Killed cyclist

A graphic photo of a fallen cyclist on the Weeskinderendijk in May 1940. He belonged to the Machine Company of the III Battalion of the 2nd Bicycle Regiment (M.C. III-2 R.W.). On May 11, 1940, the 4th section of this unit under Ensign Blok rode full speed onto the Weeskinderijk. The section had been ordered to position itself in the northwest corner of Krispijn to seal off the district. However, between 9:00 and 9:30 am, the section rode onto the Weeskinderendijk directly towards the German bridge defense. They came under a hail of fire, resulting in six men killed instantly, including Ensign Blok, and another four men seriously wounded. Since Ensign Blok was riding the front motorcycle and it is clear from the photo that this is the third motorcycle, this means the fallen soldier is one of the six casualties from M.C. III-2 R.W., but not Ensign Blok. This leaves several options open:

• Conscript Soldier Herman Peter Bisschops
• Conscript Soldier Wilhelmus Franciscus Christophe
• Volunteer Soldier Hendrikus Kerkwijk (Was taken to the Municipal Hospital by civilians and therefore not the fallen soldier in the photo)
• Conscript Sergeant Johannes Josephus Elisabeth van der Korput (Still being attended to by soldier Wackerzappe and therefore not the fallen soldier in the photo)
• Conscript Soldier Hubertus Philippen (Died in the Municipal Hospital in Dordrecht, so not the soldier in the photo)

Based on the information above, the fallen soldier is likely either Conscript Soldier Herman Peter Bisschops or Conscript Soldier Wilhelmus Francisus Christophe.