Liberation of the Netherlands
Canada played a major part in the Liberation of the Netherlands. By the end of 1944 while the Germans were still attacking the Netherlands, they no longer had food and fuel supplies being brought to them. Because of the lack of food and fuel, a lot of men and women began to starve, many died. During the years 1944-1945 the cold winter added to the rough conditions for the Dutch.
Canada was responsible for opening up the “supply route to the north through Arnhem, and then to clear the northeastern Netherlands, the coastal belt of Germany eastwards to the Elbe River, and western Holland.” “By May 4, the German troops in the Netherlands were surrounded, and they surrendered.” To this day Canada has very close ties to the Netherlands.
During this time, airdrops were being made and several trucks that carried food and fuel were being brought through the Netherlands. Canadians delivered thousands of tonnes of food for the Dutch.
When Canada came to help fight against the Germans over 6300 Canadians were killed. Eventually, by April 17 the German army in Groningen was defeated and so the Canadian troops continued to defeat the Germans in several different cities. On April 28, a truce that allowed relief supplies (food, fuel, etc.) to enter the western Netherlands was negotiated. This truce ended the “Hunger Winter” and the Dutch people saw Canadian troops as heroes for saving them.
Works Cited
Group, the formation of No. 6, and an RCAF formation within Bomber. "Canada's Role in WWII." Mount Allison University :: Sackville, New Brunswick Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2013. <http://www.mta.ca/library/courage/canadasroleinwwii.html>.
Holland, fighting ceased in western, and greeted with great joy.. "WWII: Liberation of the Netherlands - Canada at War." Canada at War. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 May 2013. <http://www.canadaatwar.ca/page52.html>.
"Introduction - Veterans Affairs Canada." Veterans Affairs Canada - Anciens Combattants Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2013. <http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/history/secondwar/netherlands/n_intro>.
"Liberation of Holland - The Canadian Encyclopedia." The Canadian Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 June 2013. <http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/liberation-of-holland>.
"Liberation Of The Netherlands - Veterans Affairs Canada." Veterans Affairs Canada - Anciens Combattants Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2013. <http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/history/secondwar/canada2/libneth>.
Canada's Role
