The Escape Line
Megan Koreman chronicles the Dutch-Paris Line, Europe’s longest escape network, and the ordinary people who sustained it.
- Author
- Megan Koreman
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Price
- £22.50
- ISBN
- 9780190662270
- Published
- 2018
The Escape Line by Megan Koreman
In 1942 John and Elisabeth Weidner helped a Jewish family reach Switzerland. From that single act the Dutch-Paris escape line grew into the longest route in Europe, stretching from the Netherlands through Belgium and France to Spain and Gibraltar. By war’s end it had escorted around 1,500 fugitives to Switzerland or Spain and supported thousands more in hiding.
Koreman documents the network’s expansion to 330 operatives, its courier work for the Dutch government in exile, and the constant threats posed by collaborators and double agents. She also highlights the Oranjehaven Club in London, where Queen Wilhelmina personally thanked Engelandvaarders upon arrival.
This authoritative study restores deserved recognition to Dutch-Paris and the Dutch Resistance.
Oxford University Press. £22.50. ISBN 9780190662270.