navychief 1 Posted September 8, 2004 Hey Dutchy, I don't know why I didn't think of this before, but maybe you can help me. My dad was stationed on the island of Aruba during part of WW2. He was with the US Army's 38th Division, Headquarters Company. The camp he was on was/is called Camp Savaneta. The forces were based there to protect the oil fields, and is still in use by the Dutch Marines. What I would like to know, if there is a museum on the base that might have pictures of the base when it was in use by US forces? Hey, perhaps if there are some archived pictures, maybe there's one with my dad in them. All the sites I have visited on the web that dealt with Savaneta are in dutch, and could not get any information. I tried the route of contacting the Aruba office of tourism, but that was a complete dead end. Let me know if you can help in any way. Thanks, Navy Chief Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutchy 0 Posted September 9, 2004 Hello Navychief, It is a difficult question. I had never heard before of this camp. But I never give up and start a little search (when I have more time at home I gonna search some more). I find this: http://www.geocities.com/naforts/atlantic.html Also a few in Dutch language sites: mostly forums and periods after the war at that camp. I have also a tip for you: Maybe you have to e-mail the tourist officecenter of Aruba with you question. They know the island and can help you more. Mine search is not yet over for you, I ask my friends if they know something about that camp and period. I promise nothing that I found something, but I do my best. Hopely you have now information for further search. Salute Dutchy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
navychief 1 Posted September 9, 2004 Thanks Dutchy, I had seen the site you listed before. I also have previously emailed the Tourism Dept. on Aruba, but they were not helpful at all to me. Their attitude seems to be only helpful if someone is interested in spending money on their island. I just have this feeling that the base at Aruba, Camp Savaneta, must have a section somewhere that deals with its history. If you can contact someone there and find out, I would really be appreciative! Thanks, Navy Chief Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutchy 0 Posted September 9, 2004 Hello, On the island Aruba I have no contacts their (family/friends). That makes it not so easy for me to find out. I found another official site by Dutch goverment: http://www.aruba.com/ Maybe is this something for you. But, don't worry when I found or see/hear something I let you know. Salute Dutchy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
navychief 1 Posted September 9, 2004 Hey Dutchy, I would do this myself, if I spoke Dutch, but what about contacting someone with the Dutch Marines? Perhaps they might be able to do some research for me??? Sorry to bother you with it. Thanks, NC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutchy 0 Posted September 9, 2004 There is a English version http://www.aruba.com/home.htm and a Spanisch, German .etc.etc. Marines? No, I am not in the military. Only plane watchers (spotters). I have family and friends with many jobs, but not in army, navy or airforce :( But try to get information for you. Sometimes I met people that been everywhere, so maybe with a little luck. Salute Dutchy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
