Danish Organizations That Aided Jews

 

See below for Refugee Rescue Boat Lines

 

Note:  +arrested; †tortured; *killed; ●Righteous Among the Nations (honored by the State of Israel)

 

Academic Rifle and Sports Club (Akademisk Skytteforeings Terrainsportsafdling)

The Academic Rifle and Sports Club helped Jews who had hid from German officials during the deportation action of October 1943.  It was made of students and young people.  (Yahil, 1969, p. 243)

 

Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen

The Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen and its branches served as major collection points for Jews in Denmark during the German deportation action of October 1943.  Jews were taken in as patients and kept safely until they could be taken to boats to be smuggled to Sweden.  The hospitals were in direct communication with each other by a central office (Visitationen). Thus, hiding and protecting Jews could be coordinated on a large scale.

Jews were given false names and were distributed throughout Denmark to protect them.

Numerous Danish doctors and nurses were at the center of this important and vital rescue network.

Germans were kept from arresting and deporting Jews during the deportation action of October 1943.

Doctors, nurses and medical personnel were also involved in an extensive network to transfer Jews to rural areas and to assemble them for transfer to Sweden.  Some doctors and nurses hid Jews in their personal residences.  A few doctors were arrested by the Germans.

The Bispebjerg Hospital rescue operation was headed by Doctor K. H. Køster. 

Approximately 2,000 Jews were helped through the offices of Bispebjerg Hospital.

Dr. K. H. Køster, Surgeon, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen.  Dr. K. H. Køster organized rescue of Jews in Denmark using the facilities at Bispebjerg Hospital.  (Bertelsen; Yahil, 1969, pp., 241-243, 248 FN 63, 65; Den Hvide Brigade; Goldberg p. 5)

 

“Boda” (Communist Organization)

Boda was active in rescuing Jews in Denmark during the German deportation action of October 1943.  (Yahil, 1969, 1969, p. 248)

 

Christianshaven High School, Copenhagen, Denmark

The principal and teachers of Christianshaven High School in Copenhagen, Denmark, hid Jewish refugees duringthe German attempt to deport its Jews in October 1943.  The Lyngby Group was founded from this group under Jewish rescuer David Sompolinsky.  Aage Bertelsen became its leader.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 145-146)

 

Committee of the 4th of May 1933

The Committee of the 4th of May 1933 was a funding organization to help Jews in Denmark.  The German occupying government demanded that it be closed in December 1940.  It was closed and its records confiscated on April 1, 1941.  (Yahil, 1969, 1969, p. 198)

 

Danish Brigade

(Bertelsen, 1954, p. 167)

 

The Danish Coastguard

(Yahil, 1969, 1969, pp. 257-258)

 

Danish Help Service

The Danish Help was a rescue operation that was founded in the spring of 1944. The route worked with Hendel’s rescue operation (Route) It operated between Gothenburg and Jutland. Its leader was Werner Gyberg.  (Yahil, 1969, pp.346)

 

Danish Ministry of Social Welfare

The Danish Ministry of Social Welfare took over the work of private Danish organizations in sending relief packages to Danish Jews who had been deported to Theresienstadt concentration camp in Czechoslovakia.

H. H. Koch, Director-General, Ministry of Social Welfare and National Insurance.  H. H. Koch supervised the Danish relief efforts on behalf of Danish Jews who were deported to Theresienstadt.  He supervised relief money from the Fund of 1944.  This work was done until the camp was liberated in April 1945.  (Yahil, 1969, 1969, pp. 293, 491FN4, 492FN20; Goldberger, 1987, p. 52.)

Mogens Kirstein, Danish Ministry of Social Welfare.  Mogens Kirstein was an aide to H. H. Koch, Chief of the Ministry of Social Welfare.  Helped send relief supplies to Theresienstadt to Danish Jews who were imprisoned there.  (Goldberger, 1987, p. 52; Yahil, 1969, 1969, pp. 293, 491FN4, 492FN20)

Finn Nielsen, Danish Ministry of Social Welfare.  Finn Nielsen was an aide to H. H. Koch, Chief of the Ministry of Social Welfare.  Helped send relief supplies to Theresienstadt to Danish Jews who were imprisoned there.  (Goldberger, 1987, p. 52; Yahil, 1969, 1969, pp. 293, 491FN4, 492FN20)

 

Danish Quaker Center

The Danish Quaker Center provided money and aid to Jewish refugees in Denmark.  The German occupation government forced it to close April 1941.  (Goldberger, 1987, p. 5)

 

Danish Red Cross

The Danish Red Cross was given permission to send relief parcels to Danish Jews in the German concentration camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia in November 1943.  Letters, medicines and vitamins were sent.  The work was significantly helped by the work of Professor Richard Ege and his wife, Vibere Ege.  The work was also helped by the Danish Ministry of Social Welfare.  Most of the parcels were received.  The materials contributed to the health and survival of Danish Jews in Theresienstadt.  (Yahil; Goldberger, 1987, p. 9; Tennenbaum, “Red Cross to the Rescue.” Yad Vashem Bulletin (October 1959).  Correspondence, German Red Cross Foreign Relations.  Ege, Richard, Professor, Red Cross Journal, October 1963.  See also Danish Ministry of Social Welfare and National Insurance Director General, H. H. Koch.)

