German Civilians in Camp Vught

In September 1944, SS concentration camp Vught was evacuated. After the arrival of the Allies, the site was almost immediately given a new purpose. The Allied army occupied parts of the complex and, in addition, thousands of Dutch citizens suspected of collaboration with the German occupiers were interned in the camp. Less well known is that these internees were soon joined by thousands of evacuated German civilians.

Within the framework of this interview project, nine interviews were conducted with German civilians who were forced to stay in the former Vught concentration camp between November 1944 and May 1945. Their experiences shed light on a still unknown aspect of the postwar history of the camp. In particular, the interviews reveal much about how Canadian troops treated the prisoners. Also discussed is the relationship between the Dutch collaborators and the interned German civilians. How did the German civilian prisoners experience being locked up in one camp with Dutch collaborators? How was the contact between the two groups? The statements of the German civilians also show how concepts such as “right” and “wrong” were handled in the Netherlands immediately after the war.

The German civilians residing in Vught came from the “Selfkantgebiet,” east of Sittard. In September 1944, this area was frontline territory and the approximately 6,000 residents had to be transferred to Camp Vught two months later by order of the British army command. Those who remained behind and were discovered would be shot. The German civilians were transferred to Vught, where thousands of Dutch collaborators were also interned and, in addition, Canadian troops were stationed.