For five days the fighting continues. More than 4,000 people die. The Germans win. They are now the boss in the Netherlands. We return home by truck. The road in Rhenen is completely ruined. We are not allowed to look outside, but still I see dead 
soldiers and dead horses. A window has been smashed at home: daddy's expensive 
camera has been stolen and also my beautiful tintoy car.

After that I don't notice the war that much for a long time, though I sometimes hear the hum of airplanes. I go to school and play with my friends in the ditches in the square. The council has dug these to be able to take shelter when shots are fired. We call them the trenches. 

In 1941 mum and dad and anyone aged 15 and above collect a personal ID from the council. If you don’t have one the Germans will take you prisoner.

Also Jewish people suddenly have to wear a yellow star on their clothes. Mum says Hitler wants to humiliate them. I ask if more people soon have to wear a star. Mum doesn’t think so. But I don’t trust that Hitler very much…

In 1943 there are often British bombers flying over during the day. I see a plane crash and paratroopers land in the Binnenveld. At school the teacher tells us what to do if the air raid siren goes off.

In March a bomb falls in the Beekstraat. Many people die. Mummy goes to see and returns home extremely upset.

On 1st April I have a little brother! I thought it was a joke at first