 

Danish Refugee Office, Sweden

The Danish Refugee Office helped Jews in Denmark to escape to Sweden.  It provided help to refugee Jews living in Sweden until the end of the war.  It was headed by Professor Stephan Hurwitz. (Yahil, 1969, pp. 246-247)

Professor Stephan Hurwitz, head.  Professor Stephan Hurwitz was rescued by Danish Resistance organizer Mogens Staffeldt of the Student Intelligence Service and taken to Sweden.  Hurwitz then became head of the Danish Refugee Office in Stockholm, helping Jews escape from Denmark and be settled in Sweden. 

 

Danish-Swedish Refugee Service (“The Ferrying Service”)

Rescue organization and route began from Sweden. Many Jews were involved in establishing and operating this line. From October 1943 through May 1945 it rescued hundreds of Jews on 361 transports. I also was involved in underground resistance and intelligence operations.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 168-176, 189; Yahil, 1969, pp. 349, 507 FN 83, 84; La Cour, III, p. 414; Refugee Service Archives, published Kilder, pp. 134-13)

Ole Helweg, Founder, Danish-Swedish Refugee Line (Flender, 1980, pp. 168-176)

Brent Kalby (Flender, 1980, pp. 168-176; Yahil, 1969, p. 20)

Ebbe Munch, Swedish branch, Danish Underground (Flender, 1980, pp. 168-176, 247)

Lt. Eric Staermose, Danish Naval Officer (Flender, 1980, pp. 168-176; Yahil, 1969, pp. 340, 342)

Werner Christiansen, Inn owner (Flender, 1980, pp. 168-176)

Edvard Tesdorpf, owner of estate at Gjøslev near Copenhagen (Flender, 1980, pp. 168-176)

Aage Heinberg, “Danske Flygtnige I Sverige”

 

The Denmark Lodge

The Denmark Lodge provided money and aid to Jewish refugees in Denmark.  The German occupation government forced it to close in April 1941.  (Goldberger, 1987, p. 26)

 

Domus Medica

Doctors from the organization Domus Medica provided funds for Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 75)

 

The Elsinore Sewing Club

Major rescue group based out of Elsinore, Denmark.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 153-167, 189, 211, 246)

Børge Rønne, Newspaper Correspondent, Rescue Activist, Elsinore Sewing Club.  Børge Rønne was a newspaper correspondent for the Berlinsgske Tidende in Elsinore, Denmark, and Frederiksborg Amts Avis, newspaper.  He was a member of the Elsinore Sewing Club and a rescue activist.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 151-153, 156-159, 164)

Erling Kiaer, Book Binder, Rescue Activist, Elsinore Sewing Club.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 151-153, 157-159, 164-166, 246; Yahil, 1969, pp. 256-258)

Thomod Larsen, Police Detective, Rescue Activist, Elsinore Sewing Club.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 152-153, 163-165, 246)

Ove Bruhn, Bookkeeper, Rescue Activist, Elsinore Sewing Club.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 152-153, 164)

Dr. Jorgen Gersfelt, Physician, Rescue Activist, Elsinore Sewing Club.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 152-153, 164, 167; Yahil, 1969, pp. 262, 266)

H. C. Thomsen, Owner, Snekkersten Inn, Rescue Activist, Elsinore Sewing Club.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 153, 160-162, 167)

 

“Free Danes”

Danish armed underground resistance group.  Offered to aid Lyngby group in Jewish rescue activities.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 173)

 

Freedom Council

The Danish Freedom Council was created to coordinate between underground and other Danish organizations that were resisting the Nazi occupation of Denmark.  It was founded on September 16, 1943, by Erling Foss and other resistance leaders.  It participated in the rescue of Danish Jews.  Erling Foss proposed creation of the Council in May 1943.  The Council opposed persecution of Jews in Denmark and helped create a population movement by Danish citizens to save its Jews.

