Bosshardt, Alida M. (1913–)
Bosshardt, Alida M. (1913–)
Dutch social reformer. Born Alida Margaretha Bosshardt in the Netherlands, June 8, 1913.
Lieutenant colonel in the Salvation Army, spent the greater part of her career living and working in the section of the Old City of Amsterdam called the Zeedijk, home of the notorious Red Light district; joined the Salvation Army (June 19, 1932); commissioned (1934), was stationed at the Children's Home, "Zonnehoek," in Amsterdam, where she stayed until after WWII; was given an administrative post at the Territorial Headquarters across from the Central station and bordering the city's Red Light district, staying there for 10 years; well known in the Netherlands, was one of three honored guests received by Queen Juliana (1960); was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and received a knighthood in the Order of Oranje Nassau (1966); retired (1978).
See also Denis Duncan, Here Is My Hand: The Story of Lieutenant Colonel Alida Bosshardt of the Red Light Area, Amsterdam (Hodder & Stoughton, 1977); and Women in World History.