My Pop fought in Europe during the war and was very much impressed with the Canadian soldiers. Considering their population, they made a huge and vital effort in winning the war in Europe. We should never forget that fact, especially considering their losses in men, must have affected most Canadian families.
As a Canadian, thank you. Thanks for your Pop's service as well. My grandma lost her boyfriend in ww2. They were to be married after the war. He was a tail gunner in the RCAF which were basically a part of the RAF in those days. My grandpa (the man she eventually married) also served in the RCAF and was stationed in northern Africa. All the people of the Allied (as well as Axis) nations were affected by the war in one way or another. I hope a war of it's kind never has to happen again.
One of my Grandfather's was a tail-gunner on a Lancaster for the RCAF/RAF the other is one of only 5 (last time I heard) remaining Canadian tank aces alive today. Amazing how much the world has changed and how privileged the youth of today are. Thank you all for your families service.
If I recall correctly, a full 1.1 million men and women joined the Canadian military and auxiliaries over the course of the war, a higher percentage of the population than at any time in the nation's entire history. By the end of the war, Canada had fought in the Netherlands, Italy, France, the Battle of Britain, Germany, and Hong Kong; it had the third largest navy in the world after the US and British navies; and punched well above its weight class in industry and production for the war. My granddad fought in the British Army rather than the Canadian army, but I really have to recognize the immense contribution Canada made to the Allied war effort. Without it, it's quite possible the war would've taken years longer and millions more would have died, so thank you to every member of that generation who fought.
+Gary Daniel A Tank Ace is a tank commander credited with large numbers of kills, much like a fighter ace is a pilot that successfully shot down 5+ enemy planes.
+Gay Daniel Yeah, it wasn't used by the Allied forces, as they generally didn't give special recognition to tank aces, unlike with fighter aces. The Germans coined the term, as they did give special recognition and awards for it. That would probably be why you didn't hear about it! Glad I could help!
Thank you for using the term "liberate". Ignorant people like to use the term "invasion". My father fought from Omaha Beach to Berlin. In his obituary my family wanted to say he was part of the "invasion" of France. He never invaded any country. He did help liberate Europe from the Nazi's though.
The Netherlands was the most friendly country ive ever been to in Europe. All i could think of was how sad it must have been in WW2. They love Canadians too which is a bonus for me.
Of course we do love Canadians. How else we could after hearing so many times from our parents and grandparents that they are liberated by Canadians and that they gave from their own ration food to hungry Dutch children. My mother told me so many times about the good Canadian soldiers.
@@maricgesink1292 there's a large population of xenophobic assholes ruining our country just as well. Since when is the ground that you were born on yours? I used to be pretty proud of my country, being open minded, free for everybody to say what's on their minds, welcoming people from all over the world. Don't blame overpopulation on a certain group of people, they are struggling just like everybody else is.
My Grandad was amongst the Canadian troupes at the liberation of Holland. He told me how they gave out chocolate to the children. He and his fellow soldiers were walking through a village and a woman stopped him, ran into her house and came back out with a tiny blue and white china shoe and pressed it into Grampies hand. He tucked it in his pocket and when he came home he gave it to his mother in law ( my great grandmother). Before she passed away she made sure that it was given to me and it sits on my treasure shelf to this day. Grampie always smiled when he told me that story and said that it was probably the dutch ladys on treasure that she gave to him out of gratitude.
My grandparents emigrated after the war. I know those little white and blue china shoes with the patterns of hillsides and windmills in the blue. They are indeed a precious artifact of the old world.
Great footage, very informative yet sad to see this footage. My grandma used to have germans (forced) in her house. She would cook for them and then they went To the frontline near Overloon where was fought heavily. They would return exhausted after weeks and she could here them cry at night. Those german boys were only 17-22 she said and didnt seem To want To fight. War is a sad thing, she was very happy when She was libirated by the canadians and always hoped the young boys survived
Keep hearing that the people were very hungry even starving. Do you know what food and other supplies if any were shipped in by the US or other allies ?
The German soldiers were smiling big when they got on that truck. They survived the war ! Audrey Hepburn the actress was in Amsterdam I believe as a child an told stories of starving. Maybe that's why she always stayed so skinny.
The Dutch will always be immensely grateful to the Canadians who liberated us from the Nazi occupation. Often with their lives. Thank you Canada so much!
@JohnnyGotHisGun Its because the majority of the world gives credit to USA and Britain for the allied victory they dont realize other nations like France, China, Philippines, Australia, Canada, commonwealth nations had major contributions also. Netherlands i think understands this and they love Canada.
@JohnnyGotHisGun Americans did shit, polish had a single armor div. Canadians and brits cleared the shores however most of the ''british'' units were actually canadians.and because General Charles Foulkes, commander of the 1st Canadian Corps accepted the surrender of German forces. Bravery was shown by other countries but not by a metric shit ton
Nt family was liberated in May 45, living in Utrecht. My mum remembers dancing with Canadian soldiers. One soldier was shocked because he could feel her ribs, she had survived the Winter of Hunger (Hongerwinter). My grandma went out dancing with a Canadian officer, my mum remembers grandma on a Canadian jeep, sitting between the driver and the officer. THANK YOU to all who liberated us. My parents were very sad that so many died. War is sad indeed. I love you! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Martine van Kooten
My mother's brother (my uncle) parachuted into the Arnhem area with the 1st Canadian parachute regiment and was eventually killed. He is buried in the Canadian cemetary at Nijmegen, Holland.
Yes, he forgot the British as evidenced by the Dutch border guards confiscating our truckers lunch sandwiches complete with a sarcastic remark. They have forgotten who spent their treasure and lives to free Holland and the rest of Europe from the brutal thugs who were abusing and starving them.
@@donaldpaterson5827 this is what the EU has done. Its re-written history, forgotten just how much the UK and its commonwealth did for Europe and made us out to be the villains. Even before we left it was like we played no part in WWII. And since December they have done nothing but threaten us, badmouth us and make life difficult at borders. They are now even interfering in domestic UK trade. The UK's Greatest Generation gave their lives to save the lives and freedoms of everyone in Europe and yet now its like it just means nothing. Shameful people.
@@1chish Chamberlain spent entire last year of his mandate trying to please Hitler and trading other nation's territories for 'a peace that will last for 100 years', so I would be very careful while trying to emphesize the role of the British in the WW2. Yes, you vere an important wheel in liberation of Europe, but your unpopularity on the continent dates long before Brexit.
My Grandfather was a Hasty P Canadian 1st Division, he helped liberate the Netherlands. I got to tour where he fought in Europe with him in 2005 just before he passed away, we where in northern Holland and we went to this town, he broke down and started to walk away, he said I can’t be here! I calmed him down, he raised his head and said we where right there pushing the Germans back into this town, some of them held us up while others ran over the bridge into the town. He said the Germans holding them up ran into the town and they chased them. He said by time they got over the bridge there was a bomb crater just after the bridge in the town, in it where a bunch of women and children that had just been murdered, a bunch of the men in the town came out and where crying yelling that the Germans ran out of the town, and that the first ones tried to kill all the women and children, so they pushed on. He told me a time they stopped a train going to a gas chamber, he was front line and they tried breaking the cattle cars open with barb wire around them with slits for air. He said the people where packed in so tight that the dead couldn’t fall. A NCO came up and told them to go after the Germans so it was safe for reinforcements to get the people out safe, he said the train was still running and the Germans just jumped off and ran. He would hold his head down and say, I can still hear all those people crying and moaning like I was there right now. He lost so much weight giving his rations away, he was caught behind a mound of dirt for days with no food cause the Germans had a MG42 on him, he couldn’t move and just before he gave his food to a family. The Dutch people when we where over there treated us beautifully, I thank you guys for you kindness when we came. Took me years and many books to get my Grandfather to talk about it, it affected him till the day he died!
If any Canadian would like for someone to lay flowers at a specific grave in the Netherlands, please let me know. I will go there personally to put flowers. We may never forget!
