Truus Menger-Oversteegen
28th August, 1923
I like writing. Whether I’m any good at it is entirely subjective, but I enjoy doing it. And so, my approach to these little daily comments depends largely on how much ‘vlaue’ I think I should add to the story of whoever is today’s chosen subject.
Sometimes a story can be sprinkled with the sprinkles of verbosity and add value. Sometimes I need to just shut the fuck up and tell you about a person. Sometimes they tell you everything about themselves via their actions.
Truus Menger-Oversteegen doesn’t need the sprinkles of verbosity poured all over her particular cake. You just need to hear her story.
Truus Menger-Oversteegen, born on August 29, 1923, in Haarlem, the Netherlands, was raised in a working-class family that was deeply committed to social justice. Her parents, who were staunch communists, fostered a strong sense of moral responsibility in Truus and her siblings. Growing up during the interwar period, Truus was exposed to the harsh realities of economic hardship and the rise of fascism across Europe, experiences that would profoundly shape her future as a resistance fighter during World War II.
The Netherlands in the 1930s and 1940s was a nation caught between the pressures of rising totalitarianism and its own struggles with economic instability. The Great Depression had left deep scars on the Dutch economy, leading to widespread unemployment and social unrest. As fascist ideologies gained traction in neighboring Germany and Italy, the Dutch government was forced to navigate a delicate balance between appeasement and self-preservation. This period of tension and uncertainty laid the groundwork for the widespread resistance that would emerge following the Nazi occupation.
When the Nazis invaded the Netherlands on May 10, 1940, the Dutch government capitulated after just five days of fighting. The occupation brought with it a regime of brutal repression. The German authorities swiftly implemented anti-Jewish laws, censored the press, and crushed any form of dissent. The Dutch population was subjected to strict control, with the Gestapo and other Nazi collaborators ruthlessly hunting down anyone suspected of opposing the regime. It was within this oppressive environment that Truus Menger-Oversteegen, at just 16 years old, was drawn into the resistance movement.
The early resistance in the Netherlands was a fragmented effort, composed of various groups with differing ideologies, from communists to conservative nationalists. Truus and her family, with their communist background, naturally gravitated toward the leftist factions of the resistance. It was through these connections that Truus and her younger sister, Freddie Oversteegen, were recruited by the Dutch communist resistance. The decision to involve such young women in the resistance was not taken lightly; however, their age and appearance allowed them to operate under the radar, making them valuable assets in the fight against the Nazis.
The Oversteegen sisters began their resistance work with relatively low-risk activities, such as distributing anti-Nazi leaflets and spreading information about the atrocities committed by the occupiers. These pamphlets were a vital tool in countering Nazi propaganda, helping to maintain the morale of the Dutch population and keeping the spirit of resistance alive. As the war progressed and the Nazi grip on the Netherlands tightened, Truus's involvement in the resistance grew more dangerous and direct.
The sisters soon found themselves involved in sabotage missions, which were crucial to the efforts to disrupt German military operations. They participated in operations to blow up bridges and railway tracks, targeting key infrastructure used by the Nazis to transport troops and supplies. Sabotage was a key tactic of the Dutch resistance, aimed at slowing down the German war machine and creating obstacles for the occupation forces. These missions required meticulous planning and nerves of steel, as any mistake could result in capture and execution.
One of the most perilous roles Truus undertook was in the assassination of Nazi collaborators. These collaborators, who were Dutch citizens working with the occupying forces, were seen as some of the most dangerous enemies of the resistance. By providing the Nazis with vital information, they aided in the persecution of Jews, resistance members, and other opponents of the regime. Truus, Freddie, and Hannie Schaft, another young woman who became a close friend and comrade, were involved in these high-stakes operations. They would often pose as friendly, unsuspecting women, luring the collaborators into secluded areas where they were ambushed and killed. These missions were not only physically dangerous but also took a significant psychological toll on the young women. The moral complexities of taking a life, even in the context of war, were something that Truus and her companions grappled with long after the conflict ended.
The Gestapo and the Dutch police, aware of the growing resistance, intensified their efforts to crush it. The risks for Truus and her fellow resistance fighters increased exponentially as the war dragged on. They were constantly on the move, changing locations and identities to evade capture. Truus had to learn how to blend in, to appear as just another ordinary Dutch girl, while always being ready to act when the situation demanded. The constant threat of betrayal or discovery meant that trust was a rare commodity within the resistance. Yet, despite the ever-present danger, Truus and her comrades remained committed to their cause, driven by a profound sense of duty to their country and its people.
As the war reached its final stages in 1944 and 1945, the Dutch resistance played a critical role in aiding the Allied forces. They provided intelligence on German troop movements, assisted in the evacuation of downed Allied pilots, and continued their sabotage efforts, all of which contributed to the eventual liberation of the Netherlands. The courage and determination of individuals like Truus Menger-Oversteegen were instrumental in these efforts, showcasing the power of grassroots resistance against a seemingly invincible enemy.
After the war, Truus Menger-Oversteegen faced the challenge of adjusting to peacetime life. The trauma of her wartime experiences was something she carried with her, even as she tried to build a normal life with her husband, Piet Menger, a fellow resistance member. The couple had two children, and Truus found solace in her art, becoming a respected sculptor. Her works often reflected the themes of resistance and remembrance, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.
Truus also dedicated herself to preserving the memory of her fallen comrades, particularly Hannie Schaft, who was executed by the Nazis just weeks before the end of the war. Truus's sculpture of Hannie, located in Haarlem, stands as a testament to their friendship and shared struggle. In her memoir, "Not Then, Not Now, Not Ever," Truus detailed her wartime experiences, offering a deeply personal perspective on the resistance and the toll it took on those who were part of it.
Throughout her life, Truus remained humble about her role in the resistance, often downplaying her actions and emphasizing the collective effort rather than her individual contributions. However, her bravery did not go unrecognized. On 10 May 1967, Yad Vashem recognized her as Righteous Among the Nations. On her 75th birthday in 1998, Menger was invested as an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau for her services. On 15 April 2014, Truus Menger-Oversteegen received the Mobilization War Cross with her sister from Prime Minister Mark Rutte. These accolades, while significant, were not what motivated her. For Truus, the fight against the Nazis was never about personal glory but about standing up for what was right, no matter the cost.
Truus Menger-Oversteegen died on June 18, 2016, at the age of 92. Her legacy lives on through her art, her writings, and the memories of those who knew her. She remains a symbol of resistance and resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest times, ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.
Truus's life story is not just a narrative of wartime heroism; it is a lesson in the power of conviction and the impact of individual action in the face of overwhelming adversity. As we reflect on her life and the lives of those who fought alongside her, we are reminded of the importance of remembering history and honoring those who stood against tyranny, often at great personal cost. Truus Menger-Oversteegen's contributions to the Dutch resistance are a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring fight for justice and freedom.