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A strong example of resistance took place just before the liberation of the province of Friesland. On 12 April 1945, the German army sent an ammunition train from Leeuwarden to Stavoren. It was a last serious semblance of an attempt of the German occupying forces in Friesland to offer any significant resistance. But a brave act of sabotage by the resistance derailed the train, rendering it unusable.
The train consisted of 15 wagons carrying 150 tonnes of ammunition. The Dutch Domestic Forces (NBS) were aware of this transport and wanted to prevent it from reaching its destination. Between Hieslum and Nijhuizum (about three kilometres north-east of Workum), the Gaastmeer-Oudega resistance group tampered with the rails, resulting in a train derailment.
The English Royal Air Force (RAF) was informed of the derailed train via the resistance's signal box. Allied Spitfire fighters first conducted a reconnaissance, shortly after which the wagons were set on fire.
The shelling caused huge explosions, which could be heard for miles around Workum. In retaliation, several people in hiding were arrested and sentenced to death. Fortunately, the liberation on 16 April 1945 stopped their execution. However, a 60-year-old Workum resident was killed by an exploding shell during the ammunition clearance on 17 May 1945. To this day, farmers still find old ammunition in the fields.
This site is also part of the 'Air War in Friesland' cycling route as part of the Battle for the Wadden theme.