The Story of Steven Frank

Steven Frank was born on 27 July 1935 in The Netherlands. He lived happily here with his mother, father and two brothers, where the boys enjoyed playing in the street and being outdoors. 

Steven’s father, Leonard, was a well-respected lawyer and a member of the Dutch resistance. Following the Nazi occupation in May 1940, he was arrested while at work, imprisoned and tortured. He was taken away to Amersfoort concentration camp and was never seen again.  

Steven, his mother, and brothers were put on a transport to Barneveld concentration camp in March 1941, which marked the beginning of their Holocaust journey. They were subsequently deported first to Westerbork and then Theresienstadt camps and were finally liberated in May 1945, when they travelled to England to start a new life. 

Steven went on to live happily with his mum and brothers in England, where he attended school and university and enjoyed playing hockey as a goalkeeper. He went on to work in water purification and is now retired and always gardening – growing lots of fruit and vegetables (especially tomatoes). 

Steven’s story is told by his granddaughter, Maggie Fleet. The story follows Steven’s journey from being a young happy boy with no worries in the world, through his time in the Holocaust to the present day. Despite all the trauma he has been through he has ‘found peace with his soul and has no room for hatred in his heart’ 

Using documents, photos and artifacts, Maggie’s presentation includes video footage of Steven describing his experiences in the war, alongside BBC footage of a trip he and Maggie went on in 2018 retracing his journey around Europe.  

This presentation is suitable for year 9 and above and adult audiences.