The Danish Freedom Council published this proclamation:

“The Danish Freedom Council sharply condemns the pogroms the Germans have set in motion against the Jews in our country.  Among the Danish people the Jews do not constitute a special class but are citizens to exactly the same degree as all other Danes.  With the implementation of anti-Jewish pogroms the Germans have carried to its conclusion the systematic destruction of Danish law and order; as a result all contact between Danish and German activity must be terminated.  In consequence hereof we urge every member of the Danish administration and police force to reject all cooperation with the Germans and each Danish worker to deny, delay, or restrict all deliveries to the occupying power.  The Council declares that the Germans, as is their custom, have accused the Jews of being behind the sabotage and unrest, but have not attempted to present the slightest proof for this assertion.  We Danes know that the whole population stands behind resistance to the German oppressors.  The Council calls on the Danish population to help in every way possible those Jewish fellow citizens who have not yet succeeded in escaping abroad.  Every Dane who renders help to the Germans in their persecution of human beings is a traitor and will be punished as such when Germany is defeated.”  (Frisch, 1945-1948, Vol. III, pp. 40ff, cited in Yahil, 1969; Haestrup, 1960-1964, Vol. I; Fakta, I; Yahil, 1969, pp. 228-229; Goldberger p. 5; Bertelsen, 1954)

Erling Foss, Founder, Freedom Council.  (Frisch, 1945-1948, cited in Yahil, 1969; Haestrup, 1960-1964, Vol. I, cited in Yahil, 1969; Yahil, 1969, pp. 183, 223-224, 229, 232, 236, 277, 374, 485n22-25)

Mogens Fog, Freedom Council.  (Yahil, 1969, pp. 34, 108, 116, 226)

Frode Jakobsen, Freedom Council.  (Yahil, 1969, pp. 225-227, 252)

Arne Sørensen, Freedom Council.

 

Henril Line – Danish Swedish Line

From October 1943 – May 5, 1945, rescued more than 1,888 souls in 361 crossings from Denmark to Swedish. Founded by Danish Journalist Lief B. Henril who had fled to Sweden. Its headquarter office was in Malmö, Sweden. Jørgen Polack a Dane was his assistant. Ivar Philipson, a Jewish attorney in Sweden, assisted in the operations, and particularly in raising funds for operating the line. Philipson procured the boat and equipment for the operation.  Henril wrote, in an after-action report in January 1944: “With the help of the boats acquired by Ivar Philipson and with the help of the Julius our organization in Malmö, in close cooperation with a parallel organization on the Danish coast, maintained an almost regular service from the middle of October to the middle of December.  To this end about 35,000 kronor were spent.  We conveyed in our boats 302 persons, whose names may be found in special lists and among whom were 8 condemned to death, 2 severely wounded by the Gestapo, an old and paralyzed woman, and so on and so forth.  The boats of the Danish organization transported 239 persons, so that our organization all in all helped 541 people to cross the Sound” (Yahil, 1969, p. 339).  (Yahil, 1969, pp. 336-353, 356-357, 371, 374, 390, 507 FN 83, 84)

Lief B. Henril, founder, leader (Yahil, 1969, pp. 336-356, 356-357, 371, 374, 377, 390)

Jørgen Polack, assistant (Yahil, 1969, pp. 336, 350, 374)

Ivar Philipson, operations, finance (Yahil, 1969, pp. 336-343, 346, 349, 351, 352, 374, 377, 390)

Erik Marx, Jewish refugee (Yahil, 1969, pp. 34, 339-342)

Brent Karlby (Yahil, 1969, pp. 335, 342)

Ole Helweg (Yahil, 1969, pp. 335-344)

Lt. Eric Staermose, Danish Naval Officer (Flender, 1980, pp. 168-176; Yahil, 1969, pp. 340, 342)

 

Holger Danske Group

The Holger Danske Group was a Danish underground and resistance organization.  They helped rescue Jews during the German deportation actions of October 1943.  The organization was named for the Danish hero Holger Danske.  They engaged in sabotage actions during much of the German occupation.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 103-115.  Kieler, Jørgen. 1993. Nordinske Laenkehunde: Den Første Holger Kanske Gruppe.[(The Scandinavian watchdogs: The first Holger Danske group.] Copenhagen: Gyldendal.  Staffeldt’s Evidence [Yad Vashem 027/13].)

Jens Lillelund, Leader, Holger Danske Group, Rescue Activist.  Jens Lillelund (alias Finn), was a rescue activist and a leader of the Holger Danske Group, a resistance underground organizations responsible for sabotage against German war efforts in Denmark.  He helped organize the rescue of Danish Jews in October 1943.  (Yahil, 1969, 1969, pp. 247, 487 FN 71; Goldgerber, pp. 87, 148;  Flender, 1980, pp. 103-115; Yad Vashem, 027/13.  Kieler, Jørgen. 1993. Nordinske Laenkehunde: Den Første Holger Kanske Gruppe. [(The Scandinavian watchdogs: The first Holger Danske group.] Copenhagen: Gyldendal.)

Jørgen Kieler, Leader, Holger Danske Group, Danish Student.  Jørgen Kieler was a Danish student and leader of the Holger Danske Group.  He helped Danish Jews escape to Sweden in October 1943.  He became active in Holger Danske underground resistance group.  He and his brother were caught and sent to a concentration camp in February 1944.  He survived the war.  (Kieler, Jørgen. 1993. Nordinske Laenkehunde: Den Første Holger Kanske Gruppe. [(The Scandinavian watchdogs: The first Holger Danske group.] Copenhagen: Gyldendal.  Goldberger, 1987, pp. 17, 126.)

