Imagine being a young man in Wijdewormer. This is the story of Pieter Slooten. It is a story of courage and sacrifice during a dark time in Amsterdam’s history.
Pieter Slooten was born on April 14, 1918. His birthplace was Wijdewormer. He tragically died in Amsterdam on March 8, 1945. Pieter was only 26 years old. He was executed and buried in a mass grave. Later, he was reburied in Purmerend on November 15, 1945.
Pieter’s father was Jacob Slooten. Jacob was a landman and winkelier. His mother was Guurtje Haan. Pieter was unmarried. He worked as an automonteur.
Pieter became a member of the local Stootgroep Purmerend. This was part of the Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten. On the morning of February 28, Pieter was at Petrus Kramer’s farm. He was with nine other members of the Stootgroep. They were there to get vaccinated against paratyphus.
The farm was raided by German soldiers. It may have been due to betrayal. Pieter and the others were arrested. They were taken to the Huis van Bewaring. This was on the Weteringschans.
On March 6, 1945, there was an attack on SS-Befehlshaber Hanns Albin Rauter. As a reprisal, Pieter Slooten was executed. This happened at Rozenoord on the Amsteldijk. Petrus Kramer was also executed.
Today, Pieter Slooten rests in Purmerend. His final resting place is the Gemeentelijke begraafplaats. His sacrifice is remembered. A street in Wijdewormer bears his name. A monument also stands in his honor.
Pieter’s story is a powerful reminder. It reminds us of the cost of freedom. It highlights the bravery of those who resisted. He lived at Stephensonstraat 31 in Amsterdam starting March 1, 1943. This was according to his Amsterdamse Stadsarchief.
Let us reflect on Pieter Slooten’s life. He was a son, a brother, and a member of the resistance. He stood against oppression. He fought for a better future. His memory lives on. It inspires us to cherish peace.