1940-1945. The resistance in the dutch province of Limburg

Knokploegen (K.P.)

Five raids on distribution offices in only one week

The illegally distributed newspaper De stem van Londen (The Voice of London) wrote on 19 July 1944 on page 2:

RAIDS.
From our Amsterdam correspondent.
In the week from 20 to 27 June, 5 raids were committed at distribution offices:
1) On 6/20/44 at
…
and many other coupons.
3) On the same day the distribution office in Valkenburg-Houthem was attacked. They arrived by car, the policeman on duty had provided the keys and pointed the way. He disappeared later with the robbers. (Dutch policemen, who will follow!) The following were taken: 78000 ration coupons of reserve, 38000 ration coupons of confectionery, 71000 ration coupons of legumes and thousands and thousands of ration coupons of almost every kind, including several hundred D.S.K (main cards) and almost 10,000 insert sheets.
4) The day after…

The Knokploegen (KP, Combat Groups) were the armed teams of the LO. Their task was not military (apart from acts of sabotage at the end of the war, when the Allies approached) but support for the people in hiding such as providing ration stamps or identity documents, if there was no other way to provide them (See the resistance by (mostly municipal) officials). In South Limburg, the various KPs have joined forces by forming one single group, the Knokploeg Zuid-Limburg. They had their headquarters on the farm of C.J.H. Janssen in Ulestraten. There was also a national organisation under the name Landelijke Knokploegen (L.K.P.).
Here are some links, unfortunately all just to Dutch websites:

• Het Verborgen Front – Geschiedenis van de georganiseerde illegaliteit in de provincie Limburg tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog, Doctorale scriptie 1994 van Fred Cammaert, hoofdstuk VII, De knokploegen en de geschiedenis van de stoottroepen tot de zomer van 1945
• Het Grote Gebod Deel 1, Hoofdstuk II: De landelijke knokploegen – Limburg, door J.W. Hofwijk

The fallen resistance people in Limburg Knokploegen (K.P.) – 49 pers.
Ahout, Gerardus Wilhelmus Johannes Ger	∗ 1919-12-18 Deurne † 1945-02-17 Bergen (L)	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Limburg + - Dutch Soldiers - Zwarte Plak - Raad van Verzet (RVV) - Ger Ahout was a member of the LO-KP [1] and of the RVV [2] in Deurne. During the liberation of the south of the Netherlands, the Regiment Stoottroepen [] were founded on September … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.03-01
Berckel, van Karel Clemens Karel	∗ 1892-08-19 Delft † 1944-09-05 Kamp Vught	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Heerlen - Underground Press - Detailed information about the surgeon Karel van Berckel [1.1] can be found on the website of the National Memorial Camp Vught [1.2], where he was murdered. The following is an excerpt … More in our story Resistance in Valkenburg wall: left, row 15-03
Berkhout, Jacobus Hermanus Jacob	∗ 1904-08-12 Culemborg † 1945-08-31 Malchow	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Aid to Jews - Forced Labor - Heythuysen - Jacob Berkhout, an electrical engineer, had taken in a Jewish Ms. Prijs and her two children at his home. Someone who knew about it betrayed this in order to get an arrested friend released. … wall: left, row 22-05
Bleijs, Ludovicus Adrianus Ludo “Lodewijk”	∗ 1906-10-17 Tilburg † 1945-08-15 Gorinchem	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Engelandvaarders - Roermond - Ludo Bleijs’ surname is also spelled Bleys, and sometimes Louis is given as his first name. His resistance name was Lodewijk. During the war he was a member of the Redemptorist monastery in … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.04-03
Broek, van den Cornelis /Cornelius	∗ 1907-07-21 Heer † 1945-03-12 Rotterdam	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Police - Heer - Where was Cornelis van den Broek born? According to the OGS [1] in Heer, which was also adopted by maastrichtsegevelstenen.nl [2]. But in his personal file at the OGS it says … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.-
