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French paratroopers landed in several places in Drenthe the days before the liberation of Grolloo on 12 April, including in the area between Camp Westerbork and Grolloo, from Halkenbroeken to Vredenheim. The French paratroopers in the area had maps that showed which farms they could or could not approach for help and cooperation. For example, the resistance had provided them with information on where NSB supporters lived.
The surrounding area was constantly being monitored from the watchtowers around Westerbork camp. It was no wonder there was extensive hunting for the French paratroopers. Nevertheless, many managed to find good shelter with the help of Teun Leever's resistance group. Kind-hearted residents in the area also offered help and shelter when needed. The Ter Steege family dit both.
Apart from their role in the resistance, the ter Steege's in Grolloo were also known to have had people in hiding at their farmhouses, which was in the middle of the dropping zone. The occupying forces conducted searches there at times, but there was a very watchful sheepdog at home, called Sperda, who started barking when there was danger, which gave the people in hiding time to seek cover. There was also not much in the way of betrayal from Grolloo, as that would have placed themselves outside the tight-knit Groller community. The son Bote ter Steege was part of a resistance group led by Teun Leever. This resistance group actively helped land French paratroopers and was also involved in arms drops in the build-up to the liberation.