The Nazi occupation of the Netherlands was a complex and violent period marked by significant civil resistance. It began with the Gestapo capturing a secret Dutch radio-operator who betrayed several parachuted agents, but this was just a part of a broader narrative. Large-scale resistance emerged as early as February 1941, escalating in 1943 with assassinations and the formation of various resistance groups, including the LKP National Assault Teams and armed factions like the left-wing RzV and conservative OD. By September 1944, these groups united to form the NBS: 'Netherlands Interior Forces,' while the Germans established the collaborationist Landwacht security force. Following the Allied liberation of North Brabant and Limburg in September 1944, NBS "shocktroop" units received uniforms and arms from British and US forces, aiding their advance, while fierce underground conflict persisted in the still-occupied North until liberation in April 1945. The authors, seasoned researchers with ties to Resistance veterans and access to a wealth of untranslated local sources, along with support from museums and private collections, present a detailed account of the groups and battles involved, enhanced by vivid color illustrations of troops and fighters.
