The Terrorist
Photo: Amelander History
In the dunes of Ameland, just twenty metres from the beach, there once stood a wooden barracks with a striking name: The Terrorist.
After the liberation of the Netherlands, this former German army barracks was converted into a holiday home for relatives of resistance fighters – widows, children and parents of men who had given their lives in the resistance against the German occupiers. Here they could unwind for a fortnight a year, away from everyday worries.
From resistance barracks to holiday home full of memories
The name The Terrorist was chosen on purpose. It was the swear name the Nazi’s used for underground fighters. After the war, on the contrary, it became a badge of honour: a title of honour for those who resisted. Between 1946 and 1953, more than 2,500 women and children came to this special place, where grief was shared and laughter was also rekindled – on the beach, in the dunes, and in the common room where memories were made in the evening.
The cheerful holiday photo’s from those days conceal deeply personal stories. About children who never knew their fathers. About mothers who kept silent to protect their children. And about the power of togetherness – an early form of peer group, long before that word existed.
War tears - theatre on Ameland beach
In June 2025, the story of The Terrorist comes to life again in the location performance War Tears, played on the beach at Paal 13. The show follows three women who meet at the holiday home. During the day, they keep their heads up, but as soon as night falls, memories surface. The audience gets a penetrating glimpse of the aftermath of the war, of hidden grief and the power of solidarity.
After each performance, there will be an afterword with journalist and writer Auke Zeldenrust, who for his book War Tears on Ameland spoke to numerous women and children who were guests at The Terrorist at the time.
📅 Performances: Monday 2 to Saturday 7 June 2025
Please note: The performance will be in Dutch.
This performance is part of the commemoration of 80 years of freedom on Ameland.
From The Terrorist to The Boekanier
Photo: Amelander History
Although the original holiday home is no longer on the same spot, the building still exists. The barrack was moved and rebuilt in recreational area De Vleijen near Nes. Today, it bears the name De Boekanier and is used as group accommodation for young people. The original name was considered less fitting, but for many, the old Terrorist still lives on in fond memories.
Looking and listening further
Acquiring about the personal stories behind holiday home The Terrorist? Two special broadcasts share memories by the women and children who stayed here after the war.
Fryslân Dock
In Fryslân Dok's documentary, viewable on NPO Start, you will see unique archive footage and hear how this place offered comfort to relatives of resistance fighters. The documentary gives a penetrating picture of grief, resilience and solidarity on Ameland.
Weromrop - Omrop Fryslân
In the Weromrop broadcast, three widows and their children talk candidly about their time at The Terrorist. They look back on their holidays full of togetherness and support, and former director ‘aunt Truus’ (Angeniet Rijkeboer-Kuipers) also gets to speak.
Read more and sources
More on Ameland in wartime
Do you want to know more about how Ameland experienced the Second World War? Then read on to the page:
🔎 Ameland during the Second World War
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. View the overview:
🎉 Programme 80 years of liberation