1. Overview
Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy (born Pieter GerbrandijDutch) was a Dutch politician and jurist who served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands from September 3, 1940, to June 25, 1945. He led the Dutch government-in-exile from London during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II, working under Queen Wilhelmina. A prominent member of the Anti-Revolutionary Party, Gerbrandy's extensive career encompassed various roles in local, provincial, and national government, including multiple ministerial positions. After the war, he became a notable opponent of the Dutch government's policy regarding Indonesian independence, a stance that reflected his conservative ideology and commitment to maintaining the unity of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. While his leadership during wartime is widely recognized for its importance in maintaining national continuity, his post-war views on colonial affairs and his strong personality also drew criticism.
2. Early Life and Background
Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy's early life was rooted in Friesland, where he developed his foundational understanding of law and public service before embarking on his political career.
2.1. Childhood and Education
Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy was born on April 13, 1885, in the village of Goënga, near Sneek, located in the province of Friesland, Netherlands. He was ethnically Frisian, and his name follows the traditional Frisian naming convention: "Pieter" as his first name, "Sjoerds" as a patronymic meaning "son of Sjoerd," and "Gerbrandy" as his family name. The surname "Gerbrandy" itself originated as a patronymic when his great-great-grandfather, Jouke Gerbrens (1769-1840), adopted it as a family name on December 30, 1811. Gerbrandy pursued higher education at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he enrolled in June 1904, majoring in law. He successfully obtained his doctorate in law in January 1911.
2.2. Early Political Career
Following the completion of his legal studies, Gerbrandy embarked on a career as a lawyer and prosecutor, working in these capacities from 1911 to 1920. His involvement in politics began at the local level, serving as a member of the Municipal Council of Sneek from April 1916 until January 1930. He then expanded his political activities to the provincial sphere, becoming a member of the Provincial Council of Friesland from July 1919 to August 1920. From 1920 to 1930, he continued his tenure in the Provincial Council of Friesland as a representative of the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP). Additionally, he served as a member of the Provincial Executive of Friesland from August 1920 to January 1930. In 1939, he was appointed Minister of Justice, a significant role he assumed even against the wishes of his own party.
3. Major Activities and Achievements
Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy's career was marked by his pivotal role during World War II and his continued political engagement in the post-war era, including significant ministerial responsibilities and a notable literary contribution.
3.1. World War II and Government-in-Exile Activities
The Battle of the Netherlands in 1940 resulted in a swift German victory, compelling the Dutch royal family and many prominent politicians to seek refuge in London. There, they established the Dutch government-in-exile. Following the resignation of Dirk Jan de Geer in the same year, Queen Wilhelmina appointed Gerbrandy as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands for this government-in-exile. He held this crucial leadership position from September 3, 1940, until June 25, 1945, overseeing the Dutch resistance and diplomatic efforts from abroad during the German occupation of the Netherlands.
3.2. Ministerial Roles
During his tenure as Prime Minister of the government-in-exile, Gerbrandy concurrently held several other significant ministerial portfolios. He served as the Minister of Justice from 1939 to 1942 and again briefly in 1945. Additionally, he was appointed Minister of Colonial Affairs from November 17, 1941, to May 21, 1942. In 1945, he also took on the role of Minister of General Affairs.
3.3. Postwar Activities and Political Career
After the liberation of the southern Netherlands in 1945, Gerbrandy formed a new cabinet. However, he resigned from his premiership once the entire country was liberated. In the immediate post-war period, he became a vocal opponent of the Dutch government's policy regarding Indonesian independence. From 1946 to 1950, he chaired the National Committee for the Maintenance of the Kingdom's Unity, an organization actively campaigning against Indonesian independence and advocating for the Republic of South Maluku. In 1948, Gerbrandy returned to the Dutch Parliament as a member. However, his strong and often volatile temperament, described as a "hot temper," led to strained relationships and alienated some members of his own party. In 1956, he was appointed as a member of a commission tasked with investigating the controversial Greet Hofmans affair, a scandal involving Queen Juliana's court. Three years later, on March 20, 1959, Gerbrandy resigned from his position as a Member of Parliament.
3.4. Literary Work
In 1950, Gerbrandy published a book titled Indonesia. This work offered his detailed analysis and observations on the historical relationship between the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), covering the period from the 17th century up to 1948. The book was structured into several key sections, including "The Indies under Dutch rule," "The Rule of Law," "The Japanese Occupation," and "Chaos," each outlining Gerbrandy's perspectives on these critical periods.
