Conscript private Johannes Adrianus Pruijsten.

Conscript private Johannes Adrianus Pruijsten was born on February 16, 1920 in Geertruidenberg. At a young age, he enjoyed drawing and painting. He was a sporty young man who loved playing football and cycling. On October 23, 1939, Soldier Pruijsten reported for duty as a regular conscript and received basic training at the Depot Wielrijders ( Depot Bicycle Infantry ) in Gouda. After February 15, 1940, he was assigned to the 2nd Regiment Wielrijders. When the war broke out on May 10, 1940, the 2nd Regiment Wielrijders also received its marching orders. On May 13, 1940, Soldier Pruijsten and his unit were at the intersection of the Zeedijk/Schenkeldijk, preparing for a counterattack as part of the Light Division. However, the Germans launched their own attack on the intersection, bringing about 20 tanks from the 9th Panzer Division over the Zeedijk. Before the resistance was broken, Stuka dive bombers carried out an attack on the Dutch positions. Soldier Pruijsten was severely wounded in these battles and left behind by the fleeing Cyclists Infantry. He was found by German soldiers and taken to the Zuiderziekenhuis in Rotterdam, where one of his legs and an arm were amputated. On May 31, 1940, conscript soldier Johannes Adrianus Pruijsten succumbed to his injuries. He was buried in Geertruidenberg, where he still rests today in a war grave¹.

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