Bruijn, de Fredericus Arnoldus Franciscus Frits	∗ 1920-10-04 Asten † 1944-09-05 America (L)	- Zwarte Plak - Limburg + - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Raad van Verzet (RVV) - The grocer Frits de Bruijn lived in Asten. Son of the grocers Petrus Johannes Gijsbertus de Bruijn and Johanna Maria Sanders. Unmarried. Roman Catholic. Member of resistance, belonging to the … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Coenen, Jan Hubert Sjeng	∗ 1915-01-10 Simpelveld † 1944-09-05 Valkenburg	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - “Aussenministerium” - People in hiding - Peace Carillon - Simpelveld - Former subdistrictleader of Simpelveld. Cammaert: After the betrayal of Wittem [1.1], J.H. Coenen from Simpelveld and his comrade W.J. Francotte from Vaals, who had worked … More in our story Resistance in Valkenburg wall: right, row 16-03
Corbey, George	∗ 1924-10-19 Valkenburg † 1988-11-21	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Valkenburg - Survivors - He was the third member of the KP (fight team) Valkenburg. The KPs in South Limburg were later merged, headquarters in Ulestraten. Even Sittard cooperated, although they did not participate in … More in our story Resistance in Valkenburg
Crasborn, Jacobus Reinier Peter Jacques	∗ 1916-04-12 Ittervoort † 1987-11-26 Heerlen	- Survivors - Knokploegen (K.P.) - BS (Domestic Forces) - Dutch Soldiers - Jacques Crasborn, from Ittervoort, decided after four years of high school to study for mine surveyor. On January 1, 1940, he was employed in this profession at the Oranje Nassau IV mine. His … More in our story Resistance in Valkenburg
Dobbe, Theodorus Theo “Hans”	∗ 1901-03-19 Amsterdam † 1944-09-05 Dieren, gem. Rheden	- Initial resistance - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Underground Press - Nijmegen - Limburg + - Photo: Oorlogsdoden Nijmegen 1940-1945 [2]In his civil profession, Theo Dobbe was a chief representative and active throughout the Netherlands. In the … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.04-10
Eijnden, van den Martien Ant. Watje, Tinuske	∗ 1917-02-04 Venray † 1944-09-05 Horst-America	- Horst - Raad van Verzet (RVV) - Limburg + - Zwarte Plak - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Tinus was a butcher and lived in Zeilberg in the farm Crisishoeve (municipality of Deurne). He was a member of the "Pilotencentrum De Zwarte Plak" near America, on the Limburg side of the … wall: left, row 24-01
Evers, Johannes Hendrikus Jan	∗ 1917-05-03 Oosterhout (Valburg) † 1944-07-21 Leusderheide	- Initial resistance - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Underground Press - Aid to Jews - Nijmegen - Limburg + - Jan Evers ran a car repair shop, was married and father of one child. They lived in Nijmegen. He began typing and distributing illegal newspapers, including Vrij Nederland, in 1941 … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Francotte, Wilhelm Joseph Joep	∗ 1920-12-29 Vaals † 1944-09-05 Valkenburg	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - People in hiding - Forced Labor - Vaals - Underground Press - Peace Carillon - Joep Francotte was a roofer/plumber from Vaals. His family website: He refused to work in Germany and was sentenced to months of forced labor in a camp for … More in our story Resistance in Valkenburg wall: right, row 25-05
Frenken /Frencken, Jacobus Petrus Hubertus Jacques	∗ 1921-11-07 Urmond † 1944-06-15 Bloemendaal	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Maasniel - Jacques Frenken was an electrician. [2#4] A. Reulen and J.P.H. Frencken already had a distinguished career as resisters … wall: left, row 28-02
Guelen, Johannes Hendrikus Johan	∗ 1918-10-01 Gennep † 1944-09-08 Kamp Vught	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Gennep - Peace Carillon - Johan Guelen spent his entire life living in Gennep [1#4][1#5] and was a machinist in the Paper Gennep (PaGe) mill. [2]. He belonged to the sabotage group KP-Noord Limburg (KP Gennep … wall: left, row 10-03
