In this episode we uncover two extraordinary stories.

When the Second world war began, many people were forced into hiding to survive. They vanished from daily life. But it wasn’t only people who had to be hidden. Weapons, radios, documents, and even entire ships were concealed to keep them out of enemy hands.

We travel to Artis Zoo in Amsterdam, where people went into hiding in the most unexpected place. And we explore the incredible story of the Abraham Crijnsen, a Dutch warship that disguised itself as a tropical island to escape the enemy.

Sometimes the best hiding spot is in plain sight.

Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.

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Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Holland’sHidden Heroes Podcast⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, we explore Dutch traditions that stillshape life in the Netherlands today — from the adventurous children-dropping tradition, where kids are dropped off in the woods and must find their own way back. It’s a memorable experience that builds independence, teamwork, and confidence.

You’ll also discover why Dutch children are required to swimin their clothes to earn their swimming diploma — and why this practical skill can be truly life-saving. Of course, we hop on our bikes to understand why cycling is such an important part of Dutch daily life, even when the wind is so strongthere is an official Championship for Cycling Against the Wind.

We end the episode by celebrating New Year’s Eve,Dutch-style, with bright fireworks and delicious oliebollen, sweet dough balls that are traditionally enjoyed only at the end of the year.

Visit our website: ⁠Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story⁠

Facebook: ⁠Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast⁠

Instagram: ⁠Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's⁠

Email: [email protected]

Our guests — historian Michelle, together with studentsHarry (13) and Jack (11) — have created a heartfelt e-magazine in honour of the crew of the downed Wellington HE346. In this episode, they share how they collaborated with other children, uncover the story behind HE346, and explainhow the aircraft was recovered.

An inspiring tale of remembrance, teamwork, and legacy.

Link to HE346 e-magazine:The long journey home – Their Story

Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.

Visit our website: ⁠⁠Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their StoryFacebook: ⁠⁠Holland’sHidden Heroes Podcast⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast(@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) •Instagram-foto's en -video's⁠⁠

Email: [email protected]

During the Second World War, over 5,500 aircraft came down in the Netherlands. Many airmen never made it home — their families left waiting for answers that never came.

Through an Aircraft Recovery Programme, the Dutch continue to search for those still missing — including the crew of BK716, now finally found and laid to rest.

In this episode we tell their story, a story of loss, remembrance, and the effort to bring missing airmen home. And we discuss why it is important we keep stories like this alive.

Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.

Visit our website: ⁠Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story⁠

Facebook: ⁠Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast⁠

Instagram: ⁠Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) •Instagram-foto's en -video's⁠

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we travel to Urk — a Dutch fishing town that once was an island and played a remarkable role in World War II.

When Allied airmen were shot down over the Netherlands, Urk’s brave fishermen rescued them from freezing waters, sheltered them in their homes, and guided them to safety. The vast reed fields of the Noordoostpolder, known as the “Dutch paradise for people in hiding,” became a crucial resistance stronghold.

At the heart of it all stood the Urker lighthouse, which not only served as a beacon for Allied pilots to navigate their routes, but also became a hub of quiet resistance — its keeper outsmarted Nazi patrols, tricked enemy boats, and even saved hundreds of church bells..

Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.

Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story

Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast

Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's

Email: [email protected]

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During World War II, deep in the forests of the Netherlands, a remarkable secret village was built — a place that the Nazis never discovered. Hidden under moss, branches, and earth, this village became a home to Jewish families, Allied soldiers, resistance fighters, and even one deserted German soldier.

For months, these brave individuals lived in extreme secrecy, relying on ingenuity, courage, and the help of local Dutch civilians. Every sound could give them away, and every mistake could mean death. Yet, in this hidden village, people found ways to cook, sleep, teach children, and preserve a sense of community — a testament to human resilience and hope in the darkest times.

How did they construct such a place right under the noses of 200 SS troops? How did daily life unfold in hiding? Who were the people risking everything to survive and resist, and how did Allied soldiers contribute to their safety?

This episode of Holland’s Hidden Heroes tells the story of a secret forest village — a symbol of resistance, survival, and courage. We explore the lives of those who lived in hiding, the families who supported them, and the Allied heroes whose missions helped protect and liberate the Netherlands. Alongside thrilling wartime stories, we also highlight the ingenuity of ordinary Dutch civilians who navigated harsh winters, dangerous forests, and Nazi patrols to keep hope alive.

Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.

Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story

Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast

Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's

Email: [email protected]

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During the winter of 1944–1945, the Netherlands faced severe hunger. Brave Allied pilots from Britain, Canada, America, Australia, and other countries flew low over the country in daring missions called Operation Manna and Operation Chowhound, dropping thousands of food packages — like parachutes of hope — to save starving families. Soon after, trucks carrying supplies arrived in Operation Faust, bringing even more food to children and parents who had endured months of deprivation.

This episode of Holland’s Hidden Heroes tells the inspiring story of courage, kindness, and hope in the final months of World War II, showing how Allied heroes and ordinary Dutch civilians worked together to save lives.

Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.

Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story

Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast

Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's

Email: [email protected]

In World War II, the brave KLM England Voyagers risked their lives to fly from Nazi-occupied Netherlands to Britain. In this episode, you’ll meet two of these remarkable heroes and discover how they kept hope alive through dangerous skies. But airplanes weren’t the only messengers! During the war, carrier pigeons also carried secret notes across enemy lines — tiny feathered aviators with big jobs to do.

We’ll also uncover the story of the Air Transport Auxiliary, a lesser-known group of pilots (including women!) who ferried planes and broke barriers in aviation history.

This is a story of courage, teamwork, and the many surprising ways people fought back during WWII.

Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story

Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast

Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's

Email: [email protected]

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In World War II, brave KLM pilots and crew called the England Voyagers risked everything to escape Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Flying in secret, they carried messages, people, and hope across dangerous skies to help the Allies.

Who were these daring men and women? What did it mean to leave everything behind and fly to freedom? In this episode you’ll hear the amazing story of Trix Terwindt, one of KLM’s very first flight attendants, who escaped and became a secret agent for MI9.

This is a thrilling tale of aviation, espionage, and courage — perfect for young listeners who want to discover Holland’s hidden heroes.

Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.

Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story

Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast

Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.