I love seeing this. My great grandfather helped liberate the Netherlands. I have a painting that was graciously gifted to him from a family he stayed with while there. My grandma always used to tell me stories she heard from him, and how amazing and appreciative the Dutch people were. I would love to visit someday :)
Canadians are quite PROUD of the remarkable success of our Amed Forces. On a PERCENTAGE basis, we lost more soldiers than England,France & the United States. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
I was born in Canada in 1972 to a Dutch Father and German Mother. They married in 1969 on exact day the moon landing occurred. Their marriage was a difficult one because of my mother being German and yet once married my Dutch family accepted her as family. I grew up hearing stories from both sides. My German grandfather was a ferry captain, who would ferry troops in the Baltic. He was court marshaled twice for speaking out. The first time he was assisted by an officer but the 2nd he was sent to the Russian front where he was captured. He spent 4 years after the war ended in a Gulag. He existed on the meager rations which often would be skipped or tampered with. He ate rats and whatever he could find to survive...Russian lades would on occasion hide potatoes and veggies in their clothing but that was rare. In his final years he would have the worst nightmares and rant in Russian a language he would never speak in during the day. He died in 86 with the shrapnel of a grenade wound still in his legs. My Dutch grandparents spoke about the atrocities and the hunger winter they endured. It got so bad they would boil leather to eat, whatever they needed to for survival...some things so horrible they would immediately cry but not talk about...I can only imagine :( My grandmother wrote a poem called 'Dank aan Canada'. She was sad that my father left Europe with my mother but given the sentiment still she understood and was so proud when he chose Canada to immigrate to. No matter how sad or terrifying her memories, mentioning the Canadian soldiers immediately would change her disposition. Her generation would never forget the men who came from across the ocean to liberate them. I still have the poem and will paste it below including a translation.
Dank aan Canada (Thanks to Canada) Vijfendertig jaar is het geleden (It has been 35 years) Dat wij werden verblijd. (since we rejoiced) Door de Canadezen die met hun leven (through the Canadians that with their lives) Ons uit de hopeloosheid hebben bevrijd. (delivered us from hopelessness to freedom) “Canadezen” hoe kunnen wij u danken (Canadians, how can we thank you?) Dat u ons bevrijdde van dat Duitse juk (That you freed us from the German yoke) De niets ontziende moordende wreedheid (The non-compassionate and murderous cruelty) En de nooit aflatende zware druk. (and constant heavy pressure) De jonge generatie kan niet zo voelen (The younger generation cannot feel the same) Want zij maakten dit niet mee (As they did not experience what we did) Maar wij ouderen zullen nimmer vergeten (But our generation will never forget) Dat onze bevrijder kwam van over zee. (That our liberators came from across the sea) Hebt dank Canadezen voor uw offer (have our gratitude for your sacrifice) Dat u voor onze bevrijding hebt gebracht ( that you offered for our freedom) En in de bloeiende tulpenbollen (And in the blooming tulips) Heeft Nederland uw offer herdacht. (our nation remembers your sacrifice) Dat Canada moge groeien en bloeien (That Canada may likewise grow and bloom) Tot heil van bevolking en prachtig land (To benefit the entire population and beautiful land) Wees overtuigd van onze dankbare gevoelens (be ever convinced of our gratitude and feelings) In een nauw verbonden hechte band (in a now forged and eternal close knit bond) 1980
What a beautiful poem!! I understand it because I am Dutch. Your poor father, it is a miracle he survived the gulag. Was the poor man in Stalingrad? That was hell on earth! Be safe
@@itisonlyme1 This was my grandmother's poem :) The German side was my mother's father...ie my maternal grandfather who spent time in the Gulag. No he wasn't in Stalingrad.
My father was with the Regina Rifles in the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. They fought at Nijmegen in the liberation of the Netherlands. Years later he and other vets were sent some orange poppy seeds, which Mom planted in one of our gardens. I always liked seeing them bloom.
I should ask my opa (grandfather) where he was on VE day. I'm a second generation Canadian and 50% Dutch, so the bond between these two nations has always stood out to me.
My father was with the Hasting & Prince Edward Regiment. After landing in Sicily, they fought up the Adriatic coast and were then moved to Holland. When they saw how starved the Dutch were, they voluntarily went on half rations and gave away the rest. He had a Dutch girlfriend but she would not agree to come to Canada with him (fortunately for me). He stayed away from all tanks. If they were German, they tried to kill him. If they were Allied, they attracted German artillery which tried to kill him. He had a knack for getting in trouble (alcohol related) and he told me he always hoped American MP's picked him up because the English Provosts would never give you a break.
my grandma was lucky, she lived in the countryside and so the Hongerwinter didn't hit her quite as hard as it did the rest of the country... what did she do with that extra energy? she put down a bed of coal inside a pram and laid her poor baby sister across them (my great aunt outlived my grandma and she doesnt remember the coal bed) and brought coal to the freezing families in the nearby city. whenever i hear stories about the second world war... I think about this brave girl...who eventhough she had it good enough, risked her life to pass a pram full of coal past nazi checkpoints just so a family in a nearby city might be warm for the night... 14 km,s to and 14 km's back (8.6 miles to and fro, more than 16 miles back and forth. not once but as often as she could) dankjewel oma... je hebt genoeg gedaan
Apparently many Canadian soldiers spoke to their commanding officers and asked to have their meals halved so that the remaining portions could go to the local population; is sounds unbelievable, but a recent interview with a 94 year old veteran on CBC revealed this to be the case. As we spiral this day (11 people murdered in a synagogue in Pittsburgh) into a civilization whose only parallel seems to be that of Central Europe, 1933-1939, where propaganda is permission, we can only pray that the better angels of the earth will again restore grace to humanity.
My grandpa fought in the Royal Canadian Air Force and RAF I only met him when I was a baby then he died 10 days later I wish I could learn from him from his experiences
Too bad he never could. If he fought at The Scheldt he probably wouldn't talk about it. My grandfather survived the Hungerwinter of '45. We would Walk the beach together sometimes. He taught me how to suck the nourishment from helmgras. Can't Imagine how hungry he must have been during the war.
My father was a sniper for the Canadian armed forces in WW11. I could never understand why he drank so much, and why he got so mean when he did. In fact I did not have much respect for him. But after watching this video, and seeing the joy in the faces of the people he helped, I realize how wrong I was....
My mother and father are born and raised in the Netherlands and lived through the war. My Mom said she will never forget when the Canadians liberated her country. After the war, in 1951 they immigrated to Canada where I'm born. Understandably, they do not like Germany for having destroyed their country. I speak conversational Dutch and so enjoy speaking the language when I have visited the Netherlands on 3 occasions. The Dutch people love Canadians, especially ones that can speak their language.
My uncle in the Canadian infantry fought in the Netherlands and loved the Dutch. I have read and listened to so much about the cruelty of the Nazis and Japanese that I can never step foot in either of those countries. I cannot forgive them for what they did.
Dear Bruce, thank you so much for what your Uncle did for my Netherlands. He liberated my family and I am so grateful to him. God bless your dear Uncle. Lots of gratitude and lots of love from Amsterdam
the canadian soldier is one of the best in the world because he volunteer's to go to war..thus making him a force to recon with.he is not drafted he chooses to fight,and that is what makes him one of the finest in the field
My Dad was in the RCAF during WWII and was part of ground crews de-rigging Lancaster bombers of their bomb loads in England, replacing those with crates of canned food rigged to parachutes.....the Lancasters then took off and "bombed" Holland with the food under Operation Manna, the allied food drop into Holland.....! In 1957, Dad was transferred to RCAF 1 Air Division Headquarters in Metz, France (Alsace-Lorraine north east France)......in the spring, my brother and I hitch-hiked through Belgium to Holland with a Canadian flag on our rucksacks...we got to the Dutch border and when the Dutch customs officers saw our Canadian ID, they stopped a Dutch business man entering Holland and told him to take us to Amsterdam with him.....he was delighted and hosted us for a week in Amsterdam, touring us all over....telling everyone that we were Canadian teenagers......when he found out that our father had loaded food into RCAF Lancaster bombers for Operation Manna, he made a few quick phone calls......in about an hour or so, Dutch police arrived.....and we thought we were in deep trouble....but the officers explained that they had been ordered to pick us up and escort us to City Hall...! We arrived there to find a....band.....a patrol of police officers on parade and the Mayor and city hall staff decked out in Orange banners......we were shocked to find ourselves the centre of attraction and being hoisted up on police shoulders and a growing crowd cheering us....! The mayor explained in Dutch to the crowd that we were the children of an RCAF airman who had loaded food on RCAF (and RAF) Lancaster bombers that then had airdropped that food into Holland......we were kissed by every female for blocks, given cakes and wine and brandy....! What memories....!