Mogens Staffeldt, Member, Holger Danske Group.  Before October 1943, Mogens Staffeldt helped British Air crews escape to neutral Sweden.  After the October action, he helped Jews escape to Sweden.  His bookshop was used to organize resistance and as a staging point for the rescue of Jews during the German deportation action of October 1943.  (Yahil, 1969, pp. 247, 487 FN 71; Flender, 1980, pp. 103-115; Yad Vashem, 027/13.  Kieler, Jørgen. 1993. Nordinske Laenkehunde: Den Første Holger Kanske Gruppe. [(The Scandinavian watchdogs: The first Holger Danske group.] Copenhagen: Gyldendal.)

 

Hotel Gylfe

Humlebaek County, Denmark.  Hotel management collected money for Lyngby Rescue Network.  Local coordinating center for Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 84, 111, 122, 157, 159, 168)

 

Industrial Board

The Industrial Board warned Jews of deportations in October 1943.  (Yahil, 1969, p. 486 FN 55; Yad Vashem Testimony, 127/13)

 

Kiaer Refugee Rescue Line

Ran from Helsingnor, Denmark, to Helsingborg, Sweden.  (Yahil, 1969, p. 347)

 

Kommunehospital, Copenhagen, Denmark

The Kommunehospital was central to the rescue of the Jews of Denmark.  The Hospital staff hid and dispersed Jews to the countryside.  It facilitated transport of Jews to the rescue fleet.  (Yahil, 1969)

Dr. Steffen Lund, Eye Specialist, Kommunehospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.  Dr. Steffen Lund was a major rescue leader and organizer.  He lead the physicians and nurses throughout Denmark in the rescue operations during the deportation actions against Jews in October 1943.  (Bertelsen; Yahil, 1969, pp. 241-243, 248 FN 63, 65; Den Hvide Brigade)

 

Lutheran Church’s Collection for Non-Aryan Exiles

The Lutheran Church’s Collection for Non-Aryan Exiles provided money and aid to Jewish refugees in Denmark.  The German occupation government forced it to close April 1941.  (Goldberger, 1987, p. 26)

 

Lyngby Transport Group

The Lyngby Group, named after a suburb of Copenhagen, was comprised of a group of teachers who aided and saved Jews from capture during the deportation actions of October 1943.  It was responsible for helping at least seven hundred Jews.  It had 60 active workers.  Aage Bertelsen was the leader of this rescue organization.  (Bertelsen, 1954; Flender, 1980, pp. 138-140, 145-149; Gersfelt, 1945; Yahil, 1969)

Aage Bertelsen, Leader, Lyngby Transport Group.  Aage Bertelsen was the leader of the Lyngby Group.  He was a high school teacher.  He organized the rescue of Jews by Danish teachers.  His home was used to organize rescue efforts.  Seven hundred Jews passed through his home.  Bertelsen’s home and the center were closed in late October 1943.  (Yahil, 1969, pp. 247, 254, 274, XII; Bertelsen, 1947, 1954, October 1943; Gersfelt, 1945)

Mrs. Aage Bertelsen+, Lyngby Group.  Mrs. Aage Bertelsen worked closely with her husband in saving Danish Jews.  On November 9, 1943, Mrs. Bertelsen was arrested by Nazi authorities.  She was questioned about her husband’s whereabouts.  She refused to divulge his location.  She was asked about her activities rescuing Jews.  She recalled that she was asked: “We know you have participated in helping Jews to Sweden, isn’t that true?”  She replied: “Of course it is.  All decent people did.”  Asked “And shy did you help Jews?  Was it to make money?”  She replied: “Because of sympathy with poor, persecuted people, who came to us confidently placing their lives and fates in our hands.”  In discussing the rescue of Jews with her husband, Aage, she reflected: “It’s as if we never realized before what it means to live.”  (Flender, 1980, pp. 138-139, 148, 149; Bertelsen, 1954; Gersfelt, 1945)

Eric Bennike+*, First Lieutenant.  Rescue activist, Lyngby Group.  Killed by Gestapo in Nyhavn, April 18, 1945.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 156-159)

Mrs. Berendsohn. (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 29)

Mr. Berg, Danish Composer, Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 123)

Franz Boegh, Headmaster/Principal in Urikkenborg.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 20)

Dr. Jorgen Boegh (Doctor of Divinity).  Worked on the Christian Daily.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 20, 21, 22, 31)

Mr. Bruné, Virum, Denmark.  Driver, courier, Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 144-145)

Mr. Carstensen, Lyngby Group.  Manager, Burmeister and Wain Shipbuilding Company.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 116)

