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IJlst-Workum | Liberation route: section 3

(22.8 km)

A strong example of resistance took place just before the liberation of the province of Friesland. On 12 April 1945, the German army sent an ammunition train from Leeuwarden to Stavoren. It was a last serious semblance of an attempt of the German occupying forces in Friesland to offer any significant resistance. But a brave act of sabotage by the resistance derailed the train, rendering it unusable.

The train consisted of 15 wagons carrying 150 tonnes of ammunition. The Dutch Domestic Forces (NBS) were aware of this transport and wanted to prevent it from reaching its destination. Between Hieslum and Nijhuizum (about three kilometres north-east of Workum), the Gaastmeer-Oudega resistance group tampered with the rails, resulting in a train derailment. 

The English Royal Air Forc…

A strong example of resistance took place just before the liberation of the province of Friesland. On 12 April 1945, the German army sent an ammunition train from Leeuwarden to Stavoren. It was a last serious semblance of an attempt of the German occupying forces in Friesland to offer any significant resistance. But a brave act of sabotage by the resistance derailed the train, rendering it unusable.

The train consisted of 15 wagons carrying 150 tonnes of ammunition. The Dutch Domestic Forces (NBS) were aware of this transport and wanted to prevent it from reaching its destination. Between Hieslum and Nijhuizum (about three kilometres north-east of Workum), the Gaastmeer-Oudega resistance group tampered with the rails, resulting in a train derailment. 

The English Royal Air Force (RAF) was informed of the derailed train via the resistance's signal box. Allied Spitfire fighters first conducted a reconnaissance, shortly after which the wagons were set on fire.   

The shelling caused huge explosions, which could be heard for miles around Workum. In retaliation, several people in hiding were arrested and sentenced to death. Fortunately, the liberation on 16 April 1945 stopped their execution. However, a 60-year-old Workum resident was killed by an exploding shell during the ammunition clearance on 17 May 1945. To this day, farmers still find old ammunition in the fields.   

Liberation Route Europe is a transnational memorial. A route that connects memorial sites and stories from all over Europe. For more information, visit www.liberationroute.com

Sights on this route

91

Starting point:

Waypoint walk 91
IJlst
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Poem 'Graf te Blauwhuis'

The small village of Abbega and the neighbouring hamlet of Abbegaasterketting hid dozens of people in hiding during the war. In February 1945, a raid shocked the small community. Resistance fighter Gerrit Rijpma, 18, was fatally hit in the process.

More information

Poem 'Graf te Blauwhuis'
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Workum (Warkum)

Workum (or Warkum as we say in Friesland), is one of the famous Frisian cities that has enjoyed city rights since 1399. Located on the shores of the former Zuiderzee and bordering the Frisian lakes.

Visit Workum

Workum (Warkum) Workum Fontein
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64

End point:

Waypoint walk 64
Workum
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Directions

91

Starting point:

Waypoint walk 91
IJlst
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The story of the Liberation of Western Europe is a book with many chapters, with some starting before the beginning of the war in 1939 and some others often ending years after the end of the conflict in 1945. Through the Liberation route Europe, you learn more about the storylines, key military events, personal stories and biographies from the second world war in Europe. Check out www.liberationroute.com for more routes, fragments and stories.

64

End point:

Waypoint walk 64
Workum
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