Han's war diary (Brother of Coby van Riel)

Han's war diary (Brother of Coby van Riel)

Daily diary from 28 December 1944 to December 25 1945. Mentions air raid warnings, daily what food available from central kitchen, holiday days. visit from relations and other daily activities. Also comments on weather, seeing V-1's fly over and exploding, going fishing, war news, going to church, family health, family events, capitulation of Germany, school, liberation, allied forces activities, national events, and events after end of war. Throughout mentions what poor food eaten each day.

1944

1945

Thirty-nine page printed document

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Han’s war diary
(Brother of Coby van Riel)
December 1944
Thursday 28

Holiday – No confirmation classes.
The streets are getting icy today, it’s thawing. In the evening, we had soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 x air raid warnings. There was heavy bombardment today and shooting. Mr Boelens from Arnhem dropped in.
Friday 29
Holiday. We had carrot soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 6 x air raid warnings. 9 V1’s flew over. Someone was attacked on the Apeldoornse laan.

Saturday 30
Holiday. In the evening we had barley soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 3 V1’s flew over. 12 x air raid warnings.
Notes
We were planning to nick a door this evening, we almost managed to get it off its hinges when we were caught in the act.
Sunday 31
New Year’s Eve. Holiday. In the evening, we had sugar beets and red cabbage from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded, 4 x air raid warnings. We stayed up till 1 o’clock in the morning. It’s been snowing.
Monday 1 January 1945
New Year’s Day. Holiday. In the evening, we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 6 x air raid warnings. 2 V1’s flew over, one of which landed in Indigo Street.
Notes
Mother, father, aunt Co, uncle Bernard visited aunt Riek. In the afternoon Stiny went ice skating with the family Meuldijk on a piece of land bordering one of the side streets of the Driebergenstraat.
Tuesday 2 January
Holiday. In the evening, we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 9 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. 2 x air raid warnings. I went to No. 1 Kerkplein to obtain information about handing in a potato ration voucher.
Wednesday 3
Holiday. In the evening, we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 6 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. 1 x air raid warning.
Thursday 4
Holiday. No confirmation classes. In the evening we had carrot soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 9 x V1’s flew over. 6 x air raid warning. We received letters from aunt To and Elly.
Friday 5
Holiday. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 6 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. 6 air raid warnings.
Saturday 6
Holiday. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 V1’s flew over, 3 x air raid warning. The streets were icy. People were ice skating in the streets.
Sunday 7
Holiday. In the evening we had bouillon (broth) with small pieces of meat from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 11 V1’s flew over of which one exploded, 2 x air raid warning. It snowed (sleet).
Monday 8
Holiday. In the evening we had sugar beets from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
11 V1’s flew over. There was a thick layer of snow on the streets that night. Then it started to rain and the snow disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Tuesday 9
Holiday. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage soup with small pieces of meat from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 6 V1’s flew over of which one exploded. Mother, aunt Co, aunt Cor, Stiny, Coby and I went to “Wij Draaien” in the cinema Capitol. In the evening mother threw a little soup over father. Irma, Elly, Servaas, Vera, Coby and I went sledging.
Wednesday 10
Holiday. In the evening we had kale soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
5 V1’s, 1 x air raid warning. There was no further snow fall. Mother bought a new little teapot.
Thursday 11
Holiday. In the evening we had sauerkraut soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 5 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded, 1 x air raid warning. No further snow fall, it’s still freezing. I went to the ‘Kerkplein’ in the morning.
Notes: Stiny went skating with Family Meuldijk on a piece of land on one of the side streets of the Driebergenstraat.
Friday 12
Holiday. In the evening we had porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 9 V1’s flew over. We had porridge instead of bread yesterday afternoon and this afternoon because we didn’t have enough bread. It’s thawing. I’ve cleaned my skates. We received letters from aunt Lien and Nico.
Saturday 13
Holiday. In the evening we had kapucijner (chick pea) soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 V1’s flew over. It’s still thawing. I have sanded my skates and painted them.
Sunday 14
Holiday. Frans (de Winter) was still at the altar. There was a severe frost. I have started to work on the electricity current drawing. In the evening we had beetroots from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 10 V1’s flew over. 2 x air raid warnings. Pastor Roeseling took Church Service in Voorburg. (normally in The Hague). Pastor Harderwijk takes the Service here.
Monday 15
Holiday. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 4 V1’s flew over. Uncle Luuk lent me skates, from father I got a T-square, a set square (45 degrees) and a protractor. It’s no longer freezing.
Tuesday 16
Holiday. In the evening we had tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 6 V1’s flew over of which one exploded. It’s no longer freezing.
Wednesday 17
Holiday. In the evening we had potato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 4 V1’s flew over. Irma, Elly, Vera, Coby and I played outside today in the afternoon. (hide and seek).
Thursday 18
Holiday. In the evening we had soup (?) from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 2 V1’s flew over both of which exploded. Gale force winds. No confirmation classes.
Friday 19
Holiday. Gale force winds, hail in the evening and sleet. Not a single V1. In the evening we had onion soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother got an extra portion.
Uncle Luuk and I fetched 90 kg potatoes from Valkenhuis.
Saturday 20
Holiday. In the evening we had tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother got an extra portion. 13 V1’s flew over. Uncle Luuk and I had planned to go to the Public Bath house in the morning but it was closed due to a fuel shortage. It’s snowing.
Sunday 21
Frans wasn’t at the altar today. In the evening we had beetroots with sugar beets and potatoes + small pieces of meat from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. There’s been a heavy snow fall. Mother had an extra portion.
Monday 22
Holiday. I would have accompanied father but this wasn’t possible because he and 2 “lopers”
(helpers) did one round together. There is still snow on the ground. In the evening we had potato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother had an extra portion. 4 V1’s flew over. Twice air raid warning. We received a letter from aunt To that Frits (her son) is back in The Netherlands again.

Note Coby: Father was a bread deliverer. “Lopers” were helpers to pull the baker’s delivery- cart through the snow and for protection from looting.
Tuesday 23
Holiday. In the evening we had tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother had an extra portion. There is still snow on the ground. 7 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded.
Wednesday 24
Holiday. In the evening we had soup (?) from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother had an extra portion. 7 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. There is still snow on the ground. It’s been freezing. I bought a small leather strap for my skates.
Thursday 25
Holiday. It’s been freezing and snowing. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother had an extra portion. No confirmation classes.
8 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded.
Friday 26
Holiday. In the evening we had ½ litre soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 8 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. It’s been snowing and freezing. Bread rations reduced by 500 grams. I have arranged to go sledging with Irma and Elly tomorrow afternoon 2.30.
Saturday 27
Mr Veldink’s birthday. Holiday. .In the evening we had ½ litre soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 11 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. It’s been snowing and freezing. Coby wasn’t well and Irma’s sledge was broken, we therefore couldn’t play outside.
Sunday 28
Holiday. Frans was at the altar again. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage soup with flower bulbs! from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 8 V1’s flew over, three of which exploded. In the afternoon I sledged with Irma and Elly and threw snowballs. There is still snow on the ground.
Monday 29
Holiday. There is still snow on the ground. In the evening we had flower bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 9 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. Father did his last round (due to looting).


Tuesday 30
Holiday. In the evening we had flower bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. There had been a severe frost and heavy snow fall. Food provisions have been left by the Swedish Red Cross in Meppel (town in county Drente North East) for children over 14 years of age. Not a single V1.
Wednesday 31
Holiday. It is thawing and it’s been raining. We had salted endive with sugar beets from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 1 x air raid warning. Not a single V1. Father had exchanged a bottle of milk for 1a coupon of bread, this was used to make custard.
Thursday, 1 February 1945
Holiday. The snow has almost gone. 12 V1’s flew over, 3 of which exploded. We had tulip bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Christmas holidays extended till 18 February 1945 inclusive. No confirmation classes.
Friday 2
Holiday. We had tulip bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. The snow has gone.
Saturday 3
Holiday. We had tulip bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 4 V1’s flew over, two of which exploded. 4 x air raid warnings. I fetched rhubarb tubers with uncle Luuk from his garden. Father became unwell. Stomach ache and nausea.
Sunday 4
Holiday. Frans was at the altar again. We had salted endive and potatoes from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 11 V1’s flew over, two of which exploded. 2 x air raid warnings. Father isn’t well. Stomach ache and nausea.
Monday 5
Holiday. We had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 6 V1’s flew over of which two exploded. We got a letter, a pair of socks and a loaf of rye bread from aunt Lien. Father went to work, but he hasn’t fully recovered. He’s been to the doctor and was given a medical tonic. He’s not allowed to eat anything from the Central Kitchen for 3 days.
Tuesday 6
Holiday. We had salted Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
11 V1’s flew over, two of which exploded. 7 x air raid warnings. Father stayed at home. Dr. Clias has been. I went to the “Volharding“ (similar to Co-Op) office, to tell them that Father was ill.



