RNZAF Ramrod raid on Amsterdam. May 3rd 1943

[Alex van de Wetering]

Ventura AE731 / EG-O

The location of the belly landing is given as "Zomerweg, Haarlem". Today the Zomerweg has disappeared and the Polder area has now been turned into a large residential area (Schalkwijk). However, its known that the plane landed at the Zomerweg, next to a community garden complex "Ons Buiten", which still exists today! At the entrance of "Ons Buiten" there is a monument with a display sign.
The prop blade is not one of the actual ventura, but a WW2 blade that was found in the North sea.

The picture attached shows the actual Ventura after the belly landing (picture from "Ons Buiten"). The plane remained at the site for at least a week, which meant a lot of locals came to have a look.

Also attached is a picture of a small piece of remaining Polder near the site. This is what most of the area would have looked like in 1943.

Alex