Last revised: October 21nd 2010 (now 200+ pics)
New:
Both pictures were send in by Michel van Eupen who's grandfather was in 1ggw 119sqn in Handorf.
Launch of a Nike Hercules on Crete
photo (detail): Erik Jan Mauritz
Animated by "Gramps"
Some pics may not always load since they come from archive.org
The bunker-entrance on Bravo Section
One of my tasks was to check the missile before launch
11
A photo taken from above the bunker (Bravo section).
In the distance you can see Alpha section.
13
Taken from within my room; on the right our camps entrance. An Ajax missile for a welcome
Normally passed on by the oldest in the Crew, but since I was the last, I've kept it.
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Normally there were 3 missiles outside.
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Another missile.
20
The hangar with inside 6 or 7 other Nike's, of which 4 or 5 armed with a nucleair warhead.
22
Another view from my window:
left is our mess, next is where the American 509th C-Detachment was located,
and on the right the administrative section.
An interview with me in 'Onze Luchtmacht'(1999):
Frank Rappagne 120 Sqn
Frank was a Battery Control Officer (BCO) in the A Crew of Borgholzhausen and left the Air Force in 1983.
First a story in dutch from Frank:
Ik had een prachtige tijd daar gehad, en best wel spannend af en toe. Tijdens de Polen-crisis bijvoorbeeld (inval van de Russen daar) hebben we 3 maanden lang op een soort verhoogde paraatheid gestaan zonder dat iemand dat wist. De operationele officieren (wij dus) mochten bijna 3 maanden lang niet verder dan een half uur reizen van het Sqn. weg zonder speciale toestemming, en we moesten dag en nacht een pieper (toen nog heeeel bijzonder) dragen. Het 'leukste' daaraan was dat er maar 5 man op het Sqn hiervan wisten (Sqn. cdt en ops. officieren). We kregen eens per 2 weken zelfs verschrikkelijk geheime briefingen van de Luchtmacht Inlichtingen Dienst.
Er zijn nog 2 andere gevallen geweest. De eerste was in 1968 (Praag). Dat was de enige keer dat de missiles in Borg werkelijk ingeplugged hebben gestaan (Battle Stations). De 2e keer was eind 1980. Daar heeft bijna niemand wat van gemerkt. Er werden toen binnen een week tijd enorme troepenbewegingen waargenomen langs het IJzeren Gordijn (5-6 maal van wat normaal was bij de grootste oefeningen). Niemand bij de NATO wist precies wat ze ervan moesten denken, en hoe ze erop moesten reageren. Uiteindelijk is toen gekozen voor een "oefening" als dekmantel voor het opvoeren van de paraatheid van de luchtverdedigings eenheden. Als ik me goed herinner was dat de (nep)oefening "Closed Hedge". Op deze manier hadden we een hogere paraatheid, zonder te provoceren. Gelukkig werd het na 2 weken weer rustig.
The very last launch of the 120th squadron (on Crete, Greece) in 1982.
Zoom-in. (Distance to LA about 1 mile)
BCO's work-position, with radar-display and fire/burst-controls, target-, speed-, and altitude-indicators, and also missile-speed-indicator.
The narrow space of the BC-VAN; in the back the Acquistition Operator was seated, in the middle the BCO, and in front the Computer Operator.
This was a demonstration of how the missile was armed.
In the front 2 american and 2 dutch soldiers, and at the sideline (from left to right)
Colonel Zeegers (12 GGW Commander), Secretary of State van Houwelinge, Sergeant Major Lourens (LCO),
someone of the Staff of Defense (presumable the Commander Tactical Airforce),
Secretary of State Stemerdink, Major Egon Wemmerslager (Squadron Commander).
(standing f.l.t.r.): the Captain Adjudant of the Commander 12GGW, van Houwelinge, Stemerdink,
Captain Rene Munnich and 2nd Lieutenant Theo van de Waal.
