I am Roel Dekkers, a retired officer of the Dutch army.
Since my youth, I have been interested in World War II, especially the battles in Europe.
During my time in the Dutch army, we used many examples from World War II during training and education, which further increased my interest.
I was given the opportunity to give battlefield tours to my own unit, and this gradually expanded.
In 2017, I became a member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides, and in 2018, I completed all my assessments and received my coveted battlefield badge.
My battlefield tour specialises in the British and Canadian operations during Operation Veritable, which began on 8 February 1945 in the Groesbeek/Nijmegen area.
I also have a special interest in the follow-up to this operation, Operation Blockbuster, which was carried out by the Canadians. Finally, I give tours about the Rhine crossing Operation Plunder and the airborne operation Varsity.
You can also join me on a tour of Market Garden, following the exploits of the 82nd US Airborne Division in the Nijmegen area and/or the 1st British Airborne Division in the Arnhem area.
Using extensive photographic material and maps, I will try to bring the story of the battle to life at various points of interest.
My tours are suitable for individual participants and groups of all ages, military veterans, active military personnel and staff rides. If desired, I can also go into more detail about the achievements of a particular battalion that your ancestors may have been part of.
Other specialisms:
On special request of individual family members of mostly deceased veterans, I provide a special tour where their relative spent their time during the battle for the Rhineland.
I also provide tours for specific military units.
During the tour about Operation Veritable, we can delve deeper into the various divisions such as the 51st Highland Division, 15th Scottish Division or other British divisions. This also applies to the various regiments within such a division.
What applies to Operation Veritable also applies to the Canadian divisions and regiments during Operation Blockbuster.
I also give presentations to schools about the Second World War in general, special presentations about specific battles, and presentations about my efforts in crisis areas during my military career.