Hekking, Henri A. Hens	∗ 1923-09-21 † 1945-04-16	- Nijmegen - Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Couriers of the Resistance - Limburg + - Henny Hekking was a member of the Knokploeg (combat group) in Nijmegen, together with, among others, his friends Jules Moormann, This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Hendriks, Hendrikus Fredericus Harrie “Hein”	∗ 1920-02-20 Gennep † 1944-09-08 Vught	- Gennep - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Leather processor. He and his brother Jan belonged to the sabotage squadHe was a member of the sabotage group KP-Noord Limburg (KP Gennep & Oeffelt). … wall: left, row 11-01
Hendriks, Johannes Jacobus Jan	∗ 1915-07-21 Gennep † 1944-09-08 Vught	- Gennep - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Jan Hendriks was a typesetter and a member of the sabotage group KP-Noord Limburg (KP Gennep & Oeffelt). The resistance group took action, among other things, against black market traders. Arrested … wall: left, row 10-04
Henssen, Frans Joseph Frans	∗ 1918-12-11 Simpelveld † 1944-08-08 Simpelveld	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Simpelveld - Frans Henssen was orphaned at an early age. He was a machine fitter, and during the invasion of the German army he served in an anti-aircraft battery. During the war he married Anny Schmetz. … wall: right, row 17-02
Hoebers, Peter Johannes Jacobus Peter	∗ 1920-07-09 Helden † 1944-08-10 Helden	- Helden - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Peter Hoebers was a blacksmith. Early on Thursday morning, August 10, Nitsch, assisted by four members of the … wall: left, row 20-04
Janssen, Cornelis Cor	∗ 1918-02-22 Sevenum † 1944-10-07 Beesel	- Beesel - Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Underground Press - People in hiding - Cor Janssen was a farmer. [1#2] In the spring of 1944, an armed group (knokploeg or K.P.) Reuver was formed by B. Verstappen. Members were … More in our story Resistance in Valkenburg wall: left, row 02-05
Knottenbelt, Franciscus Hendrikus Gerhardus Maria Frans	∗ 1921-08-04 Enschede † 1944-07-09 Boven-Leeuwen	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Limburg + - Deputy manager [2] Frans Knottenbelt was killed in a firefight with landwachters (translated: rural guards, an auxiliary police composed of Dutch fascists) [4] near Leeuwen [1] on the night of … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Kooten, van Bartholomeus Johannes Cornelis Bep	∗ 1914-12-12 Laren N.H. † 1979-06-20 Hilversum	- Klimmen - Survivors - Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - BS (Domestic Forces) - Dutch Soldiers - Bep van Kooten, temporarily local leader of the LO Klimmen and, for the sub-district of Valkenburg, contact person to the KP (“Knokploegen”, armed groups), sabotage specialist of the KP. … More in our story Resistance in Valkenburg
Kuerten, Antonius Johannes Toon “Joop”	∗ 1919-06-29 Nijmegen † 1944-07-21 Vught	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Nijmegen - Limburg + - Toon Kuerten was a machine fitter [4]. Arrested on February 21, 1945 in Hoorn by the Landwacht (auxiliar police consisting of Dutch nazis) during a food transport. [1] We read about … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Lambriks, Jo	∗ 0000-00-00 † 0000-00-00	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Valkenburg - Survivors - After a while, a K.P also emerged in Valkenburg. It initially consisted of two men, the teachers Jeng Meijs and Jo Lambriks. Meijs had Jacques …
Lemson, Hendrik Theodorus Henk	∗ 1924-04-15 Maastricht † 1945-04-07 Makkum	- People in hiding - Initial resistance - Groep Dresen - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Maastricht - Henk Lemson was a tax official (direct taxes, Maastricht). [1] He belonged to the so called Belastinggroep Maastricht (A resistance group of mainly tax officials who continued the … wall: left, row 32-04
Linders, Franciscus Gerardus Pierre Frans	∗ 1918-05-03 Venlo † 1944-09-12 Eindhoven	- Police - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Geleen - Pierre Linders was a policeman in Geleen. In early 1944 he was transferred to Eindhoven, where he joined a resistance group that, among other things, transported weapons for the underground, … wall: left, row 09-04
