Righteous unto the nations

Geerhard Kleinlugtebeld reports “There were
significant risks for people who hid Jews and
Allied Airman. When discovered, they were sent
to hard labour camps and subject to difficult
and hard circumstances that could result in
death. Moreover, they risked execution and
more, as many of these people were involved in
the resistance. Hendrik was also caught on his
farm during a razzia (raid) when the Germans
discovered clothes with the Jewish Star (Star
of David) at his farm. He was, as luck would
have it, released shortly after. The Germans
had found a further 15 Jews that were hidden
nearby. As they could not fit all the Jewish
prisoners into the truck, they released Hendrik.”
Geerhard Kleinlugtebeld reports that after
the war “The relations between Erica and the
family Grootemarsink was very good, which
can be concluded from all the letters from
Australia. In e-mails too, which I still get from
Erica, she indicates a very good contact with the
family Grootemarsink. After the war, the family
Grootemarsink also had good contacts with all
the other hidden persons”
Geerhard Kleinlugtebeld was told, “That only
a few people were aware of Erica’s stay at the
farm and they knew very well what risks were
involved for hiding persons, when caught. The
fewer people who knew about the hiding, the
smaller the chance of betrayal. Neighbours 100
meters behind the farm hid people as well and
no one mentioned it to others.”
Geerhard Kleinlugtebeld
PAGE 16
Photo taken 1985 with Erica and the Grootemarsink’s at their farm in Lemele.
©2013 Edited and compiled by Martin Moen, Perth, Western Australia.