Canada and the Liberation of the Netherlands, May 1945

Terry A. Crowley is a professor of history at the University of Guelph,
and the former editor of the journal, Ontario History. He is the author
of Agnes Macphail and the Politics of Equality, Canadian History to
1967, and Marriage of Minds: Isabel and Osc

“Lest we forget” is a powerful phrase that both encourages us to
remember and admonishes gently should we lapse. In 1995, the 50th
anniversary of the end of World War II was naturally observed with
signal fanfare, but the 60th has recently been elaborately observed
since we realize that few veterans or participants will be left to
observe the 75th.

Lance Goddard’s lavishly illustrated account of liberation of the
Netherlands by Canadian forces in 1945 recalls one tiny aspect of the
war, but an element of which both Canadians and the Dutch have been
particularly proud. One small country came to the aid of another small
country in a way that led many to emigrate following the cessation of
hostilities. The war and the liberation of the Netherlands served as a
prelude to closer relations with Canada.

The book’s straightforward text is supplemented with well-chosen
photographs that illustrate each step in the Canadians’ advance. A
good number of maps elucidate the geographical setting. For many
readers, the highlight will be the numerous short inserts by
participants—both Dutch survivors and Canadian veterans—who lived
through the events.

Once again, an author has been well served by Dundurn Press, which
consistently produces the most attractive Canadian history books in the
country.