Had a similar experience backpacking through Europe and Eastern Europe about 10 years ago. In Normandy, there were no hostels where we were so we ended up at a small BnB in a small town. Had the Canadian flag also on my pack, with the Fleur-de-Lys. They lodged us for the night, fed us two meals, and the next day when it was time to leave they refused to take our money. They told us Canadians had saved their home and family in WW2 and that they never had, and never would take any money from Canadian travelers in their inn. All they asked is that we send them more Canadians to host lol. Didn't get a parade though!
In the early sixties the 52nd Lowland Division provided soldiers at a tattoo in Holland demonstrating Highland dancing. The Dutch at that time couldn’t do e nought for them, wouldn’t allow them to buy tickets on local transport and so on. Years ago I heard a family tell of how the GERMANS were with drawing from the town whilst the locals hid. Shortly after they heard again the growl of tanks and thought the Germans were returning, then above the noise of the tanks they heard the bag pipes and realised it was the Allies, in this case British/ Scottish troops. The family said they had never known such relief. Now the Dutch are again under the heel of Berlin.
Exactly what I was looking for . What relief if any were given to these liberated but starving people . Operation manna . I wonder if allies anticipated that this would the case of these newly liberated countries needing very badly needed food and other supplies. Or if not anticipated , at least then made the necessary plans to do so.
Great footage and restoration , . 73 years ago today my Uncle and my dads cousin were fighting to free Arnhem and Oosterbeek from the tyranny of nazi occupation .
Its not hard to literally be a resistance fighter for 5 days and not be caught by germans who are obviously busy trying to keep the british out of german airspace
I hope that they can keep these sorts of videos for all time. They are fascinating from a historical perspective and yet terrible at the same time. They demonstrate the utter futility of war and yet what do you do when someone wants to trample all over you.
I'm 5th generation and my son is 6th generation Canadian , my gr father fought in the Atlantic against the German Uboat as stoker on the corvette ship Mayflower , very proud to b Canadian and our veterans 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
My Great Grandfather always said "I'd hate to be on the opposite side of them Canadian boys. They are as tough as nails and fight like hell". I've never forgot that and married a Canadian Woman. He wasn't wrong.
Well, the "Canadians" of these video, their descendents today arent the same, and what means to be Canadian these days, changed. Most "Canadians" of today, their ancestours at the time this video is filmed, were living in other country or continent.
@resigned liberal strong nationalism isn't necessary, faith is blind. the average person of today is freer, smarter, healthier and more informed than ever and understands that. if the trade off of denying blind patriotism and faith is a more cynical view of war and the prejudiced forces that drove it, i'd say it's a pretty good deal. Regardless though, your concern is meaningless. modern military men and women join the ranks freely. they streamline themselves into their positions (and thus would generally have qualities directly relating to the job), as opposed to being any random war hating average joe being forced into battle like in ww2. what a fucking travesty for those people.
Dwight Turner I take your comment as tongue in cheek but I just can't imagine any conflict where national conscription would be imposed by the Feds. At the start of WW II there was only a small number of regular forces personnel. The rest that eventually took the total over 1 million were volunteers. Today, there just isn't the same commitment to Canada as there was then (many citizens/landed immigrants now carry two or more passports) showing they couldn't be counted on to defend the country if things ever get hot.
20:21 this looks like the area of Merwedeplein where Anne Frank lived. Great film and as a Canadian I wish we would of got to Amsterdam a lot sooner to liberate the Dutch. both my Uncles were apart of that liberation :)
My parents come from the Netherlands. My mother is from Amsterdam and my father is from Almelo. I love mt Dutch heritage. They told all about their experiences of the war.
I think much of the bond is one smaller power helping another. In a war where the great powers dominated this was a case were two countries that were not great powers and who had little to do with each other before the war shared a great occation. Like many here have said my father was there with the Calgary Tank Regiment.
the dutch celebrate the liberation in 45 every year and have the greatest respect for canadians...as a canadian if i visit holland i wont need for anything
As an southern American coming by and looking at this interesting piece of history......I must admit this by far my favorite moment in ww2 next to the er....battle of Berlin.
Thanks for giving us the band Van Halen. I heard Jan Van Halen tell stories of living in tunnels an bomb shelters. Had he not survived, we would have never had Eddie.
I think that from 23:23 onwards, we're watching the liberation of Luxemburg (not Holland). The countries have the same flag (red, white, and blue). Maybe that's why the two fragments were put together? The woman getting off the plane at 24:50 certainly isn't the Dutch queen. I think it's the grand duchess of Luxemburg. You can also see her here: ua-cam.com/video/7vhaFi01EfI/v-deo.html.
What does RTL mean? Why is there Luxembourg television in the Netherlands? That's why you see Luxemburg liberation footage, here. Who cares, after all. Nobody noticed.
It wasn’t luck. THAT TOO was thanks to Canada forces. The USSR army tried to enter a town in the north Netherlands. Can’t remember the name. But the Canadian armor commander bluffed the Soviets about the size of his forces and REFUSED TO LEAVE THE TOWN. This single act by one brave Canadian commander may have saved part or all of Holland from soviet domination. Mad respect to our Canadian Allies. For WWI&II, and Gander on 9/11. Talk about standing to!🇺🇸🇨🇦
My parents were born in 1937 and grew up during and after world war 2 in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 dad came to Canada in 1957 at 19 to farm mum cam in 1970 to Mary him. It will be their 54th anniversary this year 2024 Thank you Canadian, British, and American soldiers. ❤
The gratitude of the Dutch for the sacrifices of my countrymen in liberating them is much appreciated. They continue to show it even to this day, 75 years later.
You where lucky in eastern Europe Nazis did unspeakable crimes ageinst civilians because Nazis considered Slavs as less humans so they did bad thinks to us.
Not really, the Germans murdered more than 200,000 Dutch and civilians. Rotterdam was bombed to the ground in 1940, over 75% of the Netherland's Jewish population was destroyed. The northern part of the country had to endure the 'Hongerwinter' famine from 1944-1945, when people were eating tulip bulbs to survive. The Germans deported Dutch men and boys to work in German factories, where many died either because of poor conditions or because of Allied bombings. Any resistance was met with retaliations against civilians; hostages were shot, universities were raided, even an entire village (Putten) had it's entire male population (600 people) deported to concentration camps.
Says 1945 in the title ... The Canadians fought their brutal "Polder War" from 1944 into 1945. At the time that the Americans were fighting their "Battle of the Bulge" the Canadians were to the North of them fighting on muddy drowned lad.
Technical/uniform related question for those in the know: At 11:42 we see German military personnel marched out of a building. The standard eagle/Swastika is naturally emblazoned on their upper right breast pockets but it appears to be in yellow/gold. I thought that in the Wehrmacht at least (and officers of general rank obviously excepted) this symbol was always woven in _silver_ thread as standard? Is this perhaps a visual distortion caused by the primitive nature of the colour cine camera being used or were these patches actually gold? If so, why and does it denote something different from silver?
"The forgotten battle" on Netflix very excellent movie about the Canadians. They were fierce fighters and unlike the British and Americans the Canadians never got R&R from June 6th until the end of the war. They fought nonstop. God bless them.
