Canadian victims

The liberation by the Canadians.

The liberation of the Netherlands started in September 1944 when American troops reached Maastricht. In the spring of 1945 large numbers of Canadian soldiers came, who fought through the Netherlands to try to dissipate the German occupier. After crossing the Rhine near Emmerich, the road towards the east was open to liberate the eastern part of Gelderland above the big rivers first.

When Germany capitulated on May 5, 1945, it was up to the Canadians to clear the western part of the Netherlands with cities like Rotterdam, the Hague and Amsterdam. In the following days they entered many villages and cities and were welcomed with open arms by the citizens.

After the liberation the Canadians stayed in the Netherlands for months. Only in February 1946 the last Canadian troops returned home. Leaving their dead comrades behind. But also quite a number of offspring.