Wednesday 7
Holiday. Father stayed at home. Mother went to the Volharding office but got nothing. We had ????? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 4 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded I assembled the radio and tried it out, but it was not working. 1 x air raid warning.
Thursday 8
No confirmation classes. Holiday. We had ???? soup from the Central Kitchen. 16 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. Father is still unwell. Irma, Elly, Coby and I played outside in the afternoon.
Friday 9
Holiday. We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 V1’s flew over.
2 x air raid warnings. Father is still unwell. 2 V1’s exploded. I went to Loosduinen where there had been heavy bombing.
Saturday 10
Holiday. We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 11 V1’s flew over.
3 x air raid warnings. Father is up and about again. I went to the Volharding for yeast.
Sunday 11
Holiday. There was an air raid warning at half past nine in the morning. We thought that church would start at 10.15. But it started at 10 o’clock. We arrived too late. I wasn’t at the altar. But Frans was. In the evening we had sauerkraut with sugar beets from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 9 V1’s flew over, 2 of which exploded. 2 x air raid warnings.
Monday 12
Holiday. We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 10 V1’s flew over. Father and uncle Luuk have been to the doctor. Father hasn’t been back to work yet. Uncle Luuk was planning to go to Rotterdam but it was raining too hard.
Tuesday 13
Uncle Bernard’s birthday Holiday. We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 13 V1’s flew over. In the morning, we had coffee with milk and sugar. Father has not been back to work yet. 2 V1’s exploded. Uncle Gerard’s house was broken into.

Wednesday 14
Holiday. Father hasn’t yet returned to work. In the evening, we had brown bean soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 12 V1’s flew over one of which exploded. 6 x air raid warnings. Irma, Elly, Coby and I played outside.



Thursday 15
Holiday. No confirmation classes. Father still hasn’t returned to work. In the evening, we had red cabbage with sugar beets from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 7 V1’s flew over. 2 x air raid warnings. Stiny and Coby went to aunt Jet’s.
Friday 16
Holiday. In the evening, we had kapucijner (chickpea) soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 V1’s flew over. Father still hasn’t returned to work.
Saturday 17
Holiday. I went to the Volharding in the morning to get yeast. In the evening, we had ???? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 13 V1’s flew over. Father hasn’t returned to work yet. With uncle Luuk and I fetched 100 kg sugar beets from his office. Christmas holiday extended to 5 March 1945 inclusive. Uncle Gerard has been.
Sunday 18
Holiday. Father has been to Uncle Gerard. In the evening, we had carrots and onions from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Irma, Ellly, Coby, Vera and I played outside. Frans was not at the altar. 9 V1’s flew over. Stiny had been to Aunt Jet’s.
Monday 19
Holiday. Father still hasn’t returned to work. He’s been to uncle Gerard’s. In the evening, we had ??? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 9 V1’s flew over, 2 of which exploded. I had planned to go to Servaas in the evening but he wasn’t at home.
Notes: Father went to the Volharding office to ask if he could have a loaf of bread which the other staff members had received because they had guarded the shops. He didn’t get anything however. Uncle Luuk had been to Rotterdam.
Tuesday 20
Holiday. In the evening, we had ??? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 12 V1’s flew over, 1 of which exploded. 3 x air raid warnings. Father has returned to work. Irma got a new little sister called Marion. I fetched a small box of “Sacharine” (sweetners) on the Leeghwaterkade. (Note: sweetners as there was no sugar anymore).
Wednesday 21
Holiday. In the evening, we had chick pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 V1’s flew over, 1 of which exploded. I saw it explode. 10 x air raid warnings. Irma, Coby and I went outside for a little while. I arranged to meet Servaas v. Dam to go fishing tomorrow.
Thursday 22
In the evening, we had red beetroots with sugar beets + meat from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Holiday. No confirmation classes. I went fishing in the Loosduinseweg and caught more than 60 sticklebacks. 15 x air raid warnings. 5 V1’s flew over. Shooting, bombing and flights all day. Irma, Coby and I rollerbladed in the afternoon. Grenade bombs across the whole city, at Westland, Marlot, Bezuidenhout etc. Jo gave birth to a son Tonny.
Friday 23
Holiday. In the evening, we had tulip bulb! stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. I went to Servaas van Dam in the afternoon. 3 x air raid warnings. 10 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. New regulation from the Central Kitchen. Food distribution from
3.30 - 5.30pm.
Saturday 24
Holiday. Turkey has declared war upon Germany and Japan. In the evening, we had tulip bulb soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 5 x air raid warnings. 1 V1 flew over. Yeast is no longer permitted to be sold. Letter from Charles. Uncle Willem’s birthday.
Sunday 25
Holiday. Coby has been to aunt Jet. In the evening, we had Savoy cabbage and sugar beets from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 10 x air raid warnings. Frans was not at the altar. Egypt has declared war upon Germany and Japan. 2 V1’s flew over.
Monday 26
Holiday. In the evening, we had vermicelli soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 10 x air raid warnings. 9 V1’s flew over, one exploded. Bomb in the Spuistraat. Irma, Coby and I played outside. I collected Coby later. I was going to collect a letter from Elly Peysel, but she didn’t have one as she had burnt her hand.
Tuesday 27
Holiday. In the evening, we had flower bulb soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Uncle Bernard had been to a conference in Bagatelle. Uncle Luuk took a crate with empty bottles (in the morning) and collected a crate of full bottles in the afternoon. 7 x air raid warnings. 9 V1’s flew over, 2 of which exploded. Syria has declared war upon Germany and Japan. Uncle Charles came and brought with him: potatoes for uncle Ben and father. For everybody one egg, bread, emergency bread (probably “zeekaken”) + crackers, flour, rye, socks for Father, meat in gravy, oats and oil. In the afternoon I went for a short while to Servaas van Dam and later also with Elly and later on with Irma and 2 other boys.
Wednesday 28
Holiday. In the evening, we had kroten (red beetroots) with carrots and onions from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. In the morning I took uncle Charles’s spectacles to be repaired and picked them up in the evening. 13 x air raid warnings. 5 V1’s flew over. In the evening Thea took a letter to uncle Charles. In the afternoon, Coby, Ima, Elly, Vera, Servaas, Pietje and a few other children played outside. No newspaper.
Thursday 1 March
Irma, Coby and I played outside.
Holiday. No confirmation classes. Uncle Charles left in the morning at 6.30. In the evening we had ???? from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 10 V1’s came over. 8 x air raid warnings. Today we received the birth announcement from A.J. v. Heusden. Mother has gone to Jo. Holiday extended till 2 April inclusive.
Friday 2 March
Holiday. In the morning Mother and I fetched bread, butter and barley from the Swedish Red Cross. In the evening we had flower bulb soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 12 x air raid warnings. 9 V1’s flew over. We are eating white bread with egg given to us by aunt Lien (wife of uncle Charles). Irma, Elly, Vera, Coby and I played outside.
Saturday 3
Holiday. In the evening, we had flower bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 2 V1’s flew over. 3 times air raid warnings. There was heavy bombing in the morning. Bezuidenhout (district in The Hague) is on fire. Also a bomb fell in the Nunspeetlaan. No water, no gas, no electricity. Rumour has it that the English are in
Den Helder. (Navy Base top North West of county North Holland).
Sunday 4
Mrs. Roeseling’s birthday. Holiday. I didn’t go to church. I wrote a letter to Mrs Roeseling. In the evening, we had Savoy cabbage from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 3 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. Jo, Tonny and the baby (called Tonny after his dad) are here.
Monday 5
Holiday. Rieka is here. In the evening, we had ???? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 9 x air raid warnings. No newspaper. 1 VI. Miep and Bob and Jo and Tonny’s houses burnt to the ground.
Tuesday 6
Holiday. I received a letter from Nico and Bookshop Hoonhoud. Aunt Co received a letter from Nico. Cor received a letter from Suze van Hessen. In the evening, we had pigeon bone soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 12 VI’s flew over.
Wednesday 7
Holiday. In the afternoon at 1.15 I was allowed to have a meal at Beusekom’s (the butcher) in the Nunspeetlaan 170. Coby had to be there at 1.30. We had soup with meat. In the evening, we had pigeon bone soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 11 VI’s flew over.
Thursday 8
No confirmation classes. Holiday. 11 V1’s flew over. 3 x air raid warnings. In the evening at 6.50, we had red cabbage from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Mother wrote a letter to aunt Lien. I started writing a letter to Nico.
Friday 9
Holiday. 8 x air raid warnings. 3 VI’s exploded. 13 VI’s flew over. In the evening, we had pea soup from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Bombing throughout the day. Irma, Servaas, Coby, Dickie and I had been outside. Irma has my German exercise book.
Saturday 10
In the evening, we had pea soup from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 13 air raid warnings. 5 VI’s flew over. Bombing and shooting throughout the day.
Sunday 11
Holiday. Uncle Rinus’ birthday. I didn’t go to church. 8 VI’s flew over. 10 x air raid warnings. In the evening, we had stew (stamppot) with peas from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Jo and Tonny have been. Irma, Elly and Vera have been but mother, Coby and I had gone out for a walk.
Monday 12
Holiday. In the evening, we had pea soup from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 15 VI’s flew over, of which one landed on the Kwartellaan. Irma, Elly, Coby, Vera, Servaas, Arie and Yvonne played outside in the afternoon. Bob came.
Tuesday 13
Holiday. I went fishing in the Soestdijksekade and didn’t catch anything. In the evening, we had pea soup from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Father collected it. Bob has been. Irma collected books from Coby. 1 V1 flew over. 8 x air raid warnings.
Wednesday 14
Holiday. In the evening, we had deep freeze stew (Savoy cabbage or sweetheart cabbage) from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 2 V1’s flew over.
4 x air raid warnings. The use of V3 been started. 1 V3 flew over. Co and I had pea soup at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. Mother visited Aunt Jet with Coby.
Thursday 15
No confirmation classes. Holiday. In the evening, we had onion soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. I went fishing in the Soestdijksekade and caught nothing. 1 x air raid warning. 3 V projectiles flew over, 1 V projectile exploded. I returned Servaas’ book to him, have given him one book and he gave me 1 book.