Que gran documento fílmico d la historia que cambió radicalmente al mundo en dos, Político social y económico, hoy siglo 21,vivimos esas consecuencias d guerras mundiales
I didn't know that and I think that that is excellent that people have hung onto their traditions , I really enjoyed this video as I love history and those times were certainly troubled times and Europe was certainly glad to rid themselves of the Germans , these days they probably want them back as spending tourists .
During the German occupation of Denmark and the Netherlands, they were relatively mild. They did not destroy cities and massacre civilians on a large scale. The underground resistance organization finally reached a tacit understanding with the German army in private, and there was no bloodshed between them. The main task of the resistance organization is to Gathering information and guiding principles The German soldiers in these countries were the luckiest. They were basically complete and had very few combat attritions. They were lucky to surrender to the Allies and avoid falling into the hands of the Russians.
At that time Canadians had no national flag , had to wait 1965 to get l’Unifolié , drapeau rouge portant dans un carré blanc une feuille rouge d'érable stylisée à onze pointes.
Does anyone know how badly the people were hungry even starving ? And what if any relief did they receive from the allies ? Did they ship in huge amounts of food and other supplies for them ? I'm kinda proud that American food and war materials capacity was sooo huge. Not only with huge shipments of lend lease pre war but all through the war. Also rebuilding with Marshall plan.
sask squatch American's trying to habitually pass for Canadian's in Europe. They do that because they know Canadian's get a positive welcome over here, it's way different for their neighbour.
And Canadians love you ! Our countries share a very special bound. Much respect to the dutch people (and yeah I know americans who used to put the canadian flag on their backpack while traveling abroad because they know how terrible their reputation is since the iraq war lol )
Wel, zonder de buurman USA was de oorlog tegen de duitsers nooit gewonnen. Dus in plaats van dommige PVV achtige commentaar te leveren, kun je beter eens een geschiedenisboek lezen bijvoorbeeld. Dom geboren en nooit bijgeleerd he. Respectloos tegenover de honderdduizenden amerikaanse soldaten die zijn gestorven zodat een verwent ventje zoals jij in vrijheid kan leven.
This comment makes me so sad. My Father and Uncle died fighting in occupied territories during WW2. They were so committed to doing all they could to assist citizens in Holland and Hungary, in particular. How sad that some Dutch could care less about their sacrifices. However, I know that many Dutch and Hungarians do not share your point of view, thank goodness.
@@radiftaoctavian1318 i can understand you and of course you are right. Colonisation of country's 350 years ago was wrong. But it was also very common at that time. Still wrong.
@@j.h.9140 it's useless, since 1949 Indonesia paid a fine of 4.5 billion gulden until 2000, then Netherlands released Indonesia. that only knew the government, there were no people who knew at that time so that there would be no war again
The Dutch hated the Germans what they did in WW2 to their own country, but forgot what the Dutch did in the hundred years in the past in the territory that Dutch called 'eastern indie' even in the next years later after WW2. The Dutch admire Canadian what they did to their own country but not learn as a role model, but the colonial attitude was in them even before the Germans did. Deep condolences to the women, children, and civilians who have become victims for the colonialism itself from wherever the country even in Germany though
My Pop fought in Europe during the war and was very much impressed with the Canadian soldiers. Considering their population, they made a huge and vital effort in winning the war in Europe. We should never forget that fact, especially considering their losses in men, must have affected most Canadian families.
As a Canadian, thank you. Thanks for your Pop's service as well. My grandma lost her boyfriend in ww2. They were to be married after the war. He was a tail gunner in the RCAF which were basically a part of the RAF in those days. My grandpa (the man she eventually married) also served in the RCAF and was stationed in northern Africa. All the people of the Allied (as well as Axis) nations were affected by the war in one way or another. I hope a war of it's kind never has to happen again.
One of my Grandfather's was a tail-gunner on a Lancaster for the RCAF/RAF the other is one of only 5 (last time I heard) remaining Canadian tank aces alive today. Amazing how much the world has changed and how privileged the youth of today are. Thank you all for your families service.
If I recall correctly, a full 1.1 million men and women joined the Canadian military and auxiliaries over the course of the war, a higher percentage of the population than at any time in the nation's entire history. By the end of the war, Canada had fought in the Netherlands, Italy, France, the Battle of Britain, Germany, and Hong Kong; it had the third largest navy in the world after the US and British navies; and punched well above its weight class in industry and production for the war. My granddad fought in the British Army rather than the Canadian army, but I really have to recognize the immense contribution Canada made to the Allied war effort. Without it, it's quite possible the war would've taken years longer and millions more would have died, so thank you to every member of that generation who fought.
+Gary Daniel
A Tank Ace is a tank commander credited with large numbers of kills, much like a fighter ace is a pilot that successfully shot down 5+ enemy planes.
+Gay Daniel
Yeah, it wasn't used by the Allied forces, as they generally didn't give special recognition to tank aces, unlike with fighter aces. The Germans coined the term, as they did give special recognition and awards for it. That would probably be why you didn't hear about it! Glad I could help!
My Grandfather was part of the Canadian troops that helped liberate Amsterdam.
"liberate"
"liberate"?^^
Thank you for using the term "liberate". Ignorant people like to use the term "invasion". My father fought from Omaha Beach to Berlin. In his obituary my family wanted to say he was part of the "invasion" of France. He never invaded any country. He did help liberate Europe from the Nazi's though.
Thnx for his service and saving my country
Thankyou!
The Netherlands was the most friendly country ive ever been to in Europe. All i could think of was how sad it must have been in WW2. They love Canadians too which is a bonus for me.
Of course we do love Canadians. How else we could after hearing so many times from our parents and grandparents that they are liberated by Canadians and that they gave from their own ration food to hungry Dutch children. My mother told me so many times about the good Canadian soldiers.
That's why I'm a Dutch Canadian, after the war they obviously felt Canada was the place to go.
Im Dutch and we may be nice to tourist but theres a large Moroccan population that likes to f up the country.
@@maricgesink1292 there's a large population of xenophobic assholes ruining our country just as well. Since when is the ground that you were born on yours? I used to be pretty proud of my country, being open minded, free for everybody to say what's on their minds, welcoming people from all over the world. Don't blame overpopulation on a certain group of people, they are struggling just like everybody else is.
@@jkj10 you can't coexist with a separate species all the muslims in my city are moving into the middle class housing they are not refuges...
My Grandad was amongst the Canadian troupes at the liberation of Holland. He told me how they gave out chocolate to the children. He and his fellow soldiers were walking through a village and a woman stopped him, ran into her house and came back out with a tiny blue and white china shoe and pressed it into Grampies hand. He tucked it in his pocket and when he came home he gave it to his mother in law ( my great grandmother). Before she passed away she made sure that it was given to me and it sits on my treasure shelf to this day. Grampie always smiled when he told me that story and said that it was probably the dutch ladys on treasure that she gave to him out of gratitude.
Gold story Kim. It was my father who liberated Holland.
What a beautiful story! Given with love and gratitude. I am so glad you cherish it as well. My family was liberated in May 45, living in Utrecht.
@@itisonlyme1 ohhh by Canadians? Maybe by one of the troups Grampie knew!
My grandparents emigrated after the war. I know those little white and blue china shoes with the patterns of hillsides and windmills in the blue. They are indeed a precious artifact of the old world.
@@colinbanning9416 there is such a rich history behind it
Great footage, very informative yet sad to see this footage. My grandma used to have germans (forced) in her house. She would cook for them and then they went To the frontline near Overloon where was fought heavily. They would return exhausted after weeks and she could here them cry at night. Those german boys were only 17-22 she said and didnt seem To want To fight. War is a sad thing, she was very happy when She was libirated by the canadians and always hoped the young boys survived
Keep hearing that the people were very hungry even starving. Do you know what food and other supplies if any were shipped in by the US or other allies ?
