Dutch SS men

During the Second World War, between 22,000 and 25,000 Dutchmen served in Waffen-SS formations. Despite their relatively large number, they hardly went public after the war, which is why little is known about the wartime experiences of this group that was generally regarded as traitors. Their personal stories have made their way into the history books only sparsely. But this group of Dutch people, who collaborated with the Germans, is also part of the war history and in order to obtain a complete picture of the past, it is important that their stories are not lost either.

In this interview project, former Dutch SS members talk about the pre-war period, their origins and their motives for joining the Waffen-SS. They also discuss their wartime experiences. The interviews show how strong the attraction was that National Socialism exerted on some people. They also provide insight into the social consequences of their collaboration.