Friday 16
Holiday. . In the evening, we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 8 V projectiles flew over. 3 x air raid warnings.
Saturday 17
Holiday. . In the evening, we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
4 V projectiles flew over. 8 x air raid warnings. 1 V projectile exploded. Letters from aunt Lien. Rumours of Peace Conference.
Notes (Han)
H.C. van Maasdijk taken up temporary position as mayor of ’s Gravenhage (The Hague) and Rijswijk.
Sunday 18
Holiday. I went to church with Father, Mother and Coby. Frans wasn’t at the altar. In the evening, we had red beetroots from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 10 x air raid warnings. 7 V projectiles flew over, one of which exploded. Irma, Vera, Servaas and Arie played outside in the afternoon with Coby and I. Pastor v. Harderwijk is with Pastor Roeseling.
Monday 19
In the evening, we had ??????? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
10 V projectiles flew over. 8 x air raid warnings. 2 V projectiles exploded.
(St Josef) Tuesday 20
Holiday. I brought 30 metres washing line for aunt Co. I took a letter to Thea. Aunt Cor and Stiny went to Westland and brought back endive and celery. In the evening, we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 10 x air raid warnings.
7 V projectiles flew over. Irma fetched Coby’s book.
Wednesday 21
Holiday. We received an extra 400 gram “regeringsbrood” (government) bread from the International Red Cross in Geneva. In the evening, we had red beetroots from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 5 V projectiles flew over. 7 x air raid warnings. In the afternoon, Coby and I had vegetable soup at the butchers in the Nunspeetlaan.
Thursday 22
No confirmation classes. Holiday. Mother and I went to Westland from 8 o’clock to 3 o’clock and brought back 4 kg spinach. In the evening, we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 V projectiles flew over, 1 of which exploded. 10 x air raid warnings. The English have crossed the Rhine at Maine-Mannheim.
Friday 23
Holiday. In the morning Uncle Luuk and I fetched 0.8 mud anthracite from Mr Hekman in the Rutger Jan Schimmelpennincklaan. 0.8 mud. In the evening, we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 V projectiles flew over, 1 of which landed in “sperrgebiet” (German word), a no go area for Dutch people, occupied by the Germans.
11 x air raid warnings.
Saturday 24
Holiday. In the evening, we had rye porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
6 x air raid warnings. England has started a big offensive in The Netherlands. Irma, Coby and I played outside in the afternoon. Letters from Mr. Donia for Mr. Bakker. Mr. Donia was the headmaster of our grammar school and Mr. Bakker a teacher in Geography.
Notes (Han)
Coby wasn’t well on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, being 21, 22 and 23 March. The English crossed the Rhine at Emmerik, Rees, Wesel into Germany.
Sunday 25
Holiday. Palm Sunday. Stieny, (another spelling of Stiny). Coby and I went to church and we received palms. Frans was once again at the altar. 4 x air raid warnings. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Monday 26
Holiday. Irma, Elly, Yvonne, Servaas, Coby and I played outside in the afternoon. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 V projectiles flew over, 2 of which exploded. 1 x air raid warning.
Tuesday 27
Holiday. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 3 x air raid warnings. 6 V projectiles flew over, 1 of which exploded. I fetched a letter for Cor from Elly via Thea’s sister.
Wednesday 28
Holiday. We received a letter from aunt Lien. At 7 o’clock in the evening we had carrot and onion stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I had hashed meat with potatoes at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. Uncle Luuk is receiving extra food rations (bijvoeding). 1 V projectile flew over.

“Witte Donderdag” (“Maundy Thursday”) Thursday 29
No confirmation classes. Holiday. 10 o’clock Holy Communion Service. Stieny, Coby and I have been to church. Frans was also at the altar. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 1 x air raid warning. We received 400 gram white bread, 125 gram margarine and Coby 250 gram oatmeal from the Swedish Red Cross.

Good Friday 30
Holiday. 10 o’clock Holy Communion Service. Stieny, Coby and I have been to church. In the afternoon, aunt Co, Stieny and I went to a string quartet in our church,
J. Hayden’s “7 Kruiswoorden” In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 9 x air raid warnings.
Easter Saturday 31
Aunt Lena’s birthday. Holiday. Vera van Spanje’s birthday. No Easter Services. Stieny,
Coby and Mother have been to Westland (endive : 15 kg at f 0,70, lettuce at 20 cent each and rhubarb: 2 bunches at f 1,50). In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 3 x air raid warnings.
Notes (Han): “In the choice of love, everyone is their own boss and a fool in the eye of another”.
In 1945 606 V projectiles flew over, 69 exploded.
Easter Sunday 1 April
Holiday. 10 o’clock. Holy Communion Service. Aunt Co, Stieny ma, pa, Coby and I have been to church. Frans was also at the altar. In the evening we had carrot and onion stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Uncle Gerard’s house has been broken into again. We had a salad with our bread.
Easter Monday 2 April
Holiday. No church. We again had a salad with our bread. We also had coffee with milk. In the evening we had carrot and onion stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
4 x air raid warnings. Yesterday, Frans and I were given f 1,00 from the Pastor.
Tuesday 3
Back to school. (Laan 5). We were only at school for a short time. In future we will have school on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 o’clock to 11.30 o’clock. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 x air raid warnings.
I bought the book: “Sports Fisherman Pay Attention” (Sportvissers opgepast).
Wednesday 4
In the evening we had deepfreeze stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 2 x air raid warnings. Today we were allowed to go home at 11 o’clock. Eating at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan has been postponed till Thursday 5 April 1945. I fetched 30 kg potatoes with uncle Luuk from his office.
Thursday 5
No lessons. Irma, Coby and I went to Westland (spinach 10 Kg = f 5,50, rhubard 2 Kg f 0,80, radishes 10 bunches f 1,60). It was raining very hard on the way back, Coby and I went back with the mail-coach. We had vegetable soup with meat at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. We received 400 gram white bread from the Swedish Red Cross. In the evening we had a thick vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. The soup at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan was too late because there wasn’t any meat. For a few days now, there has also been low water pressure due to a shortage of electricity.
Friday 6
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in Gaslaan. Bread rations reduced by 200 grams. There were only 4 other children in our class. Yesterday for the first time, Uncle Luuk got extra food portions (bijvoeding) (*I.K.B. Nunspeetlaan).
*I.K.B. = Inter Kerkelijk Bureau = Church Organisation.
Saturday 7
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 1 x air raid warning. There seem to be dahlia bulbs in the soup over the last few days. It has a bitter taste.
Sunday 8
In the evening we had endive and potato stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.

