Canada’s Tie to the Netherlands Museum of the Regiments Remembrance Program

1. William Oglive Canada’s Tie to the Netherlands Museum of the Regiments Remembrance Program

2. The Beginning • During WWII, several Canadian units including the PPCLI, LdSH, 14 CAR and Calg. Highrs. fought in the Netherlands. • Before WWII broke out, Canadians and Dutch people did not know each other that well. • After WWII, it was clear that Canadians had established strong ties with the Dutch as they liberated the country.

3. The Dutch Experience • Had an organised resistance that produced newspapers and pamphlets to bring down the morale of the German soldiers. • Underground printing presses were established to relay news that countered the stories being told by the Germans. • There were over 1200 presses by the end of the war.

4. Other activities of the Resistance • Resistance workers also sabotaged factories, reported German activities to England, and went on strike to protest. • Members of the resistance were executed. • Escape networks for Prisoners of War, downed fliers, Jewish people and discovered resisters were put in place. • 15,000+ people were saved by other Dutch families when they were put into hiding spaces.

5. Autumn of 1944 • Canadians had reached the border of the Netherlands. • Liberation of The Netherlands continued during the end of 1944 and through 1945. • Canadians followed the coastline to the Netherlands and the North Sea. • Germans had built great defences, flooded group and used poor weather conditions to their advantage.

6. The Battle of the Scheldt, 5 September 1944 • The land lies Northeast of Antwerp. • The German Army fought stubbornly, flooding ground, mining dykes and building gun strongholds. • Canadians were called water rats dealing with amphibious attacks, drainage ditches and foot battles. Soldiers walked waist high in ice cold water. • General Montgomery said that only superior troops of the highest calibre could have taken this ground.

7. Liberating Towns • Canadians kissed babies, signed autographs, and handed out cigarettes and chocolate. • Soldiers decided to share their food rations and food parcels with the Dutch civilians. • When billeted with civilians, everyone obtained extra food and fuel for the household. • Despite the damage done to the fields, houses and all the wounded civilians, the Dutch believed that their freedom was worth it. • There were houses in ruins, and wrecked vehicles and mines along the road.

8. After the Battle • The Canadians had cleared the Scheldt Estuary and Walchren Island to allow shipping through to Antwerp. • Supplies were running short and Canadian losses were enormous. Canadians had to rest and regroup.

9. Delayed by Winter • Canadian soldiers had to rest to recover physically and mentally from the Scheldt Battle. • The North and West areas of the Netherlands remained in German hands for another 8 months.

10. Scrounging for fuel Starvation rations 665 calories a day The Hungry Winter 1945 Starving boy, ill with rickets. This is a typical kitchen, where food is scarce and the wood is being taken for fuel Many died of starvation

11. 8 February 1945 • The push towards the Rhineland started. • Canadians were still fighting in Italy. • During February and March 1945, the 1st Canadian Corps was preparing to transfer to the Netherlands. • On April 1-2, 1945, they were united with the other Canadians.

12. 4 May 1945, Operation Faust • Canadians and other Allies dropped food into starving regions. • The Dutch were worried about possible starvation and flooding from the dykes. Food dropped compared to boy who died from starvation. • The liberation of Holland came when the Dutch people were completely out of food. • Soldiers said that they had never seen such joy and so many tears.

13. Liberation • The Dutch were filled with excitement and joy. • The Dutch were thrilled to be able to touch a sleeve of a Canadian soldier. • The people were exhausted mentally and physically. • They suffered from lice, dysentery and typhoid fever. • Canadians provided medical attention.

14. Dutch People Developed Fond Memories • Canadian soldiers were invited to share their homes and their lives with the Dutch. • Canadians were quick to pay for damages. • Canadians brought food, shared willingly and helped with chores. • Canadians warmed to the love and trust of the Dutch. • Many married Dutch girls while overseas.

15. End of the War • After the war was over, the Canadians enjoyed friendships with the Dutch. • They shared food, homes and stories about Canada. • Celebrations were occurring everywhere.

16. I am 17 by Ap Speelman I am 17 I was not born until after the war I am able to go to school I have parents I have never gone hungry I don’t know what war is! What is hunger? What is a concentration camp? What is a razzia? What is a bomb? What is fear? I know we are free! I know who liberated us! I know what they sacrificed Thanks a million for our freedom.

17. Each Dutch student looks after a Canadian military grave through-out their school years. Follow their example, remember those that died so we may live in peace.