Yesterday an important family memento was handed over to me:
Johannes Blok’s military Pierce Chronograph watch!
After Johannes perished in his crash on 27 March 1944, his possessions were collected by the Royal Netherlands Naval headquarters in London to be handed over to his parents at a later date. This happened only after the cessation of hostilities, when Johannes’ remains and possessions were transported to the Netherlands where Johannes was reburied.
Harmen Blok (my grandfather from my mother’s side), was given his brother’s watch. After his death in 2000 it was handed over to my uncle Johan Blok, who was named after Johannes. During the month of the 80th anniversary of Johannes’ passing, Johan handed over the watch to me. I am chuffed to be the caretaker of this personal effect, and will make sure to keep his memory alive.
