The 1953 North Sea flood was a major flood caused by a heavy storm that occurred on the night of Saturday, 31 January 1953 and morning of Sunday, 1 February 1953. The floods struck the Netherlands, Belgium, England and Scotland.
A combination of a high spring tide and a severe European windstorm over the North Sea caused a storm tide; the combination of wind, high tide, and low pressure led to a water level of more than 5.6
meters (18.4 ft) above mean sea level in some locations. The flood and waves overwhelmed sea
defenses and caused extensive flooding. The Netherlands, a country with 20% of its territory below mean sea level and 50% less than 1
meter (3.3 ft) above sea level and which relies heavily on sea
defenses, was worst affected, recording 1,836 deaths and widespread property damage. Most of the casualties occurred in the southern province of Zeeland.
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VETERAN U. S. PARATROOPERS who Jumped over Nljmegen, Holland, in the World War II coastal offensive present $1,200 collected
through division for Dutch food relief.
Receiving the contribution in New York is Baron J. A. da Vos van Steenwljk. Dutch consul.
The paratroopers flew from Camp Drum, N. Y, to present money. MSgt. George! D. Ketchum is at right of Steenwljk.
Rear (from left) MSgt. Herbert Kitchen, MSgt. Robert I Hughes. MSgt. Monnie M. Saunders, SFC John E. Taylor.
(International Sound photo)
Note: MSgt. George! D. Ketchum was a prior member
of the 508th, some others in the photo may have been as well.
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82nd
Airborne Gives $12,255 To Holland
New York, Feb. 10 UPI --- The 82nd Airborne Division, which
parachuted into the Dutch town of Nijmegen during World War II,
today presented a $12,255.19 flood relief check to the Dutch
consul general. The presentation was made by five members of the
division who took part in the parachute operation. They came
here from Camp Drum, N. Y., where the division is taking part in
maneuvers. The veterans were MSgts. George D. Ketchum, Amboy, III.; Monnie M. Sanders. Charleston. S. C; Herbert H. Kitchen, Tonkawa, Okla.; Robert E. Hughes, Cumberland, Md.,
and Sgt. 1cl John A. Taylor, Hamilton, O.
[Note: This donation equates to approximately 112,354.02 in 2017
values]
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