During the Second World War, Ameland underwent drastic changes. The island was occupied by nearly a thousand German soldiers, which significantly affected the daily lives of Amelanders.
Photo: Amelander History
Despite the restrictions and dangers, a subtle form of resistance emerged, in which personal courage and solidarity were central.
The presence of the German troops meant that many areas, such as the forest, dunes and beach, became off-limits to the local population. Activities previously taken for granted, such as celebrating St Nicholas, now required permission from the occupying forces. Nevertheless, Amelanders tried to continue their lives as normally as possible. There were moments of unexpected interaction with the German soldiers, such as sharing sweets during St Martin's Day or free haircuts for children. However, this occasional kindness could not remove the underlying tensions and sense of oppression.
Photo: Amelander History
The resistance on Ameland manifested itself in various ways. People in hiding found shelter with islanders; for example, a Jewish girl from Amsterdam was hidden on the island. In addition, resistance members collected information on German positions and armaments, which was passed on to the mainland. These activities were extremely risky and required great caution. The bargees Cor and Hans de Bruin and Gooi Visser played a crucial role in this, clandestinely smuggling goods and even weapons to and from the island, often under the eye of the unsuspecting occupying forces.
Photo: Canon of the Netherlands
A striking example of resistance is the story of Minne Keestra, a young butcher's servant from Nes. He listened to the banned broadcasts of Radio Oranje and told others what he heard. When he refused to tell where he got his information, he was shot dead in the street by a German soldier. His courageous silence symbolises the quiet heroism of ordinary Amelanders.
Photo: Amelander History
Another important figure in the resistance was Wim de Boer, working at the post office in Hollum. Thanks to his access to the telephone exchange, he was able to eavesdrop on German calls and pass on valuable information to the resistance. With a special speech key, he could monitor conversations without the Germans noticing. Despite suspicions from the occupying forces, De Boer managed to continue his activities until the end of the war.
Photo: Amelander History
The appointment of NSB’er Bouke Bakker as mayor caused unrest among the Amelander population. Remarkably, Bakker used his position to prevent Amelander men from being sent to Germany to perform forced labour. Through his efforts and connections, many islanders were able to stay on Ameland, although they often had to work for the German occupiers. His role shows how complicated and contradictory wartime choices could be.
During the war, the Germans built about 105 bunkers and other military structures, such as floodlights and aggregate stations, on Ameland. The centre of gravity of this defence line was in the dunes west of Hollum. After the war, most of these bunkers were demolished or disappeared under the sand. Today, a few are still visible, including the kitchen bunker that has been converted into the Bunkermuseum.
Photo: National Committeeé 4 and 5 May
Ameland witnessed several plane crashes during the war. One of the most memorable was that of the US bomber 'Dixie Flyer' on 12 September 1944. The aircraft crashed near Ballum, killing four crew members and five others survived. A propeller monument was unveiled in memory on 12 September 2011 on the Jelmeraweg between Hollum and Ballum.
This German seaplane made an emergency landing near Ameland on 13 September 1939. The aircraft was damaged during a rescue operation and stranded on the mud flats. The crew was taken prisoner of war and the wreckage remained visible on the beach for years. More info
On 28 August 1941, this British aircraft crashed in the Wadden Sea near Nes. The bomber was hit by a German night fighter during a mission to Duisburg. The crew was buried on Ameland, later the graves were provided with names. More info
On 7 September 1941, this aircraft was carrying out a mission to Berlin. After being damaged by anti-aircraft fire, it made an emergency landing on the beach of Ameland. The crew was captured immediately after landing. More info
On 19 February 1943, this aircraft was shot down over Wilhelmshaven. It crashed near Buren, on the eastern part of Ameland. Only three of the eight crew members could be identified. More info
On 12 September 1944, this US bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire near Hollum. Five crew members were able to save themselves by parachute, but four were killed. The survivors were taken prisoner of war and transported to camps in Germany. More info
A tragedy occurred in Hollum on 21 September 1940 when seven bombs fell on the village. One of those bombs hit the home of the De Boer family on Burenlaan. Four-year-old Afie de Boer was killed. Her mother Rinske and sister Anke were seriously injured.
Photo: Fries Museum
After the war, a special place was created in Nes: holiday home 'The Terrorist'. In this former German barracks, widows and children of fallen resistance fighters could unwind. The house offered comfort and solidarity to people who had lost a lot. A close-knit group of fellow-sufferers stayed here until the 1990s, for whom Ameland became a place of mourning and camaraderie. More info >>
In June 2025, their story comes to life in the location performance War Tears, which will be staged on Ameland beach. The performance offers a penetrating look at life after the war and the power of connection. More info and tickets >>
General Cemetery Nes
The war left lasting scars on Ameland. Scattered around the island are about 70 military graves of soldiers from England, Canada, France and Poland, among others. These graves are a reminder of the international dimension of the war. They are cared for and commemorated to this day.
3 June 1945
Although the Netherlands was officially liberated on 5 May 1945, Ameland remained under German control until 3 June. On that day, the last German soldiers left the island and the Dutch flag could finally be hoisted. The joy was great, but mixed with the sadness of what had been lost. The new mayor Roel Walda also arrived on the island that day. Memories of the occupation time continued to echo in daily life for a long time.
The history of Ameland during World War II is one of resilience, courage and the difficult choices people had to make. By continuing to tell these stories – about heroes, victims and ordinary life under extraordinary circumstances – we keep the past alive and remain vigilant about the value of freedom.
80 years of freedom on Ameland
In 2025, Ameland will celebrate 80 years of liberation with a special programme full of stories, commemorations and activities. Check out the overview:
🎉 Programme 80 years of liberation
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