The Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe (V-E) Day - May 1945
May 5th marks 75 years since the Netherlands was liberated from Nazi occupation in the Second World War (1945), quickly followed by the complete surrender of the Nazis and Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. The First Canadian Army was instrumental in pushing the German forces out of the Netherlands, and as a result, Canada and the Netherlands have a very special relationship to this day.
More than 7,600 Canadians died in the nine-month campaign to liberate the Netherlands, a tremendous sacrifice for freedom. The First Canadian Army was largest army that had ever been under the control of a Canadian general - General Henry Duncan Graham (Harry) Crerar. Approximately 105,000 to 175,000 Canadian soldiers were part of this army, including many Rosslanders. We've gathered some clippings from the 1945 Rossland Miner newspaper of local soldiers who fought in the Netherlands - see them below.
This month, we recognize the sacrifices and achievements of all the Canadians who fought for freedom and participated in the liberation of the Netherlands. We celebrate their lasting legacy of peace.
“V-E Services Held Quietly” Rossland Miner newspaper, May 10, 1945
Rossland Miner newspaper clippings of Rossland soldiers who served in the Netherlands:
To learn more about the Liberation of the Netherlands:
(The) Canadian Encyclopedia - Liberation of the Netherlands
Canadian War Museum - Democracy at War: Canadian Newspapers and the Second World War
Veterans Affairs - Liberation of the Netherlands
Contribute your own memories/experiences about Rossland Veterans, Service Personnel, or the World Wars:
The form below will email us your message. If you prefer to speak to us directly or have other questions or comments about this page, please call (250) 362-7722 or email the archives directly at archives @rosslandmuseum.ca