Memories of the war by Laurent Claassen

From 'Stampersgat in wartime'

An underground bunker had been dug in our yard and covered with wood and earth. There were two entrances. When there was a lot of shooting, we, along with the Koevoets family, were allowed to live in the bunker. Later we were told to go into the shed, because the road above our house was blown up. When we were just inside the shed, it was raining stones. When we went to check later, the pumping station was gone and the street had also disappeared.

Pictured are Fried, Elly, Hilda and Laurant Claassen at the signpost that stood at the end of Rijpersweg

Then there was water in the bunker for a while. There was more and more shooting on all sides. There was even shooting at the bunker, because apparently the British thought there were Germans inside. A lottery ticket was drawn who would go to the exit with a white cloth. We were advised to flee towards Oud Gastel, while guns were firing right and left. We found shelter in Mr Van Susante's basement. At night, we then also heard the V1 planes, which gave us great fear, especially when the sound died down and you didn't know where they would land next.