First Americans in Roosteren

In the early morning of 30 September 1944, several American tanks drove into Roosteren from Illikhoven. There were only eighteen American soldiers, yet all German troops withdrew without resistance across the Julian Canal to Oud-Roosteren. A remarkable situation arose, as this American presence was merely a reconnaissance mission.

Resistance group becomes OD (Orde Dienst)

Earlier in the war, in 1943, four people from Roosteren had formed a resistance group. This group grew to more than forty members. When it became clear on 30 September that the Americans could not adequately defend the area due to a lack of manpower, the leader of the resistance group, Jan Peters, offered support with his men. Although this was in fact insufficient, the offer was accepted. Two days later, the resistance group was transformed into an Orde Dienst (OD), tasked with front-line duties. The group was assigned six machine-gun positions. The air-raid protection service was also reorganised into a Red Cross group, and measures were taken to restore basic village functions.

Guard troops of the Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten

As of 1 November, the group was incorporated into the Guard Troops of the Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten (Dutch Internal Forces). From that day on, they were also issued military uniforms. The group defended the village itself, while the Germans still had considerable freedom of movement in the surrounding countryside. For example, they blew up the windmill on the edge of the village.

Resistance group prevents the abandonment of Roosteren

Before Christmas, the British took over the American positions, including those in Roosteren. The British considered the defence of Roosteren hopeless and decided to withdraw. When the former resistance group stated that they were willing to defend Roosteren themselves, the British commander agreed, and British support for the OD continued.

Figurehead of the resistance group Jan Peters becomes Member of Parliament and receives the Military Order of William

On 16 and 17 January 1945, Baakhoven and Dieteren were liberated, and the front line near Roosteren disappeared. The OD was therefore officially disbanded on 1 February. Jan Peters, a schoolteacher in Roosteren, was put forward as a candidate for the House of Representatives by the Catholic Teachers’ Association and the former resistance, and was ultimately elected. In 1951, he was awarded the Military Order of William by Prince Bernhard for his achievements during the war.