The German soldiers were smiling big when they got on that truck. They survived the war ! Audrey Hepburn the actress was in Amsterdam I believe as a child an told stories of starving. Maybe that's why she always stayed so skinny.
75 years ago today we will never forget. Our children and grandchildren will learn to value freedom.
The Dutch will always be immensely grateful to the Canadians who liberated us from the Nazi occupation. Often with their lives. Thank you Canada so much!
MVE Thank you, directly from Canada 🇨🇦 , always the most wonderful relationship with the Netherlands 🇳🇱 !
@JohnnyGotHisGun Its because the majority of the world gives credit to USA and Britain for the allied victory they dont realize other nations like France, China, Philippines, Australia, Canada, commonwealth nations had major contributions also. Netherlands i think understands this and they love Canada.
@@chrisbreezy-ryanbarbosa4320 This is specific to Holland. At times over 50% of the Canadian Army were British units.
@JohnnyGotHisGun Americans did shit, polish had a single armor div. Canadians and brits cleared the shores however most of the ''british'' units were actually canadians.and because General Charles Foulkes, commander of the 1st Canadian Corps accepted the surrender of German forces. Bravery was shown by other countries but not by a metric shit ton
God bless you Friend Peace From Vancouver Canada
Nt family was liberated in May 45, living in Utrecht. My mum remembers dancing with Canadian soldiers. One soldier was shocked because he could feel her ribs, she had survived the Winter of Hunger (Hongerwinter). My grandma went out dancing with a Canadian officer, my mum remembers grandma on a Canadian jeep, sitting between the driver and the officer.
THANK YOU to all who liberated us. My parents were very sad that so many died. War is sad indeed. I love you!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Martine van Kooten
Hello! My father,L.A.C.Harry Fistell fought in the battle of Caen.He was attached to the R.C.A.F. ,ground forces.
We would do it again no question
@@misterhistoryman2214 sad . he was and is a hero .
My grandfather faught for Canada there
Canadians and Dutch will always have a special bond.
What a great video! Beautiful footage, in color no less! Very happy to have found it.
me too ;)
The Dutch have never forgotten their Canadian liberators. Every spring, Ottawa is covered in fresh Dutch tulips.
My mother's brother (my uncle) parachuted into the Arnhem area with the 1st Canadian parachute regiment and was eventually killed. He is buried in the Canadian cemetary at Nijmegen, Holland.
I am so sorry to hear that. Thank you for his services🌹❤️🌹we will never forget @@billfarley9167 big hug from the Netherlands
Thank you Canada and Polish and U.S. Most Dutch people will never forget what you did for us!
Just a small point. You forgot the British.. 🤦♂️
Yes, he forgot the British as evidenced by the Dutch border guards confiscating our truckers lunch sandwiches complete with a sarcastic remark. They have forgotten who spent their treasure and lives to free Holland and the rest of Europe from the brutal thugs who were abusing and starving them.
@@donaldpaterson5827 this is what the EU has done. Its re-written history, forgotten just how much the UK and its commonwealth did for Europe and made us out to be the villains. Even before we left it was like we played no part in WWII.
And since December they have done nothing but threaten us, badmouth us and make life difficult at borders. They are now even interfering in domestic UK trade.
The UK's Greatest Generation gave their lives to save the lives and freedoms of everyone in Europe and yet now its like it just means nothing.
Shameful people.
@@1chish Chamberlain spent entire last year of his mandate trying to please Hitler and trading other nation's territories for 'a peace that will last for 100 years', so I would be very careful while trying to emphesize the role of the British in the WW2. Yes, you vere an important wheel in liberation of Europe, but your unpopularity on the continent dates long before Brexit.
Don't leave out the Brits
My Grandfather was a Hasty P Canadian 1st Division, he helped liberate the Netherlands. I got to tour where he fought in Europe with him in 2005 just before he passed away, we where in northern Holland and we went to this town, he broke down and started to walk away, he said I can’t be here! I calmed him down, he raised his head and said we where right there pushing the Germans back into this town, some of them held us up while others ran over the bridge into the town. He said the Germans holding them up ran into the town and they chased them. He said by time they got over the bridge there was a bomb crater just after the bridge in the town, in it where a bunch of women and children that had just been murdered, a bunch of the men in the town came out and where crying yelling that the Germans ran out of the town, and that the first ones tried to kill all the women and children, so they pushed on. He told me a time they stopped a train going to a gas chamber, he was front line and they tried breaking the cattle cars open with barb wire around them with slits for air. He said the people where packed in so tight that the dead couldn’t fall. A NCO came up and told them to go after the Germans so it was safe for reinforcements to get the people out safe, he said the train was still running and the Germans just jumped off and ran. He would hold his head down and say, I can still hear all those people crying and moaning like I was there right now. He lost so much weight giving his rations away, he was caught behind a mound of dirt for days with no food cause the Germans had a MG42 on him, he couldn’t move and just before he gave his food to a family. The Dutch people when we where over there treated us beautifully, I thank you guys for you kindness when we came. Took me years and many books to get my Grandfather to talk about it, it affected him till the day he died!
If any Canadian would like for someone to lay flowers at a specific grave in the Netherlands, please let me know. I will go there personally to put flowers.
We may never forget!
Yes I have read that numerous families there adopt an individual grave of those in the military cemeteries and look after them as one of their own
I love seeing this. My great grandfather helped liberate the Netherlands. I have a painting that was graciously gifted to him from a family he stayed with while there. My grandma always used to tell me stories she heard from him, and how amazing and appreciative the Dutch people were. I would love to visit someday :)
Canadians are quite PROUD of the remarkable success of our Amed Forces. On a PERCENTAGE basis, we lost more soldiers than England,France & the United States. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
And we Dutch did'nt forget that!
The Canadian 1st was made up of a lot of British units. If you look at the order of battle you will be surprised.
Some of those Dutch soldier were killed in indonesia during the Dutch Second military aggresion
I was born in Canada in 1972 to a Dutch Father and German Mother. They married in 1969 on exact day the moon landing occurred. Their marriage was a difficult one because of my mother being German and yet once married my Dutch family accepted her as family. I grew up hearing stories from both sides.
My German grandfather was a ferry captain, who would ferry troops in the Baltic. He was court marshaled twice for speaking out. The first time he was assisted by an officer but the 2nd he was sent to the Russian front where he was captured. He spent 4 years after the war ended in a Gulag. He existed on the meager rations which often would be skipped or tampered with. He ate rats and whatever he could find to survive...Russian lades would on occasion hide potatoes and veggies in their clothing but that was rare. In his final years he would have the worst nightmares and rant in Russian a language he would never speak in during the day. He died in 86 with the shrapnel of a grenade wound still in his legs.
My Dutch grandparents spoke about the atrocities and the hunger winter they endured. It got so bad they would boil leather to eat, whatever they needed to for survival...some things so horrible they would immediately cry but not talk about...I can only imagine :( My grandmother wrote a poem called 'Dank aan Canada'. She was sad that my father left Europe with my mother but given the sentiment still she understood and was so proud when he chose Canada to immigrate to. No matter how sad or terrifying her memories, mentioning the Canadian soldiers immediately would change her disposition. Her generation would never forget the men who came from across the ocean to liberate them. I still have the poem and will paste it below including a translation.
Dank aan Canada
(Thanks to Canada)
Vijfendertig jaar is het geleden
(It has been 35 years)
Dat wij werden verblijd.
(since we rejoiced)
Door de Canadezen die met hun leven
(through the Canadians that with their lives)
Ons uit de hopeloosheid hebben bevrijd.
(delivered us from hopelessness to freedom)
“Canadezen” hoe kunnen wij u danken
(Canadians, how can we thank you?)
Dat u ons bevrijdde van dat Duitse juk
(That you freed us from the German yoke)
De niets ontziende moordende wreedheid
(The non-compassionate and murderous cruelty)
En de nooit aflatende zware druk.
