(Midlaren-Zuidlaren, 1904)

Commander of the 3rd Company DNB

Resistance Hero and DNB Commander

Jan Tinge, born on 1 January 1904 in Midlaren-Zuidlaren, became a key figure in the Dutch resistance. As a professional soldier, he went into hiding in 1943 to evade being taken as a prisoner of war.

From his hideout in the Achterhoek, he joined the ‘Raad van Verzet’ (Resistance Council) and helped escaped prisoners of war find safe houses. Alongside his comrades, he established resistance groups in the Achterhoek and Twente regions, provided weapons training, and gathered crucial intelligence. Using forged documents and connections within the PGEM electricity company, Tinge managed to discreetly pass messages and orders to the ‘Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten’ (Dutch Interior Forces).

In September 1944, he worked with Bob Krul to form battalions of shock troops in the region. Despite dangerous raids and arrests within the resistance, he remained active. He was a member of the ‘Albrecht’ espionage group and maintained contact with the Royal Family and the Allies. In April 1945, Tinge joined the Dutch National Battalion (DNB) under the First Canadian Army.

As commander of the 3rd Company, he took part in the liberation of Apeldoorn and Harderwijk and later guarded German prisoners of war and war booty. After the DNB was disbanded, he returned to civilian life in Ede and later moved to Voorburg.

Jan Tinge passed away on 30 May 1980 in Annen, but his heroic contribution to the liberation of the Netherlands remains an indelible part of history.

Jan Tinge