11 Facts About Hendrik Elias

Hendrik Jozef Elias was a Belgian politician and Flemish nationalist, notable as the leader of the Vlaams Nationaal Verbond between 1942 and 1944.

Hendrik Elias began his political career in 1930 as the secretary of the Vlaams Nationale Verbond.

Hendrik Elias was a member of Belgian Chamber of People's Representatives from 1932 until 1944.

Hendrik Elias joined the Flemish National Union on its formation in 1933 and soon gained a reputation as a leading moderate in the party, despite expressing a strong personal admiration for Adolf Hitler.

Hendrik Elias became leader of VNV in 1942, following the death of Staf Declercq, despite opposition of Gottlob Berger, who was suspicious of his views on keeping the Flemish distinct from the Germans.

Hendrik Elias sought to stop recruitment to the Waffen-SS and disband the Hitler Youth.

Hendrik Elias came into competition for support from the Germans with Jef van de Wiele, whose DeVlag movement was allowed to co-exist in occupied Flanders alongside the VNV.

Hendrik Elias fled to Germany in September 1944 but took no part in the exiled Belgian collaboration movement under van der Wiele.

Hendrik Elias was arrested by the French and extradited to Belgium.

Hendrik Elias was sentenced to death and this sentence was confirmed in appeal.

Hendrik Elias was released on 24 December 1959 for health reasons.