(sitting from rear to front) Sergeant Peter van Deursen (Acquisition Operator), 2nd Lieutenant Frank Rappange (BCO),
1st Corporal Victor Ketting (Computer Operator) and Soldier John 'Binky' Binkhorst (Switchboard Operator).
Satellite photo of Borgholzhausen, with LA, camp and IFC.
Tower is public viewing tower, PMC is christian soldiers mess.
Robin Postma 120Sqn
Robin Postma was a Flycatcher-operator in Borgholzhausen in 1980.
Launching Area.
(Rolf Dieter Görigk put in all the names of each building in 1998)
LA entrance.
Interconnecting Building (ICB), Vans and Mess.
Interior of one of the Vans.
Walk towards the Radarwall.
TTR and TRR.
TTR and TRR.
Lopar (Low Power Aquisition Radar).
Hipar
Dutch Missile on Crete.
John van Benten 120 Sqn
John van Benten was stationed in Borgholzhausen from november 1977 untill april 1981, and served with the Security Forces (SF/LB).
Hipar
Gate on IFC, with Guardhouse.
View towards IFC from LA.
Camp; view towards LA.
Wout de Vries 120Sqn
Wout was a Nike-mechanic (226), who served in Borg from 1980-1983.
2.This pic was taken in 1983, after decommission.
f.l.t.r.: Piet Snelders, Jan Augenbroe † , Paul Gielen, Henk Jeukens † , Wout de Vries, Gerrit Stegeman en Georg Martens.
6.B Crew on IFC
(1983)
7.C Crew on IFC
(1983)
10.C Crew on LA
(1983)
11.Crete 1998.
12.Crete 1998.
13.Crete 1998.
Han Tijssenraad 120 Sqn
1.C+A-Crew 1983.
3.Camp.
4.509th ADA building.
7.Peter Aalbers, Sanny Ribbers.
8.Lex van Callandt, Han and Jan Schilder.
9.PMT. (left)
10.Siedlung.
Han Tijssenraad 220 Sqn Schöppingen
1.A Crew
7.ASP Crete 1985
Herman Heskamp 120 Sqn (SF)
Herman Heskamp was stationed in Borgholzhausen in 1975 as a soldier in the SF (Security Forces).
From 1979 till 1983 he was back again, but now as corporal (SF).
1.SF-guard with dog (not Herman).
2.Avondvierdaagse 1981.
3.Corporal's mess logo.
4.Sinterklaas 1982.
5.Sinterklaas 1982
7.Tower 4
8.Transport of specials 1983
9.Transport of Nike 1983
Ted Litz/509th ADA Borgholzhausen
I was with the 509th, stationed at Borgholzhausen, from March 1967 to September 1968.
As a matter of fact I was one of the very first Americans to be deployed to BGH. The Germans at first were very curious about us.
We were a pretty good group and showed respect and didn't get into any trouble.
The day after we arrived on March 11, 1967 we all went into BGH to kind of check it out. All of us were in uniform (fatigues) and as we walked down into BGH, people just stopped and stared at us. Some even opened up their windows and watched us. Most of the people treated us very well but there were some that just didn't trust or like us.
Although they couldn't get me to re-enlist, I have wonderful memories of the area and post.
I'd also like to say that the Dutch were wonderfull hosts. I spent a few (quite a few) nights in the NCO club and nursed many hangovers on that hill.
We spent most of our night life in Bielefeld at a disco called the "The Old Crow". I'm sure it probably isn't there anymore but it was some place.
Ted Litz
2.Nice "see through-pic" of the hanger on A-section.
Right of the hanger there are warhead containers, used to transport the warheads to Germany
4.Here's the famous 509th Artillery Detachement Delta Team. The slogan over the door reads "Excellence in All".
Before that we had another slogan; "We're Coming Up".
6.My good friend Jack Hoker on the right, and myself
8.Here is one of our cooks and my roommate, Dale Baxter.
9.This picture shows Ken Rawlings playing pool.
