“More Than a Battle” Canada entered the Second World War on September 10th, 1939. During the war Canada fought in many naval and land battles. By May 10th, 1940, the Germans had occupied the Netherlands, and in 1944, the Canadian Army’s task was to liberate the Netherlands. Their plan was a success, in fact, the Canadians were credited for liberating the Netherlands. Every year since WWII, the Netherlands has sent Canada Tulips to show their gratitude. The two countries have become close trade and investment partners. Furthermore, relaxed visa laws have cemented the bond between the two countries. Canada’s aid to the Netherlands in World War II is why Canada and Holland share strong relations. The Canadian Army liberated several Dutch cities, and offered support to Dutch citizens. During the war Canada took in Princess Juliana as a war refugee, where she gave birth to the heir of the Dutch throne.
Canada led offensives across Holland to end the German occupation, and the first of these was The Battle of the Scheldt. It took place, after the Allies captured the Port of Antwerp in the fall of 1944. This seaport was meant for the delivering supplies between the Netherlands and Europe, but the Germans guarded its coast , therefore halting the conveyance. Canadian soldiers fought to liberate the Scheldt from German control and were successful, despite wet conditions, and 6000 casualties, (Canada Veterans). The Liberation of Apeldoorn started on April, 12th, 1945, and lasted until the 17th of April costing 506 lives. The Royal Canadian army obtained control of Apeldoorn at 4:30am, followed by the entrance of the different regiments. Around the same time as Apeldoorn, the liberation of Groningen and Nijverdal, took place. Their last offensive was Utrecht, which included the liberation of Amsterdam and Rotterdam (Canada). Canada’s role in liberating the Dutch cities, during the last leg of war remains unforgotten. Amidst their battles in Holland, Canada became aware of the dire Dutch situation across the country; people were starving, and supplies were minimal. …show more content…
Canada aided the citizens through different approaches. On December 7th, 1944, the Canadian Army threw a St. Nicholas Day party for 3500 children. They had Santa, local bands playing, and food (Arnhem). The following spring the allies negotiated a partial truce, allowing the creation of a “truce corridor” , which meant if the fighting stopped, the Germans would allow food and transportation ,(Canada Veterans). On the first day, the allies delivered 40 tons of food, and in total 12,000 tons were airdropped. The Dutch painted “THANK YOU CANADA”, on their rooftops to express gratitude. After the war, Canadian soldiers stayed ,helped to rebuild and restore Holland, and returned with 1800 war brides and 400 children (Renaud 30-31). These acts demonstrated Canada’s support in the Netherlands was not only based on fighting; they cared for the war torn citizens. From 1940 to 1945, Canada hosted Princess Juliana, and her two daughters. The royals accepted an invitation from the Governor General, the Earl of Athlone, and his wife, the Countess of Athlone, to stay with them in Ottawa, during the war (Princess). On January 19th, 1943, Juliana gave birth to Princess Margaret in the Ottawa Civic Hospital. For this birth, the hospital
Canada led offensives across Holland to end the German occupation, and the first of these was The Battle of the Scheldt. It took place, after the Allies captured the Port of Antwerp in the fall of 1944. This seaport was meant for the delivering supplies between the Netherlands and Europe, but the Germans guarded its coast , therefore halting the conveyance. Canadian soldiers fought to liberate the Scheldt from German control and were successful, despite wet conditions, and 6000 casualties, (Canada Veterans). The Liberation of Apeldoorn started on April, 12th, 1945, and lasted until the 17th of April costing 506 lives. The Royal Canadian army obtained control of Apeldoorn at 4:30am, followed by the entrance of the different regiments. Around the same time as Apeldoorn, the liberation of Groningen and Nijverdal, took place. Their last offensive was Utrecht, which included the liberation of Amsterdam and Rotterdam (Canada). Canada’s role in liberating the Dutch cities, during the last leg of war remains unforgotten. Amidst their battles in Holland, Canada became aware of the dire Dutch situation across the country; people were starving, and supplies were minimal. …show more content…
Canada aided the citizens through different approaches. On December 7th, 1944, the Canadian Army threw a St. Nicholas Day party for 3500 children. They had Santa, local bands playing, and food (Arnhem). The following spring the allies negotiated a partial truce, allowing the creation of a “truce corridor” , which meant if the fighting stopped, the Germans would allow food and transportation ,(Canada Veterans). On the first day, the allies delivered 40 tons of food, and in total 12,000 tons were airdropped. The Dutch painted “THANK YOU CANADA”, on their rooftops to express gratitude. After the war, Canadian soldiers stayed ,helped to rebuild and restore Holland, and returned with 1800 war brides and 400 children (Renaud 30-31). These acts demonstrated Canada’s support in the Netherlands was not only based on fighting; they cared for the war torn citizens. From 1940 to 1945, Canada hosted Princess Juliana, and her two daughters. The royals accepted an invitation from the Governor General, the Earl of Athlone, and his wife, the Countess of Athlone, to stay with them in Ottawa, during the war (Princess). On January 19th, 1943, Juliana gave birth to Princess Margaret in the Ottawa Civic Hospital. For this birth, the hospital