(Eibergen, 1916)

DNB Staff

Second in command of the DNB

Wim Leuverink, born in 1916 in Eibergen, was a courageous resistance fighter who was actively involved in the resistance during the Second World War and later played a significant role within the Dutch National Battalion (DNB). In May 1940, he fought against German paratroopers at Muiderberg and in the Hoekse Waard. After the fall of the Netherlands, he joined the Ordedienst (OD) and came into contact with other resistance groups.

In 1943, Wim went into hiding; he stayed with the Sellink family, where the Jewish person in hiding David Engers was also concealed. In 1943, Wim went into hiding; he stayed with the Sellink family, where the Jewish person in hiding David Engers was also concealed. Using forged documents, Wim moved through the occupied Netherlands and helped Allied prisoners of war and pilots to escape. He played an important role in organizing resistance groups, training fighters, and transporting weapons during airdrops. As ‘second in command’ of the DNB, he marched with his battalion through the Netherlands towards the Veluwe in April 1945, where he experienced the liberation in Amersfoort.

After the war, Wim remained in military service and was given command of the 1st Company BTB Geertruidenberg. There, he supervised German prisoners of war during mine clearance operations. Wim received several awards for his bravery, including commendations from Churchill and Eisenhower. In 1953, he was awarded the Bronze Cross, presented by Prince Bernhard. He married Jo Hageman and always remained in contact with his resistance comrades, including David Engers and Jan Tinge.

Wim Leuverink passed away in Hengelo (Overijssel) on 23 December 1971.

Wim Leuverink