Resistance
In early December, two members of the André resistance group (Jos van Wijlen) from Sprang-Capelle voluntarily leave for occupied territory to spy and pass on information about German positions and troops. Hans Hoekstra and Jan de Rooij have each received a transmitter from the Canadians for this purpose. Eventually, Jan de Rooij ends up with the Koekoek family in Dussen, where he is able to pose as a simple farmhand. He promises the family, now at great risk, that he will take the blame if things go wrong.

Espionage
From then on, Hans Hoekstra and Jan de Rooij sent daily messages to liberated territory clearly showing that there is a growing number of German troops in the Land of Heusden and Altena. This is because of an unrealistic German plan to support the recenty launched Ardennes offensive with an attack towards Breda. Nothing ultimately comes of this hairbrained idea. But neither the resistance fighters nor the Allies can know that at the time. On 21 December, Jan de Rooij sends his last message. The enemy has managed to plot his transmitter and the next day the device is found in farmer Koekoek's barn. Jan de Rooij lives up to his promise and voluntarily surrenders to the German authorities. The family is released. Jan is taken to Amsterdam and severely beaten during interrogations. He remains silent about everything he knows about the crossings, the resistance work, the helpers and persons of the resistance organisation in the Land of Heusden and Altena. He never mentions a name and so saves many lives. Jan, 21, is eventually summarily executed on 6 January 1945 in Amsterdam.

Hero
Reports found in the archives show how extensive the network used by the two men is and also that they know very well what kind of information is of interest to the Allied forces. Of course, it takes incredible courage to volunteer, as a spy, to gather intelligence in enemy territory. Thanks to their fearlessness, the various Allied staffs in liberated territory gain and keep a good picture of the German military presence in the Land of Heusden and Altena. In addition, as far as Jan de Rooij is concerned, the fact that he voluntarily made the highest sacrifice anyone can give, namely his life, makes him a true hero. In 1954, a monument was unveiled in memory of Jan de Rooij. It was designed by artist Fred Carasso. Every year on 4 May, a commemoration of the dead is held here for the residents of Sprang-Capelle.