Two books are now available that deal with some historical events that occurred in Aruba during World War II. They are authored by Adolf (Dufi) Kock, one of Aruba’s respected Writer and Historian. They will be both in the Papiamento and English language. Dufi has four books on the market. He is recognized for the community work he has initiated or been involved in. His efforts have included the recovery of the propeller of the SS Oranjestad which was torpedoed. Also, an anchor which was salvaged near the Eagle pier and installed as a monument in the Savaneta Camp in honor of the four Dutch militaries who lost their lives while trying to disarm a torpedo. Honor was also given to the three Aruban militaries who were severely injured on this day. Recently, the propeller was installed at the Rancho Maritime Museum in Oranjestad in honor of those who sacrificed their lives on the Lago lake tankers during the war. Dufi is also a member of the Orange Nassau 2006, which recognizes the outstanding efforts to society and contributions made.

One of the books: "The Story of the German Freighter E. S. Antilla" deals with the ship Antilla which as many know is now lying off the beach at Malmok. The book covers how the ship ended up coming to Aruba, the time it spent, and the escape attempts by it and the other German ships moored in Aruba’s then neutral waters. Contained in the book is the transcript of the then Dutch Military commander’s scathing criticism of the Dutch Marine commander who was tasked with capturing the Antilla before it was scuttled. It also shines light on the theory that the Antilla was a supply ship for the U-Boats deployed into the Caribbean. The book also contains a detailed account of the post war efforts to salvage the Antilla and provides a detailed chronology of the events and people involved.

The second book: "The Torpedo Incident at Eagle Beach, Aruba" also deals with wartime Aruba. It covers the actions of the U-Boat U-156 which was involved in an attack on the Lago refinery and its lake tankers. The German crew’s mistake in not preparing the deck gun and causing a deadly explosion and the sinking of several lake tankers moored in Aruba. In particular, the book deals with the torpedo attack at Eagle Pier (Eagle Beach). It details with the firing of a torpedo which missed its target and ended up on Eagle Beach where it exploded when Dutch marines were attempting to disarm it, killing some of the those marines. Additionally, the book describes the firing of another torpedo from the stern tube of the U-Boat. This torpedo never reached its target and until today is still missing in the water off Eagle Beach. Efforts were made by the Dutch Navy last summer to find this torpedo. There will be additional efforts made to try to locate this dangerous and unexploded torpedo.

A word of appreciation goes to Mr. Aldrich Croes of the "E Brug Foundation" and Mr. Andre Loonstra of the Scuba Center for their support in this project. Also, to all who in one way or the other have contributed to the realization of the books.

These books give a great feel for the atmosphere in Aruba during the war. They will be on sale in the lobby of the Westin Hotel during the Aruba Reunion (June 16 – 23). Also, at the Antraco bookstore in Oranjestad and by the author at Savaneta 125-F, telephone 584-1201 or cellular 592-9417.