Nederweert, February 12, 2026 – On the afternoon of Thursday, February 12, the family of Private Thomas McAllister paid a deeply moving visit to his grave at Nederweert War Cemetery. The family, consisting of relatives from Scotland and England, was warmly welcomed by the Nederweert War Cemetery Adoption Graves Foundation and the adopter of Thomas’s grave.
Warm Welcome and a Glimpse into History
The visit began with a meeting at the home of Niels Klompen, the adopter of Thomas’s grave. Niels welcomed the family and Jürgen Beekers (representing the foundation) and shared his impressive private collection of World War II artifacts from the region. Over coffee, tea, and pastries, Niels shared stories about his collection and the events that took place during the liberation of Nederweert and the surrounding area.
A Journey Through Historical Sites
After visiting Niels, the group traveled to Schoor, where the farmhouse stands from which the famous war correspondent Chester Wilmot reported on the attack across the Wessem-Nederweert Canal on November 14, 1944. Private Thomas McAllister was killed in action that same day on the opposite side of the canal, near Philomena Hoeve.
The group visited the bridge over the Wessem-Nederweert Canal to give the family an impression of the battlefield on that fateful day in 1944. They then drove to Philomena Hoeve near Nederweert-Eind to see the area where Thomas fell.
An Emotional Visit to the Grave
After visiting these historical sites, the group proceeded to Nederweert War Cemetery, where Thomas McAllister is buried. It was a special and emotional moment, during which the family sang the Scottish song "Flower of Scotland" in honor of Thomas.
A Memorable Conclusion
After spending some time at the cemetery, the group returned to Niels’s home. Over coffee and tea, they concluded this touching and memorable afternoon.
The McAllister family expressed their deep gratitude to Niels Klompen and the Nederweert War Cemetery Adoption Graves Foundation for their hospitality and the wonderful program arranged for their visit. Everyone looked back on a special and unforgettable afternoon.
About the Nederweert War Cemetery Adoption Graves Foundation
The Nederweert War Cemetery Adoption Graves Foundation is dedicated to the maintenance and adoption of graves at Nederweert War Cemetery. Through adoption, commemorations, and personal visits like this one, the foundation helps keep the memory of World War II’s fallen alive.
Private Thomas McAllister - 1 Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
Born in Paisley on 15 November 1919, Thomas McAllister graduated with an MA from the University of Glasgow in 1940. Conscripted into the Army, he served with the 1st Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders. McAllister was killed in action on 14 November 1944, the day before his 25th birthday. His Battalion was on the right flank of the assault crossing of the Nederweert-Wessem Canal, where the 1st Gordons suffered 10 killed and 25 wounded during this action. Private Thomas McAllister (2828191) is buried at Nederweert War Cemetery in the Netherlands. His bravery and sacrifice remain a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom.
Photos: (with permission from the family and those involved, Stichting Adoptiegraven Nederweert,Life Magazine, Nederweert 24 )
The McAllister Family
The visiting family members were:
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Thomas (Tommy) McAllister (a nephew of Private Thomas McAllister) and his wife Elizabeth
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Lynne Goodwin (Tommy’s daughter) and her husband Paul Goodwin
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John McAllister (a nephew of Private Thomas McAllister) and his partner Elizabeth
- Freedom is not -