The inhabitants of Schijndel suffer Allied shelling in September and October 1944. This period came to be known as the ‘Garnet Weeks’. Nearby villages such as Sint-Oedenrode, Eerde and Veghel have already been liberated during Operation Market Garden. But Schijndel is still in German hands and lies in the front line for weeks. From late September 1944, young and old seek refuge in air-raid shelters and many residents are evacuated by the Germans to other villages, such as Boxtel and Den Dungen. 

In the Sisters of Charity's infirmary and nursing home, German occupiers set up a hospital for their wounded, and German soldiers frequent the place. This does not prevent the brave sisters from secretly sheltering American wounded as well. Allied pilots and crew members of (glider) planes that come down in the area were secretly taken to Lidwina Hospital by inhabitants of Gemonde and Schijndel. There, they are cared for by Mother Superior Sister Veronica. But German male nurses also take care of some captured American wounded, including glider pilot George Brennan, who crashed at Beek near Gemonde.

After four nerve-wracking weeks, Monday 23 October 1944 dawns. Finally the liberators of Schijndel, the 5th Battalion Black Watch, arrive. Relieved, the hiding American Airbornes can go outside to smoke a cigarette with the British liberators. The statue De Kloek (mother hen) now stands in Verona Park. It recalls the protection offered by the sisters of the Lidwina convent during World War II. During the 1984 unveiling, pilot George Brennan poignantly expressed his profound thanks. He praised the courage and helpfulness of the sisters, who risked their own lives for him and many others.