Piron Brigade Our Freedom Their Sacrifice

Private Raymond DE RIDDER

2nd Company - 4th Platoon

Born in Etterbeek on the 7th April 1923

Killed in Franceville on the 19th August 1944

Buried in Evere

It was at 12:10 hours on the 19th August 1944, in Merville – Franceville that privates (DERIDDER, PONCELET and CARMAUX) were seriously injured by enemy bouncing trap mines. 1st Sergeant (RAQUET) and Sergeant (BOON) went to their rescue, but another jumping anti personal mine activated killing both Sergeants instantly, both private’s (DERIDDER and PONCELET) died the next day.

A Monument to the memory of Sergeants (RAQUET, BOON) and Privates (PONCELET and DERIDDER) is located in Rue Alexandre De La Vergne in Franceville, opposite the post office.