Gedenkbank J.A. de Jongh

In the heart of Den Helder, a city known for its maritime heritage, stands a monument that quietly tells a tale of heroism and sacrifice—the Gedenkbank J.A. de Jongh. This unassuming yet poignant tribute is dedicated to Lieutenant Johan August de Jongh, a naval officer whose bravery in the face of peril remains etched in the annals of Dutch naval history. As you stroll through the area, the monument invites you to pause and reflect on the courage and selflessness that it commemorates.

The Story Behind the Monument

Johan August de Jongh was a Lieutenant in the Royal Netherlands Navy, serving aboard the Hr. Ms. Pangrango. On a fateful day, October 4, 1917, the ship set sail from Den Helder, navigating the treacherous waters between the Westgat and Schulpengat. During this voyage, a sailor was swept overboard by the unruly sea. Without a moment's hesitation, De Jongh leapt into the tumultuous waters, armed with only a lifebuoy and a rescue line, determined to save his comrade. He succeeded in his mission, but tragically, the sea claimed him in return. His body was later found at the southern tip of Texel, a somber testament to his gallant sacrifice.

First Commemoration

In the wake of his heroic act, De Jongh’s valor was first commemorated in November 1917 with a marble plaque at the Royal Naval Institute in Willemsoord. The inscription in golden letters paid homage to his courageous deed, highlighting his willpower and self-sacrifice. It was a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life to save another.

The Creation of the Gedenkbank

On July 10, 1919, the Gedenkbank J.A. de Jongh was unveiled. This artistic monument was a gift from the Royal Netherlands Association Onze Vloot and the Royal Navy. Designed by the Baanders brothers, renowned for their work in the Amsterdam School architectural style, the monument took the form of a semicircular bench crafted from brick and muschelkalk stone. The inscription on the stone beam above the bench recounts De Jongh’s heroic act, ensuring that his story remains alive for future generations.

A Journey Through Time

Originally, the bench was intended to be placed near De Jongh's grave in Amersfoort. However, due to concerns about the site’s future, it found its home by the Buitenhaven at Nieuwediep. For fifty years, it stood there, a silent guardian of De Jongh’s legacy, until a dike reinforcement project necessitated its removal. The monument was dismantled, and its stone beam was temporarily relocated to the Helderse Marinemuseum in the 1970s. There, it languished, weathered by time, until a local resident drew attention to its deteriorating condition around the year 2000.

Restoration and Rediscovery

The call to restore the monument was answered, leading to a search for the original designs, which were eventually found in the archives of the Baanders brothers in Amsterdam. The Gedenkbank was meticulously reconstructed to its original glory and re-unveiled in 2013 at the Marinemuseum’s memorial square. Today, it stands as a beautifully restored piece of history, a testament to the enduring respect for De Jongh’s sacrifice.

Architectural Features

The Gedenkbank is a striking example of the Amsterdam School style, characterized by its use of red and darker bricks in a distinctive horizontal and vertical pattern. The semicircular design creates a welcoming space for reflection, while the stone seating invites visitors to sit and contemplate the inscription that tells De Jongh’s story. Flanking the inscription are symbols of naval heritage: an anchor and the emblem of the Association Onze Vloot. The artistry and craftsmanship of the monument reflect the deep respect and admiration for De Jongh’s heroism.

Visiting the Gedenkbank J.A. de Jongh offers more than just a glimpse into the past; it provides a space to honor the timeless values of bravery and selflessness. As you sit on the stone bench, surrounded by the echoes of history, you are reminded of the profound impact one individual’s courage can have on the world. This monument is not just a tribute to a hero of the sea but also a reminder of the enduring spirit of humanity.