Feb 26 - Closure Granted to Family Following Dutch Gunman's Death at Sea
As part of a visit organized by the Royal Netherlands Navy, the family of the late Louis Coenraad were granted closure to Mr. Coenraad’s death after the crash of a Gunman Avenger 028 during an exercise that involved several ships and two planes 60 nautical miles off the bay of Gibraltar in 1960.
Mr. Coenraad’s family, including his brothers, sister, cousins, nieces and nephews travelled to Gibraltar to pay tribute to the man after finally learning the truth about the incident. Dutch Naval Commander Mr. Gerrit J van de Haar contacted Netherlands consul in Gibraltar Mrs. Raacida Amenzou who was able to organize a series of events to bring closure to the family of Mr. Coenraad, who had been an airgunner and weapons mechanic in the Dutch marines.
Marking the 55th anniversary of the incident, the family unveiled a plaque at the King’s Chapel, Gibraltar’s military church, following a service attended by the Chief Minister, Government Sir James Dutton and CBF, as well as members of the Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron, who had, earlier in the day, taken the family members out to sea aboard a Squadron command vessel, to carry out a short memorial service and place wreaths at sea.
Late last year, once Mr. Coenraad’s brothers had retired, they decided they wanted to know the full story of the incident and approached the Dutch Navy, who also held a service in Holland with many extended family members of the deceased.
The Dutch Navy had formerly carried out a similar excursion to Indonesia, to grant closure to another family of a fallen forces member.
Following the service at the King’s Chapel the Governor hosted the Coenraad family for tea in the Convent. They expressed their delight in visiting Gibraltar and being able to fully understand what had happened to Mr. Louis Coenraad.
