Mayor Heerts today opened a new Royal Netherlands Army training complex at Kamp Nieuw-Milligen. The complex is named after the Apeldoorn resistance heroes Gijs Numan and Albert van de Scheur, who played a key role in the liberation of Apeldoorn during the Second World War.
The new training complex prepares military personnel for their duties under realistic conditions. Other branches of the armed forces and security partners, such as the police, can also make use of the facility.
During the Second World War, Gijs Numan and Albert van de Scheur played an important role in the resistance movement in Apeldoorn. They once again took great risks during the liberation of the city. Their actions helped to spare Apeldoorn from heavy shelling by Canadian troops.
Mayor Ton Heerts is grateful that the Ministry of Defence has named the new training complex after the two men from Apeldoorn.
“I find it particularly special and meaningful that the Ministry of Defence is honouring these two men from Apeldoorn in particular. At a decisive moment, Gijs Numan and Albert van de Scheur did not look away, but sprang into action. They took responsibility for their town and for the people who lived here. I therefore find it very fitting that their names are now associated with a place where work is carried out every day to develop the knowledge, skills and resilience of military personnel.”.
According to Mayor Heerts, the name fits well with Apeldoorn as a City of Safety. “Freedom and safety cannot be taken for granted. Even today, this calls for people who take responsibility and for a resilient society. The commitment shown by Numan and Van de Scheur remains an inspiring example in this regard.”
The families of both those after whom the complex is named were present at the official opening. Together with Mayor Heerts and Brigadier-General Henk Ouwehand, commander of the Education and Training Command, they unveiled the nameplate of the new training complex.
Want more information on this topic or have a question?
Get in touch.
