The Germans occupy Villa Dorrepaal, located in Park Leeuwenbergh, together with the seven resident ladies at the start of World War II. The country estate was an ideal location for the Germans, as it lay behind Ypenburg airfield. The front of the villa bordered the old toll bridge, the direct connection to The Hague where the government was based. Villa Dorrepaal was thus a strategically chosen spot that the Germans could use well. They wanted to invade The Hague via the estate, aiming to force the government to capitulate.
Lieutenant George Maduro was ordered on May 10, 1940, to recapture Dorrepaal. He was only 23 at the time. Together with 11 other soldiers, he crossed the toll bridge. They surrounded the villa and Maduro ordered the soldiers to fire. At that moment, the Germans, together with the ladies, were in the cellar. To them, it sounded as if a whole platoon was surrounding the property. Maduro and his men stormed the villa, arrested the Germans, and gave the ladies their freedom back. Of course, this did not go without a fight.
George Maduro was a hero and was therefore posthumously awarded Knight 4th Class of the Military William Order on May 9, 1946.
Villa Dorrepaal
Westvlietweg 115
2267 AK
Leidschendam
Contact details
T: +31703999474
E: buitengoeddorrepaal@middin.nl
W: https://middin.nl/buitengoed-dorrepaal
Opening hours | |
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Monday | 09:30 - 17:00 |
Tuesday | 09:30 - 17:00 |
Wednesday | 09:30 - 17:00 |
Thursday | 09:30 - 17:00 |
Friday | 09:30 - 17:00 |
Saturday | 09:30 - 17:00 |
Sunday | Closed |