Sjef van Dongen, Arctic hero from Aardenburg

Sjef van Dongen (1906-1973) was in 1928 granted the title of national hero. He was known as the Hero of the Arctic, who had risked his own life at Spitsbergen to save the lives of others. Spitsbergen remained a significant milestone throughout Sjef van Dongen’s life. Moreover, he was continuously reminded of his heroic deeds, even in later years when he became mayor of Aardenburg in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.

Archival Record Sjef van Dongen

The archival record of Sjef van Dongen is currently being reorganized. The physical archive, however, can be consulted in the 'studiezaal'.

www.archieven.nl

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Rescue mission on Spitsbergen

In May 1928 the Italian aviation pioneer, Mr. Nobile crashed his airship on Spitsbergen. The governor of Spitsbergen asked Sjef van Dongen, owner of a sled driven by dogs, to start a rescue mission.

Sjef van Dongen at Spitsbergen, 1922-1926

Sjef van Dongen and his family moved to Spitsbergen in 1923. His father worked for a Dutch coal mining company at Spitsbergen, in later years Sjef would be offered a job here as well.

Everybody wants Sjef van Dongen

Everybody is deeply touched by the story of Sjef van Dongen. An average boy who does something heroic at Spitsbergen; Sjef becomes a role model. His popularity in the Netherlands remains unequalled.

Sjef van Dongen aboard the S.S. Reliance

After he was rescued in July 1928, Sjef van Dongen became a guest aboard the cruiseship Reliance. Everyone was deeply impressed by the stories of his heroic deed, even the captain of the ship.