Pastor Roeseling took the Service in Voorburg. Pastor van Harderwijk at ours. Frans was

also at the altar. I should have operated the organ pedals today but Paul did it.
Monday 9
We got an extra half liter buttermilk from the Central Kitchens. (Distribution point Teylerstraat) queued from 1 o’clock to 4 o’clock. In the evening we had a thin vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We made porridge with barley from the buttermilk. Letter from aunt To.
Tuesday 10
Odessa fell a year ago. Irma and I have been to Westland. 1 x air raid warning. I took uncle Luuk’s suitcase to Velpsestaat 17g. In the evening we had Savoy Cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Aunt Cor had also been to Westland.
Wednesday 11
In the evening we had Savoy cabbage deep-freeze soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I had soup with meat and minced meat from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. Irma, Elly Coby, Yvonne and I played outside in the afternoon. During the game, I wacked my head into Elly’s head making her fly across the street.
Thursday 12
No confirmation classes. In the evening we had porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Today or yesterday President Roosevelt died of a brain aneurism. (a cerebral haemorrhage). I became ill in the morning, severe shakes, I went to bed and had a stomach upset, diarrhoea and headache, a temperature.

Friday 13
In the evening we had porridge (gone off/turned sour) from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I didn’t go to school. I stayed in bed. I might have a light concussion. Coby has brought me homework. We received 400 grams white bread and Coby 250 grams rice from the Swiss Government Organisation.
Saturday 14
In the evening we had a thin soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We opened a pot of meat from aunt Lien, minced the meat and mixed everything into a stew. (hotch potch).
I still stayed in bed.
Bob Ruis (neighbour’s son, friend and school-mate ) fell on top of a landmine during the chopping of logs and flew into the air.
(Han underlined with red pencil about Rob Ruis plus his following notes), probably of shock and worry. Notes Han:
We were under curfew this week. When will the liberation come ???? Bread rations have been fixed at 600 gram per week !!!!!!! And then ……….???!!!
Sunday 15
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I got up again at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. I didn’t go to church. Frans however was at the altar.
Monday 16
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Today and tomorrow razzia’s on men up to 60 years of age.
Note Coby: Han crossed out the following: (Groningen, Friesland and Drente have been liberated. The entire Afsluitsdijk is in Allied hands (undamaged). The Allies have already crossed this. These rumours are doing the rounds). Mother has been to family Ruis. I wrote a letter.
The “Afsluitdijk” is between the county North Holland and Friesland, crossing the sea in the North of Holland, from West to East, Friesland on the border of North West Germany.
Tuesday 17
I went to the doctor’s with mother and I have to stay in bed for a few more days. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Cor and Stien have been inoculated against typhus. Stien became unwell.
Wednesday 18
Coby and I had vegetable soup from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. Mother fetched it for me. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I still stayed in bed.


Thursday 19
No confirmation classes. Henk Grandia’s birthday. In the evening we had swedes from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I still stayed in bed. In the evening we got carrots and onions with a tin of meat from aunt Co.
Friday 20
Hitler’s birthday. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I still stayed in bed. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross. He was given an extra loaf of bread. We received 400 gram white bread and Coby 125 gram rice and 125 gram oatmeal from the Swiss Government Food Organisation. Notes. Friday 20 April 1945: There was a meeting in the office in the evening from 7.16 o’clock to 7.45 at *Vlera’s (1 member per household) regarding the place and the supply of provisions, which people are given in our cellar when there are street fights. In addition, 30 to 35 able-bodied men were chosen.
* Vlera = a meeting place.
Saturday 21
I still stayed in bed. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. In the afternoon from 2.30 to 4.30 1 cubic metre sand was hoisted onto the roofs of every other 3 residential roofs. Coby went to an afternoon school in the Hemsterhuisstraat
( 2-4 o’clock). It was about Indonesia (Saidja + Adinda), a Wajang puppet show, a shadow show.
Sunday 22
In the evening we had “stoofsla stampot” (a stew of a lettuce one can cook) from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I didn’t go to church. In the afternoon we had a salad with our bread. I got up in the afternoon. Coby went to the van Spanjes in the afternoon. In the evening we had “raapstelen” (turnip tops) with a pot of minced meat from aunt Lien.
Monday 23
In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. (Swedish Red Cross). Mother went to Bob Ruis’s funeral in the morning. I stayed in bed this morning. The stove was on for the last time yesterday. How are we going to cook food from now on ??????
When will liberation come ??????????
Tuesday 24
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan (Swedish Red Cross). In the afternoon, I went with mother to the pedicurist to pay for her support soles and after that we went for a long walk and ate “slagcreme” (made from beetroot juices). We stoked up the stove again but what will happen tomorrow ?????????????????


Wednesday 25
In the evening we had “stoofsla” stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father had to do a bread delivery for the Red Cross and was therefore given an extra loaf of bread.
I haven’t been to school yet. Irma is ill. Food from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan has been postponed till Friday. Coby and I have registered at the I.K.B. for extra rations (school).
Wednesday: Today the Peace Conference begins in San Francisco, attended by 44 countries. Stiny isn’t well, she’s in bed.
Thursday 26
No confirmations classes. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father had to do a bread delivery for the Red Cross and was therefore given an extra loaf of white bread. Father was also given a parcel from the Volharding office. When we went to the Central Kitchen, we bumped into Irma and Marion. Coby and I have received a request from the I.K.B to come for a medical examination. Cor and Stiny have been inoculated for the 2nd time.
Friday 27
Coby and I didn’t go to school because we had to attend the I.K.B’s medical at
Heelsumstraat 59 at 10.15 am. At 4 o’clock in the afternoon we had soup from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father had to do a bread delivery for the Red Cross and was therefore given an extra loaf of white bread. He also got a loaf of white bread for preparing onions. We received 400 gram of white bread from the Swedish Red Cross, 125 gram margarine, 200 for Coby, 250 gram porridge oats and 250 grams extra cheese.
Saturday 28
Irma’s birthday. We went to Irma at half past 2 till 5 o’clock and gave her flowers. In the evening we had chick pea-vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I bought a brooch for Mother’s birthday I bought a book ‘Abridged History of Indonesia to the arrival of the Dutch’. I gave Aunt Co flowers. Rumours of peace. My watch has been repaired.
Sunday 29
I’ve been to church again. Frans was also at the altar. In the evening we had soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. In the afternoon, food parcels were dropped over Ypenburg and Valkenburg by Avro Lancaster bombers. Cor and I stood on Capitol Cinema’s roof. Rumours of peace (perhaps 1 May).
Monday 30
I’ve been to school again. Elly is ill (van Spanje). In the evening we had buttermilk porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. In the afternoon, food parcels were dropped over Ypenburg and Valkenburg airfields Den Deyl, Duindigt etc. by Avro Lancaster bombers, parcels consisting of tea, egg (in powder form), bacon, dried meat, margarine, chocolate bars, cacao, cheese, wheat flour, sugar, beans etc.
Adolf Hitler “dood” (dead). “Under “dood” was a fierce stripe, probably it meant a great relief to Han. Coby’s Note: I am sure to everybody else.
Tuesday 1 May
Mother’s birthday. In the evening we had lentil soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
For a few days some food parcels were from the Swiss Red Cross. In the mornings and afternoons food parcels with provisions were dropped on the aforementioned places by respectively Boeing Fortress and Avro Lancasters. Bob, Jo and Pastor have been. I gave mother the brooch and Coby a small “kleedje” (tablecloth or something). Father, Coby and I gave mother flowers. Big celebrations in The Hague.
Wednesday 2 May
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Uncle Luuk was admitted to the hospital at the Zuidwal. Eating at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan has been postponed to Thursday 3 May 1945. Mother visited uncle Luuk. In the afternoon food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancasters. Coby and I received food from the I.K.B. District Office in the Heelsumstraat 6 x per week. Father has again accompanied the Red Cross delivering bread and has therefore received 1 extra loaf of bread.
Thursday 3
No confirmation classes. Father delivered bread for the Red Cross and received 1 extra loaf of white bread. In the evening we had rye porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I fetched 10 Kg potatoes for f5,00 and half a loaf of Swedish white bread for uncle Luuk at the tax office. From today, no further bread will be baked. Mother fetched some of uncle Luuk’s things from Mrs Hulscher in the morning. Coby and I have had some soup from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. In the afternoon, Coby and I were again examined in the Heelsumstraat. In the afternoon food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancasters.
Friday 4
In the evening, we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross and received 2 white loaves. We received 400 grams of white bread from the Swedish Red Cross. In the afternoon food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancaster bombers. In the afternoon I went with Irma to Westland. Elly van Spanje is well again. In the morning I went to the Tax Office to say that uncle Luuk has been admitted to hospital at the Zuidwal. (? was already admitted on 2 May?)
Capitulation from W.W. (must have been west) Germany, Denmark and Holland has been announced.
Saturday 5
In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. At 8 o’clock this morning, the capitulation went into effect. Gerard (son of uncle Luuk) came from visiting uncle Luuk. Mother and I have been to Binnenhof to fetch provisions for uncle Luuk. Mother went to uncle Luuk in the afternoon. In the morning food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancasters and Boeing Fortresses. On the meat coupon one can get dried meat which has been dropped by the English. Coby has fetched tickets from the I.K.B.
Note: “Binnenhof” and “Buitenhof” in the middle of The Hague are government buildings.
Sunday 6 May
Tonny’s birthday. Cor has been to church again for the first time. Frans was also there. We had rye porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother, father and Coby have gone to visit Jo and Tonny. Aunt Co and Stien have been to uncle Luuk. This afternoon at 4 o’clock the first Allied Troops crossed the front line. At 12 noon the red white and blue flag was hoisted on the Haagse Toren. (Tower). All N.S.B. members (N.S.B = Nationaal Socialistische Beweging) (The National Socialist Movement) were picked up. Irma, Elly, Stien, Cor, Han and Coby went into town this evening.
Monday 7 May
In the evening we had thick pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I also had thick porridge in “Vlera” from the I.K.B. In the morning and the afternoon, food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancasters and Boeing Fortress bombers. N.S.B. members are still being picked up. Mother has been to uncle Luuk. She has also been to Mrs Hulscher with Coby to fetch uncle Luuk’s possessions).
Tuesday 8
Dankstond (Thanksgiving) in all churches in Great The Hague (Groot-Den-Haag). No service in our church. In the evening we had lentil soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Uncle Luuk died at a quarter to six in the morning. Mother and aunt Co have gone across. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross and received 1 extra loaf of bread. In the afternoon, food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancaster bombers. Coby and I received two meal coupons from the I.K.B. on the occasion of the liberation. The Princess Irene Brigade entered The Hague at 7 o’clock in the evening.
Wednesday 9
Coby fetched two meal coupons for father and mother, on the occasion of the liberation. In the evening, we had rye porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father and mother had pea soup from the I.K.B. Coby had broad bean soup. I had buttermilk porridge. Today no food from the butcher in the Nunspeetlaan. Postponed till next week. We received 400 gram government bread from the Red Cross, Coby 500 grams grain products and 250 gram rice.

