Cecil E. Law - WWII Veteran
Former Captain, South Saskatchewan Regiment, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division.

From 6 June 1944 up to the beginning of October, Canadians in Northwest Europe were mainly fighting in country areas and small towns. They were deeply involved in fierce fighting and rarely even saw civilians, who were typically evacuated by one side or the other at the first sign of battle. No Canadians entered Holland until early October when all four divisions became involved in the Scheldt battles. By then, several major towns and cities had been liberated by Allied forces, and rear echelon units began to set up operations. These troops, often wildly enthusiastic about getting into a theatre of operations, had the opportunity to try out the local wines and spirits. Returning to their billets after a night on the town, they often let out enthusiastic “war whoops” and yells, including yodeling “whoo whoo whoos”, hand clapped over the mouth. Like lightning, the word spread that the Canadians were all “wild red Indians” and may even be dangerous! Fathers quickly warned their Dutch daughters, “Be careful of Canadians. Don’t even speak to them. Be home before dark!” Naturally the daughters ignored this advice as much as they dared. These Canadians were so interesting, and foreign!

By early spring, First Canadian Corps troops from the Italian front had arrived to take over the left flank of the First Canadian Army, and were lucky enough to draw the task of liberating the very populous areas of Northwest Holland, with most of the major cities. In a few weeks, the war ended, and thousands of combat soldiers were withdrawn to bases in Holland, to await repatriation to Canada. Shipping was in short supply. There were many times as many Americans either anxious to get home, or headed for the Pacific War. When you put thousands of healthy young men, relieved at being out of combat at last, in contact with thousands of young, healthy (and pretty!) Dutch girls and women, happy to be newly liberated, something is bound to happen! Romances sprang up everywhere! Marriage to lovely young Dutch girls became a popular hope, over the protests of authority figures on both sides! ( I know, I was one of the first officers to finally get permission to marry the school teacher whose house I had taken over for my battle headquarters some months before!) Sixty years later, many now rather ancient ex-soldiers, mainly aged eighty or over, have returned to Holland to help celebrate the days of long ago. Wives, like the one I have loved for more than sixty years, and of course many children, and grandchildren, have also come over. Many are anxious to see, some for the first time, the gravesites of fathers, grandfathers, or great uncles. Many have contacted former comrades of the dead dear ones, comrades only too willing to share the sad details of the loss. Now we have a reversal. Dutch musicians and showmen are touring Canadian cities and towns. They bring ever-popular Dutch tulip bulbs and also the newest in Dutch music, as a payback for what Canadians brought to them sixty years ago. Luluk Purwanto and the Helsdingen Trio, with the Stage Bus, will visit over sixty towns and cities throughout Canada, between May and September. Don’t miss the show! And plant the tulips!
Cecil E. Law

Liberator of the Netherlands

April 24, 2005

I am C28921 Pte T.N. Scudamore (Serving with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.)

I served in Holland starting at the Sheldt Astuary & on to the city of Groningen when I was wounded for the second time.  On our way to Groningen we stopped at a small town which was or looked like a farm area.  The people were all outside to meet us and the ladies gave us fresh eggs which I hadn’t seen since I left Canada.  We stuck our bayonets at each ends of the eggs & sucked out the yolks.  It was a real pleasure.  The first time I was wounded I was sent to a British hospital in a City called ‘sHertogenbosch (I don’t know if this spelling is correct)  It was a real pleasure seeing how happy the Dutch people were that the Germans had been pushed out or captured.  In all my service the wounds I received at the outskirts at Groningen I was happy with the Dutch people that the War was over.  I want to thank the Dutch people for the eggs which we enjoyed.  I also have a Dutch Medal for serving in this country.

Remain; T.N. Scudamore

4th CDN Armoured Div.

Memories of Holland

It’s hard to remember where we had been at time & battle. Last Town in Belgium. Esseng (First names in Holland) Bergen op Zoom, the people happy to be free, done all they could to cheer us up.  We were tired & dirty.  It was there where we had a church parade (Nov 5) & a burial of nine members of the Regt, the population where there with flowers.  We were impressed Nov 8 moved on to a Breda and then to Tilburg, moving fast onto S-Hertogenbosch.  Cheered on by all we passed, each stop crowded, kissed, flowers, treated as heroes. From their we went to Lith on the Maas river and were billeted at peoples homes. We patrolled for most of the winter and the people of Lith were pleased to help in any way possible. Rest Period, we returned to “Night” where we were welcomed with a dance, a good time was had by all.  I made friends with Fijko Verhagen and family.  They served a wonderful meal!  First stop.  Coevorden a wonderful reception, as much joy & attention was when we liberated them.  Lochem reception again as in 1945, next ‘sHertogenbosch, Vucht was a pleasant reunion.  Visit museum were shown case pictures.  The rainbow band 65 BT4, different members etc a royal lunch, and meeting the whole town visit Lith.  Again a royal reception.  The town turned out, (NC. Tom of Lith) underground who worked with us 1944)   Here the school children beat me out of all my cdn change, a wonderful lunch, wonderful people. Next stop  Breda.  Again an amazing reception.  Last stop in Holland was in Bergen op Zoom.  Here we started with a parade at the military cemetery where 15 members of our Regt. were buried.  Dutch military & people turned out.  The cemetery was immaculate, each head stone, a little cleared space at the bottom were planted with flowers.  They told us that the school children tend them. Then to the town reception, Great people, cheered and at this time, a special thanks to William & Ann Dekker who supplied transport to all events we wished to see. I wish to thank all the people of Holland whom I have met or was cheered on by as we raced through your towns & villages.  Help us carry on.  RJF

Liberator of the Netherlands

Mr. Fenske could not attend the concert today