Memorial Square of the Royal Netherlands Air Force – Soesterberg, the Netherlands


Memorial Square RNLAF Soesterberg
The monument “For the fallen comrades” at the Memorial Square of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) at Soesterberg

This is a Memorial Square which is used for commemorations ceremonies of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Next to being used during the national commemorations for war victims on the 4th of May, every year on the 1st of July, the day the RNLAF was founded in 1913 on Soesterberg Air Base, this square is also used to commemorate the fallen airmen, who gave their lives for their duty.

The obelisk or “the needle” as it is better known among RNLAF members, was first unveiled elsewhere on the Soesterberg Air Base, when the air force celebrated it’s 10th anniversary in 1923. The monument survived the war and was later relocated here. Under the Coat of Arms there is a plaque reading:

For Our Fallen Comrades

Coat of Arms of the RNLAF
The Coat of Arms of the Royal Netherlands Air Force on the obelisk at Soesterberg

On the ornamental fence we can read the Royal Netherlands Air Force credo:

Courage, Conduct, Loyalty

Memorial stone with the RNLAF service record
Memorial stone with the RNLAF service record

Visit the Memorial Square

The Memorial Square lies near the National Military Museum on the former Air Base of Soesterberg. It is opened for visitors daily.


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