PastPursuits

The hideout in Diever, Westerveld, serves as a poignant reminder of the refuge sought by numerous individuals during the war. It also commemorates eight local resistance fighters who were betrayed and killed: Thijs Gerhardus Drupsteen, Jan Eggink, Roelof Eggink, Thijs Eggink, Hilbert Gunnink, Geert Gerhardus Koster, Sebastiaan van Nooten, and Hermannus Vos. In 1943, the resistance movement in Diever intensified. Five NSB members sought reinforcement from the Sicherheitsdienst, leading to increased raids and forcing the Diever Resistance Group, including members like Roelof Eggink and Hermannus Vos, to go into hiding. During the winter of 1943-1944, the group constructed a hideout in Berkenheuvel. Named "de Wigwam" by member Fokke Hessels, it became a refuge for many, including Geert Koster Sr., operating as Ome Joop, and his son. The hideout facilitated illegal activities, such as raids and sheltering of fugitives, including American pilots. Tjitze Wallinga's arrest in October 1944 led to the discovery of the hideout. On November 22, 1944, a large-scale raid by Hauptsturmführer Kronberger and his men resulted in several arrests, including Roelof Eggink and Dr. Sebastiaan van Nooten. The hideout was severely damaged by a hand grenade during this raid. Further raids, including one on Jan Eggink's farm on November 27, 1944, marked the end of the Diever case for the occupiers. All arrestees were transported to concentration camps in Germany, resulting in ten deaths, with only policeman Temmingh surviving.

In October 1942, a courageous group of Jews, forewarned about an impending raid, sought shelter at Bertus Zefat's chicken farm in Valthe. Initially hidden in a chicken coop, they later dug their own sanctuary in Valtherbos—a living space skillfully concealed under logs, branches, and leaves. The unexpected discovery of their first hiding place by a hiker in 1943 forced them to relocate to a new, larger shelter with the help of the brave Zefat group. Albertus Zefat, a key figure in their survival, paid the ultimate price for his courage when he was betrayed, arrested, and executed in July 1944. Despite the tragic loss of Zefat, the group persevered, continuing their mission to protect those in need. Aaltjo Oldenburger, a member of the Zefat group, played a crucial role. In January 2013, he was finally honored with the Yad Vashem distinction for his remarkable involvement in the resistance during World War II.

Follow on Instaram for more! - https://www.instagram.com/past.pursuits/ Camp Westerbork was originally established by the Dutch government in 1939 as the Central Refugee Camp Westerbork, intended to house Jewish refugees from Germany who had already been admitted to the Netherlands. The camp was designed as a temporary shelter while they awaited resettlement. Little did anyone know the harrowing destiny that lay ahead. Just over two years into the German occupation of the Netherlands, on July 1, 1942, the Nazis assumed control of Camp Westerbork. It was during this grim transition that the camp took on a new role as a transit camp. This marked a turning point in the camp's history, as it became a crucial link in the chain of deportations to concentration camps.