Five Brothers and a War

Postscript: Gijsbertus “Bertus” van Pelt

A few months after his father’s death, Wim Bruynzeel travelled to Indonesia to meet with company executives, including Leen. While in Jakarta, Bruynzeel met with Bertus for lunch, during which he told countless stories about what a great man his father was. Toward the end of the lunch, he asked if Bertus could get a couple weeks’ leave to go visit Leen with him. The army private went through the normal channels, which eventually proved to be too slow. He was told to personally ask a visiting commanding general. Bertus saw the general, approached him and made his request. The general invited Bertus into his staff car to travel across the base to get his pass. Upon hearing the name “van Pelt”, the general asked if Bertus had just lost his father. Apparently the man not only read, but remembered the contents of every telegram sent to soldiers within his command. Wim Bruynzeel had such regard for the van Pelts that he hired three of the sons to work for him, and gave Bertus the enormous favor of a 12-day trip to Borneo, all expenses paid. Making it all the better was the transportation—which was the company ship, chef and all. Bertus’ time in the army was highlighted by football matches. To increase morale, army units from small to large organized teams and matches. Bertus, being a very good footballer, found his niche in the military. He loved playing, and was held in high regard. A private gets no respect, and is always on the low end of the totem pole. A private who is a great football player gets significant respect. Despite the horrors of war, Bertus had found a role in life that he loved. Then one day a hard tackle broke both bones in one of his legs. The football was over, but then again, so was the fighting and the other unpleasant aspects of the war. On August 11, 1949, the war was also over when a ceasefire was agreed to between the Dutch and the Indonesians. Bertus was in a full leg cast for the last months of his deployment, including his trip home, in February 1950. Bertus got his education, though it was courtesy of the army, and not the schooling system.

van Pelt

The SS Volendam, Bertus’ ride home. This time the trip did not involve the brig. Instead it was four weeks of relative luxury spent in the infirmary, porthole and all.

Five Brothers and a War

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