(and constant heavy pressure)
De jonge generatie kan niet zo voelen
(The younger generation cannot feel the same)
Want zij maakten dit niet mee
(As they did not experience what we did)
Maar wij ouderen zullen nimmer vergeten
(But our generation will never forget)
Dat onze bevrijder kwam van over zee.
(That our liberators came from across the sea)
Hebt dank Canadezen voor uw offer
(have our gratitude for your sacrifice)
Dat u voor onze bevrijding hebt gebracht
( that you offered for our freedom)
En in de bloeiende tulpenbollen
(And in the blooming tulips)
Heeft Nederland uw offer herdacht.
(our nation remembers your sacrifice)
Dat Canada moge groeien en bloeien
(That Canada may likewise grow and bloom)
Tot heil van bevolking en prachtig land
(To benefit the entire population and beautiful land)
Wees overtuigd van onze dankbare gevoelens
(be ever convinced of our gratitude and feelings)
In een nauw verbonden hechte band
(in a now forged and eternal close knit bond)
1980
@@YoreHistory Thanks for sharing! We still love Canada over here very much!
@@YoreHistory That is so beautiful! It should be read every Remembrance Day!
What a beautiful poem!! I understand it because I am Dutch. Your poor father, it is a miracle he survived the gulag. Was the poor man in Stalingrad? That was hell on earth! Be safe
@@itisonlyme1 This was my grandmother's poem :) The German side was my mother's father...ie my maternal grandfather who spent time in the Gulag. No he wasn't in Stalingrad.
My father was with the Regina Rifles in the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. They fought at Nijmegen in the liberation of the Netherlands. Years later he and other vets were sent some orange poppy seeds, which Mom planted in one of our gardens. I always liked seeing them bloom.
I should ask my opa (grandfather) where he was on VE day. I'm a second generation Canadian and 50% Dutch, so the bond between these two nations has always stood out to me.
My father was with the Hasting & Prince Edward Regiment. After landing in Sicily, they fought up the Adriatic coast and were then moved to Holland. When they saw how starved the Dutch were, they voluntarily went on half rations and gave away the rest. He had a Dutch girlfriend but she would not agree to come to Canada with him (fortunately for me). He stayed away from all tanks. If they were German, they tried to kill him. If they were Allied, they attracted German artillery which tried to kill him. He had a knack for getting in trouble (alcohol related) and he told me he always hoped American MP's picked him up because the English Provosts would never give you a break.
My uncle was an American MP in Europe! Maybe they met, lol!
"the Hasting & Prince Edward Regiment" ... also known as "The Hasty Pees"
my grandma was lucky, she lived in the countryside and so the Hongerwinter didn't hit her quite as hard as it did the rest of the country... what did she do with that extra energy? she put down a bed of coal inside a pram and laid her poor baby sister across them (my great aunt outlived my grandma and she doesnt remember the coal bed) and brought coal to the freezing families in the nearby city.
whenever i hear stories about the second world war... I think about this brave girl...who eventhough she had it good enough, risked her life to pass a pram full of coal past nazi checkpoints just so a family in a nearby city might be warm for the night... 14 km,s to and 14 km's back (8.6 miles to and fro, more than 16 miles back and forth. not once but as often as she could)
dankjewel oma... je hebt genoeg gedaan
Never knew that this footage existed. Amazing job in preserving it!
those were the days.
Apparently many Canadian soldiers spoke to their commanding officers and asked to have their meals halved so that the remaining portions could go to the local population; is sounds unbelievable, but a recent interview with a 94 year old veteran on CBC revealed this to be the case. As we spiral this day (11 people murdered in a synagogue in Pittsburgh) into a civilization whose only parallel seems to be that of Central Europe, 1933-1939, where propaganda is permission, we can only pray that the better angels of the earth will again restore grace to humanity.
I don't think anybody could have said it better
There is no greater gift you can give but to lay down your life for your fellow man!
My grandpa fought in the Royal Canadian Air Force and RAF I only met him when I was a baby then he died 10 days later I wish I could learn from him from his experiences
My very deepest condolences. My family was liberated in May 45. I owe him!!!! Stay safe xx
Too bad he never could. If he fought at The Scheldt he probably wouldn't talk about it. My grandfather survived the Hungerwinter of '45. We would Walk the beach together sometimes. He taught me how to suck the nourishment from helmgras. Can't Imagine how hungry he must have been during the war.
My father was a sniper for the Canadian armed forces in WW11. I could never understand why he drank so much, and why he got so mean when he did. In fact I did not have much respect for him. But after watching this video, and seeing the joy in the faces of the people he helped, I realize how wrong I was....
Wait there has already been an eleventh world war? They don't take break huh
@The Richest Man In Babylon Showcase my what? Also, it's just a joke, relax. You are wrong though, it's either WW2 or WWII, not WW11 lol.
My grandfathers sister married a Canadian liberator. We still have family in Canada.
My mother and father are born and raised in the Netherlands and lived through the war. My Mom said she will never forget when the Canadians liberated her country. After the war, in 1951 they immigrated to Canada where I'm born. Understandably, they do not like Germany for having destroyed their country. I speak conversational Dutch and so enjoy speaking the language when I have visited the Netherlands on 3 occasions. The Dutch people love Canadians, especially ones that can speak their language.
My uncle in the Canadian infantry fought in the Netherlands and loved the Dutch. I have read and listened to so much about the cruelty
of the Nazis and Japanese that I can never step foot in either of those countries. I cannot forgive them for what they did.
Dear Bruce, thank you so much for what your Uncle did for my Netherlands. He liberated my family and I am so grateful to him. God bless your dear Uncle. Lots of gratitude and lots of love from Amsterdam
the canadian soldier is one of the best in the world because he volunteer's to go to war..thus making him a force to recon with.he is not drafted he chooses to fight,and that is what makes him one of the finest in the field
My Dad was in the RCAF during WWII and was part of ground crews de-rigging Lancaster bombers of their bomb loads in England, replacing those with crates of canned food rigged to parachutes.....the Lancasters then took off and "bombed" Holland with the food under Operation Manna, the allied food drop into Holland.....! In 1957, Dad was transferred to RCAF 1 Air Division Headquarters in Metz, France (Alsace-Lorraine north east France)......in the spring, my brother and I hitch-hiked through Belgium to Holland with a Canadian flag on our rucksacks...we got to the Dutch border and when the Dutch customs officers saw our Canadian ID, they stopped a Dutch business man entering Holland and told him to take us to Amsterdam with him.....he was delighted and hosted us for a week in Amsterdam, touring us all over....telling everyone that we were Canadian teenagers......when he found out that our father had loaded food into RCAF Lancaster bombers for Operation Manna, he made a few quick phone calls......in about an hour or so, Dutch police arrived.....and we thought we were in deep trouble....but the officers explained that they had been ordered to pick us up and escort us to City Hall...! We arrived there to find a....band.....a patrol of police officers on parade and the Mayor and city hall staff decked out in Orange banners......we were shocked to find ourselves the centre of attraction and being hoisted up on police shoulders and a growing crowd cheering us....! The mayor explained in Dutch to the crowd that we were the children of an RCAF airman who had loaded food on RCAF (and RAF) Lancaster bombers that then had airdropped that food into Holland......we were kissed by every female for blocks, given cakes and wine and brandy....! What memories....!
Had a similar experience backpacking through Europe and Eastern Europe about 10 years ago. In Normandy, there were no hostels where we were so we ended up at a small BnB in a small town. Had the Canadian flag also on my pack, with the Fleur-de-Lys. They lodged us for the night, fed us two meals, and the next day when it was time to leave they refused to take our money. They told us Canadians had saved their home and family in WW2 and that they never had, and never would take any money from Canadian travelers in their inn. All they asked is that we send them more Canadians to host lol. Didn't get a parade though!
