World War II Database

Former member of the Waffen-SS Heinrich Boere, age 88, was put on trial in Aachen, Germany on 28 Oct 2009 on charge of murder of three Dutch men in 1944, which included chemist Fritz Bicknese, bicycle seller Teun de Groot, and resistance fighter Frans Kusters. He had admitted in German court that he had committed the killings, but he was following orders from his commanding officer. He was expected to make such a statement, as immediately after the war he had already stated so to Dutch authorities, and he also made similar statements to Spiegel magazine. "I knew that if I didn't carry out my orders I would be breaking my oath and would be shot myself", Boere said. "At no time in 1944 did I act with the feeling that I was committing a crime.... Today, after 65 years, I naturally see things from a different perspective."

Boere could face life imprisonment if found guilty of the three murders, however, some doubted whether he would actually be sent to prison due to his poor physical condition due to age.

The killings were said to be reprisal killings for Dutch resistance activities.

For more information: BBC: Former Nazi SS member admits killing Dutch civilians.

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