Sixty-seven years ago, at just six years old, Dutch migrant Adrianus “Aadje” Nicholaas Maria Van Der Klugt died after a freak accident at the Bathurst Migrant Camp.
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His grave, at the Bathurst Cemetery, remained unmarked and unknown since his death in 1951.
However, thanks to inquiries from the boy’s family and research by the Bathurst Family History Group (BFHG), his grave has been discovered and a headstone and plaque is set to be erected.
BFHG has invited the community to come along to the headstone and plaque unveiling on Saturday, June 2 at the Catholic portion of the cemetery at 1.30pm.
At least 11 members of Aadje’s family will attend the dedication ceremony of the headstone and plaque.
BFHG publicity officer Ellen Bennetts said the Dutch ambassador has been invited.
“We’ve invited Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger to attend the day, who has invited the Dutch ambassador on our behalf,” she said.
“In addition to the migrant’s plaque, a second headstone and plaque will be placed to acknowledge and represent all the children who died at the migrant camp from 1948 to 1952.
“This headstone may be added to over time by other families if they so choose.
“If you have any story to share of these migrant camp days, you are invited to forward them to the BFHG before May 14 for inclusion in a booklet.”
Stories for the booklet can be sent to cems@bathurstfhg.asn.au or call the Bahturst Family History Group on 0479 041 058 for more information.
