Dutch Fokker ( with Dutch crew ) landing on a lake - 1940

[Dennis Peschier]

There were not six, but five Dutch nationals that were to be picked up.

Mr. Lodo van Hamel,
In may 1940 he was a Dutch navy officer and escaped to Britain. Trained to set up an intelligence network in the Netherlands he was returned by parachute, landing near Sassenheim on 28-8-1940. He was able to set up his intelligence network but realised that some people recognised him in the street. Rumour started that van Hamel had returned to the Netherlands. Fearing that his presence would alert the Germans he arranged his departure by aircraft.
After being arrested he was treated very bad. Eventually he told the Germans his real name and that he was an intelligence agent. He was sentenced to death and was executed on 7-4-1941. His network remained operational.

Mr. Hans Herst,
Had been part of another intelligence group but was quickly recruited by van Hamel. Also captured by the Germans and interrogated roughly. On two occasions there was an opportunity to escape. Realising that his interrogators had set it up to follow him he made no use of it. He was sentenced to imprisonment for life.

Mr. Jean Mesritz
Student from Leiden. Sentenced to 3 years imprisonment.

Mrs. Marion Smit.
Had arranged safehouses for van Hamel. Released without sentence.

Mr. Prof. Dr. L.G.M. Baas Becking
Released without sentence.