Being able to play pool was about the only recreation we had after duty, especially during the winter months.
Believe me; by the time we got home, we were very good pool players!
10.Here's a shot of some of the guys getting ready to go out for the night.
Left to right are Jim Wurster, Dave Hendrix, Marven Berg (married a girl from BGH), Ray Benton, Bruce Ulness and Jack Hoker.
11.This is a shot of myself with Jack Hoker and Bruce Ulness.
You can also see an advertisement for the discotheque "Old Crow", which was the primary hangout for us all.
Borgholzhausen 120 Squadron
Jan Spaans
Jan Spaans served as an SPO in Borgholzhausen in 1965-1966.
These beautifull pictures from the 'old days' are very rare! Ofcourse it was allways forbidden to take pics, but in the 60's you could easily be regarded as a spy for the soviets, when caught.
Jan made most of these pics on a weekend watch in 1965. (and was fortunately never caught)
10. 1st Nike rolls out
Borgholzhausen 120th Squadron
Harry Lette
Harry Lette was drafted for service on January 2nd, 1972, and first stayed in Groot Heidekamp, Arnhem, NL for 3 months.
After this first general training Harry was sent to Bohmte (where he stayed for 14 days), which was at that time an almost new base, and was asked what he'd like to do. (Can you imagine that?) ;-)
So he chose for Switchboard Operator, and was sent to Borgholzhausen, where he served till June 29th 1973.
12. Inside a Van.
13. Inside a Van.
14. Party at end of mil. service.
(Harry in red sweater)
16. the LA.
Erle 221st Squadron
Ton Karremans
Ik ben als KVV'er gestart in 1969 in Gilze Rijen met mijn OO-opleiding. Mijn vakopleiding tot MTR-operator heb ik in 1970 op de LIMOS in Nijmegen genoten.
In 1970/1971 was ik gelegerd in Schöppingen, alwaar ik mijn OTT (Opleiding Tijdens Tewerkstelling) heb genoten.
Medio 1971 ben ik naar Erle gegaan en ben daar gestationeerd geweest tot aug.1973 als sergeant MTR-radar operator.
Omdat ik daar in Erle een eindeloze tijd heb meegemaakt en daar ook gelukkig getrouwd ben geraakt met Lida, was ik van plan om beroepsmilitair te worden, echter de oliecrisis gooide roet in het eten! Ik kreeg vriendelijk het verzoek om de militaire dienst te verlaten vanwege personeelsoverschot.
1. OO-mess kamp Erle.
3. MTR.
7. Target Tracking Radar-console.
8. Teun at Missile Tracking Radar-console.
Co van Doeselaar
Rheine 223rd Squadron
Handorf 119th Squadron
Co van Doeselaar (09-05-39) was one of the first dutchmen who came in contact with the Nike's.
Training as '226' from february '58 till february '60 in Ft. Bliss, Texas.
Stationed in Rheine from '60 -'65.
Stationed in Handorf from '65 - '75 (a.o.t. ORE team Logistieke zaken en CTE IFC).
1.Ft Bliss, Tx
1.The second to last Dutch Nike to be launched.
4.The testing and checking of the electric circuits preceeds a firing-test.
F.l.t.r.: unknown soldier, sgt1 van Nellestijn, hopzlan(hoofdopzichter launching area)Aoo Lamain, and a German evaluator.
(Crete 1984)
Hans Donker was drafted in august 1981, and went to the Limos first, where he was made a soldier 1st class.
He was a member of the LB/SF (Security Forces), and was posted in Vörden 118th squadron, where he became a corporal.
The Nike standing on the grounds of the Limos barracks.
Photo: Hans Donker 1981
Gen. Snijderskazerne (General Snijders Barracks).
Photo: Hans Donker 1981
The Republic F-84F Thunderstreak standing on the grounds of the Limos-barracks.
Photo: Hans Donker 1981
Hans spent his further time in the army with the Security Forces in Vörden 118th Squadron,
and made the following pic.