Juel Christiansen+†, Merchant, Finance Department, Lyngby Line.  Worked with B. O. Weeke in Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 80, 123)

Miss Christiansen●. Awarded Righteous Among the Nations.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 180)

“David” (Jewish), co-founder.  Activist, co-founder with Aage Bertelsen, inspiration for Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 29-31, 34-37, 68, 70, 74-77, 96-97, 142)

Professor Richard Ege, Lyngby Group, Rockefeller Institute
Mrs. Ege, wife.  Head of staff, Institute of Physiology, Rockefeller Institute.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 29, 32, 33, 76-82, 131, 144, 171; Flender, 1980, pp. 55-56, 134-139, 141, 144, 233)

Lief Eriksson, Lyngby Group.  Student of Bertelsen at State School.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 123)

Mr. Federspiel+, Lyngby Group.  Was betrayed and sent to Froslev, German concentration camp in Southern Jutland.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 94, 95)

Mr. Johannes Fog, Timber Merchant.  Lent a considerable sum to help finance Lyngby Line rescue operation.  Lent 168,000 Kroner.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 65-67, 70, 110)

Miss Gergersen.  High school teacher, Buddington Lane, Copenhagen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 21)

Dr. Jorgen Gersfelt, Snekkersten Rescue Underground.  Leader in Snekkersten Rescue Underground provided financial aid to and cooperated with Lyngby Group.  Authored book, How we Fooled the Gestapo.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 67, 76, 82, 131; Gersfelt, 1945; Yahil, 1969, pp. 262, 266)

Mr. Grenth+.  Hotel and restaurant owner.  Hid Jews, worked with Lyngby Group.  Caught by Gestapo.  Went underground in Copenhagen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 126-131)

Uffe Grossen.  High school principal, Zeeland, Denmark.  Helped move/transport Jews.  Raised money for rescue effort.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 140-141)

Hansen, Danish Police, Gasoline Rationing Office.  Supplied crucial ration coupons to Lyngby Line.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 180)

Christian Jensen+†, Husun, Lyngby Group.  Worked with Dr. Strandbygaard.  Arrested and severely tortured.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 124)

Mr. V. A. C. Jensen, Headmaster, Elsinore High School.  Aided Bertelsen and Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 111-112)

Mrs. Jensen. (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 111-112)

Miss Kaer, Copenhagen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p.41)

Mr. Kampmann+†, Civil Engineer.  Worked at technical high school.  Major helper and organizer in Lyngby Group.  Arrested and tortured.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 152-154)

Kjeldsen, Lyngby Group, Copenhagen.  Key taxi driver who transported Jews to safety.  Volunteered his time and cab to save Jews in Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 134-137; Flender, 1980, pp. 146-147)

Herman Kleener.  Former student of Aage Bertelsen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 141-142)

Pastor Krohn, Lyngby, Denmark.  Provided funds for Lyngby Line and blank Baptismal Certificates for use to save Danish Jews.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 64-65)

Speedy Larking, Lyngby Group Line.  Helped protect Jewish property.  Helped get supplies on black market.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 138-139, 163, 180)

Mrs. Larking.  Wife of Speedy Larking.  Store owners.  provided funds and front for Lyngby Group operations.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 83, 180)

Professor Lindestrom-Lang. Assistant to Professor Ege (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 29, 179)

Henning Madsen, Lyngby Rescue Group.  Student of Aage Bertelsen at State School.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 125)

Mr. and Mrs. Thorvald Madsen.  Worked with Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 131)

Mr. Magius+.  Engineer from Funen Lane, Lyngby, Denmark.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 124)

Mouridsen, Chief of Police, Lyngby, Denmark.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 21, 22, 146-147)

Ole Nielsen, Lyngby Rescue Group.  Student of Aage Bertelsen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 123)

Ole Norgaard, Lyngby Rescue Group.  Student of Aage Bertelsen.  (Bertelsen, 1954)

Mr. and Mrs. Norrid●, Sorgenfri, Copenhagen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 21, 31, 97, 101, 115, 122, 147, 173)           

Mr. Jens Nyskov-Sorensen.  Lyngby Line activist, parliamentary usher in Humlebaek.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 112, 114, 115, 122, 123, 180)

“The Orderly” +.  A shoemaker and an orderly in the Danish Sea Scouts.  Courier/taxi driver for the Lyngby Group.  Caught, severely tortured by Germans.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 125, 126)

Brent Petersen* (“Big P”).  Medical student, driver, courier for Lyngby Group.  Died doing resistance work.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 145-146)

Prior.  Lyngby Group in Humlebaek.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 115, 123)

Professor Prohaska.  Teacher, shipbuilding, Technical High School.  Helped with shipping problems for Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 116, 122, 144, 153-154, 171)

Professor Brandt Rehberg.  Assistant to Professor Richard Ege.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 29, 179)

