Headquarters Nederlandse Landstorm / Landwacht Alkmaar

On October 2, 1944, the Burgerweeshuis was evacuated and occupied by 50 members of the Nederlandse Landstorm, a military branch of the Waffen-SS. This unit emerged from the Landwacht Nederland (Dutch Land Guard), founded in 1943, and assumed a military role under German command.

The Landwacht Alkmaar also occupied the building. This paramilitary service, consisting primarily of NSB members armed with hunting rifles, was notorious for its actions against civilians. It guarded buildings, checked identity documents, and carried out arrests. During the Hunger Winter, it confiscated food, leading to the nickname "Jan Hagel" among the population.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: TracesofWar
• - Museum Alkmaar 40-45