Wartime exploits come to life

Herman Balvert (left) and Willem Peek reunited after 61 years.

History comes to life when my father knocks on the door of a quaint house in the Dutch village of Vleuten.

The opening door transports my 81-year-old father Herman Balvert back in time to World War II.

He has travelled from New Zealand to holiday in his homeland and to visit Willem Peek, who lives at this address.

There is no chance of recognition - the two have not met since war days when they both jumped off a train destined for a German labour camp.

It is 61 years since my father and a now deceased friend saved Willem Peek's life.

Now 89, Willem walks slowly, aided by a walking stick. But time has not dulled this immaculately clad Dutchman's memory.

"I never thought we would meet again. Absolutely not," says Willem who knew my father had emigrated. "It is long ago but I think it is nice to resurrect the story."

The story dates back to war days, when young Dutch men were required to work in German factories and labour camps. Those reluctant to do so were rounded up in regular raids.

My father and Willem evaded arrest for years. As a child I delighted in stories of my father's hiding places - a secret compartment under toilet floorboards, a cupboard with false backing, and a coffin at an undertakers. But one day my father and a friend were captured on the streets of Utrecht.

Now, for the first time, Dad hears the story of Willem's capture.

"It was the result of a love story," Willem says.

"My half-sister was friendly with a German soldier who wished to desert. He came to live with us, hidden upstairs. This was very dangerous. The Gestapo heard about him, stormed the house, took him away and shot him.

"I was taken away for questioning, then left in a building for a week awaiting transportation to Germany. My fiancee smuggled meatballs in to me. Hidden inside were notes from her - another love story," he says with a smile.

In February, 1945, my father, Willem and hundreds of others were herded on to a train to Germany.

Sixty one years on, this duo agree staying on board was never an option, despite the risks of escaping. They estimate the train was travelling at 70km/h; they knew the German guards shot at jumping men; and they'd seen escapees die from hitting power poles.

My father and his friend Theo landed safely. Willem, whom they didn't yet know, was less fortunate.

"I somersaulted about 20 times, broke one knee and damaged both ankles."

He's grateful Dad and Theo found him on the railway tracks.

"What would I have done?" He turns to Dad: "I couldn't walk and the Germans came back to pick up suitcases tossed from the train. They would have shot me. You saved my life. That is the truth."

The men huddled in the cold until morning before getting Willem to relatives of my fathers where he hid for three weeks until he recovered.

Willem and my Dad also catch up on their post-war lives.

Willem resumed working in a bookshop, married his wartime sweetheart and had a big family.

Dad joined the Dutch division of the US Marines, spent three years in Indonesia and was awarded a royal bronze cross for bravery. He emigrated to New Zealand 55 years ago, settled in the South Waikato, and also has a large family.

This reunion follows a chance name dropping.

They hadn't realised it, but Dad and Willem have a mutual friend who recently mentioned my father's name. Willem connected the name with the man who had helped him a lifetime ago.

Today, the two farewell each other for the second and last time.

'Stay seated on the train from now on Willem because if you jump I won't be there to pick you up any more," says Dad..

As he closes the door, Willem assures us he'll be staying put.