Gerrit Kastein: Dutch Doctor Who Led Resistance Attacks on Nazi Collaborators

Gerrit Kastein was one of the most remarkable figures of the Dutch resistance during World War II. A neurologist, anti-fascist, and resistance leader, he dedicated his life to fighting Nazism and ultimately sacrificed himself rather than betray his comrades to the German occupiers.When Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, Kastein quickly joined the underground resistance. Having witnessed the rise of fascism firsthand in Germany and served as a doctor during the Spanish Civil War, he understood the threat posed by Nazi ideology long before the occupation began. As German control tightened and the persecution of Dutch Jews intensified, Kastein became increasingly active in clandestine resistance activities.By 1942, he had emerged as a leading member of the resistance group CS-6, one of the most effective underground organizations operating in occupied Netherlands. The group gathered intelligence, supported resistance networks, and targeted prominent collaborators who assisted the Nazi regime. Kastein played a central role in planning operations against senior collaborators, including General Hendrik Seyffardt and propaganda official Hermannus Reydon.These actions provoked harsh German reprisals, but they also demonstrated that resistance remained alive despite the occupation. In 1943, following betrayal by a double agent, Kastein was arrested after a dramatic struggle with German security forces. During interrogation, he refused to reveal information about fellow resistance members. Determined not to betray the underground under torture, he took his own life by jumping from a third-story window.Gerrit Kastein was only 32 years old when he died. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest heroes of the Dutch resistance—a man who combined intellect, courage, and unwavering commitment in the fight against Nazi tyranny.This episode is part of the series The Anti-Fascist Heroes.Watch the full documentary and explore hundreds of historical films at:WorldHistory.tv