The Dutch Resistance: A Complex Tapestry of Non-Violent Heroism
Introduction
World War II witnessed the Dutch resistance's remarkable non-violent heroism against the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Led by diverse organizations like the Communist Party, churches, and independent groups, the resistance slowly grew, fuelled by significant events like the February strike of 1941.
In this blog we’ll explore the background of Dutch neutrality, the resistance's defiance, and their pivotal role in supporting Allied forces during the occupation. Despite their brave efforts, the Dutch Jewish population suffered greatly, and after the war, many resistance heroes remained unsung, lacking recognition for their illegal tasks during the war.
How downed airmen were helped by the resistance
Dutch Resistance During Nazi Occupation: A Struggle Against Oppression
The Dutch resistance bravely confronted the Nazi occupation during World War II. Initially facing a deceptive sense of mild occupation, the resistance was challenged by the country's open terrain and dense population. As the Nazis intensified their oppression through Nazification and persecution of Jewish citizens, the resistance grew more organized and forceful, targeting collaborationist officials. Despite large-scale reprisals, the resistance displayed unwavering courage and determination in their fight against oppression.
Unyielding Dutch Resistance: Key Battlegrounds and Heroic Standoffs
The major areas of intense military confrontations where the Dutch resistance showcased their bravery and determination was as large as the Battle for The Hague to the Battle of the Grebbeberg. The Dutch forces fiercely defended their positions and repelled German attacks. Despite setbacks, the Dutch resistance continued their fight in various European theatres, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the resistance cause.
Dutch Resistance Organizations: Courageous Acts of Defiance
What were the various organizations that comprised the Dutch resistance during World War II? From the Communist Party of the Netherlands to the Council of Resistance, these brave groups played a crucial role in resisting the German occupiers and providing support to those in need. The sacrifices made by these organizations' members and the challenges they faced in their fight for freedom and justice were considerable.
Some female Dutch resistance fighters in WW2
Resistance Activities: From Sabotage to Hiding Refugees
The diverse activities undertaken by the Dutch resistance in their opposition to the Nazi occupation were the February strike of 1941, the small, decentralized cells that engaged in acts of sabotage, and the resistance's efforts in hiding refugees, including Jewish families like Anne Frank's. Then there was the impact of the Stoottroepen, a Dutch army unit formed from certain resistance groups, and the role of "Engelandvaarders" in keeping the resistance alive.
After Normandy: Dutch Resistance and Allied Infiltration
The Dutch Resistance faced increased pressure after the Normandy invasion and the Allied Drive to the Siegfried Line. Liberated areas in the Netherlands provided valuable intelligence and support to the Allies, while Amsterdam and the north remained under Nazi control until May 1945. The Dutch famine of 1944, known as the "Hunger winter," further compounded the challenges faced by the Dutch population during this time.
Conclusion
The Dutch resistance during World War II represents a complex tapestry of non-violent heroism against Nazi oppression. Led by diverse organizations and individuals, the resistance's unwavering courage and determination played a crucial role in supporting Allied forces and preserving the spirit of freedom and justice. While the Dutch resistance was largely non-violent, their contributions were immeasurable, and their sacrifices should forever be remembered as a testament to the human spirit's resilience.
Some numbers
· Active Dutch resistance fighters: some 450,000 (5% of total population)
· Female resistance fighters: some 70,650 (15.7%)
· Active Dutch collaborators: some 450,000 (5% of total population)
· Jewish victims: between 102,000-104,000 (about 85%)
· Roma and Sinti victims: 215
· Civilian casualties due to war: some 30,000
· Hunger winter casualties: between 15,000-25,000
· Victims Forced labour in Germany: 8,500
· Non-Jewish victims in prisons and concentration camps: some 5,000
· Executed resistance fighters: between 2,000-3,000
Resistance posters: "The soldiers of the Netherlands Underground Forces greet the soldiers of the United Nations"
In “The Crystal Butterfly” main character Edda Van der Valk isn’t the traditional resistance fighter, though she’s fascinated and encouraged by the first resistance movement The Geuzen (see blogpost here) after the Bombardment of Rotterdam (see blogpost here) and the German occupation. Edda keeps a diary for most of the war, commenting on the Nazi and NSB terror and eventually becomes an active member of the Dutch resistance herself.
