(Varsseveld, 1916)

Member of the 2nd Company DNB

Young father survives battle at Grebbeberg and captivity as a prisoner of war. Contributes to armed resistance and serves in the Canadian and Dutch armies.

Hein Helmink was born on Doetinchemseweg in Varsseveld on 10 October 1916, the son of Marinus Helmink and Dina Helmink-Roenhorst. His father died very young, after which Dina remarried. Hein chose the profession of house painter, following in the footsteps of his father who had owned his own painting business. In August 1939, Hein was mobilised as a soldier in the 8 R.I. regiment of the Dutch army. He served in Rhenen as part of the Rhine Watch (Rijnwacht). He wrote to his fiancée Jo Houwers and his parents almost every day.

At the end of 1939, he married Jo, and in January 1940, their son Wim was born. They moved in with his parents-in-law on Terborgseweg. In early May, Hein fought against the Germans at the Grebbeberg; he survived the battle but was taken prisoner of war and transported to Camp Neubrandenburg near Berlin. He was forced to work in a large field of hemp, which had to be picked for the manufacture of overalls. At the end of June 1940, he returned to his wife and child. He affectionately called his son “lief Wimken”. In later life, he would never speak of his time as a prisoner of war in the German camp.

During the war years, Hein contributes to the resistance, but remains cautious because of his family. His brother Wim, two years his junior, is by contrast deeply involved in the Varsseveld resistance. In 1943, Hein does not report for the Arbeitseinsatz (forced labor) and goes into hiding.

In the autumn of 1944, Hein and his brother Wim become members of the Home Forces. Cousin Herman Helmink, brother-in-law Derk Migchelbrink, and many resistance friends also join. From that moment on, his wife Jo and Wimke stay with family. When Varsseveld is liberated, Hein is immediately reunited with his family.

In April 1945, Hein becomes a member of the DNB, the second company. The platoon he belongs to supervises arrested Germans and pro-Nazi Dutch citizens in Kamp Amersfoort. The men share a very strong bond. The uncovering of the graves of executed men and the placing of the bodies into coffins at Kamp Amersfoort leave a profound impression on him.

In July 1945, Hein signs up for service in the Dutch army for one year. He actually wants to go to the former Dutch East Indies afterwards, but that does not happen. His father-in-law forbids it with the words: “Then you will no longer be welcome here.” Consequently, he resumes his work as a painter. Initially, he takes over the painting business from his employer, who was previously a member of the NSB (National Socialist Movement). After this employer is rehabilitated, he has to relinquish the company. Hein then resigns and enters employment at another painting firm.

Following their son Wim, the family grew to include a sister, Hannie, and a brother, Ries Helmink.

Hein Helmink passed away on 27 November 1990.

Hein Helmink (linksboven)