Date of birth:

August 10th, 1911 (Delfzijl, the Netherlands)

Date of death:

June 22nd, 1944 (Utrecht, the Netherlands)

Nationality:

Dutch

Res.-off. Derk Boerema was one of the leaders of the resistance group Zwaantje. Operating from Delfzijl, this group maintained a secret connection with the Dutch consul in Sweden. People and information were transported to Sweden by coasters. As a result of infiltration by V-Mann Antoon van der Waals, the group was rolled up. Boerema initially managed to escape the hands of the Sicherheitsdienst by escaping to France, with the aim of reaching England. In October 1943, however, he was arrested in Perpignan. On 10 June 1944, he was sentenced to death by the Heeresgericht in Utrecht and on 22 June 1944 he was shot in Fort de Bilt. His remains were probably cremated in the Driehuis-Westerveld crematorium.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Res. 1e luitenant der artillerie (1st Lieutenant of Reserves)

Awarded on:

September 11th, 1952

Recommendation:
He has distinguished himself by courageous conduct in the face of the enemy as coworker to Mr. Oosterhuis at Delfzijl, who managed to ship Dutch officers of the reserve and important information of spies by way of Sweden to England. Furthermore he assisted in operating the wireless connection with England which had been established in 1943, transmitting from his own home in Appingedam, among other places. Following the arrest of Mr. Oosterhuisd, he went into hiding in The Hague and attempted with agent-parachutist H.G. de Jonge and some other members of his group, to obtain a German Schnellboot in Scheveningen. The attempt, made under extremely dangerous circumstances – Scheveningen harbour being “Sperrgebiet” (restricted area) – failed and het subsequently tried to reach England by the landroute. While on his way he was arrested in the Pyrenee mountains and executed in June 1944.

KB no 13

• Photo 1: J.Niemeijer "Hoe Groningen streed".
• - HEUVEL, C.C. VAN DEN e.a., Verzetsherdenkingskruis, Samsom Uitgeverij, 1985.
  - Derk Boerema | Oorlogsgravenstichting
  - Derk Boerema (Uitwierda (Delfzijl), 10 augustus 1911 - Utrecht, 22 juni 1944) - Netwerk Oorlogsbronnen
  - Derk Boerema | Erelijst van Gevallenen 1940-1945
  - Appingedam, verzetsplaquettes - Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei : Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei