van Diffelen. These approximately 180 men were in the outposts northwest of the Fort on the Buursteeg.

Sandbag

On the sandbag lays his storm dagger, war remembrance cross and Officer’s Cross for (at least 15 years) active service as an officer. Hein Oomen served during the war not only with the (Dutch) 22nd Infantry Regiment, but also with the English Royal Air Force in 1945.