Dagboek 1943 – 1945

About my father’s diary

My father wrote the diary because he was aware of the historical significance of what happened. It has become a touching story of daily live in the camp, covering all aspects of physical and mental survival. During the first three month, disappointment predominates his writing. Later on, he turns to benefit from the situation by selfstudy and by learning from his fellow-sufferers. He writes extensively about his many talks with fellow sufferers from Holland and England.
The second winter was difficult and made him discouraged by times. It was in this period, that getting food was the prevailing activity, not only for himself, but as much as possible also for his friends.
From February 1945 onwards, he realised that the end came nearer and he collected material for his diary to take home. After the liberation by the Russian he did not wait for the Americans and together with a couple of friends, he left the camp on his way home.

After the war, my father picked up his live according his plans. He also made a start with typing his diary, but not for long. After a short time he packed his material and putted it away. His fellow sufferers alike, he spoke never again about his time in the German prisoner of war camp. They felt collectively misunderstood. Although their fate was in sharp contrast with the Jewish fate, the prisoners of war were imprisoned in threatening and bad circumstances for the only reason of being in the military service at the break out of the war.

Karel Verhulst