Railways under the Third Reich: New insights from Bad Bentheim!

Railways under the Third Reich: New insights from Bad Bentheim!

A significant research project began in spring 2021 that was intended to examine the history of Bentheimer Eisenbahn AG during the Nazi era. In close collaboration with the University of Vechta, around 150 students from Germany and the Netherlands developed essential results, which have now been summarized in an anthology. The official book presentation took place in Bad Bentheim on April 5, 2025, marking the final event of this four-year project Mynewsdesk reported.

The research focused on the political affinities in the leadership and workforce of the railway company during the “Third Reich”. The tasks of the Bentheim Railway were also analyzed, such as transporting prisoners and recruiting forced laborers. The anthology includes twelve academic contributions from various authors and institutions that shed light on the multifaceted role of the Bentheim Railway in National Socialism.

Deeper insights into dark chapters

A central aspect of the project was the investigation of the effects of National Socialist transport policy. In addition, war-related impairments, such as bombings, were analyzed. Particularly noteworthy are the topics of war and oil transport as well as the challenges that the company experienced due to the advance of Allied troops. These aspects not only show the business issues, but also the humanitarian consequences that were associated with such an operation during the Nazi era.

The project was led by Prof. Dr. Eugen Kotte from the University of Vechta together with Christian Lonnemann, head of the Grafschaft Bentheim district and municipal archive. An initial idea was initiated by Wilhelm Hoon; He had suggested research into the Kindertransport after the Kristallnacht pogrom in 1938. This preparatory work made it possible to establish a connection to the Reichsbahn deportation trains, which traveled to the concentration camps via the Bentheim Reichsbahnhof.

Regional significance and cultural background

The railway board member Joachim Berends described the anthology as an important step towards closing a gap in the corporate history of the Bentheimer Eisenbahn. District Administrator Uwe Fietzek praised the volume as important for understanding regional history. During the event, not only were the difficulties and results of the research project discussed in discussions, but cultural highlights were also offered. Musical performances by the string quartet from the Nordhorn Music School created a relaxed atmosphere.

This research initiative, which reflects the committed work of numerous students, not only offers a deep insight into the role of the Bentheim Railway during National Socialism, but also encourages an examination of the region's history. The discussions and analyzes leave no questions unanswered and offer valuable perspectives on a time that is often inadequately examined.