IMPACT

the air war in friesland, 1940-1945

To mark the national commemoration of 80 years of freedom, the Fries Verzetsmuseum is opening a new exhibition: IMPACT – The Air War in Friesland, 1940-1945. From March 29 to July 27, 2025, visitors will gain an intense insight into the consequences of the air war in Friesland during World War II. Focusing on intimate stories and personal objects, the exhibition takes visitors through the experiences of pilots, civilians, recovery workers, and relatives.

Allied Pilots in Friesland

Encounters with Allied pilots left a lasting impression on many Frisians. Carefully preserved objects and stories passed down through generations bear witness to these connections. The exhibition tells remarkable tales—about American airmen wearing Frisian wooden clogs, failed escapes, and lifelong friendships. One such story is that of Tiny Mulder (1921-2010). Today, she is best known as a writer and poet, but during World War II, her fluency in English led the resistance to enlist her help in sheltering downed Allied pilots

Fliegerhorst Leeuwarden One of the reasons Friesla

One of the reasons Friesland became a front-line region in the air war was the presence of the airfield in Leeuwarden. During World War II, Fliegerhorst Leeuwarden was an important German base in Friesland. German night fighters took off from here to intercept Allied bombers heading for industrial cities in Germany. This base played a crucial role in the air war and was responsible for shooting down at least 370 Allied aircraft. The exhibition highlights this history and shows how the airfield left a significant mark on the region.

Allied Pilots and Hiding in Friesland

A key aspect of the exhibition is the story of Allied pilots who crashed in Friesland. Around eighty of these pilots were guided by the Frisian resistance to safe houses and smuggled through the ‘pilots’ escape line’ to England. This was an extremely risky process for both the pilots and the Frisian resistance members who helped them. Only one pilot managed to escape successfully, while most were captured along the way. A few remained in hiding in Friesland until the liberation. Visitors will gain unique insights into the bravery and perseverance of the resistance fighters, as well as the experiences of the Allied pilots who sought refuge in Friesland.

Civilian Casualties

The air war not only affected combatants but also had a devastating impact on civilians. A tragic example is the story of Richt Barkmeijer-de Boer and her family, who were killed in 1944 when a bomb, likely jettisoned as ballast, struck their home. The exhibition tells the stories of these and other civilian casualties, displaying their personal belongings and accounts. This aspect of the exhibition underscores the profound impact of war on the local population.

War Stories and Collected Artifacts

The IMPACT exhibition features rare artifacts from the Fries Verzetsmuseum’s collection. These include never-sent letters left behind by Luftwaffe personnel at Fliegerhorst Leeuwarden, a pair of shoes found in a crashed aircraft, and a jacket given by an Allied airman to his Frisian host family. Also on display is a Red Cross name tag that a Frisian boy was required to wear to school—so he could be identified in the event of a bombing.

Ongoing Research

Another important aspect of the exhibition is the work of the Leeuwarden-based Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation (SMAMF). This organization is dedicated to locating and honoring missing aircraft and crew members. Their ongoing research remains vital to preserving the memory of the air war in Friesland and connecting it to the present day. Visitors will learn about recent aircraft recoveries and efforts to identify fallen crew members. The SMAMF’s database will also be included in the exhibition and available for consultation.

The exhibition IMPACT – The Air War in Friesland, 1940-1945 offers a unique opportunity to learn about this crucial yet often overlooked chapter of World War II. The Fries Verzetsmuseum invites everyone to visit this compelling exhibition and reflect on the stories of courage, sacrifice, and loss that continue to resonate in Friesland.