‘Those Are Things You Don’t Forget’: Audrey Hepburn’s Heroic Actions in Dutch Resistance During World War II

A young Audrey Hepburn's involvement in the Dutch Resistance against the Nazis during World War II has been questioned by biographers and locals who lived through the war.

Many doubted her contribution, dismissing her as “just a girl.”

However, under the guidance of Dr. Hendrik Visser ‘t Hooft, a prominent Resistance leader, the stories she told about her activities during the war become highly plausible.

Audrey's talent as a ballerina proved to be valuable to the Resistance.

For nearly four years, she performed at the Arnhem city theater.

With Dr. Visser ‘t Hooft's encouragement, she volunteered to participate in illegal musical performances known as “black evenings.”

These events were organized to raise funds for Jews and others in hiding across the Netherlands.

Windows were blacked out or darkened to conceal the activities from the Germans.

The first recorded instance of Audrey's involvement in the black evenings was on April 23, 1944.

Her family name appeared on the list of attendees, indicating that Audrey, along with her mother Ella, had attended an illegal performance.

This experience motivated Audrey to further contribute to the Resistance cause.

Despite suffering from malnutrition like many Dutch youngsters at the time, Audrey continued to dance.

She believed that performing was a way for her to make a meaningful contribution.

In various interviews, she mentioned giving underground concerts and designing the dances herself.

The recitals were held in secret locations, providing entertainment for people while raising funds for the Dutch Underground.

Most of Audrey's performances took place in the home of Dr. Jacobus T. Wouters, a homeopathic physician who supported the Resistance.

Ella also hosted an illegal black evening in their home, Villa Beukenhof.

These events were risky, requiring guards to alert the attendees of any approaching Germans.

Audrey recalled that the audiences remained silent at the end of her performances, understanding the importance of staying cautious.

Audrey's encounter with the evil present in Velp left a lasting impact on her.

While walking with her mother, she heard horrifying sounds coming from a building that turned out to be a prison where people were likely being tortured.

She said, “Those are things you don't forget.”

This experience highlighted the extent of the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

The German occupation had affected every life in Velp, with village leaders such as Pastor J.A.

Schaars and Reverand Adriaan Oskamp arrested and sent to concentration camps.

However, this only fueled the activities of Dr. Visser ‘t Hooft and his fellow Resistance members.

They played a crucial role in helping American and British fliers who were shot down over Holland evade capture.

The Resistance assisted in hiding them before guiding them through the “Freedom Trail” to safety in Spain.

In a 1951 interview, Audrey casually mentioned her involvement in providing food to the hidden airmen.

Her fluency in English made her the ideal candidate for delivering messages to these downed fliers.

Audrey's encounter with a fighter pilot hiding near Velp demonstrated her bravery.

Despite the danger posed by the German Green Police, she managed to deliver the message successfully by presenting herself innocently with wildflowers.

Audrey acknowledged that many other Dutch schoolchildren displayed even greater courage during the war.

However, her mother Ella felt that the situation was becoming increasingly perilous.

In August 1944, Ella decided to relocate Audrey to The Hague, away from the German border.

The move aimed to ensure Audrey's safety and potentially provide better connections to the black market.

Ella hoped that Audrey could regain her health and possibly resume dancing elsewhere in Holland.

The heroic actions of a young Audrey Hepburn during World War II serve as a testament to her determination and unwavering spirit.

Her contributions to the Dutch Resistance, from fundraising through dance performances to assisting hidden airmen, demonstrate her willingness to make a difference in the face of adversity.