Meijs, Sjeng	∗ 0000-00-00 † 0000-00-00	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Valkenburg - Survivors - After a while, a K.P also emerged in Valkenburg. It initially consisted of two men, the teachers Jeng Meijs and Jo Lambriks. Meijs had Jacques … More in our story Resistance in Valkenburg
Merlijn, Pieter Lambertus Pieter “Leij”	∗ 1920-12-31 Ede † 1945-03-12 Amsterdam	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Limburg + - Nijmegen - Pieter was a machine fitter [6] and he was a member of the Knokploeg (combat group) in Nijmegen. He participated in raids on distribution offices, in attempts to liberate imprisoned … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Meulenberg, Edmundus Johannes Eddy	∗ 1919-01-26 Nijmegen † 1945-07-04 Nijmegen	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Dutch Soldiers - Limburg + - Initial resistance - Eddy Meulenberg was a conscript sergeant at the time of the surrender of the Dutch Army in May 1940. He was a member of the Nijmegen Knokploeg (combat group), together with his friends This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Michels, Franciscus Gerardus Frans	∗ 1922-03-09 Merselo † 1944-11-07 Venray-Leunen	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Couriers of the Resistance - BS (Domestic Forces) - Intelligence - Venray - Frans Michels was a miller. He helped people to hide and after the liberation of Merselo on October 16, 1944, he worked as a courier for the Second British Army. This meant that he had to … wall: right, row 31-05
Mooren, Antonius Lodewijk Joseph Toon	∗ 1923-03-19 Vierlingsbeek † 1945-03-05 Mauthausen	- Ambtenaren - Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - People in hiding - Forced Labor - Limburg + - A detailed story about Toon Mooren on brabantsegesneuvelden.nl/ [1.1] with the source: “Pap, wat zijn dat voor doden?” [1.2] Toon worked at the tax office in … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.03-04
Moormann, Julius Ferdinand Jules	∗ 1924-04-12 Nijmegen † 1944-05-17 ??	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Nijmegen - Studenten - Limburg + - During a failed liquidation attempt on April 14, 1944, Julius Ferdinand Moormann was arrested and George Muskens killed. … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Muskens, George Arts	∗ 1923-07-02 Maastricht † 1944-04-14 Arnhem	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Nijmegen - Studenten - Maastricht - George Muskens (Gregorius Johannes Arnoldus Maria Muskens) was a trainee sculptor. He was a member of the Nijmegen Knokploeg (armed unit) . [1][3] In a failed liquidation attempt on … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Nieskens, Hendrik Johan Marie Harrie	∗ 1924-10-11 Kessel (L) † 1944-12-30 Weert	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - BS (Domestic Forces) - Dutch Soldiers - Kessel - Harrie was a member of the B.S. (Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten = Domestic Forces, an alliance of the three main Dutch resistance organizations officially formed on September 5, 1944 [1]) and … wall: left, row 26-03
Pereira, Marinus Johannes Rinus	∗ 1918-09-27 Den Haag † 1944-08-30 Belfeld	- People in hiding - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Reuver - In the spring of 1944, a combat group (K.P.) Reuver was formed by B. Verstappen. Other members were J.H. Goossens, wall: middel, row 17-01
Reichert, Franciscus Petrus Frans “Vrijn”	∗ 1873-08-29 Delft † 1944-09-14 Nijmegen	- Nijmegen - Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Couriers of the Resistance - Limburg + - Underground Press - A trader by profession as well as a courier for the LO-KP out of conviction. Also Vrij Nederland. On September 14, 1944 he was shot in his house because of his work for V.N. [2]. The … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Reulen, Albert Bèr	∗ 1916-11-12 Roermond † 1944-06-10 Overveen	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Ordedienst (O.D.) - Roermond - Albert Reulen was a butcher and factory worker, involved in the resistance groups Ordedienst (OD), Landelijke Organisatie voor Hulp aan Onderduikers (LO) and the KP (knokploegen, armed … wall: right, row 09-05
