Devastation and Resilience (Neeltje Flipse-Roelse)

Devastation and Resilience

When war breaks out in May 1940, Neeltje is 19 years old. For her 15th birthday she received a camera. Since then she has been photographing and developing the pictures herself.

With the German invasion of Westkapelle on May 18, 1940, she sees the purpose of her photography: to capture and document the events. However, photography is forbidden by the occupying forces. She secretly takes pictures from the skylight in the attic of her parents' house. She also takes pictures in the street, because Neeltje is dressed in costume and can hide her camera under her apron.

For later

In October 1944, now 80 years ago, the dike of Westkapelle was bombed several times, destroying the entire village. Neeltje records everything with her camera.

On November 1, 1944, Westkapelle is liberated. The sea water has free rein and a life between low and high tide arises. The hole in the dike must be closed as quickly as possible. Hereby the people of Westkapelle show their resilience. They work very hard to close the hole as quickly as possible. The dike workers and their families went to live temporarily in German bunkers. On October 12, 1945, the time has come, the hole in the dike is closed. Emergency houses are built and the inhabitants can return to their beloved village. The ruins are cleared away and reconstruction can begin.

Westkapelle will rise again and everything is recorded by Neeltje Flipse-Roelse, as she herself said, “For later.”