Surviving World War II: An Insight into Life in Hengelo
Hengelo, a city nestled just west of Enschede in the Netherlands, witnessed the harsh realities of World War II. The city, located near the German border, was untouched by the war for some time but eventually endured the “rounding up” process and severe bombing raids by Allied forces. This article delves into the personal experiences of one family and the broader impact of the war on a Dutch city.
The 'Rounding Up' Process
During the early stages of the war, the Germans were limited in their ability to imprison Dutch citizens. Many, particularly university students, could obtain exemptions. However, as the war progressed, the Germans used a “rounding up” process where quotas of citizens were mobilized into forced labor camps. The Nazi regime's methods varied, with some Germans waiting near train stations and others simply visiting homes to search for potential targets.
One of the family members, the author's grandmother’s younger brother, was able to hide from the Germans, though he experienced near-misses. For instance, he was warned of a German military movement and decided to leave his grandmother behind, thinking she would be collected later. Another brother was less fortunate, being rounded up and sent to a German work camp.
Occupation Experiences
While my great-grandfather was given an exemption due to his work at the electric power plant, his experiences did not remain pleasant. Stories from my grandmother describe him watching his colleagues face execution by a firing squad. It's not clear if his accounts of the executions were entirely accurate, but the emotional impact on those who witnessed such events is understandable. Unfortunately, the author's great-grandfather did not live to share his own stories, as he passed away a few decades before the narrator was born.
Hengelo During the War
Hengelo was bombed during a series of Allied air raids, with the most destructive occurring on October 6-7, 1944. The “Hongerwinter” (Hunger Winter) of 1944-1945 saw the German occupiers deliberately starving the population as punishment for aiding the Allies during Operation Market-Garden. This targeted famine affected not only the Dutch but also led to the death of thousands of civilians and unknown numbers of Germans.
Life in Hengelo during the war was tumultuous. For instance, several Canadian soldiers visited the author's grandmother’s home, treating her to walks each morning after the armistice. However, the war era also saw a divide in Dutch attitudes, with some expressing anger towards the Allies, viewing them as “little better” than the Germans who had occupied the land. Civilians, especially those who had collaborated with the Germans, faced harsh penalties.
Post-War Reflections
After the war, the older brother returned to Hengelo, now with a more positive view of the Germans compared to his relatives. According to his account, he had a good relationship with the camp commander and often visited his family in Germany. Such contrasting experiences paint a complex picture of the war's impact on individual relationships and attitudes.
Further Reading
For those interested in a more in-depth look at the experiences of non-Jewish Dutchmen under Nazi occupation, David Frigault's answer is highly recommended. Explore the varied and often conflicting viewpoints of individuals who survived this tumultuous period in history.