The Netherlands in World War II

Dutch volunteers in the German armed forces

Not all Dutch offered active or passive resistance against the German occupation. Some Dutch chose to serve with the German armed forces. A great number of Dutch men were forced to work in the German war industry, these men were often seen as traitors after the war even though they hadn't had any options during the war.

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The NSB, a small fascist group, collaborated actively with the German occupants. There were also Netherlanders who voluntarily enlisted in the German army and the Waffen SS to take part in the so-called Crusade against Bolshevism or against communism in general.

Related Topics:
NSB - Waffen SS - Bolshevism - Communism

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Between 25,000 and 30,000 Netherlanders served in the Heer and the Waffen-SS, the most notable formations being the 4.SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Brigade Nederland and the Landstorm Nederland. Apart from brief combat during Operation Market Garden, these units saw action exclusively on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union.

Related Topics:
Heer - 4.SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Brigade ''Nederland'' - Landstorm Nederland - Operation Market Garden - Eastern Front - Soviet Union

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The Nederland brigade distinguished itself on the Eastern Front during the Battle of Narva (1944), with several troopers receiving the Knight's Cross, Germany's highest award for bravery.

Related Topics:
Battle of Narva (1944) - Knight's Cross

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