The second place where Sikke served was Fort Uitermeer in Weesperkarspel (now part of Weesp). At that time, he was part of the second company, first battalion of the thirty-first infantry regiment. Sikke served at Fort Uitermeer from October 7, 1939, until April 22, 1940, after which he moved to Muiderberg. He spent most of the mobilization period in the barracks of Fort Uitermeer. However, the question remains: what did Weesp look like during the time Sikke was stationed there, and what does it look like today? To explore this, I, Lars, visited Weesp and photographed the places mentioned in Sikke’s diary, 85 years later. Below you can view and compare the photos.
Farmer Galesloot
The first location where Sikke had to stay as a soldier was at farmer Galesloot’s, during the period of October-November 1939. The barracks at Fort Uitermeer were not yet ready for use at that time, while Sikke had already arrived. Therefore, the soldiers were temporarily housed at farmer Galesloot’s farm, which was located close to Fort Uitermeer.
A photo of the farm as it is today.
A photo of the farm as it is today.
A photo of the surroundings of the farm as it appears today.
A photo of the surroundings of the farm as it appears today.
In this photo, Sikke (bottom left) is seen together with his comrades. The photo was taken at the farm of farmer Galesloot.
This is the location where the photo with Sikke (see photo on the left) was taken. The fence, hay bale, grass, and bushes have since disappeared. Only the shed in the background remains visible.
Here you can see both photos again, but this time side by side.
Fort Uitermeer
The exact location where Sikke was stationed as a mobilized soldier was at Fort Uitermeer. This fort had barracks where he stayed together with his fellow servicemen.
This is an aerial photograph of Fort Uitermeer, taken around the time Sikke was stationed there.
This is a recent photo of the side of the tower fort at Fort Uitermeer.
This is the interior of the tower fort at Fort Uitermeer.
This is a room in the tower fort. Number 28 stands for the room number.
This photo shows Fort Uitermeer with the tower fort in the background.
This photo shows a restored guardhouse at the entrance of the fort grounds.
This photo shows a sign from Fort Uitermeer.
This is the river Vecht that flowed past Fort Uitermeer.
Great or Laurens Church & The Military Home
Sikke could often be found in Weesp, mainly at two locations. First, he frequently visited the Grote or Laurenskerk for church services. Second, he was regularly at the military home, which was located next to the church. After World War II, this military home was converted into a youth building. Eventually, the youth building was demolished and replaced by the Lichthuis. Unfortunately, nothing of the youth building remains.
This is what the church looked like about 85 years ago. It is likely that Sikke sat on one of these benches.
This is what the church looks like today. Due to ongoing construction, some parts of the church are in scaffolds.
Here you can see the pastors of Weesp. In the period 1939-1943, Reverend Gall preached at the Grote of Laurenskerk.
This is the door to the Consistory Room. This door has remained exactly the same as it was 85 years ago when Sikke went to this church.
This photo shows the church tower of the church as it appears today. Due to ongoing construction, the tower is surrounded by scaffolding, but fortunately, the top is still visible.
This is the entrance to the church, where Sikke frequently visited.
Currently, the Light House stands at this address, a building owned by the Grote or Laurenskerk and located next to the church. 85 years ago, this was the Military Home, where Sikke could often be found. This is where he and his comrades came to rest.
Soldaat Sikke Hiemstra 