Anton Winterink Anti-fascist Resistance activist in the Netherlands Date of Birth: 05.11.1914 Country: Belgium

1. Early Life and Activism
2. Involvement in the "Red Chapel"
3. "Hilda" Network Activities
4. Imprisonment and Radio Deception
5. Execution

Cornelis Johannes van der Wiel "Koos" Winterink: A Dutch Resistance Hero

Early Life and Activism

Cornelis Johannes van der Wiel Winterink was born in Oud-Beijerland, Netherlands, on November 19, 1909. He lived in Amsterdam before World War II and actively participated in the labor and communist movements. Winterink played a significant role in the "Red Aid" organization (also known as MOPR), providing assistance to workers in need.

Involvement in the "Red Chapel"

In 1938, Winterink established the "Hilda" spy network in the Netherlands, which was later incorporated into the "Rote Kapelle" ("Red Chapel"), a network working for Soviet intelligence. The group's radio operators were trained by Johann Wenzel in early 1939 as Germany prepared for war.

"Hilda" Network Activities

From late 1940 to mid-1942, the "Hilda" network maintained a two-way communication link with Moscow using three radio transmitters. The group was briefly under the command of Konstantin Efremov. On August 18, 1942, Winterink was arrested by the SS.

Imprisonment and Radio Deception

Nine members of the group, who still had two transmitters, remained undetected and continued their operations. In total, seventeen members of Winterink's group were arrested. Winterink was taken to Brussels for intense interrogation for two weeks. As a result, his radio transmitter began transmitting messages under Gestapo control on September 22, 1942.

The Gestapo attempted to use Winterink's transmitter for radio deception with Moscow but failed. The remaining members of Winterink's group had informed Moscow about his capture. When the Germans asked for money in Winterink's name in 1943, Moscow suspected the deception and accused the fake Winterink of collaborating with the Gestapo. In March 1944, Moscow ordered Winterink to cease transmissions and assist the active resistance movement.

Execution

Winterink was executed by firing squad four months after his arrest on July 10, 1944. His legacy as a Dutch resistance hero and a key member of the "Red Chapel" persists to this day.