For the coastal residents of the Netherlands, the construction of the Atlantic Wall has dramatic consequences. The dunes, the beach, and the boulevards become forbidden territory. Thousands of houses are demolished, and the residents must seek refuge elsewhere. The men who are able to stay receive a summons for the “Arbeitseinsatz.” They are forced to participate in the destruction of their own coastal area.
In this comic book, meet Hans and Willy, two fanatical German soldiers who guard the west coast of the Third Reich in South Holland starting in 1942. As the war progresses, more and more hairline cracks appear in Hans and Willy’s convictions. Eventually, all they want is to go home. Their change of mood coincides with the slow but inevitable decline of the hated Third Reich.
The comic artist, Hennie Vaessen, signs the books on the spot with a beautiful drawing.
Experts were consulted for the comic book to ensure historical authenticity. For this book, we received help from Atlantic Wall expert Jeroen Rijpsma. The dot book was created in collaboration with the Atlantic Wall Heritage Line of the Province of South Holland.