During the German occupation in the Second World War, the Kruger family provided shelter to people who were forced into hiding. These included men who refused to work in Germany under the occupation authorities and Jewish people seeking refuge from persecution. In the memories of the Kruger daughters—Aafke, Trijn, and Jannie—De Pannekoek emerges as a place where people could feel safe. Nevertheless, danger was never far away, as German soldiers could arrive at any moment to conduct a search of the property.

Life on the farm continued as normally as possible, but everyone had to remain cautious. The people in hiding slept in various locations throughout the house. Messages were passed across the surrounding fields. If there is danger, such as during a search of the farm, a plank could be placed across the ditch, allowing people to reach the fields and attempt to escape. During one search, German soldiers were looking for a British pilot believed to be hiding on the farm. After thoroughly searching the entire property, the Germans failed to find anything.

While heavy fighting was still taking place around Holwierde and Nansum, refugees made their way across the open fields to the farm. Jannie Wieringa-Kruger later especially remembered these refugees, many of whom possessed almost nothing. Some arrived from the front line with their children. She provided them with warm meals and shelter. From the final months of 1944 onwards, De Pannekoek Farm took on another important role. The farm and the Kruger family helped care for starved children who had been evacuated from the western Netherlands, where severe food shortages had developed. The family provided these starving children with shelter, food, and care.

De Pannekoek demonstrates that war is not only about soldiers and battles, but also about the small, everyday acts of humanity that could make a profound difference. On this farm, ordinary people helped others survive during one of the darkest periods of the war.