Personal Information

Jan Linzel was the CO of the Dutch Commandos of 10 IA Commando which landed at Westkapelle with 47 Commando. He began as a platoon commander in the Dutch army in 1940 attempting to hold the line against the German invaders. With the fall of Holland, he managed to escape to England at the second attempt and after intense screening joined the Princess Irene Brigade. He then volunteered for Commando training and after successfully completing the course at Achnacarry became a member of No 2 Dutch Troop. As well as Walcheren, he was involved with Operation Market Garden. Later he served in Indonesia and Korea, where he was badly wounded and ended his career as Dutch Defence Attache in Jakarta. He received the Dutch award the Bronze Cross for his escape to Britain in 1941 and the Bronze Lion for his actions in Market Garden and Infatuate II.