Memorial General Cemetery Steenbergen

On the wall of the General Cemetery at Steenbergen is a Plaque in honor of Wing Commander G.P. Gibson and Squadron Leader J. B. Warwick. The text reads: A PERMANENT TRIBUTE TO THE PERSONEL COURAGE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY OF WING COMMANDER G.P. GIBSON , VC., DSO., DFC., LEADER OF THE RAID BY No 617 (DAMBUSTERS) SQUADRON ON THE MOHNE, EDER AND SORPE DAMS 16th MAY 1943 AND HIS NAVIGATOR SQUANDRON LEADER J.B. WARWICK, DFC. BOTH OFFICERS LOST THEIR LIVES AFTER OPERATING AS MASTERBOMBERS ON A RAID ON RHEYDT NR. MÖNCHEN GLADBACH GERMANY IN A MOSQUITO AIRCRAFT IN WHICH THEY CRASHED ON 19th SEPTEMBER 1944 NEAR STEENBERGEN AND ARE BURIED (TOGETHER) IN THIS CEMETERY. THE ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION 19th SEPTEMBER 1974. That same wall also contains a box with a book of remembrance in memory of Guy Gibson & James Warwick, both of which are buried in this cemetery. Text on the box: [i]BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE TO THE ETERNAL MEMORY OF W/CDR G.P. GIBSON, VC DSO & BAR DFC & BAR PILOT S/LDR J.B. WARWICK DFC NAVIGATOR R.I.P.[/i] On the outside wall of the General Cemetery in Steenbergen a plaque has been placed as a thank you from the Canadians to the people of Steenbergen for their hospitality during the Second World War. Text on the plaque: IN APPRICIATION The South Alberta Regiment (SAR) 29th CDN ARM'D RECCE Reg't, part of the 4th CDN ARM'D DIV and the 10th CDN INF BDE, takes this opportunity to salute the Mayor and the citizens of Steenbergen for their bravery and warm support both during and after WWII. Steenbergen was the final battle of the North West prior to the Allies taking up a defensive position along the Mass and Lower Rhine, during the winter of 1944-45. Canadians will always cherish the bond that exists with the people of Holland.