Background Story

When the Van Imhoff starts to sink, the Dutch guards and crew save themselves without exception. The German prisoners are left at open sea. Rescue actions aim to save the Dutch crew and servicemen, and leave struggling survivors behind. These war crimes reverberate through history up to the present day. Families and friends are still wondering why Dutch authorities who advocate their high moral standards keep so silent about their responsibility in this affair.
This site is a first attempt to present the personal profiles of Van Imhoff victims and survivors. It also offers a detailed timeline running from the early days of various actors and events, up to the present, showing how the ghosts from the past keep on re-appearing.
If you have additional information about the persons, events or ideas presented here, you are invited to let us know via email. Thank you for your cooperation!