From the daughter-in-law of resistance fighter Henri Scharrer, “the story of brave men and women doing their bit to overthrow a monstrous tyranny” (The NYMAS Review).
The Dutch resistance movement during the Nazi occupation was bedevilled by treachery, betrayal and poor organization and support from London. Despite these serious problems, the brave men and women of the Dutch resistance who refused to accept domination by their brutal oppressors, made a significant contribution to the war effort albeit at a terrible cost. Their contribution which included escape routes for Allied aircrew and acts of sabotage has been largely over-looked.
While the author focuses on the activity and fate of her husband’s father, Henri Scharrer, her superbly researched book ranges far wider.
As well as introducing a large cast of resistance workers, double agents and Nazis, she describes many of the operations, successful and disastrous, and analyses the results. Too often, as in Henri Scharrer’s case, the outcome was tragic.
This gripping true account of extraordinary heroism and betrayal demonstrates both the best and worst of human conduct in extreme conditions.
“A very nice book that gives a lot of insight into the resistance, the pilots’ support and how betrayal and collaboration with the Germans had to break the resistance. Scharrer and Conijn are relatively unknown leaders within the Dutch resistance, who are introduced to an English-speaking audience with this book.” —Traces of War