IFC Area in Vörden. (taken from shooting-range area)
Photo: Hans Donker 1982
Blow up.
9b.Reunisten ex 121 sq tijdens ASP 120 1980
v.l.n.r. Edwin van Geet, Dirk Kalkman, Hans Micolai van Fürstenrecht, Adrie Minderhoud en Kees de Jager.
10.B-Crew (LA) tijdens een grill-maaltijd in een weekenddienst
o.a. Jan Schilder (3de v.l), Karel Elhorst (4de v.l.), Richard Lourens,
Ben Timman, Adrie Minderhoud, Tom Hölzken en Martin Veldhuizen.
11.B-Crew (LA) tijdens een grill-maaltijd in een weekenddienst
o.a. Cor Ribbers, Karel Elhorst, Richard Lourens,
Adrie Minderhoud, Martin Veldhuizen en Tom Hölzken.
12. B Crew 120 Sqn.
Cees de Jager was stationed with these Nike-Squadrons in the RNLAF:
05/1974 - 05/1975 Bohmte/Bad Essen
05/1975 - 07/1983 Borgholzhausen
07/1983 - 08/1987 Schöppingen
Schöppingen 220th Squadron:
1. Departure CTE Jan Valk.
2. Assy 220 Sqn.
3. 220 Sqn on Crete.
4. Down-range crew, Crete 1987.
5. Last firing 220 Sqn, Crete.
12. Close-down team allmost finished.
13. Close-down team allmost finished.
14. Close-down team "having a beer".
15. De-assembling in Warheadbuilding.
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History and location of 12GGW |  |
Deleo Hostem=I destroy the enemy
12GGW means 12th Group Guided Weapons.
History of 12GGW:
| 12GGW-SQUADRON: | Sqn nr.: | BATTERY: | COMISSIONED: | DECOMISSIONED: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bramsche | - | - | 1963 | 1988 |
| Hesepe/Vörden | 118 | Alpha/GOC | 01-08-59 * /1963 | 01-04-88 |
| Schöppingen | 220 | Bravo | 08-04-63 | 01-03-87 |
| Borgholzhausen | 120 | Charly | 16-09-63 | 31-03-83 |
| Rheine (no nuclear warheads) | 223 | Delta | 1963 | 31-03-84 |
12GGW evolved out of 1GGW and 2GGW on may 15th 1975, due to budget-cuts:
On april 8th 1963, at Fort Bliss USA, Lieutenant-Colonel de Boer announces the start of 2GGW, equipped with Nike Hercules missiles.
1st and 2nd Group Guided Weapons were one of the first operational units of the NATO air-defence belt in Europe.
| 1GGW-SQUADRON: | Sqn nr.: | BATTERY: | COMISSIONED: | DECOMISSIONED: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hesepe/Vörden | 118 | Alpha/GOC | 01-08-59 * /1963 | 01-04-88 |
| Münster/Handorf | 119 | Bravo/HQ | 12-61 | 1975 |
| Borgholzhausen | 120 | Charly | 16-09-63 | 31-03-83 |
| Bohmte/Bad Essen | 121 | Delta | 12-67 | 1975 |
| 2GGW-SQUADRON: | Sqn nr.: | BATTERY: | COMISSIONED: | DECOMISSIONED: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schöppingen | 220 | Alpha/GOC | 08-04-63 | 31-03-87 |
| Nordhorn (untill '67: Twenthe AFB) | 222 | Bravo | 1970 | 1975 |
| Erle (was at first part of 1GGW) | 221 | Charly | 02-1965 | 1975 |
| Rheine (was first D-Sqn of 1GGW)** | 223 | Delta | 1963 | 31-03-84 |
* : Allthough 118sqn was officially formed on this date at Fort Bliss, Texas, Vörden-Base itself was only occupied in the early 60's.
**: Rheine became part of 2GGW in 1966.
