Officier-vlieger J. Blok

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by marco

Well earned Hanno, I guess you spent quite some time to find information about Johannes Blok...

Marco, I just recalled your message about the son of H. Moekardanoe. I have yet to contact him.....

Here is a picture (left to right) of Sergeants Hartojo ("Harry") Moekardanoe, Simon de Ridder, and Alexander Joseph Smith, after passing their pilot/observer certification at the RNMFS in June 1943.

De Ridder crashed with Johannes Blok (see above); both Moekardanoe and Smith served in 1840 Sqn, into which the remainder of 1847 Sqn was absorbed after the horrendous losses during training.

Moekardanoe - De Ridder - Smith.jpg

[Hanno Spoelstra]

October 12, 2016, was Poppy Day at the Amsterdam cemetery where Johannes was reburied after the war.

After the ceremony at the field where all the Commonwealth airmen, sailors and soldiers are buried, I went to visit the grave of Johannes. My daughter placed a poppy on his headstone.

14992037_357867694550445_3056195246644292923_n.jpg