Corrie and Casper ten Boom. Patriarch of the Ten Boom family, Casper was massively respected across Amsterdam and Haarlem and indeed much further too, for his meticulous watchmaking skills as well as community projects. The whole family got involved, and when the fascist boots began stomping down Haarlem high street, this didn't change.
Creating a "Hiding Place" (also name of the book, film and comic!) ie a fake wall in their home and workplace, they helped around 800 Jews to safety, as well as other folk in hiding, including some resistance, such as Hannie Schaft and Truus Oversteegen.
Corrie was already providing huge service to the community before the war, and this naturally expanded as she heavily partook in these highly illegal activities. A family of dedicated Christians, she kept her faith during the darkest days in Ravensbrück and led secret prayer sessions for the other inmates.
Casper sadly died not long after being captured, though Corrie lived to an old age, travelling the world (60+ countries!) talking of her experiences, the horrors of fascism, the need to be kinder, and of course the Bible teachings that she and her family lived by.
While being interrogated , Casper was offered freedom if he stopped his activities.
"If I go home today, tomorrow I will open my door to anyone who knocks for help."
Available from 21st October in our KS "Heroes of the Dutch Resistance". Hand sculpted by Alan Marsh, cast into pewter, shown painted by John Morris.
