Five Brothers and a War

Bruynzeel

Prior to the outbreak of the war, Bruynzeel’s business, like many others’, deteriorated due to the nervousness of the marketplace, sensing the times that were to come. But in 1939, a new marine-grade plywood was developed by Bruynzeel for use in the yacht construction business (Kees Bruynzeel was also a world-famous yachtsman, having won a number of very prestigious races). The company refined a water-resistant resin that was used to glue wooden slices together into its new product. The company stocked up on plywood ahead of the war, either through great strategic and tactical planning, or through sheer luck. In any event, this stockpile would help them weather the economic storm the war brought. In September 1940, four months after the Germans invaded Holland, Titia Bruynzeel became a leader of the Nationaal Front political party. This small party, headed by Arnold Meijer, was a rival of the NSB party led by Anton Mussert. It was even more anti-Semitic than the NSB, and its members revered Mussolini above Hitler. The party was called the Zwarte Front (“Black Front”) until April 1940, presumably because Mussolini dressed his army in black, and in contrast with Hitler’s Brownshirts. The Zwart / Nationaal Front was staunchly anti-capitalist, strangely equating capitalism with Marxism.

van Pelt

On April 15, 1941, Meijer began a Nationaal Vrouwenfront (“National Women’s Front”) to attract and utilize more women in the party, and to undertake worthwhile community services. Help for the less fortunate and teaching of children were among the tasks envisioned. The woman he chose to lead the new group was none other than Titia Bruynzeel. The appointment was reported in the newspapers. Thus, Kees Bruynzeel’s wife was a very well-known fascist and then a German supporter. She set up a department in her group, with a separate leader, saying, “ I hope that under her leadership groups will soon form. A start will be with the propaganda campaign, a sewing group and further there is enthusiasm for a toddler group when suitable leaders can be found."

Five Brothers and a War

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