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Dutch resistance with a heart

Organized Dutch resistance against the German invader started within weeks after the occupation of the Netherlands on May 10, 1940. First in the Hook of Holland — Rotterdam — Dordrecht area. The first men to take up the quarrel with the foe weren’t officers, civil servants, students or even intellectuals. They were weavers, printers, postmen, shipyard workers and even 17-year-olds.

18 paved the way with their lives
Within a year the first 18 of them were rounded up, tortured and executed by the Germans. After that, Dutch resistance gained real momentum. Notably in the same area. Especially Dordrecht and surroundings stayed a stronghold of resistance throughout the war. It was also the main hiding place for many airmen, British and American, whose planes had been shot down over Holland.

Church gave the answer
Dordrecht was my fathers hometown. He took part in fighting the German army as a corporal in a pontoon bridge unit. After the surrender he was forced to hand over his weapons and was sent home. As a deep religious man, he first thought that it might have been Gods will to bring a new overlord to the Netherlands. But then his loyalty to his country and his queen took over. Not sure what exactly to do next, he turned to what he knew best: the community of his Protestant church. And sure, they had made up their mind allright. Not the German people, but their atheist political system must be a creation of the Devil himself. Hence their determination to protect all creatures against evil actions inspired by Hitler and the Luftwaffe-killer of Rotterdam, Hermann Goering.

Dad saved a soldier
This is the story of my father and family, told long after his death by his youngest son (born 1948). Dad didn’t like to tell about WWII. Didn’t like to tell about himself, too. So I got the bits and pieces by interviewing my remaining sister and brother. Believe it or not, in the end my father risked his life and his family for the safety of a Wehrmacht soldier…

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