Hopkinson, Deborah. Courage & Defiance: Stories of Spies, Saboteurs, and Survivors in World War II Denmark. 2015. 324p. ISBN 978-0-545-59220-8. Available at 940.53 HOP on the library shelves.
On a sunny morning in April 1940, citizens of Denmark woke up to a German invasion. Knowing full well that the small kingdom stood no chance against the mighty Nazi machine, the King and his government quickly surrendered to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Overnight, Denmark was occupied, and life changed for the worse for most people.
Some, however, refused to accept their government’s position. They decided to fight on through acts of sabotage. At first they worked by themselves, burning German cars and buildings used by the German army. But slowly, the resistance organized itself. Great Britain sent agents, money, and equipment, while on the ground locals found targets and destroyed trains, bridges, and factories.
For each act of rebellion, the Germans increased the pressure on the Danes. When the decision was reached to arrest and deport all Jewish Danes to concentration camps, the population actively participated in hiding and helping the Jews escape. Of a population of more than 7,000 Jews, only a few ended up in concentration camps. More saboteurs and resisters were arrested, however, and exiled in Germany to work in the concentration camps industries. But even here, the Danes were looked after and, thanks to effective organization and cooperation with Sweded, were better treated.
This book details the courage and defiance of those who opposed the Germans from the first hour, and recounts their struggles as they fought against the odds to eventually participate in Germany’s defeat. Fans of the Second World War will enjoy this look on a topic that is not well known.
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