The Town Hall as a Centre of Resistance

Acts of sabotage against forced labour deployment, the obstruction of German fortifications, and assistance to people in hiding were key activities. Civil servants played a vital role by refusing to cooperate with the occupying forces. For example, staff at the labour exchange and distribution services sabotaged operations by withholding lists of employed residents of Gorssel. They also provided false identity papers and ration documents to those in hiding. Administrative sabotage was further supported by circulars containing misleading instructions, intended to undermine German authority. The most significant act took place on 20 September 1944, when the municipal administration disappeared with the population register in order to thwart German plans. These courageous actions, often carried out at great personal risk, played a crucial role in resisting the occupation.