Monument to the Rescue Service

The Monument to the Rescue Service, erected in 1928, was spared during the construction of the Atlantic Wall. This is remarkable, as many buildings and objects disappeared under the wrecking ball during this period.

During the war, the Germans did claim the thirty bells of the monument as part of the bell requisition. However, the ship that transported the bells across the IJsselmeer sank.

After the war, the bells were recovered and reinstalled. In 1950, the carillon rang out again over Den Helder for the first time.

The fact that this particular monument remained standing speaks volumes. German sailors, too, were once saved from drowning by Dutch sea rescuers.