I love this story of the rcaf. This. Was. Stirring
In the early sixties the 52nd Lowland Division provided soldiers at a tattoo in Holland demonstrating Highland dancing. The Dutch at that time couldn’t do e nought for them, wouldn’t allow them to buy tickets on local transport and so on. Years ago I heard a family tell of how the GERMANS were with drawing from the town whilst the locals hid. Shortly after they heard again the growl of tanks and thought the Germans were returning, then above the noise of the tanks they heard the bag pipes and realised it was the Allies, in this case British/ Scottish troops. The family said they had never known such relief. Now the Dutch are again under the heel of Berlin.
@@donaldpaterson5827 what do you mean the Dutch are again under heel of Berlin ?
Exactly what I was looking for . What relief if any were given to these liberated but starving people . Operation manna . I wonder if allies anticipated that this would the case of these newly liberated countries needing very badly needed food and other supplies. Or if not anticipated , at least then made the necessary plans to do so.
My wife is Dutch. I am Canadian.
MY WIFE IS A REAL SWEETIE!!!❤️❤️🇨🇦
Great footage and restoration , . 73 years ago today my Uncle and my dads cousin were fighting to free Arnhem and Oosterbeek from the tyranny of nazi occupation .
My father was a member of the resistance since may 1945. He was never caught.
Willie, Your Father was a Hero and I am happy He was never caught. God Bless Him
sad that the allied occupied europe like the germans did...
Its not hard to literally be a resistance fighter for 5 days and not be caught by germans who are obviously busy trying to keep the british out of german airspace
Kilyan Austin Wierema
Quick question - where are you from
hahaha!!!!
Aww my dad was there always hope to see a pic of him.
karen81986 I wonder what your dad think about Holland today. It's no longer Dutch.
Danke für den Upload und beste Wünsche
I hope that they can keep these sorts of videos for all time. They are fascinating from a historical perspective and yet terrible at the same time. They demonstrate the utter futility of war and yet what do you do when someone wants to trample all over you.
My great grandfather was born in Holland in 1859 . Came to Britain in the 1870 s .
I'm 5th generation and my son is 6th generation Canadian , my gr father fought in the Atlantic against the German Uboat as stoker on the corvette ship Mayflower , very proud to b Canadian and our veterans 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
My Great Grandfather always said "I'd hate to be on the opposite side of them Canadian boys. They are as tough as nails and fight like hell". I've never forgot that and married a Canadian Woman. He wasn't wrong.
I’ll tell you what, if God forbid there is another Great War I’d want the Canadians in my foxhole. They are tough as nails.
Well, the "Canadians" of these video, their descendents today arent the same, and what means to be Canadian these days, changed. Most "Canadians" of today, their ancestours at the time this video is filmed, were living in other country or continent.
@@gordusmaximus4990 You do realize that we're all the same species and that nations are arbitrary divisions, right?
@resigned liberal strong nationalism isn't necessary, faith is blind. the average person of today is freer, smarter, healthier and more informed than ever and understands that. if the trade off of denying blind patriotism and faith is a more cynical view of war and the prejudiced forces that drove it, i'd say it's a pretty good deal.
Regardless though, your concern is meaningless. modern military men and women join the ranks freely. they streamline themselves into their positions (and thus would generally have qualities directly relating to the job), as opposed to being any random war hating average joe being forced into battle like in ww2. what a fucking travesty for those people.
resigned liberal
Sir, please go back to your tribe of cavemen and leave us alone. The rest of us, which are the majority, are just fine how we are.
Truly amazing, this is what makes history really comes alive. 🤩
As A Canadian, Im proud for the people who helped Netherlands be free.
The next time that politicians call for a war, let's just not show up.
The ONLY army I joined and you should join is the Kiss Army
Dwight Turner I take your comment as tongue in cheek but I just can't imagine any conflict where national conscription would be imposed by the Feds. At the start of WW II there was only a small number of regular forces personnel. The rest that eventually took the total over 1 million were volunteers. Today, there just isn't the same commitment to Canada as there was then (many citizens/landed immigrants now carry two or more passports) showing they couldn't be counted on to defend the country if things ever get hot.
R. Crompton
Multiple passports sound like an excellent thing - this way, people won’t be starting wars between their countries.
@@PutinsMommyNeverHuggedHim and THAT is exactly the danger ......
Pieter Sweelinck ok, plan B. Any politician who calls for war must be legally bound to either enlist himself/herself, a spouse, or a son/daughter
20:21 this looks like the area of Merwedeplein where Anne Frank lived. Great film and as a Canadian I wish we would of got to Amsterdam a lot sooner to liberate the Dutch. both my Uncles were apart of that liberation :)
I thought so too. I think it's even the side of the square where the Franks lived.
The Flying Fox Had the pathetic allies arrived sooner maybe she could’ve lived
liberation? ;-)
Much respect and thanks for your service!
You can lay the blame at Montgomery's feet.
At 20:30 Vrijheidslaan, from Amstel station to Rijnstraat . Lived there in early 90s. Recognised it instantly. No change
Fantastic colour film and those clogs should definitely make a come back !
My parents come from the Netherlands. My mother is from Amsterdam and my father is from Almelo. I love mt Dutch heritage. They told all about their experiences of the war.
I think much of the bond is one smaller power helping another. In a war where the great powers dominated this was a case were two countries that were not great powers and who had little to do with each other before the war shared a great occation. Like many here have said my father was there with the Calgary Tank Regiment.
the dutch celebrate the liberation in 45 every year and have the greatest respect for canadians...as a canadian if i visit holland i wont need for anything
Yes there are many videos on you tube of the WW2 military vehicle parades
As an southern American coming by and looking at this interesting piece of history......I must admit this by far my favorite moment in ww2 next to the er....battle of Berlin.
my dad was there he said they were estatic when the canadian soldiers arrived.....
@@tvzbladedancer383 What's not to understand about that sentence?
Well done. Great job!
You have to been occupied to appreciate what freedom really means, and when you do, you'll never forget who gave it to you
Thanks for giving us the band Van Halen. I heard Jan Van Halen tell stories of living in tunnels an bomb shelters. Had he not survived, we would have never had Eddie.
Amazing to see this in colour
I think that from 23:23 onwards, we're watching the liberation of Luxemburg (not Holland). The countries have the same flag (red, white, and blue). Maybe that's why the two fragments were put together? The woman getting off the plane at 24:50 certainly isn't the Dutch queen. I think it's the grand duchess of Luxemburg. You can also see her here: ua-cam.com/video/7vhaFi01EfI/v-deo.html.
What does RTL mean? Why is there Luxembourg television in the Netherlands? That's why you see Luxemburg liberation footage, here. Who cares, after all. Nobody noticed.
@@voornaam3191 Radio Television Luxembourg
God, how lucky these kids were that they did not fall under the Soviet occupation
It wasn’t luck. THAT TOO was thanks to Canada forces. The USSR army tried to enter a town in the north Netherlands. Can’t remember the name. But the Canadian armor commander bluffed the Soviets about the size of his forces and REFUSED TO LEAVE THE TOWN. This single act by one brave Canadian commander may have saved part or all of Holland from soviet domination. Mad respect to our Canadian Allies. For WWI&II, and Gander on 9/11. Talk about standing to!🇺🇸🇨🇦
@@jimreilly917 That was operation Eclipse and in Wismar Germany.Canadian paratroopers stopped the Russians from entering Denmark
What great footage. Both my parents lived as children through the Nazi occupation of Holland.
En de Hongerwinter!!
itisonlyme1 my mother was in Haarlem, my father in Eindhoven
i saw some great footage from my neighborhood where i live right now there is like one building that u still will regonice from back then
I was looking to see a child the same age as my wife. Born 1941 in Rotterdam, came out of it with just rickets.
so very very proud of the canadians who gave there blood and resolve to the dutch
This is awesome !
My Grandfather was a Sapper with the Canadian military when they helped liberate Holland. Tulip 🌷
Great video !!!
My parents were born in 1937 and grew up during and after world war 2 in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 dad came to Canada in 1957 at 19 to farm mum cam in 1970 to Mary him. It will be their 54th anniversary this year 2024 Thank you Canadian, British, and American soldiers. ❤
My great grandfather was Dutch Jewish but came to England , his surname was de witte
My friend's mother was Dutch and told us some horrible stories. I wrote them all down...
