Willem van Calis

This memorial page is dedicated to Willem van Calis, one of more than 725 war victims connected to the municipality of Deurne documented by Stichting Oorlogsslachtoffers. The municipality of Deurne and the surrounding villages of Liessel, Vlierden, Helenaveen, Neerkant and Zeilberg were liberated in the autumn of 1944 during heavy fighting. Victims fell on all sides: Allied soldiers from countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and New Zealand, and German soldiers.

But the archive covers more than just the combat victims on Deurne soil. Residents of Deurne who lost their lives elsewhere are also commemorated: civilians who were murdered in concentration camps, forced labourers who died in Germany, people who were executed or succumbed to the effects of persecution and oppression. In addition, residents of Deurne who entered German military service and were killed elsewhere are also included.

Stichting Oorlogsslachtoffers has been documenting the story of all these people since 1995, without distinction of nationality, side or background. The goal is to give every person a name and a face, and to keep their memory alive.

Additional information

Son of Johannes Gerardus van Calis and Johanna Maria Geris, brother of Martinus van Calis.

Willem van Calis was injured whilst collecting carrots in the field. He drove his wheelbarrow over a landmine and a piece of metal lodged in the back of his head. Although Willem thought the injury was not too serious, he fell ill a few days later and was examined by a doctor from the British medical service. He was taken to the hospital in Weert, where he later died from his injuries.

Memorial card

Joint memorial card

Death register

View all persons in the category: Residents of Deurne who died outside Deurne