Thursday 10
No confirmation classes. 10 o’clock Holy Communion Service. Coby and I have been to church. Frans was also there. We had pea-lentil soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan and kapucijner soup. Father, mother, Coby and I had rye porridge from the I.K.B. In the future, air drops of food supplies will no longer be done.
Friday 11
I have been standing all day with father at the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat and have eaten myself silly on cream cakes. Coby is ill, she’s in bed. In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father and mother had buttermilk porridge from the I.K.B. Coby and I broad bean soup. From now on, we will only receive “plaatbrood”. (Coby – note: Han crossed this last sentence out).
Saturday 12
In the evening, we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rye porridge from the I.K.B. We received food provisions and articles from the Allied Forces, which were laid down by the 1st distribution of Allied Forces food provisions under insert II.
Sunday 13
Mother’s Day. We had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I haven’t been to church due to diarrhoea. Gerard and Kiek (sons of uncle Luuk) came this morning.
J. Parree and Frans de Winter were at the altar. Coby has recovered. Aunt Co is better again. Stien has diarrhoea.
Monday 14
Anniversary of aunt Co and uncle Ben’s bridal days. Uncle Luuk was buried at Nieuw Eik and Duinen this morning. We all had to go to school. Coby went on her own. I went to the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rye porridge from the I.K.B. For allied food provisions see insert II. (No inserts 1 and 2 were there).
Tuesday 15
In the evening, we had lentil soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had broad bean soup from the I.K.B. In the afternoon I fetched the circulars at the “Haagse Courant” for father. For Allied food provisions see insert II. I delivered the circulars with father in the evening.
Wednesday 16
In the evening we had thin rye porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had thick pea soup from the I.K.B. Coby and I had vegetable and pea soup from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. We went to school for a short while but were turned back because the school had to be cleaned. I dropped into the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat for Allied provisions, see the I.K.B’s insert II, everybody got 3 fondants.
Thursday 17
No confirmation classes. Mother and I took uncle Luuk’s things (papers?) to the Tax Office this morning. I then continued to the office and then to the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat. For Allied provisions see Insert II. Uncle Luuk’s Gerard has been. In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan We each got 3 fondants from the I.K.B.
Friday 18
In the evening, we had runner beans with white bean stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had ?? from the I.K.B. Mother again fetched I.K.B. coupons for us in Salvatori. We went to school today.
Saturday 19
In the evening, we had runner beans with white bean stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had brown bean soup from the I.K.B. I spent the whole day at the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat. See Insert II for Allied provisions. Holiday.
Notes: This week, stamps issue 1940 depicting the Queen have become valid again. From now on, everything which was distributed before, free of charge has to be paid for now
1ste Pinkersterdag Whit Sunday20
Holiday. In the evening we had purslane and endive stew. Mother, Father, Coby Cor and I have been to church. Frans de W. and Joop P. were there as well. We went for a walk in the afternoon and had a drink in a café on the Laan van Eik en Duinen. Food from the Central Kitchen was sour. (gone off).
2de Pinkersterdag Whit Monday 21
Holiday. Cor was “gevormd” (confirmed) a year ago. In the evening we had endive, vegetable and pea stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had thick wheat porridge from the I.K.B in “Vlera”. The Canadian Victory Parade which should have taken place this week, has been called off. The football match with the Canadians that Cor and I would have gone to is postponed because of the parade.
Together, we had 2 little fondants and 2 vitamins from the I.K.B
Tuesday 22
In the evening we had a thin porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. In the afternoon and evening, we had pea soup and 4 vitamin pralines together from the I.K.B.
I spent the whole day in the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat. I saw Tom van Zijdervelt. Holiday.
Meeting.

Wednesday 23
In the evening we had pea soup stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. From the I.K.B, we had a thin pea soup, 4 oranges and 4 vitamins together. Food from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan has been discontinued. We went back to school.
Thursday 24
No confirmation classes. We went to school. In the evening we had a thin vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had pea soup and 2 oranges and 2 vitamins each. We received a letter from aunt To. Cox had to deliver 4 letters for Mr Donia and myself 1. Coby took them all. No food at “Vlera”.
Friday 25
Anneke de Beer’s birthday. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had vegetable soup and 2 vitamins each from the I.K.B. We have been to school. Coby and I fetched coupons from the I.K.B. I got another letter from Mr Donia and Coby delivered it. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross and got 1 white loaf and one government loaf.
Saturday 26
In the evening we had ___??_______ from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had
?? from he I.K.B. Charles arrived in the evening at 11 o’clock.
Sunday 27
*Rob Ruis and Mr Broekhuisen’s (teacher) birthdays. We had ?? from the Central Kitchen. Charles and I have been to church. Instead of being at the altar I sat with Charles in church because I had diarrhoea. Cor and Frans were at the altar.
*Passed away, see Exercise book 1) 14 April 1945.
Monday 28
Coby and I have not been to school or the I.K.B. Liberation party on the Apeldoornselaan. Coby and I joined in the parade dressed up as farmer and his wife. Stien was wearing a dress which had : flower bulbs, sugar beets, celery and labels of all sorts of surrogate packaging sewn onto it. Cor was wearing a suit which had all the English food tins sewn onto it. We had ?? from the Central kitchen in the Gaslaan. Anneke de Beer has been. I returned home at about 10 o’clock in the evening as I became unwell. The others continued till about 12 o’clock. Elly van Spanje also joined us till about 10 o’clock. Irma is ill.
Tuesday 29
In the evening we had red beetroot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had pea soup and only 1 tin of rice and 2 tins green peas from the I.K.B. as Coby had lost her coupon. Coby is ill, she’s in bed.

Wednesday 30
Irma, Han and Coby have been to school again. Elly van Spanje and Mrs van Spanje are ill. We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge and lettuce stew from the I.K.B. Charles left at about 7 o’clock in the morning. We commemorated Peace at school in the afternoon. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross and got 1 extra white loaf. Stien and Cor have won first prize and the honorary prize at the liberation party, a small standard lamp and half a pound of sugar. Coby and I have the 6th prize, a photo album with corners.
Thursday 31
Miep’s birthday. Uncle Bernard, mother and Coby have been to Miep’s. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross and got 1 extra white loaf. In the evening we had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. The I.K.B had sour sugar beets with “kroten” (red beetroot) stew in Salvatori. Coby and I didn’t go there. We had porridge from the I.K.B.
Friday 1 June
School Sports Day last year. In the evening, we had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had brown bean soup from the I.K.B. Kiek has been.
Saturday 2
Stamp Exhibition in Pulchri Studio last year. (Perforated stamps in aid of the Red Cross). In the evening we had tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had pea soup from the I.K.B. Father is ill, he’s in bed. Gerard has been.
Sunday 3
Stamp Exhibition in Pulchri Studio last year. (Perforated stamps in aid of the Red Cross). In the evening we had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We received an extra portion in every pan. Father is still ill; he’s still in bed. In the evening, mother, Coby and I went to the liberation party in the Delftselaan which was electrically illuminated.
Monday 4
Aunt Co’s and uncle Ben’s 21st wedding anniversary. Mother gave aunt Co a bunch of Irises. In the evening we had buttermilk porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Food from the I.K.B. was declared not fit for consumption. A Fair in the Nunspeetlaan. Liberation party in the Lunterenstraat. Uncle Chiel returned at 8.30 in the evening released as a Prisoner of War. Father is well again.
Tuesday 5
Last year Rome fell. A Fair is in the Nunspeetlaan. In the evening we had red beetroot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had eiermeelpap (dried egg powder porridge) from the I.K.B.


