Internment Camp Rochdale

After the liberation, a men's camp was established at Doctor Schaepmanplein for arrested NSB members. Female NSB members were interned at Westerwerg.

Only one photo of Camp Westerweg remains; a map and a camp newspaper of Camp Rochdale.

The exact location of Camp Rochdale only became clear in 2016, thanks to a mural by Brother Donatianus in the former St. Aloysius School. Around the same time, the Van Bockxmeer family donated a unique commemorative album to the archives. This album, created by three internees, was presented to camp commander Major G.A.M. de Rie in 1946 as a token of gratitude for his humane treatment. After his death, it remained in the family for many years.

The album provides a vivid picture of camp life: sports, theater, music, and exhibitions. Photos show barracks, the sickbay, a hair salon, and workshops, giving the camp an almost village-like appearance. Hundreds of men, who worked daily in the Wieringermeer, were housed in eight wooden barracks. Most were political offenders, from NSB members to Eastern Front soldiers, and awaited trial here before the Special Jurisdiction Tribunal.

Now a residential area stands here.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: TracesofWar
• Regionaal Archief Alkmaar