The Association is exceptionally proud to be able to share with you photos from a ceremony in the British Embassy during which Hans Onderwater was awarded an MBE and joined a small and exclusive group of overseas recipient of the award. The ceremony took place on 20th January 2017 in The Hague.
Many of you will have a copy of Hans' excellent history of the Squadron, "Second to None - The History of II(AC) Squadron Royal Air Force 1912-2002". Some of you will also be aware of his tireless work to recognise the efforts of Operation Manna and Chowhound, a topic that he still lectures on to this day. Hans' relationship with the Squadron goes back to 1986 when he visited the Squadron to research Air Cdre Geddes, who was instrumental in the negotiations prior to the food drops. From that point on Hans' support to the Squadron and the Association as the honorary historian has been 'Second to None'. Hans has been working with the Association to produce edition 3 of 'Second to None', which we hope to have cleared for publication in the Autumn. In the meantime, I hope you will join us in congratulating Hans (we can pass on messages if you contact us below). II(AC) Squadron Association. |