Rooyackers /Rooijackers, Wilhelmus Antonius Wim	∗ 1918-03-13 Heerlen † 1944-09-05 Vught	- Heerlen - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Underground Press - Initial resistance - Police - Wim Rooijackers was a trade correspondent and a member of the mine police. Almost from the beginning of the war he was involved with prisoners of war who had escaped from German … wall: left, row 17-03
Sambeek, van Cornelis Kees van Maas en Waal	∗ 1921-11-03 Nijmegen † 1945-04-04 Gemen	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Limburg + - Dutch Soldiers - Kees had attended secondary school in Nijmegen and had contacts with resistance people there. In the area of the rivers Maas and Waal, west of Nijmegen, there were local and individual … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.03-16
Schaik, van Jan Hendrik Jan	∗ 1922-04-10 Utrecht † 1944-07-09 Boven-Leeuwen	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Limburg + - Studenten - Student (Oorlogsgravenstichting.nl [5]) and machinist (Honor Roll of the Fallen [1]). Died on the night of July 8-9, 1944, in a firefight with landwachters (land guards) [7] near Leeuwen [4]. In … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Schiphorst, Thomas Adrianus Maria Tom	∗ 1923-01-01 Heerlen † 1945-03-09 Mauthausen	- Underground Press - Studenten - Heerlen - Nijmegen - Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Tom Schiphorst lived at Paddepoelscheweg 15 in Nijmegen, took care of people in hiding and distributed illegal magazines. He also hid an American pilot. Member of the LO-Maas & … wall: left, row 18-01
Schortinghuis, Jacobus Reinder Koos “Bob van de recherche”	∗ 1923-02-14 Delfzijl † 1945-04-25 Hedel	- Knokploegen (K.P.) - Nijmegen - BS (Domestic Forces) - Limburg + - Studenten - Koos Schortinghuis was a member of the Knokploeg (armed group) of Nijmegen [1] and as such was qualified to join the Dutch army after the liberation of Nijmegen. He died as a member of … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Schreurs, Franciscus Hubertus Hendrikus Frans	∗ 1915-10-09 Kessel † 1944-11-19 Venlo	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Kessel - Frans Schreurs was a market gardener and farmer by profession. [1#2][1#4] Because Kessel repeatedly struggled with a lack of hiding addresses, several emergency camps were … wall: left, row 26-04
Spillenaar Bilgen, Marinus	∗ 1892-10-25 Salatiga, NOI † 1944-09-04 Vught	- Nijmegen - Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Underground Press - Limburg + - Knokploegen (K.P.) - The pharmacist’s son Marinus Spillenaar Bilgen, as director of the Gelderland paper mill in Nijmegen, supplied large quantities of paper to underground newspapers such as Trouw [2][5] … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.
Ummels, Anton Hubert	∗ 1894-07-15 Amby † 1944-08-30 Belfeld	- Reuver - Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Police - Beesel - Antonius Hubertus Ummels had the rank of Opperwachtmeester in the police, which was generally associated with the function of station chief. He belonged to the LO in Reuver, moreover its … wall: left, row 03-02
Verstappen, Bernardus Petrus Lambertus Ben	∗ 1914-04-23 Reuver † 1944-08-30 Belfeld	- Beesel - Knokploegen (K.P.) - In the spring of 1944, Ben Verstappen, 30 years old, merchant, residing at Keulscheweg 597 in Reuver, had formed a K.P.(combat group), which was affiliated with the regional K.P.-Noord-Limburg … wall: left, row 03-03
Verstrijden, Ludovicus Franciscus Loek	∗ 1918-11-11 Amsterdam † 1942-05-11 Oranienburg	- Initial resistance - Knokploegen (K.P.) - OD trial of Maastricht - Loek Verstrijden was an assistant purchaser [1][4] and trade correspondent. Co-organizer of the knokploeg (battle group) around Theo Dobbep. This … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.-
Vries, de Douwe Hans	∗ 1920-03-17 Zevenhuizen † 1947-09-13 Haulerwijk	- Aid to People in Hiding L.O. - Knokploegen (K.P.) - Echt - Police - Douwe de Vries was a policeman, he belonged to the LO and the KP in Echt. Died after the liberation, partly as a result of his resistance work. [1] In the municipality of Ooststellingwerf, where … This person is not (yet?) listed on the walls of the chapel.03-12