Wednesday 6
Invasion of France last year (Le Havre etc). Youth concert last year. We had tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had dried egg powder porridge from the I.K.B. All of us went to uncle Chiel in the evening. Liberation party on the Dierenselaan which is electrically illuminated.
Thursday 7
No confirmation classes. Big demonstration by new Canadian troops with heavy weapons on the renbaan (race-course) Duindigt in the afternoon from 1 – 4 o’clock. Liberation party on the Dierenselaan. We had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had eiermeel pap (dried egg powder porridge) from the I.K.B.
Friday 8
In the evening, we had chickpea stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rye porridge from the I.K.B. Big demonstration by new Canadian troops with heavy weapons on the renbaan Duindigt in the afternoon from 1 – 4 o’clock. Liberation party on the Dierenselaan.
Saturday 9
In the evening, we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Liberation party at the Dierenselaan, Noorderbeekdwarsstraat, Fultonstraat, Newtonstraat and Weimarstraat. We had rye porridge from the I.K.B.
Sunday 10
In the evening we had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Church Service for the English in the morning at 7.30am. (I didn’t go because I didn’t know about it), normal Service at 10 o’clock. Service for the English at 6.45 o’clock in the evening. I did go to this one.
Monday 11
In the evening, we had biscuit porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. In the evening Cor and I went to a fancy dress football match at the sports field in the Gaslaan. Uncle Gerard, aunt Lena and Joop returned home. Hooray!!!!, the tram is back in action. I treated Irma, Elly and Coby to a tram ride. Somebody on the tram gave me an English cigarette.
Notes: I got 2 cigarettes from Cor’s girlfriend and gave Father one of them. I got a new watch chain from Father. Father was on guard duty at the Volharding building from 6 o’clock in the evening till 5 o’clock in the morning. He doesn’t have to work tomorrow.
Tuesday 12
In the evening, we had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge and 2 vitamins each from the I.K.B. In the morning, I fetched buttermilk porridge for father from the Volharding. Cor received news that he is to go to Amersfoort*. He’s been to Pastor and aunt Riek. In the morning, mother went to the doctor’s for a skin test (eczema) and after that she went to the evacuation office in the Trompstraat. Liberation party on the Loosduinseweg (Groenestraat – Mackaystraat). Some people have gas and electricity.
*Amersfoort Old-Catholic Seminary: training for priesthood.
Wednesday 13
In the evening, we had lentil soup and 3 vitamins each from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Cor left at about 8 o’clock in the morning on Stien’s bike. Mother filled in and delivered the form from the evacuation office. I got cigarettes from Cor’s girlfriend and I gave one to father. In the evening mother, Coby and Elly went to the liberation party on the Weimarstraat. We got home at 11.30. Party also on the La Reyweg.
Thursday 14
No confirmation classes. King Leopold of Belgium was taken to Germany last year. In the evening, we had beetroots from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge and 2 vitamins each from the I.K.B. Liberation party on the Beeklaan and the Loosduinseweg. Uncle Luuk’s Gerard has been. Beb gave me 4 cigarettes. (Note Coby: Han had crossed this last sentence out: probably belonged to Friday 15).
Friday 15
We had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge and 2 vitamins and 2 small bottles of tomato juice each from the I.K.B. I got 4 cigarettes from Beb.
Saturday 16
Exhibition of works by Jan v. Heel in the Zeestraat 63, in the afternoon at 3 o’clock. We had lentil soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge and 2 vitamins each from the I.K.B. Food at “Vlera” was declared unfit for consumption and after that we got half a pound of cheese.
(Jan van Heel, well known artist of paintings and art teacher).
Sunday 17
My bike was stolen last year. We had carrot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother, Coby and I went to church. Frans was also at the altar.
Monday 18
We had biscuit porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge from the I.K.B. Liberation party on the field of the Gaslaan.
Tuesday 19
Uncle Bernard has gone fishing again for the first time. In the evening we had carrots from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rice flour porridge from the I.K.B. Liberation party on the field of the Gaslaan. There’s been some thunder.


Wednesday 20
In the evening we had lentil-tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rice flour porridge from the I.K.B. Liberation parties on the Princegracht and the Lijnbaan. I got 18 ounces of biscuit coupons and one bread coupon from Web. Father sold the biscuit coupons to aunt Co for f 7,00.
Thursday 21
No confirmation classes. Liberation party on the Loosduinseweg. Start of the summer. We had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rice flour porridge from the I.K.B. We went home on the tram.
Friday 22
Liberation party on the Loosduinseweg. We had green pea stew from the Cenetral Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had semolina porridge from the I.K.B. We went home on the tram. The majority of Canadians have gone.
Saturday 23
Bob’s birthday. Liberation party on the Loosduinseweg. We had sour porridge (gone off) from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rice flour porridge from the I.K.B.
Sunday 24
In the evening we had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I went to church on my own in the morning. Frans was also there. Mother, father + Coby went to Bob in the afternoon. Church of England 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
Monday 25
The old potatoes are without coupon. In the evening we had biscuit porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rice flour porridge from the I.K.B. Father, mother, Coby, aunt Co (later), uncle Bernard + Stiny and I went to aunt Lena because Joop (her son) has come home. Father bought cigarette-paper from uncle Bernard.
Tuesday 26
We had porridge oats from the I.K.B. We had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I went to the party in the Gallileistraat. Also party on the Valkenboslaan.
Wednesday 27
In the evening, we had pea-tomato stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge oats and 2 vitamins and a letter each stating that this week was the I.K.B.’s last time Aunt Jeanne’s birthday. I went to the party in the Gallileistraat and heard the Queen’s speech. Parties also on the Valkenboslaan + the Weimarstraat.


Thursday 28
No confirmation classes. Aunt Co left on the boat to Haarlem at around 7.30 this morning. She’s going to aunt To. In the evening we had carrot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge + 2 vitamins each from the I.K.B.
Friday 29
Prince Bernard’s birthday. We had the afternoon off school. Irma, Elly, Coby + I saw the Prince. In the evening we had a thin tomato soup from the Central Kitchen. I was given coupons for 18 ounces of biscuits from Thea. Liberation party in the Noorderbeekstraat.
Saturday 30
Liberation party in the Noorderbeekstraat. Thea gave me 2 bread coupons. We had porridge + 2 vitamins each for the last time from the I.K.B. In the evening from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan……… (note Co: Han suddenly stops here)
Sunday 1 July
Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion. 6.30 p.m. Evensong. I went to this. Miss Kruller (teacher in History and English) was there in the evening. Father went with me in the morning. In the evening we had carrot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Monday 2
Coby and I have stayed over for the first time. (probably in the house we started to live in after leaving the cellar under the café restaurant). Father is on holiday. J.M. Kruller has given me extra English lessons and she lent me a book. Aunt Co arrived home in the afternoon. We had rye flour porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Tuesday 3
In the evening we had sour (gone off) porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Wednesday 4
In the evening we had thick pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We again stayed over. In the afternoon we went home by tram. I gave Miss Kruller coupons for 1800 gram biscuits + Coby a coupon for 300 gram.
Thursday 5
No confirmation classes. In the morning mother and father left for aunt To on the 9 o’clock boat. I took them to the boat. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I went to the Pulchri Studio in the afternoon (Exhibition B.Z.P.C. + X.L.M).? Coby and I went to Irma in the evening.



Friday 6
The Queen entered The Hague. The Palace has been decorated for the party. There is no school. In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I helped family van Spanje to move house. Ship workers have started working again in Rotterdam. No school.


