Elisabeth Hammel, also known as Lies, was an intelligent and exceptionally charismatic woman. As the eldest of six children, she cared for her younger brothers and sisters (all but one of whom died in the war) from an early age. They always looked at her as a second mother.
In 1943 Elisabeth Duis-Hammel went into hiding. Independently of her husband, Meijer Duis, she rented a small room in the western part of Amsterdam, far from the Rivierenbuurt. She provided for herself by working at a milliner’s shop.
Shortly before she was arrested, Elisabeth Hammel made a few final trips to Wilnis to bring her youngest child ration cards. The child was working for a family there, using a false identification card.
On 4 November 1943, a member of the Sicherheitspolizei came to Elisabeth’s hiding place, having been tipped off about its location. He gave her a few days, however, to prepare for her departure. She did not take this opportunity to flee. Her husband had been arrested not long before, and she decided to follow him.
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For additional information see:
J. Stegeman, Hiernaast zijn ze weggehaald. Vervolging en verzet in de Rivierenbuurt, 1937-1945 (Amsterdam 1985).