NAD encampment
The Nederlandse Arbeidsdienst (NAD) was an organization established by the German occupiers during World War II. The purpose of the NAD was to enlist young Dutch men for labor service, such as digging and agricultural work. It was presented as a national duty and a way to contribute to the rebuilding of the Netherlands, but it also served as a means to mobilize Dutch workers for tasks that supported the German war effort. The labor service was controversial, and many young men tried to avoid the mandatory work assignments. NAD camps were established throughout the Netherlands.
Near Valkenswaard was camp 424, “De Valk.” This camp consisted of a collection of barracks arranged around an open field, with a parade ground and flagpole at the center. The workers were organized into shifts, with reveille at 6:00 AM and evening roll call at 10:00 PM. The camp included separate buildings for the officers, a dining hall/kitchen barrack, a washing/shower barrack, and a separate toilet building. The guard building also contained cells with barred windows. The camp was run by three officers. The staff consisted of professional or voluntary workers, some members of the Dutch National Socialist Movement (NSB), and others who were simply followers.
The laborers were mostly Dutch conscripts around 18 years old, and the population of the camp consisted entirely of people from other provinces—there were no Brabanders in Valkenswaard. A worker stood guard with a shovel on his shoulder. The shovel was cherished like a pet, gleaming from frequent polishing. Its maintenance was similar to the care soldiers gave their rifles. It was not used for digging but only for drills and guard duty. Despite the drills being in Dutch, the labor camps were modeled exactly after the German Arbeitslager.
Workers had time off on Sunday afternoons, Wednesday evenings, and Saturday evenings after meals. Sunday mornings were reserved for church attendance, and nearly everyone participated. On the first Sunday, enthusiasm was noticeably lower, especially since the believers were marched in formation to the church in Valkenswaard by the staff. Those who did not attend Mass were required to participate in a march of several hours over the heath, which was a highly effective motivator. The following Sunday, the number of churchgoers had significantly increased.
Weekday mornings were spent working the land. Camp 424 in Valkenswaard had two projects: one involved constructing fish ponds, and the other was located near Leenderstrijp, where they cleared a patch of heathland. At the time, there was an effort to cultivate as much ‘wild land’ as possible into arable land. The work was strenuous, and there was no slacking off.
In good weather, singing lessons were also provided, as it was necessary for the workers to sing loudly during their marches to the church or work projects. They sang German soldier songs with awkward Dutch lyrics.
After the liberation, the NAD was disbanded. The camp in Valkenswaard was repurposed, initially hosting a border guard unit and later becoming a camp for stateless people. However, the camp and its management were plagued by issues. Many of the stateless individuals were neglected and, under the lax supervision of the guards, could move about freely. Today, nothing remains of the camp.
Pictures:
- Remnants of the barracks from the NAD camp.
- Newspaper Article about the NAD Camp near Valkenswaard.
- On the parade ground of the NAD camp, the Dutch tricolor flies.
- The NAD marches through the streets.
- Newspaper Article about the NAD Harvest Festival in Valkenswaard.