Exploring a WWII Resistance Hideout

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.