Mr. Axel Rode, Lyngby Group.  Activist, rescuer.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 122)

Erik Sandoe (“Mester”), Lyngby Rescue Group.  Student of Aage Bertelsen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 123)

Bjarne (“Sig”) Sigtryggsson, Lyngby Group Leader, School Headmaster.  Bjarne Sigtryggsson was a leader of the Lyngby Group from Humlebaek who rescued Jews during the German action of October 1943.  Coordinated activities of Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 23, 63, 107, 111-112, 121-123, 168-171, 176-178, 180; Petrow, 1974, p. 224)

Solje, Lyngby Group.  Driver, courier for Lyngby Group.  Involved in transports of Jews and others.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 134, 183-185)

David Sompolinsky, Founder, Lyngby Group.  See Jewish Rescuers and Denmark.  (Bertelsen, 1954; Flender, 1980, pp. 138-140, 145, 147; Yahil, 1969, pp. 214-216, 232, 254-255, 267, 273)

Dr. Standbygaard, Lyngby Group.  Dr. Standbygaard was a woman physician with the Lyngby Group who participated in the rescue of Danish Jews in October 1943.  Worked with Christian Jensen from Husum and Magius, an engineer from Funen Lane in Lyngby.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 123, 124, 148-149, 162, 178, 180; Flender, 1980, p. 148)

Edvard Tesdorpf and Mrs. Tesdorpf, Lyngby Group. 

Edvard Tesdorpf and his wife worked with the Lyngby Group hiding Jews in their large estate by the sea.  Many Jews took refuge on their estate waiting for boat transport to Sweden.  Mrs. Tesdorpf recalled telling her husband about the first Jews who hid on their estate:

“Who are they?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she said.  “The only think I know about them is that they’re Jews fleeing arrest by the Germans.  They simply turned up at the estate earlier this afternoon and asked if I would hide them.  Naturally, I couldn’t turn them away!”

“Of course,” replied her husband.  “We must do everything we can to help them.”

Mrs. Tesdorpf further reflected, “Actually, it was all rather exciting.  Every time we took the refugees down to the beach on our estate where they were to meet one of the boats I kept hearing over and over in my head ‘The Smuggler’s Theme’ from Carmen.”

Discussing the rescue of Jews with her husband, Mrs. Bertelsen said, “It’s as if we never realized before what it means to live.”

(Flender, 1980, pp. 148, 173.)

Mr. Thiesen, Teacher.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 143)

Anders Thykiaer, Lyngby Rescue Group.  Student of Aage Bertelsen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 123)

Miss Ulff.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 180)

Villumsen+, Lyngby Group.  Coordinated movement of Jews from Copenhagen.  Imprisoned in Vestre Prison and the Horserod Prison Camp.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 111-112, 157-159, 168-169, 179-180, 184-185)

Niels Wang, Lyngby Rescue Group.  Student of Aage Bertelsen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 123)

B. O. Weeke+.  Manufacturer, worked on rescue route from Smidstrup.  Coordinated with Juel-Christiansen.  Took over operation of Lyngby Line when Aage Bertelsen and his wife were forced to go into hiding.  Sent to Vestre Prison.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 123, 179-180, 182-187)

Weinberg, Lyngby Group.  Humlebaek, Gylfe.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 178-180)

Mrs. Else Zeuthen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 131)

Customs House Official, Humlebaek, Denmark.  Helped in ship transports to Sweden.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 118)

Doctor No. 2, Rockefeller Institute.  Worked under Dr. Richard Ege, Rockefeller Institute.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 81)

Mexican Sea Captain, Lyngby Group.  Transported Jews from Denmark to Sweden as part of the Lyngby Group in October 1943.  He charged reasonable prices for his services.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 114-119, 180-181; Flender, 1980, p. 147)    


The Lyngby Group worked in cooperation with the following organizations and individuals:

Students Group, Regensen, Denmark.  Worked and cooperated with Lyngby Group and its staff and Aage Bertelsen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 85-86, 131)

Langhoff, leader

Kileby, leader

Danish Brigade (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 167)

Gustav von Dardel (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 73; Yahil, 1969, pp. 327-329, 341)

Vihelm Buhl, Prime Minister of Denmark.  Provided money for the Lyngby Line.  (Bertelsen, pp. 75-76; Yahil, 1969, pp. 64, 75, 106, 108, 125, 227, 239, 369)

Domus Medica.  Doctors from the organization Domus Medica provided money for Lyngby Line.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 75)

Women’s Voluntary Service.  Provided aid to Jews, hid Jews, and provided food and shelter.  Worked with the Lyngby Line.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 102)

“Free Danes.”  Armed underground resistance group.  Offered to aid Lyngby group in Jewish rescue activities.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 173)

 

Matteoti Fund

The Matteoti Fund was a funding organization to help Jews in Denmark.  The German occupying government demanded that it be closed in December 1940.  It was closed and its records confiscated on April 1, 1941.  (Yahil, 1969, p. 198)

