Digital Archive Launches Names of 425,000 Suspected Nazi Collaborators

The online records offer a new resource for researchers and families, amidst concerns over privacy and legacy of collaboration in the Netherlands.

The Dutch National Archives has made history by launching an online database containing the names of approximately 425,000 individuals suspected of collaborating with the Nazis during Germany's occupation of the Netherlands from 1940 to 1945. This significant move provides unprecedented access to records that were previously available only at the archives in The Hague.

The initiative, supported by the Huygens Institute, aims to break down barriers for those researching the complex narratives of this period, which has left a lasting impact on Dutch society. "This archive contains important stories for both present and future generations," the institute emphasized, highlighting its relevance for families wanting to understand their ancestry and historians exploring the nuances of collaboration.

Among those listed in the database are known war criminals, approximately 20,000 Dutch service members in the German armed forces, and alleged affiliates of the National Socialist Movement (NSB), the Dutch Nazi party. The archive notably includes names of individuals who were exonerated, owing to its basis in files from the Special Jurisdiction established in 1944 to investigate collaboration.

While the online database presents names, dates, and places of birth, it does not reveal the outcomes of investigations or the nature of the alleged collaboration. Instead, it guides users on how to request further details at the National Archives, emphasizing the need for a legitimate purpose to access physical records.

Concerns over the disclosure of personal information tied to such a sensitive historical context have led to a cautious approach in making these records public. Rinke Smedinga, whose father was implicated in collaboration, expressed worries about the potential fallout from sharing these names without proper context. Tom De Smet, director of the National Archives, acknowledged the sensitive nature of this revelation, indicating that it could stimulate discussions surrounding a trauma that remains difficult to address openly.

In a recent parliamentary letter, Culture Minister Eppo Bruins noted the importance of archival openness for confronting the challenges of the Netherlands' complicated past. He expressed an interest in amending laws to facilitate greater public access while ensuring the privacy of living individuals is maintained.

This digital unveiling marks a pivotal step in navigating the complexities of collaboration during the darkest days of World War II, potentially reshaping how this chapter in Dutch history is understood. The database is designed with the intention of providing better insights into both the collaborators' and victims' narratives, fostering an environment where painful discussions can finally take place.