4. Political Stance and Ideology
Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy's political stance was deeply rooted in his affiliation with the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP), a conservative Christian democratic party that was a predecessor to the modern Christian Democratic Appeal. His ideology was largely shaped by the political and historical context of his time, particularly the challenges of World War II and the subsequent decolonization movements.
4.1. Background of Ideology Formation
Gerbrandy's political views were strongly influenced by his long-standing membership in the Anti-Revolutionary Party. The ARP historically emphasized national sovereignty, traditional values, and a strong sense of national identity, often reflecting a conservative approach to both domestic and international affairs. This background provided the framework for his staunch commitment to the integrity of the Dutch Kingdom.
4.2. Characteristics and Content of Ideology
A central tenet of Gerbrandy's ideology was his unwavering belief in national sovereignty and the preservation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This was most evident in his firm opposition to Indonesian independence after World War II. He believed in maintaining the colonial ties with the Dutch East Indies, advocating for the continued unity of the kingdom. His leadership of the National Committee for the Maintenance of the Kingdom's Unity and his book Indonesia clearly articulated this position. He also notably supported the Republic of South Maluku, which sought to separate from the newly independent Indonesia. Furthermore, his political style was characterized by a "hot temper," which, while perhaps indicative of his strong convictions, sometimes alienated fellow party members and contributed to political friction.
5. Personal Life
On May 18, 1911, Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy married Hendrina Elisabeth Sikkel. Hendrina was born on February 26, 1886, and passed away on May 4, 1980. The couple had three children: two sons and one daughter.
6. Death
Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy died on September 7, 1961, in The Hague, Netherlands, at the age of 76.
7. Assessment
Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy's legacy is complex, marked by both widely praised leadership during a national crisis and controversial political stances in the post-war era.
7.1. Positive Contributions
Gerbrandy is primarily lauded for his crucial role as Prime Minister of the Netherlands during World War II. Leading the Dutch government-in-exile from London, he provided vital continuity and legitimacy to the Dutch state during the German occupation of the Netherlands. His leadership was instrumental in maintaining national morale, coordinating resistance efforts, and representing Dutch interests on the international stage. He is seen as a symbol of Dutch resilience and determination during a period of immense national peril.
7.2. Criticism and Controversy
Despite his wartime contributions, Gerbrandy faced significant criticism, particularly regarding his personality and his post-war political positions. His "hot temper" was noted as a characteristic that alienated members of his own party. More substantially, his staunch opposition to Indonesian independence after the war drew considerable controversy. At a time when decolonization movements were gaining momentum globally, his advocacy for maintaining the Dutch East Indies as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was seen by many as an outdated and ultimately unsustainable stance, conflicting with the principles of self-determination and human rights. His involvement in the Greet Hofmans affair commission in 1956 also placed him in the midst of a royal scandal, further adding to the complexities of his public image.
8. Impact
Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy's actions and political career had a lasting influence on Dutch politics, particularly in the immediate post-war period, and contributed significantly to the fields of law and public administration.
8.1. Impact on Later Generations
Gerbrandy's premiership during World War II solidified the role of the government-in-exile as a symbol of national continuity and resistance. His post-war opposition to Indonesian independence, while controversial, highlighted a significant ideological divide within Dutch society regarding decolonization. His leadership of the National Committee for the Maintenance of the Kingdom's Unity contributed to the political discourse surrounding the future of the Dutch Empire, influencing subsequent debates and the historical narrative of the Netherlands' transition from a colonial power. His later parliamentary service and eventual resignation also marked a period of intense political debate and adjustment in the newly liberated nation.
8.2. Contribution to Specific Fields
Throughout his extensive career, Gerbrandy made notable contributions to the fields of law and public administration. As a trained jurist with a doctorate in law, he served effectively as both a lawyer and a prosecutor. His various roles in municipal and provincial councils, and later as a minister holding multiple portfolios including Minister of Justice and Minister of Colonial Affairs, demonstrated his deep engagement and expertise in public governance and legal frameworks. His book Indonesia also served as a significant, albeit controversial, legal and historical analysis of colonial relations.
9. Decorations and Honors
Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy received several prestigious national and international decorations and honorific titles in recognition of his extensive public service and contributions.
| Honours | ||||
| Ribbon bar | Honour | Country | Date | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion | Netherlands | May 6, 1946 | Elevated from Knight (August 28, 1930) |
 | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau | Netherlands | April 5, 1955 | |
 | Grand Cross of the Order of Adolphe of Nassau | Luxembourg | ||
 | Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire | United Kingdom | ||
| Honorific titles | ||||
| Ribbon bar | Honour | Country | Date | Comment |
 | Minister of State | Netherlands | April 5, 1955 | Style of Excellency |