 

“Ringen” Resistance Group

(Bertelsen, 1954, p. 25)

 

Rockefeller Institute, Copenhagen

(Bertelsen, 1954; Flender, 1980, pp. 129, 134, 136, 138, 140, 144, 189; Yahil, 1969)

Mrs. Ina Haxen.  Mrs. Ina Haxen was a rescuer of Jews.  She was half Jewish.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 129-136, 138, 140-144, 233, 247, 253; Yahil, 1969, p. 254)

Dr. Poul Astrup.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 55, 136-137)

Professor Dr. Richard Ege and Mrs. Vibeke Ege.  (Flender, 1980, pp. 55-56, 134-139, 141, 144, 233; Yahil, 1969, pp. 246, 254, 292-294, 311)

Professor Brandt Rehberg.  (Flender, 1980, p. 138)

Professor Linderstrøm-Lang.  (Flender, 1980, p. 138)

Mrs. Annamarie Glanner, Jewish Medical Student.  (Flender, 1980, p. 138)

David Sompolinsky, Jewish Veterinary Student.  (Flender, 1980, p. 13; Yahil, 1969, pp. 214-216, 232, 254-255, 267, 273)

 

Smidstrup Organization

Worked in cooperation with the Lyngby Group to rescue Jews.  Comprised of people from Smidstrup, Denmark.  (Gillelije, pp. 159-161, 165-167)

Mrs. Larsen, leader, former Army officer.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 159-161, 167, 180)

B. O. Weeke+.  Manufacturer, worked on rescue route from Smidstrup.  Coordinated with Juel-Christiansen.  Took over operation of Lyngby Line when Aage Bertelsen and his wife were forced to go into hiding.  Sent to Vestre Prison.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 123, 179-180, 182-187)

Teacher at an elementary school.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 160-161)

Manufacturer.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 160-161)

Local Coast Guardsman.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 160-161)

Danish Policeman.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 160-161)

Former District Medical Officer.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 160-161)

Mr. Vilstrup.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 160-161)

 

Speditør Line

Founded with help of Jews during October 1943 rescue operation.  Rescued more than 2,000 persons.  Line founded by Scoldy.   (Yahil, 1969, p. 507 FN 85; Den Aabne Dør, p. 20; Booklet: Rapport, Scoldy Testimony, Yad Vashem (027/13).

 

The Student Committee of Copenhagen University

The Student Committee of Copenhagen University condemned the actions against Jews in Denmark.  They voted on October 2, 1943, to close the university in protest.  Classes were shut from October 3-10.  Many students were involved in facilitating the rescue of Jews in Denmark.  (Yahil, 1969, 233)

 

The Student Intelligence Service (Studenternes Efterretningstjeneste)

The Student Intelligence Service originally set up as a Danish underground organization.  They were extremely active in saving Jews in October 1943.  They set up extensive rescue networks.  (Yahil, 1969, p. 247, 487 FN 70; La Cour, III, p. 392)

 

Students Group, Regensen, Denmark

Worked and cooperated with Lyngby Group and its staff and Aage Bertelsen.  (Bertelsen, 1954, pp. 85-86, 131)

Langhoff, leader

Kileby, leader

 

“The Study Circle,” “The Circle,” “The Ring”

(Frode Jakobsen manuscript, cited in Yahil, 1969; Yahil, 1969, pp. 226, 227, 448n11-15)

Frode Jakobsen.  (Frode Jakobsen manuscript, cited in Yahil, 1969; Yahil, 1969, pp. 225-227, 252, 448n11-15)

Christmas Møller.  (Yahil, 1969, pp. 16, 43, 65, 94, 225-226, 330-342, 345, 355-356)

Professor E. Husfeld, M.D.  Leader of the doctors resistance movement within “The Ring.” 75 percent of Danish physicians participated in the Ring in aid and rescue of Danish Jews.  (Yahil, 1969, p. 227)

 

The White Brigade (Den Hvide Brigade)

Danish Doctor Rescue and Aid Organizations.  (Goldberger, 1987, p. 5)

 

Women’s League for Peace and Freedom

The Women’s League for Peace and Freedom worked with the Society of Jewish Women to help Jewish adolescents between thirteen and seventeen to immigrate to Denmark.  They were rescued from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakian concentration camps.  More than 300 children were rescued; 136 were sent to Palestine and 174 remained in Denmark in October 1943.  (Yahil, 1969, pp. 24-25)

Fanny Arnskov, Women’s League for Peace and Freedom.  Fanny Arnskov, of the Women’s League for Peace and Freedom, helped rescue Danish Jews in October 1943.  She organized Danish relief efforts for Jews in the Theresienstadt camp in Czechoslovakia.  (Goldberger, 1987, p. 111, 163)

 

Women’s Voluntary Service

Provided aid to Jews, hid Jews, and provided food, shelter and other services.  Worked with the Lyngby Group.  (Bertelsen, 1954, p. 102)

 

Workers’ Educational Association

The Workers’ Educational Association warned Jews of deportations in October 1943.  (Yahil, 1969, p. 486 FN 55; Yad Vashem Testimony, 027/13)
 


 

Refugee Rescue Boat Lines: Denmark - Sweden


The principal means of rescuing Jews from deportation by the Germans was to transport them by small boat to neutral Sweden. More than 300 boats making more than 1,000 crossings helped to save Denmark’s 7,900 Jews. Thousands of other refugees were saved in this and subsequent boat rescues.