No you didn't. We read nothing here.
@@voornaam3191 LOL
The gratitude of the Dutch for the sacrifices of my countrymen in liberating them is much appreciated. They continue to show it even to this day, 75 years later.
In tears...
Awsome 👍🏾
You where lucky in eastern Europe Nazis did unspeakable crimes ageinst civilians because Nazis considered Slavs as less humans so they did bad thinks to us.
Not really, the Germans murdered more than 200,000 Dutch and civilians. Rotterdam was bombed to the ground in 1940, over 75% of the Netherland's Jewish population was destroyed. The northern part of the country had to endure the 'Hongerwinter' famine from 1944-1945, when people were eating tulip bulbs to survive. The Germans deported Dutch men and boys to work in German factories, where many died either because of poor conditions or because of Allied bombings. Any resistance was met with retaliations against civilians; hostages were shot, universities were raided, even an entire village (Putten) had it's entire male population (600 people) deported to concentration camps.
@@thejosh3855 even though they knew who their enemy was, and today they invite an enemy who destroys them from the inside like cancer
@@thejosh3855 My parents and grandparents often talked about the Hongerwinter. They lived in Utrecht. I cannot imagine the hunger they felt. Stay safe
@@itisonlyme1 Jij ook :)
@@thejosh3855 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx :)
Woon jij in Holland of Canada?
Is this 2-strip instead of full color? The Dutch flag is red not orange!
It’s ironic that am watching a bridge to far and this pops up on Veterans Day.
Thanks so much..
American , English and
Canadian...
Good bless American...
Lino Alvarez you were liberated by allied only for beeing occupied by them then^^
@@postmortem9642 today they are occupied by islam
And Russians
@@jetronic25 You watch too much Fox news......
This can't be 1944, because Amsterdam became liberated after the surrendering of Germany. It must have been 1945 then.
Where does it say it's in 1944?
Says 1945 in the title ... The Canadians fought their brutal "Polder War" from 1944 into 1945. At the time that the Americans were fighting their "Battle of the Bulge" the Canadians were to the North of them fighting on muddy drowned lad.
The scenes in Amsterdam are May 6, 1945.
Technical/uniform related question for those in the know: At 11:42 we see German military personnel marched out of a building. The standard eagle/Swastika is naturally emblazoned on their upper right breast pockets but it appears to be in yellow/gold. I thought that in the Wehrmacht at least (and officers of general rank obviously excepted) this symbol was always woven in _silver_ thread as standard?
Is this perhaps a visual distortion caused by the primitive nature of the colour cine camera being used or were these patches actually gold? If so, why and does it denote something different from silver?
"The forgotten battle" on Netflix very excellent movie about the Canadians. They were fierce fighters and unlike the British and Americans the Canadians never got R&R from June 6th until the end of the war. They fought nonstop. God bless them.
This was a great video/film many thanks to the Canadian Army....
Que gran documento fílmico d la historia que cambió radicalmente al mundo en dos, Político social y económico, hoy siglo 21,vivimos esas consecuencias d guerras mundiales
Isn't it amazing that not that long ago Europeans still dressed as the drawings we see today as stereotypes
It is but in this region people are dressed like that today. Heritage, like the cowboy hats and boots in Texas.
I didn't know that and I think that that is excellent that people have hung onto their traditions , I really enjoyed this video as I love history and those times were certainly troubled times and Europe was certainly glad to rid themselves of the Germans , these days they probably want them back as spending tourists .
Where the fuck do you live then? Volendam? I've never in my life seen that type of clothing on a regular dutch person
Thank you Canada!!
самый таинственный Город , из тех , которые я знаю !!! я рад что Он жив
We would do it again
i had TEARS in my eyes!
During the German occupation of Denmark and the Netherlands, they were relatively mild. They did not destroy cities and massacre civilians on a large scale. The underground resistance organization finally reached a tacit understanding with the German army in private, and there was no bloodshed between them. The main task of the resistance organization is to Gathering information and guiding principles
The German soldiers in these countries were the luckiest. They were basically complete and had very few combat attritions. They were lucky to surrender to the Allies and avoid falling into the hands of the Russians.
Sommige dingen zien er hetzelfde uit maar andere dingen zijn totaal veranderd
Ik vind juist dat sommige dingen er totaal anders uitzien terwijl andere dingen hetzelfde zijn gebleven.
life must have been a serieus issue in those days in small villages coz non of the adults are smiling.
Why are the people of Holland referred to as "Dutch", while the word "Hollandaise", refers to a sauce which originated in France?!
For a lost soldier.
Everyone so well dressed and clean
Is a victory day for them! I would use my best clothes in joy and salute every single soldier i meet in the road!
At that time Canadians had no national flag , had to wait 1965 to get l’Unifolié , drapeau rouge portant dans un carré blanc une feuille rouge d'érable stylisée à onze pointes.
Well they did, it was the Red Ensign, though the Union Jack was widely used Canadians back then.
God Save the King.
It’s too bad there is no commentary.
I never understood why they wore wooden shoes? They look uncomfortable too.
Keep hearing how much of a huge advantage US forces had over Germans with ours having far more vehicles . They just marched on foot or by horse.
There were thousands of ss volunteers from geh netherlands and manny people forget that
Hopefully something like that will never tappen again
очень Люблю этот сказочный Город !!!
Does anyone know how badly the people were hungry even starving ? And what if any relief did they receive from the allies ? Did they ship in huge amounts of food and other supplies for them ? I'm kinda proud that American food and war materials capacity was sooo huge. Not only with huge shipments of lend lease pre war but all through the war. Also rebuilding with Marshall plan.
Yep, we Dutch love the Canadian's,..it's their neighbour that should stay home. (don't try and fake it,.....we can tell)
sask squatch American's trying to habitually pass for Canadian's in Europe. They do that because they know Canadian's get a positive welcome over here, it's way different for their neighbour.
yeah not something to be proud of.
And Canadians love you ! Our countries share a very special bound. Much respect to the dutch people (and yeah I know americans who used to put the canadian flag on their backpack while traveling abroad because they know how terrible their reputation is since the iraq war lol )
Wel, zonder de buurman USA was de oorlog tegen de duitsers nooit gewonnen. Dus in plaats van dommige PVV achtige commentaar te leveren, kun je beter eens een geschiedenisboek lezen bijvoorbeeld. Dom geboren en nooit bijgeleerd he. Respectloos tegenover de honderdduizenden amerikaanse soldaten die zijn gestorven zodat een verwent ventje zoals jij in vrijheid kan leven.
This comment makes me so sad. My Father and Uncle died fighting in occupied territories during WW2. They were so committed to doing all they could to assist citizens in Holland and Hungary, in particular. How sad that some Dutch could care less about their sacrifices. However, I know that many Dutch and Hungarians do not share your point of view, thank goodness.
what about Indonesia in 1945, which was colonized by the Dutch.
Say your thing. Wat heb je op je lever?
@@j.h.9140 I am an Indonesian and do not accept what the Dutch did at that time for 350 years
@@radiftaoctavian1318 i can understand you and of course you are right. Colonisation of country's 350 years ago was wrong. But it was also very common at that time. Still wrong.
@@radiftaoctavian1318 I also think the Netherlands did a lot to help Indonesia with financial aid over the last 40 years.
@@j.h.9140 it's useless, since 1949 Indonesia paid a fine of 4.5 billion gulden until 2000, then Netherlands released Indonesia. that only knew the government, there were no people who knew at that time so that there would be no war again
The Dutch hated the Germans what they did in WW2 to their own country, but forgot what the Dutch did in the hundred years in the past in the territory that Dutch called 'eastern indie' even in the next years later after WW2.
The Dutch admire Canadian what they did to their own country but not learn as a role model, but the colonial attitude was in them even before the Germans did.
Deep condolences to the women, children, and civilians who have become victims for the colonialism itself from wherever the country even in Germany though