The Netherlands
From the fall of 1944 to the spring of 1945, the First Canadian Army played a major role in the liberation of the Netherlands and its people who had suffered terrible hunger and hardship under the increasingly desperate German occupiers. The warm friendship that Canada still enjoys with the Netherlands is a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by thousands of Canadians and the enduring gratitude of the Dutch in ending the reign of tyranny in their country.
Videos
Liberation of the Netherlands
A Memory I will take to my Grave
Of all life’s wonderful experiences, Mr. Sommerville shares a celebration New Year’s Eve, 1944 where the singing of Christmas carols by the local nuns was an inspiration never to be forgotten.
Starving Children
Mr. Chow remembers the starving young Dutch children and providing as much as they could for them.
Gift of a German Dagger
As platoon commander, Mr. Swick tells of when he was assisted by a young Dutch child in spotting the enemy.
A Time to be Alone
Mr. Fowler expresses his emotions during visits to the graves of many of his fellow comrades and the importance of remembering them.
A Friends Gives His Shovel
Mr. Preece shares a heart-warming story of the interaction he experienced with his buddy in providing his shovel and offering some advice only to find this friend is killed a short time later
'S-Hertogenbosch Hospital
Ms. Whittaker describes the removal of all of the patients from 'S-Hertogenbosch Hospital as a precautionary measure, during the Battle of the Bulge. After that the hospital's role becomes that of a casualty clearing station.
Starving Children in Holland
Mr. Bruce offers a sombre reflection about the starvation he witnessed in Holland, particularly its effect on children.
Fighting in Holland
Mr. Colbourne talks about getting into Holland and how the Germans were much tougher to fight against in Holland.
Shoot the guy
Mr. Lammers discusses food shortages and the involvement of the Dutch underground and Allied air support for supplying the cities with food.
Concrete Obstacles and Collaborators
Mr. McCabe describes removing concrete pillars placed by the Dutch to deter German aircraft from landing on Holland’s highways. Collaborators were given the ‘grunt’ work such as drilling holes for explosives in the pillars.
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Christmas In Nijmegen
Dr. Theal describes Christmas celebrations in Nijmegen, Holland
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