Reimond Tollenaere
Foppe
Reimond Tollenaere (June 29, 1909- January 22, 1942) was an SS-Untersturmfürhrer from East Flanders. He was a member of the Vlaams National Verbond (Flemish National Union, V.N.V.) a Flemish Nationalist Party. The leader of the V.N.V., Staf De Clercq, saw him as his successor.
(possibly either Reimond or Jozef's mother)
The text below reads: "IN THE SPIRIT OF THE BRAVE OFFICER".
It was while Tollenaere was studying law at the University of Ghent that he realized the dark situation his country was in. In 1931-1932 he had the good fortune of attaining a scholarship to study in Germany. This is where Tollenaere found truth. Or perhaps it was the truth that found him, if you are a believer in fate. During this period of study he was introduced to National Socialism and he saw that it was what was needed to protect Europe from the impending doom of Communism and to right all the wrongs in his country. When he returned home he decided to participate in the Flemish nationalist movement. He was appointed as the propaganda leader of the V.N.V. and even became a member of parliament in 1936.
In May of 1940 as WWII was just beginning, the hidden tyrants ordered Tollenaere's arrest alongside many of his fellow nationalists, including the famous Léon Degrelle. Tollenaere was whisked off to France by the authorities that wanted Belgium to remain a corrupt and usurious society, held captive by greed and hidden hands at the strings of power. Luckily he was released when Germany occupied Belgium.
Now Tollenaere was able to work toward the goal of fixing Belgium and he became the first commanding general of the Black Brigade militia. He recruited Flemish volunteers to help the Axis fight on the Eastern Front and he himself went to the Eastern Front on August 6, 1941 as Untersturmführer (lieutenant) in the Waffen-SS Flemish Legion.
'Reimond Tollenaere Fallen - In the service of the people and the fight against Bolshevism.'
Reimond Tollenaere's selfless life fighting for freedom and truth came to a sad, yet glorious, end on January 22, 1942 on the Eastern Front at Kopzy, near Leningrad. As often happens in the chaos of war, Tollenaere was accidentally killed by friendly fire from the Spanish Division Azul. He left behind his wife, Hilda Saeys, and several children.
After Tollenaere's death a square in Roeselare, his home town, was named after him. This great and inspiring man was never forgotten, despite the enemy's hatred and lies.
