June 2011
Our book is being referenced by Mr. Ken Tout in his new book "An End of War" which was released last month. The book is available at Amazon.co.uk.
March 2011
For the sixth time since January 2009 Har gave a lecture on the battle for the Roer Triangle. He has spoken on the subject for among others the local history associations of Echt (HVR Echter Landj) and Sint Odilienberg (HVR Roerstreek) and the Limburg Society for History and Archeology (LGOG).
May 2010
The plaque showing the liberation of Echt and Susteren is now placed in its final location in the Town Hall in Echt along with among others letters, photographs and the D.S.O. medal of major Evans (Queens Regiment, 7th Armoured Division).
January 2010
On Saturday 18 January a plaque showing a situational map of the liberation of Echt and Susteren between Sept. 1944 and Jan. 1945 was unveiled by mayor Diuedonné Akkermans of Echt-Susteren. The plaque was designed by Har Gootzen and will be moved to the town hall on Liberation Day (May 5th).
Mayor Akkermans unveils the plaque during a special exhibition on the war at the local museum in Echt.
May 2009
Eric Smallwood visited the Connect College in Echt to talk to students about how the war was like for the British soldiers. Eric was tank commander of the 1st RTR and fought among others at the Schilberg crossroads between Pey and Echt during the battle for the Roer Triangle.
Eric Smallwood and our daughter Veerle Gootzen at the Connect College.
January 2009
On Sunday 25 January a plaque to commemorate the liberation of Koningsbosch by the 52nd Lowland Division was unveiled in the church of the small village. Several veterans of the King's Own Scottish Borderers and Royal Scots Fusliers were present during the ceremony.
The plaque with the logo of the 52nd Lowland Division.
October 2008
It is with great sadness that we inform you that Brigadier Frank Coutts died, aged 90, on 20 October. He had a notable career as a policeman, soldier, rugby international and author. Brigadier Coutts was honorary colonel of the KOSB from 1970 to 1980. Appointed MBE in 1951, he was subsequently advanced to OBE and CBE.
August 2008
On 5 August the book was re-launched at Erskine Hospital in Edinburgh to raise extra funds for the veterans hospital. All proceeds from the book sales go to Erskine. Present at the launch was Brigadier Frank Coutts (89) who took part in the Battle for the Roer Triangle as a young Captain with the King's Own Scottish Borderers. Brigadier Coutts wrote the foreword in our book.
Brigadier Frank Coutts together with Kevin Connor and Har Gootzen at the book launch in Edinburgh.
May 2007
On 5 May 2007 Mrs. Julie Wells, daughter of Corporal Henry Eric Harden VC, visited Brachterbeek for the ceremony to unveil the new plaque in rememberance of her fathers actions during the Battle for the Roer Triangle.
Mrs. Julie Wells visiting the site where het father van KIA in January 1945.
February 2007
Mayor Bert Schaftenaar of Echt receives one of the first copies of the book during the "Sleuteloverdracht" ceremony at the Town Hall from Har Gootzen (Prins Har III of Carnival Club "De Bôkkeriejers" from Sint Joost).
Prins Har III hands a copy of the book to mayor Bert Schaftenaar.
Har G.P. Gootzen, 2011©