During the night of 1 October 1944, two members of the Waffen-SS, disguised in Canadian liberators, discovered suspicious activity near Renze de Ruiter’s home in the hamlet of Achterbuurt (now called Witte Paarden).
Renze was questioned but denied the presence of hidden individuals or weapons. His defiance cost him his life. The following day, on 2 October 1944, he was executed behind his house at the age of 35.
Today, his grave stands as a reminder of his bravery — the only war grave in this cemetery, but a symbol of quiet resistance and sacrifice.
The cemetery is located at the Oldemarktsweg, in the middle of the village of Steenwijkerwold.