“Arie spoke German and had German papers” (Theo Vreugdenhil). The diary shows that he was a good intermediary during German checks and that he was committed to collecting food for the children in Reeuwijk.
Category: Main Characters
People in our story
doctor Jan Batelaan
Jan Batelaan was born in Rotterdam, son of Hendrik Batelaan and Catharina Elffers. Jan has long been the only doctor in Reeuwijk and so everyone knew him. Prior to the trip, he examined all the children to determine whether they were eligable [...]
Schipper Jan Pols
Jan Pols was raised in a skipper's family. The other skipper, Jan Willem van Dam was his brother-in-law. He had learned how to sail at a very young age, as was ususal. His sons were on board as hands, as were a few nephews (van Dam's sons). Thats' how they learned the trade.[...]
Pieter Vreugdenhil
Pieter Vreugdenhil (1900 – 1958) was a fruit and veg buyer and seller; a wholesaler at the vegetable auction in Reeuwijk. Pieter was an influential man in Reeuwijk. He often visited the pastor.
Zr. Maria Schneiders
Maria Schneiders (1902-1983) was an independent woman who knew exactly what she wanted, a bit idiosyncratic and irreverant. She was a nurse in heart and soul, she worked in various hospitals in Leiden and The Hague.[...]
ds. Pieter Warmenhoven
Reverend Warmenhoven is the leader of the children's transport. Not only does he have to protect them, he also has to make sure they are put in suitable families.