Date of birth: 31 May 1932

Piet van der Jagt is a veteran of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. He joined up in 1947 and received an honourable discharge in 1955. Among other places, he served in New Guinea and East Java.

He was eight years old and living in Dokkum in the province of Friesland when WW2 broke out. He had two brothers in the forces, one of them in the Marine Corps and the other in the Army. They were taken prisoner by the Germans.

In 1945, Dokkum was liberated by Polish and Canadian units. He has particular cause to remember the day of liberation, as his two brothers arrived home safely that same day.

What brought you to the Marshall Museum?

“In May 1997 I was approached by an ex-Brigadier of the Marine Corps. He asked me if I was interested in working as a voluntary attendant in the new Marshall Museum. The museum opened on 24 May 1997, exactly 50 years after the start of the Marshall Plan.”

Do you have a personal connection with any of the museum’s vehicles?

“Yes, I even worked with many of them! You see, we are a museum of logistics, not a war museum. Unfortunately, guns and other weapons are part of the total picture.”

“We are always looking for ex-service men and women to act as museum attendants. Anyone interested should contact Army Cars Holland, telephone number 078-620-5888”

Any special message for visitors to the website?

“The museum is definitely worth a visit - even for younger people!”

Date of birth: 10 March 1928

Jan Wassenaar started his military service in September 1946. After 13 months’ training , he joined the Marine Band (the ‘Tamperse Pijpers’). After a long career, including 7 years as the director of the Marine Band in Rotterdam, he retired with the rank of Captain in 1973.

Jan was 12 when the war broke out. At that time, he lived in Heiloo, near Alkmaar. His father was with the resistance and was eventually arrested by the Germans. By listening in secret to the radio, they knew that liberation was on the way in 1944. Alkmaar was liberated by Canadian units in 1945. With the liberation, Jan’s father also returned home safely.

“In May 1999 I was approached by a retired General of the Marine Corps. He asked if I would be interested in working as an attendant at the Marshall Museum. I agreed immediately.”

Have you any special message for visitors to this website?

“I cannot praise the museum highly enough. The collection is definitely worth a visit!”