WILLEMSTAD – The National Archives of Curaçao has brought together historical information about World War II in Curaçao, Aruba, and the other former Netherlands Antilles on a single website, making an important chapter of Caribbean history more accessible to researchers, students, and the general public.
The digital platform, called Dutch Caribbean in World War II (DCWW2), provides information about events between 1939 and 1945, including German submarine attacks, wartime casualties, military operations, aircraft accidents, and the contributions of Caribbean residents to the Allied war effort.
The website combines two existing historical projects, Guera na Kòrsou and Antilles at War, into one comprehensive resource.
Guera na Kòrsou originated from an exhibition about World War II in Curaçao, while Antilles at War focused on collecting historical records concerning military operations, victims, survivors, and individuals who played a role during the conflict.
By bringing these collections together, the National Archives aims to preserve and share a history that is often overshadowed by accounts of the war in Europe.
War Reached Curaçao Before the German Submarine Attacks
Although Curaçao and Aruba are particularly remembered for the German submarine attacks of February 16, 1942, the consequences of World War II were already being felt on the islands nearly two years earlier.
Following Germany's invasion of the Netherlands on May 10, 1940, authorities in Curaçao began arresting individuals suspected of having connections to Germany.
According to the National Archives, suspicion could extend to people simply because they had German-sounding surnames. Some were subsequently sent to an internment camp on Bonaire.
These events illustrate how the war affected civil liberties and everyday life in the Caribbean even before direct military attacks reached the islands.
The conflict took a more violent turn on February 16, 1942, when German submarines launched attacks against oil tankers and shipping facilities near Aruba and Curaçao.
Six tankers were destroyed off the coast of Aruba, while the steam tanker Rafaela was torpedoed near Curaçao.
The attacks demonstrated the strategic importance of the islands, particularly their oil refineries, which played a vital role in supplying fuel to the Allied war effort.
Curaçao and Aruba were therefore not merely distant territories affected by a European conflict. Their oil industries and geographical positions made them important targets in the Battle of the Caribbean.
Recognition of Forgotten War Victims
An important section of the new website highlights research into the identities and personal histories of people who lost their lives during World War II.
The platform includes findings from historical research conducted by Jos Rozenburg, who investigated the backgrounds of victims commemorated at the war memorial near the Waaigat in Willemstad.
Rozenburg examined archival records in Curaçao, Aruba, the Netherlands, and Washington, D.C., to establish more complete information about those who died during the conflict.
His investigation identified previously recognized victims as well as additional individuals whose names had not been included in earlier commemorations.
According to the National Archives, these individuals met the criteria established in 1957 for inclusion on the war memorial.
Their names have since been added to a commemorative plaque at the monument, ensuring that their sacrifices are formally recognized.
The research also demonstrates the importance of archival investigations in correcting omissions and providing a more complete account of Curaçao's wartime history.
Contributions of Caribbean Residents
The website goes beyond military attacks and wartime casualties by documenting the involvement of island residents in defending the Caribbean territories.
Visitors can explore the activities of the Schutterij, volunteer defense organizations, sailors, and military personnel who contributed to security and wartime operations.
A historical timeline allows users to follow developments between 1939 and 1945, placing local events within the broader context of the global conflict.
The platform also contains information about aircraft accidents, naval incidents, and defensive measures introduced to protect the islands.
These records provide insight into how the war affected local communities and the responsibilities undertaken by residents during a period of international uncertainty.
Preserving Personal and Family Histories
In addition to official records and historical research, DCWW2 includes personal accounts and family memories.
Through an online guestbook, visitors can share recollections about relatives who participated in the defense of the islands or experienced the war firsthand.
This feature gives descendants an opportunity to contribute to the historical record while helping other families discover information about their relatives.
The National Archives' initiative is particularly significant as the generation that personally experienced World War II continues to disappear.
Preserving documents, names, photographs, and personal testimonies in a digital format helps ensure that future generations can better understand the role Curaçao and the wider Dutch Caribbean played during the conflict.
The website also provides a resource for schools, historians, and anyone interested in learning about the Caribbean's contribution to World War II.
The Dutch Caribbean in World War II platform is accessible at dcww2.nationaalarchief.cw.