 

Henril Line – Danish Swedish Line

From October 1943 – May 5, 1945, rescued more than 1,888 souls in 361 crossings from Denmark to Swedish. Founded by Danish Journalist Lief B. Hendril who had fled to Sweden. Its headquarter office was in Malmö, Sweden. Jørgen Polack a Dane was his assistant. Ivar Philipison, a Jewish attorney in Sweden, assisted in the operations, and particularly in raising funds for operating the line. Philipson procured the boat and equipment for the operation.  Henril wrote, in an afteraction report in January 1944: “With the help of the boats acquired by Ivar Philipson and with the help of the Julius our organization in Malmö, in close cooperation with a parallel organization on the Danish coast, maintained an almost regular service from the middle of October to the middle of December.  To this end about 35,000 kronor were spent.  We conveyed in our boats 302 persons, whose names may be found in special lists and among whom were 8 condemned to death, 2 severely wounded by the Gestapo, an old and paralyzed woman, and so on and so forth.  The boats of the Danish organization transported 239 persons, so that our organization all in all helped 541 people to cross the Sound” (Yahil, 1969, p. 339).  (Yahil, 1969, pp. 336-353, 356-357, 371, 374, 390, 507 FN 83, 84)

Lief B. Henril, founder, leader (Yahil, 1969, pp. 336-356, 356-357, 371, 374, 377, 390)

Jørgen Polack, assistant (Yahil, 1969, pp. 336, 350, 374)

Ivar Philipson, operations, finance (Yahil, 1969, pp. 336-343, 346, 349, 351, 352, 374, 377, 390)

Erik Marx, Jewish refugee (Yahil, 1969, pp. 34, 339-342)

Brent Karlby (Yahil, 1969, pp. 335, 342)

Ole Helweg (Yahil, 1969, pp. 335-344)

Lt. Eric Staermose, Danish Naval Officer (Flender, 1980, pp. 168-176; Yahil, 1969, pp. 340, 342)

 

Lyngby Line

See Lyngby Group under Danish Rescue, Relief, and Resistance Organizations.  (Bertelsen, 1954)

 

Smidstrup Organization

Worked in cooperation with the Lyngby Group to rescue Jews.  Comprised of people from Smidstrup, Denmark.  (Gillelije, pp. 159-161, 165-167)

 

Speditør Line

Founded with help of Jews during October 1943 rescue operation.  Rescued more than 2,000 persons.  Line founded by Scoldy.   (Yahil, 1969, p. 507 FN 85; Den Aabne Dør, p. 20; Booklet: Rapport, Scoldy Testimony, Yad Vashem (027/13).

 

Danish Help Service

Refugee boat rout between Jutland, Denmark, and Gothernberg, Sweden, opened in Early 1944.  Founded and headed by Werner Gyberg, Roebert Jensen (code name “Tom”) was the liaison person in Denmark.  (Yahil, 1969, pp. 346-349; Friedskampens Veteraner (Vetern Freedom Fighters), No. 26, January 1966.)

 

Danish-Swedish Refugee Service

Ran from Henril, Denmark, to Malmö, Sweden.  (Yahil, 1969)

 

Students Intelligence Service

To Bornholm, Sweden.  (Yahil, 1969, p. 347)

 

Kiaer Refugee Rescue Line

Ran from Helsingnor, Denmark, to Helsingborg, Sweden.  (Yahil, 1969, pp. 256-258, 347, 487n92-94)

Erling Kaier, leader, Lieutenant in Danish reserve (Yahil, 1969, pp. 256-258, 347, 487n92-94)

Lawyer, name not mentioned (Yahil, 1969, p. 257)

Journalist, name not mentioned (Yahil, 1969, p. 257)

Policeman, name not mentioned (Yahil, 1969, p. 257)

 

 

Chart

Jews Arriving in Sweden from Denmark, October 1943

 

Date                        Refugees

October 4                440

October 5                550

October 6                710

October 7                700

October 8                1,100

October 9                1,400

October 10              410

October 11              200

October 12              200

October 13              330

October 14              260

 

Source: Der Danske Flygtninge I Sverige, p. 108; Yahil, 1969, p. 509 Fn 109.