Hello,
I am researching my grandfather, Antonius Joannes Walthaus, born 5 January 1913 in Groningen. He is also recorded as Antonius Johannes Walthaus and A.J. Walthaus. His Dutch military registration number was 13.01.05.011.
His parents were Johannes Theodorus Fransiscus Walthaus and Elisabeth Maria de Ridder.
I know from his official Dutch military record that he was already in South Africa by March 1942. He was enlisted into the Nederlandse Troepen in Zuid-Afrika on 15 March 1942, assigned to the 2e Detachement, left South Africa on 24 March 1942, arrived in England on 19 April 1942, and joined the Brigade in England on 25 April 1942.
He later served with the Prinses Irenebrigade, went to France with the Brigade in August 1944, and returned to South Africa in November 1945.
I have also found an archival reference suggesting that A.J. Walthaus may previously have entered South African military service, before joining the Dutch forces.
I am particularly trying to find:
- when Antonius first emigrated or travelled from the Netherlands to South Africa;
- where he lived and worked in South Africa before March 1942;
- passenger or immigration records;
- any South African military records or service number;
- marriage, residence, employment or consular records;
- information about the Dutch 2e Detachement which left South Africa in March 1942;
- photographs or other records mentioning him.
Antonius later lived in the United Kingdom and died in Lancashire, on 18 November 1963.
I already have his basic Dutch military service record and have contacted the Dutch Nationaal Archief, NIMH and the South African Defence archives, so I am particularly interested in civilian, emigration and South African sources which may fill the period before March 1942.
Any help, suggestions, database lookups or archival references would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.