HA Seyffardt, Dutch Lieutenant-General/NSB “minister”, dies at age 71.

On February 6, 1943, Hendrik A. Seyffardt, a Dutch Lieutenant-General and the controversial “minister” of the Dutch National Socialist Movement (NSB), passed away at the age of 71. Seyffardt’s life and role in the NSB remain a subject of much debate and controversy.

Hendrik Seyffardt was born on March 17, 1872, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He had a distinguished military career, serving in the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army and later being appointed as a General of the Infantry in the Royal Netherlands Army. With a strong background in military strategy and leadership skills, Seyffardt was seen as a respected figure within the Dutch military.

However, Seyffardt’s reputation drastically changed during World War II when he joined the NSB, a far-right political party that collaborated with the German occupation forces. The NSB supported National Socialism and embraced many of the principles and ideologies promoted by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.

Seyffardt’s decision to align himself with the NSB and his subsequent role in the party as a “minister” raised eyebrows and drew condemnation from many in the Dutch society. The NSB was seen as a traitorous organization that betrayed the Dutch people by collaborating with the enemy. The party advocated for policies that undermined Dutch independence and supported the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.

During his time as the NSB “minister,” Seyffardt played a significant role in the organization, particularly its paramilitary arm known as the “Weerbaarheidsafdeling” (WA). The WA acted as a quasi-military force that sought to maintain order and suppress resistance to the German occupation. The group was involved in acts of violence and intimidation against Dutch citizens who opposed the Nazi regime.

Seyffardt’s involvement with the NSB and the WA led to further public outrage and heightened tensions within the Dutch society. Many saw him as a symbol of betrayal and collaboration, and his actions were widely condemned. Others argued that Seyffardt was just following orders and trying to maintain some semblance of control and order in an extremely challenging and turbulent time.

However, on February 6, 1943, Seyffardt’s life came to a tragic end. While on a visit to the NSB headquarters in The Hague, he was shot by two members of the Dutch resistance. The attack was seen as a retaliation for his collaboration with the Nazi regime and his role in the persecution of Dutch citizens.

Seyffardt’s death further deepened the divide among the Dutch population. While some mourned his passing and saw him as a martyr, the majority viewed it as a just punishment for his collaboration with the enemy. Ultimately, Seyffardt’s legacy remains controversial, and his actions during World War II continue to be debated.

Hendrik A. Seyffardt’s death on February 6, 1943, marked the end of a controversial chapter in Dutch history. His decision to align himself with the NSB and his role as a “minister” within the party remain contentious topics to this day. While some saw him as a traitor, others believed he was simply trying to navigate an incredibly difficult and complex time. Seyffardt’s passing only deepened the divide within Dutch society and left a lasting mark on the country’s history.