Being born in Belgium and of Flemish ancestry, I decided to check out one of the major publications regarding the Flemish SS volunteers and their struggle.

I won't go into too much detail because that would then belong in the
"WWII Books and Publications" board.

But I do want to share this little jewel I discovered inside:



(The time is March 1945)
During this time a poem was found on the corpse of an unknown girl from Pommerania. The title of the poem: "Early spring in Pommerania"


Early Spring in Pommerania, a divine time,
Soldiers in field-gray uniforms.
Defiant mines, helmets, rifles,
So I saw coming the brave army.
Germans, Flemings, Waloons.

Early spring in Pommerania, a foregone time,
Graves and crosses in solitude.
Silent memories, a prayer even more,
So I want to thank the brave army.
Germans, Flemings, Waloons.



I will post the original version in German for you to enjoy later today, as I am a little busy right now! Enjoy, although this poem made me a little teary. Oh, and Mods, if you feel this belongs in the other board, go ahead and move it .

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Mein Leben!

Thanx for sharing it with us, SDBE!

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that is a little touching Duckee!

thanks for this!!

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Scott

I know of the above all too well ;-)) In 2000, I had the priviledge and pleasure to have spent 12 hours at Remy Schrijnen's home. Have many photo's taken there and someday i'll get around to sharing them here as well as other promised photos.

Anyway, my friend is now deceased :-( and his wife no longer lives at: PascheStr 44 in Hagen, Germany.

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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

How is the relationship between the Flemish and Walloons? I ask because I am interested in your opinion on Leon Degrelle.

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American by birth, TEXAN by the grace of GOD!

Though I know this question is not posted for me to reply to, I do have an answer for ya. Put it this way, Remy loved Leon Degrelle as a fellow brother-soldier having the upmost respect for this man. Also had a very large photo of him hanging in his livingroom. I took photos of those as well.

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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

Well you've got a good source to speak from. I also admired what he accomplished as a soldier much like what good ole Sepp did. Not their political philosophy mind you but look at their careers and they accomplished much. I still think about what Hitler said when awarding Leon his Knight's Cross, "If I were to have a son, I would want him to be like you". Thanks Carl.

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American by birth, TEXAN by the grace of GOD!

Quite welcome Ike and Merry Christmas if I don't have another chance to wish it to you.

PS, im working on getting a good digital camera and a good scanner. When all is said and done, I will be posting all the photo's taken in Remy's Apartment.

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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

Yum yum. Stop teasing and get that scanner and a Merry Christmas to you. It is never too early for Christmas wishes.

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American by birth, TEXAN by the grace of GOD!

Thank you and, the teasing is close to ending ;-)) I THINK I should have at least the camera, hopefully by Christmas but, not sure if I will get a scanner in January or wiat till I relocate next Summer?

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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

The opinions of the Flemings towards the Walloons are diverse...the political right wing of the country urges for an independent state and it is currently a very large debate within the country over a state reformation. The Flemish left however as well as most of Wallonia is pro-Belgium, wanting to keep the current state as-is despite problems in forming a government! I should say relations are sour .

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Mein Leben!

Hmm. Interesting. Historically, Do the Belgians see Leon Degrelle as a hero or criminal?

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American by birth, TEXAN by the grace of GOD!

Hi Ike, I don't think this will answer it for you but according to Remy, it was about 50/50-just depends on which side of the fench your sitting on. If I recall from what he said, correctly, that a slight majority looked at DeGrelle as a hero-they just did not like it as much that he was in the Waffen SS. Also, it was (accoring to Remy's knowledge) a 2 out of 5 support for Degrelle and would have been a little higher if he'd been in the Heer instead. How they feel about it these days--I do not know?

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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

The Last Knight of Flanders,

The late Remy Schrijnen , whatever your political perspective Remy's courage in the face of massive odds is there for all to see , a truly brave man.

Attached Images

Remy Schrijnen.jpg (5.2 KB, 8 views)

No truer words written. For myself, I place him equal with the likes of Audie Leon Murphy Medal of Honor Recipient and Captain Richard Wallace Annand, Victoria Cross Recipient. I've had the pleasure of also exchanging a few letters and Christmas cards not only with Remy but (and thanks to Paul) with Captain Annand.

Rest in Peace Remy and Rest in Peace Captain I greatly miss both of your friendships.

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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.