Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Amersfoort Liberation Day

Varkensmarkt, Amersfoort, May 7th, 1945.

On Monday May 7th, 1945, the Canadian Allied Forces entered Amersfoort. Nationwide Liberation Day is celebrated on May 5th. On May 4th the victims of World War II are commemorated.

Kamp, Amersfoort, May 7th, 1945.

 (photos via Archief Eeemland)

next episode: battle
posted by Rob from Amersfoort
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8 comments:

  1. Nate MaasMay 07, 2014 2:53 PM

    Happy Liberation Day, Rob!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rob From AmersfoortMay 11, 2014 8:58 PM

      Thanks, Nate. I hope everything is OK in sunny California!

      Delete
  2. masodoMay 07, 2014 7:50 PM

    Great Day, Rob!
    I did a bit of a search on Amersfoort Liberation and found your annual posts to take the "top slots" on the results page. Through the years you have presented some great photos of the events of the day - kudos to robswebstek.com and its freelance Amersfoort historian. Good work!

    ReplyDelete
  3. JonathanMay 09, 2014 1:00 AM

    Good to be reminded of those times. The people look apprehensive. Perhaps the fact of liberation hadn't fully sunk in yet.

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    Replies
    1. Rob From AmersfoortMay 11, 2014 8:57 PM

      The last days had been tough with several innocent civilians being executed out if revenge (when a German was killed by the resistance, the Germans put accidental bystanders against the wall). Also, after the surrender, during the transition period, while the Canadians had already arrived in Amersfoort, there were several shoot outs by panicking Germans.

      Delete
  4. PeterMay 11, 2014 10:30 AM

    Apeldoorn, less than 30 miles to the east, was liberated by Canadian forces "already" on April 16, 1945. It is quite possible that the delayed liberation of Amersfoort was caused by resistance of German troops ordered to make a stand in the Veluwe area.

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    Replies
    1. Rob From AmersfoortMay 11, 2014 8:50 PM

      Amersfoort is an important railway hub, maybe that's why they stayed for so long. I didn't know Apeldoorn was already liberated mid April.

      Delete

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