The family of Benedictus Fransman was a religious family, with five children. When the First World War broke out the family moved from Belgium to the Netherlands. They opened a pastry shop in Rotterdam. Benedictus Fransman won many medals as a pastry cook. The family was not rich. When Hitler came into power in Germany the family thought to be safe in the Netherlands because of the protection of the royal family. During the bombardment of Rotterdam the pastry shop was burned as well. Benedictus then started an icecream business. After six months Benedictus took over a pastry shop in The Hague and the family moved there. When a 'Kommandant' of the Germans complained about the quality of the cakes made by Benedictus he said he did not have the right ingredients. The Germans then delivered the needed ingredients to him. Benedictus and his wife went into hiding during the war. When Benedictus was imprisoned nonetheless he gave a ring to the later Minister of Finance, who was imprisoned with him as a member of the resistance, for safkeeping. This ring was given to one of the two surviving children of Benedictus after the war.
USC Shoah Foundation, USC-SF nr. 02548 (interview Henrie Joseph Fransman)
In addition, a Jokos file (number 40772) on this family is at the Amsterdam Municipal Archive. Access is subject to authorization from the Stichting Joods Maatschappelijk Werk.