Saturday 7
Rieka’s birthday. “Take care of birds”, J.v.d. Berg Apeldoornselaan f6,50. Gedempte Burgwal between 5 and 6 o’clock. In the evening we had carrot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I got 3 biscuit coupons from Beb. I sold them to aunt Co for f 20.
Note Coby: “Take care of Birds” was probably a book.
Notes: Barber f 0,35, Bathhouse f 0.15, Newspaper f 0,10, Organ-grinder f 0,05,
Exhibition f 0.25.
Sunday 8
In the evening we had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I tried to go to Irma but we didn’t manage to get through the control-post. Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion at 6.30 p.m. Evensong. Nico came over in the afternoon.
Monday 9
Father’s birthday. In the evening we had carrot soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Jo is courting. Coby and I stayed over again. Father and mother returned home at about 3.30 in the afternoon. Uncle Gerard, aunt Lena, Miep and Riek came over.
Tuesday 10
We had carrot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Liberation party in *Westeinde. Aunt Lien arrived at ours with daughter Toos (Tootje) (pronounce ToasToasje)(Toatje) at around 2.30 in the afternoon. Hooray, we got electric light at about 3.30 this afternoon.
*Westeinde is a street in the town centre.
Wednesday 11
We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I stayed over again.
Thursday 12
No lessons. Anniversary of Mother’s and Father’s bruidsdagen. (bridal days). Aunt Lien and Tootje left in the morning on the 9 o’clock boat. In the evening we had “spitskool” sweetheart cabbage) stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.



Friday 13
Tante Lien and Tootje returned home at around 3.30 in the afternoon due to many explosions in Driehuis. (village near IJmuiden. Prince Bernhard in The Hague. Irene Brigade parade. In the evening we had sweetheart stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I got 3 biscuit coupons from Thea.
Saturday 14
Ans’ birthday. Forgotten
Sunday 15
Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion. 6.30 p.m. Evensong. In the evening we had sweetheart cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Monday 16
Forgotten
Tuesday 17
Be at school at 9.30. Forgotten
Wednesday 18
In the evening we had buttermilk porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Thursday 19
No confirmation classes. In the evening we had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Friday 20
School for the last time. In the evenings we had __??__ from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Miss Kruller has left for England.
Saturday 21
Holiday. Family Ruis dropped in this week for a short while. Aunt Lien made swimming trunks.
Notes:
Jesu (jiesoe) (Dutch Pronunciation)
Jesus (djiesus) ( the same as above )
Sunday 22
Aunt Co and uncle Ben’s 25 year wedding anniversary celebrated last year. Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion 6.30 p.m Evensong. In the evening we had sweetheart cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Monday 23
Holiday. In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. I went to Bep Conradi’s. Hoera (Hooray), we’ve had gas again for 2 ½ hours.
Tuesday 24
Holiday. To be at school at 09.30. Coby, Irma, Elly and I are all “over” (past to the next class). In the evening we had sweetheart stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Wednesday 25
Holiday. In the evening we had a thin endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Aunt Lien + Tootje + Stiny have left for Arnhem “liften”. (hitch-hiking). I took them to Voorburg. Coby and I swam in the Regentes. (Public swimming-pool).
Thursday 26
Holiday. In the evening we had flour porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Mother, Coby and I went to Mrs Ruis in the evening. I fetched a permit for Mother.
Friday 27
Holiday. Mother and father’s wedding anniversary. Aunt Co, Coby and I gave them flowers. We had buttermilk porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. I went to Mr Lijnstok and to the Zuiderpark in the afternoon.
Saturday 28
Holiday. Cor came home at half past 12. Aunt Co and uncle Bernard have gone to aunt To. To fetch Irma before 11 o’clock. In the evening we had potatoes and meat from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Sunday 29
Elly’s birthday. Holiday. 8 a.m. Church of England. Holy Communion Service at 6.30 p.m. Evensong. In the evening we had sweetheart cabbage, brown bean and red cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Monday 30
Holiday. 7 o’clock this afternoon opening of the Zuiderpark swimmingpool. At 4.45 mother went to the evacuation office. I took her there. In the evening we had bean soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Tuesday 31
Holiday. In the evening we had stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Irma has been.
Wednesday August 1
I swam in the Zuiderpark pool. American Airforce 38th anniversary. Concert on the Plaats. (Square in town). In the evening we had biscuit porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Thursday 2
No confirmation classes. We had buttermilk porridge from the Cental Kichen in the Gheinstraat. Cor, Bep and I went to “Snip en Snap” (well known cabaret/revue show) in the afternoon. Annie came by car. She was brought by a nurse.
Friday 3
In the evening we had biscuit porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Elly van Spanje came. She invited Coby to come over this coming Sunday.
Saturday 4
Holiday. Lissone-Lindeman. (well known Travel Agency). Train to Woerden, by bike what time?
Sunday 5
Holiday. English Church only at 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
Monday 6
Coby’s birthday. Holiday. K.N.A.C. (Koninklijke Nederlandse Automobile Club).1 received 1 list of traffic regulations in English + 2 long lists of technical traffic terms. Police station Alexanderveldhoek Laan Copes – caught 2 fish. Uncle Bernard has gone fishing.
Tuesday 7
Holiday. I left at 9 o’clock in the morning with Cor to Driehuis and arrived at aunt To at
3 o’clock.
Wednesday 8
Holiday.
Thursday 9
Holiday.
Friday 10
Holiday. We should have gone to The Hague again but due to the bad weather we decided to leave tomorrow. Uncle Siem came home for an hour under military escort.
Saturday 11
Holiday. We walked to Haarlem and and then took the tram to The Hague. We returned home at around 1 o’clock. In the evening we had sweet porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Sunday 12
Holiday. English Church 8 a.m. Holy Communion Service, 6.30 p.m. Evensong. In the evening we had big bean stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Monday 13
Holiday. Exhibition of the The Hague school in Kunsthandel Liernur, Zeestraat. In the evening we had (Note Coby: Han didn’t finish his sentence here) …….. from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. I fetched a permit for Uncle Ben and myself. I had applied for a fishing permit for uncle Bernard and myself at the old Town Hall. I went to the
R.J. Schimmelpennincklaan for a domiciliary permit for Annie.
Tuesday 14
Holiday. Aunt Lena’s Joop’s birthday. Father and I went round to Joop in the evening. In the morning mother and Coby left on the 11.05 train to Driehuis. In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.


Ascension Day of the Virgin Mary Wednesday 15
Holiday. Japan has capitulated. Open air exhibition of young artists’ works in the Lange Vijverberg in town with the Government buildings. Holy Service at half past ten. In the evening we had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Hoera. (Hooray). Japan has capitulated. World peace.
Thursday 16
No confirmation classes. Holiday. Daily VI exhibition in Amicitia (theatre exhibition hall in town), daily from 10 – 10 o’clock, (10am - 10pm), 50 cent per person. Uncle Bernard has to go to the electricity office. Annie has to go to pastor van Tol.
National Holiday.
Friday 17
Holiday. Local domiciliary office Trompstraat open 9 – 2 o’clock. 8.30 from The Hague, 4.00 from Rotterdam.
Saturday 18
Uncle Henk’s (neighbour) birthday. Holiday
Sunday 19
Holiday.
Monday 20
Holiday. R.A.T. Exhibition in the Bijenkorf (large department store)
Tuesday 21
Holiday.
Wednesday 22
Holiday. Mother, Coby and I left on the 12.07 train to Arnhem. We arrived at aunt Lien at around 5.30.
Thursday 23
Invasion of France (Spanish border) last year. Holiday. No confirmation classes.
Friday 24
Holiday.
Saturday 25
Holiday.
Sunday 26
Holiday. Mother, Han, Coby, Nico and To have been to Mientje.
Monday 27
Holiday. Mother Coby and I left on the 11.18 train for The Hague and returned home at 6.15.

Tuesday 28
I went to the “Spergebied” and our house is still standing empty.
Wednesday 29
Holiday. I’ve been fishing in the Soestdijksekade and didn’t catch anything.
Thursday 30
Holiday. No confirmation classes.
Friday 31
Holiday. Queen’s birthday. We received a telegram from Nico to say that he and Mientje are not coming. Aunt Lien has diphtheria.
Saturday 1 September
Holiday.
Notes: Cor has to bring along a package from Mr Bruggeman for the President. (of the Seminary).
Sunday 2
Finland capitulated last year. Holiday. Hoera (Hooray), we’re no longer eating from the Central Kitchen. Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion. Service. 6.30 Evensong.
Monday 3
School Day.
Tuesday 4
No absentees.
Wednesday 5 up to Saturday 8 nothing except Thursday 6 – No confirmation classes.
Sunday 9
Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
(Coby note): nothing on Monday 10
Tuesday 11
To fetch tickets for R.A.F. demonstration at the station.
Wednesday 12
Johanna for Tom.
Thursday 13
No confirmation classes.
Friday 14
Tootje’s birthday. I sent To a card.
Saturday 15
Nico’s birthday. New stamp series. 9 stamps f5,50. Royal Air Force display at Ypenburg. I went with Jaap. I sent Nico a letter in English.

