Lecture: ‘Sailing for Freedom’

• 12 December 2025
  • 19:15 – 22:00

Although the sailors of our merchant navy hadn’t chosen military service during World War II, they were militarized with a single stroke of the pen. Warrants forced them to remain at sea, often for six years. Going home was impossible; the Netherlands was occupied, and it wasn’t allowed. Sailing was the motto.

The lecture “Sailing for Freedom” tells the moving story of the Dutch merchant navy during wartime. The men of the merchant fleet, reluctant heroes, made the greatest Dutch contribution to the Allied struggle and the ultimate victory, without any military ambition. Their courage, perseverance, and sacrifice were essential in the liberation of Europe.

The lecture will be given by Hubert Nijgh, chairman of the Merchant Navy Personnel Foundation 1940–1945, secretary of the Libertyship.NL foundation, and grandson of a merchant navy veteran. In 2024, he received the Ted Meines Prize for his exceptional commitment to social recognition of Dutch veterans, particularly those who served in the merchant navy during World War II.

Unique pre-event experience: Live Cooking at WWII field kitchens

Before the lecture, you can enjoy a one-, two-, or three-course buffet, prepared in original WWII field kitchens. From 6:00 PM, there will be a Live Cooking event, where you can learn how Allied troops were fed for months on the Western Front.

The main course is “de Blauwe Hap” (Blue Bite). This is a delicious nasi table with a unique story. Book this unique dinner easily with your lecture ticket.