The Forgotten Battle

In September 1944, Teuntje Visser works diligently in the office of a collaborationist mayor in German-occupied Zeeland. Her involvement highlights the delicate balance of maintaining neutrality during a time of turmoil, especially as her father, Doctor Visser, shares her objective.

Teuntje's younger brother, Dirk Visser, chooses to resist the occupation by joining the Dutch Resistance. His commitment to the cause puts him at odds with his family's desire for neutrality and ultimately leads to dire consequences.

After throwing a rock at a German convoy as a protest, Dirk is arrested by the German forces. He endures severe torture in an attempt to extract information about fellow Resistance members, showcasing the brutal reality faced by those opposing the occupation.

Marinus van Staveren, a Dutch volunteer with the Waffen-SS Division Das Reich, is reassigned as a secretary and translator for Oberst Berghof in Zeeland. His exposure to the Nazis' brutal tactics begins to shift his perspective as he witnesses the execution of civilian hostages.

Teuntje and Doctor Visser seek a lenient sentence for Dirk by appealing to Oberst Berghof. Despite initial hope, Berghof ultimately orders the execution of Dirk and other Resistance fighters, marking a turning point for Teuntje and her family.

In a bid to warn Teuntje about Dirk's fate, Marinus is apprehended by a German officer. His punishment involves placement in the execution squad meant for Dirk, a grim irony that deepens his conflict over his loyalties.

Devastated by Dirk's execution, Teuntje becomes fully committed to the Resistance. She discovers that her brother had been secretly documenting German artillery positions, fueling her resolve to assist the Allies in their efforts.

Teuntje steals a tidal map from the mayor's office, identifying a deep channel in Sloe that could aid the Allied forces’ crossing. This act of bravery emphasizes her determination to contribute to the war effort despite the risks.

Amidst Operation Market Garden, Sergeant William Sinclair and his team crash-land in a flooded estuary after their glider is hit. The ensuing chaos forces them to seek shelter and updates on the ongoing military operations.

Lieutenant Tony Turner suffers injuries during the crash landing and is unable to regroup with his team immediately. Despite the challenges, he shows unwavering determination to reach safety and connect with Allied forces.

In a tragic turn of events, Janna is shot while trying to help Teuntje escape with Dirk's photographs and the pivotal map. Despite her wounds, she manages to reach the Allied lines, delivering crucial intelligence before succumbing.

As the battle for Walcheren intensifies, both Teuntje and Sinclair find themselves in the thick of the conflict, with Sinclair participating in the Allied assault that experiences heavy losses but eventually leverages the information from Janna.

During a critical moment, Marinus and Teuntje cross paths in the fray of battle. Each holds their weapons at the other but ultimately chooses to spare one another, reflecting the complexities of conflicting loyalties in war.

Marinus bravely defends Teuntje from an attacking German soldier, but he sustains fatal injuries in the process. As Teuntje tends to him, their bond deepens, painting a poignant picture of sacrifice amidst violence.

The battle concludes with the retreat of German forces, culminating in the discovery of Marinus' body by Allied troops alongside Teuntje. This moment marks a significant victory, paving the way for the Liberation of the Netherlands on May 5, 1945.