Sunday 16
Maastricht fell last year. The clocks are being put back an hour. 8am Holy Communion Service. Church of England. 6.30. p.m. Evensong.
Monday 17
Aunt Riek’s Jo’s birthday. Last year the English landed at Nijmegen, Tilburg and Eindhoven.
Tuesday 18
Last year the Dutch Railways went on strike + Valkenswaard fell. Landings also at Arnhem.
Wednesday 19
Eindhoven fell last year.
Thursday 20
Charles’ birthday. Sittard fell last year. I sent Charles a letter.
Friday 21
We received 40 English cigarettes at f1,10 per packet of 20.
Saturday 22
Nijmegen fell last year. 2 hours confirmation classes.
Sunday 23
Stolberg fell last year. English Church, 8 a.m. Holy Communion. 6.30 p.m. Evensong. We got a small package from the church. Gift from the Swiss “geloofsgenoten” (members of the Old Catholic church in Switzerland).
Monday 24
Weert fell last year. Free from school due to moving. I helped out.
Tuesday 25
Deurne fell last year. Free due to the move. I helped out.
Wednesday 26
Free due to the move. I helped out.
Thursday 27
Eddy Veldink’s birthday. To be at school at 10 o’clock. Official opening. Rest of day off.
Friday 28
Elst fell last year. Free for move, I helped out.
Saturday 29
Port of Calais fell last year. Confirmation lessons for 2 hours, lesson 19. Prayer. Free for move. I helped out.
Sunday 30
The Haagse Courant (The Hague Newspaper) was blown up last year. English Church, 8am, Holy Communion Service, 6.30 pm. Evensong.
Monday 1 October
Calais fell last year. Return to school for the first time.
Tuesday 2 October
Note Coby: nothing.
Wednesday 3
Corrie, Willy, Corri, Jopi, Rien, Wies, Martha, Grada, Joop, Marius, Maartje, Olga, Mallée, Cor, Fried, Joop, Han, Dick, Maarten, Benno, Cecil.
Thursday 4
The “zaalkachel” (the stove from the café) was placed in our lounge last year. I have asked Mr Donia if I can do the B exam. He was OK with this. There’s a letter on its way to the Trompstraat.
Friday 5
Putte, Kapelle, Witmansdank and Stabroek fell last year. I did my first work in the B Class.
Saturday 6
Alphen fell last year. 2 hours of confirmation classes, lesson 19. Prayers. Eisenhower visited The Hague and Amsterdam.
Sunday 7
Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
Monday 8
Uncle Charles’ s birthday.
Tuesday 9
Note Coby : nothing
Wednesday 10
Uncle Luuk’s birthday. Corinth fell last year.
Thursday 11
Note Coby: nothing
Friday 12
No more gas last year. Food from the Central Kitchen.
Saturday 13
2 hours of confirmation lessons, learn lesson 20. Aunt Co has gone to Cor. English baby’s christening.
Sunday 14
Cor’s birthday. Venraay fell last year. Holy Communion Service, Church of England 8 a.m. Evensong 6.30 p.m. Harvest – home.
Monday 15
Aunt Co has returned from Cor.

Tuesday 16
Woensdrecht fell last year. An English mariner marries at 3 o’colock in the afternoon.
Wednesday 17, Thursday 18, Friday 19
(note Coby: nothing)
Saturday 20
Belgrade, Aken, Oostburg, Aardenburg fell last year. Confirmation classes at 2.15pm, lesson 10 plus half 21)
Sunday 21
Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion, 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
Monday 22
Breskens Dodewaard and Opheusden fell last year. Father is on holiday
Tuesday 23
Aunt To’s birthday. Canadian soldier’s wedding at 3 o’clock. Mother, father and aunt Co have gone to Aunt To. Father is on holiday.
Wednesday 24
St. Michielsgestel fell last year and Cor came home. Father is on holiday. Mother, father and aunt Co have returned.
Thursday 25
Aunt Riek’s birthday. Best, Boxtel, Esende, half of Den Bosch fell last year. Father is on holiday.
Friday 26
Father on holiday. 8 p.m. Organ music in he Remonstrantse Church of the Netherland England Society. I went there with Irma and Willy v. Delft.
Saturday 27
Den Bosch fell last year. 2.15 hour confirmation classes, lesson 21. Father is on holiday.
Sunday 28
Tilburg and Berg op Zoom fell last year. Handelingen (The Acts of the Apostles). Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion Service, 6.30 pm Evensong. The clergyman from before the war, was in the church too.
Monday 29
Goesen and Rosendaal fell last year. (Perhaps we are going to Hamlet, Shakespeare)
All Saints Thursday, 1 November
Holiday. 10 a.m. Holy Communion Service. Coby and I went to church. Frans was also at the altar. 8.30 am. All Saints of the Church of England.
All Souls, Friday 2
Holiday. 10 a.m. Holy Communion Service.
Saturday 3
The whole of Belgium was liberated last year. Holiday. No confirmation class. “Victor en de Gouden Bloem” (Victor and the Golden Flower). Elly van Spanje plays a role in this.
Sunday 4
Steenbergen, Terheide and Re Kreek fell last year. Confirmation English Church at ..?.. p.m. Holy Communion at 8 a.m., Bishop of Dover, Bishop of Deventer, Pastor Roeseling, Harderwijk, Wijker and v. Buren, Joop, Frans and I, v.d. Leest, + English altar boys: Hartup, Williams + 3 reserve,
Monday 5
Hens Veldink’s birthday. Vlissingen fell last year.
Tuesday 6
Baptism at 2 p.m.
Wednesday 7
Aunt Co’s birthday. We had to hand in our clothes last year. Wedding at 12.45 a.m.
Thursday 8 and Friday 9
nothing.
Saturday 10
Last year, dogs had to be inspected by the Germans. Confirmation class at 2.15 pm.
Lessons 20 and 21.
Sunday 11
“Nieuwe kerk” (name of big church in centre of The Hague), made use of for Services.
Monday 12 to Thursday 15
Nothing.
Friday 16
“Padvinderij adressen” (Scout Movement addresses).
I have been to the Youth Concert at 7.30pm in “Gebouw van Kunsten and Wetenschappen”, (Centrum of Art and Science), a well known theatre in The Hague, given by the Residential Orchestra.
Saturday 17
Horn fell last year. Confirmation classes, lesson 24, at 2.15pm.
Sunday 18
Nothing.
Monday 19
We had light for the last time last year.
Tuesday 20
Last year men between the age of 17 and 40 were taken away by the Germans.

Wednesday 21
Nothing.
Thursday 22
Food stores were looted last year.
Friday 23
Nothing.
Saturday 24
Confirmation classes at 1.45pm. Lesson 24. The priest would speak about Mattheus.
Wednesday28
Aunt Lien’s birthday
Thursday 29 to 2 December inclusive
Nothing.
Monday 3 December
Uncle Gerard’s birthday.
Tuesday 4
Nothing
Wednesday 5
Charles arrived on his bike last year.
Thursday 6 and Friday 7
Nothing.
Saturday 8
Confirmation classes at 2.15pm. Wedding+ 3 questions of the next lesson.
Sunday 9
Charles went to Amsterdam last year. There was razzia on the men in Delft a year ago.
Monday 10
Would you be so kind to send me your extensive brochure about “Free Speech, Logical Thinking and Practical Art of Living?” (Vrij spreken, logisch denken en practische levenskunst). My address is : Name, street. Send with 15 cent stamp to Dalmeyer’s Courses, Koninginneweg 182, Dept E245, Amsterdam – Z.
Wednesday 12
Nothing.
Thursday 13
Pastor Roeseling and my birthday’s.
Friday 14 to Sunday 16 inclusive.
Nothing.
Monday 17
Aunt Dien’s birthday.
Tuesday 18
Stiny’s birthday.
Wednesday 19 to Monday 24 inclusive.
Nothing.
Christmas Day Tuesday 25
Mrs Veldink’s birthday.
Nothing further to report other than New Year’s Eve, New Year and “Drie Koningen”
(Celebration of The “Three Kings”).

Various Regiments:
1 Brigade Prinses Irene
1 Royal Berkshire Division, Royal Artillery and Royal Navy
48th Highlanders of Canada
22nd Regiment
Carleton and York Regiment
Dalton H.B.S. Commander : Lieutenant – Colonel J.R. Ensor
Royal Signals Regiment
___________________________________________________________________________Note Coby: then suddenly under this:
Beautiful films: 1. White Angel (Witte Engel) 2. (??)
R.E.M.E – Royal Electric Mechanical Engineers.
Note: at start of the diary : DORA – Harzgebergte
VI’s + V2’s production