Shop of the Dutch Union
On July 24, 1940, a new political movement was founded: the Nederlandsche Unie (Dutch Union). The party was willing to cooperate with the occupier but also aimed to undercut the influence of the NSB (National Socialist Movement). Within a few months, 800,000 members had joined. For many of them, membership was primarily a protest against the NSB. Despite numerous concessions to the German occupier, the Union was banned in December 1941 because it was deemed insufficiently loyal to the German cause.
In Dordrecht, the Union was housed in the building at Steegoversloot number 39, directly next to the gate leading to Het Hof. The tension between the NSB and the Dutch Union is evident from the second photo. NSB members chalked the phrase “1 year Union = 1 year betrayal” on the now boarded-up shop, likely after the ban in 1941.

Composite photo (Marcel Kerkveld 2024)

Historical photo (historisch)

Anno 2024 (nieuwe)