Johannes Hovenkamp dug a grave for a double agent

Johannes Hovenkamp served as a KNIL soldier in Batavia in the 1930s. During World War II, he was active in Dr J Rotte's resistance group and lived in Schipborg with his wife Petronella van Beusekom. 

A short distance from his house, he dug a hole destined for an SD double agent to be executed: Izak Daane. This traitor was lured to Schipborg with a ruse. He was shot and buried there by Messrs Spaans and Van Dongen. They took off on bikes after their act that were supplied by Petronella Hovenkamp after they were done. The two presumably boarded the train to The Hague in Assen. 

Not much later, the Germans stormed into Hovenkamp's home. The SD members had already found Daane's body, including his notebook with a list of names. Hovenkamp's name was among them.  

Hovenkamp was taken to the infamous Scholtenhuis in Groningen through the Huis van Bewaring (House of Detention) in Assen. Spaans and Van Dongen were captured at night in The Hague. The three resistance fighters saw each other again in the Amersfoort camp.  

Johannes wrote to his wife on 24 June 1943: 'Sweetheart, the time has come for me to say goodbye to you forever and ever'. That same day, he and his resistance brothers were shot on Leusderheide.  

(Source: Bert Staats)