into Holland to liberate us from the Germans. The long and difficult struggle to free us from the Germans ended in May of 1945. Many died
including 7,600 Canadian soldiers who fell in those 9 months of conflict. We were very fortunate to live on a farm, we were never hungry but in
the northern region, with its large cities, the people had almost reached the end of their endurance from misery and starvation, which brought
about the "Hunger Winter". Food supplies were exhausted. Fuel had run out and transportation came to a standstill. Thousands of men, women
and children perished.
including 7,600 Canadian soldiers who fell in those 9 months of conflict. We were very fortunate to live on a farm, we were never hungry but in
the northern region, with its large cities, the people had almost reached the end of their endurance from misery and starvation, which brought
about the "Hunger Winter". Food supplies were exhausted. Fuel had run out and transportation came to a standstill. Thousands of men, women
and children perished.
Her story: Freda Leenders
I was 4 years old when the war started and 9 years
old when it ended. I was born on a rented farm and
grew up in a small brand new village in the very south
of Holland. The beginning of "Mariahout", meaning
"Marywood" in English, came about when a church was
built in 1933. My parents bought 10 hectares of sandy
land which they cleared mainly of heather, built a new
house and barn and planted an orchard. I was one of 6
children born to my parents. Two brothers were older
and two brothers and a sister were younger. In 1951,
we came to Canada, met my husband here and now live
in Erin, Ontario.
We were barely settled in Mariahout when WWII began.
The next 5 years were very difficult. I remembered the
last year best when the long and painstaking campaign
began in August of 1944. Amongst others, the Canadians
were ordered to advance from France through Belgium and
I was 4 years old when the war started and 9 years
old when it ended. I was born on a rented farm and
grew up in a small brand new village in the very south
of Holland. The beginning of "Mariahout", meaning
"Marywood" in English, came about when a church was
built in 1933. My parents bought 10 hectares of sandy
land which they cleared mainly of heather, built a new
house and barn and planted an orchard. I was one of 6
children born to my parents. Two brothers were older
and two brothers and a sister were younger. In 1951,
we came to Canada, met my husband here and now live
in Erin, Ontario.
We were barely settled in Mariahout when WWII began.
The next 5 years were very difficult. I remembered the
last year best when the long and painstaking campaign
began in August of 1944. Amongst others, the Canadians
were ordered to advance from France through Belgium and
Being very young, I didn't understand war and our parents shielded us as much as
possible but we sensed the fear towards the enemy and the stress that our parents
had to endure. The Germans stole all they could from us; our horse, bikes, radios, etc.
At night when we were terrified when we heard the air raid sirens and the bombs falling.
Our parents would comfort us by saying they are the good guys but if they mention
Germans, mum would haul us out of bed, grabbed her purse and rosary and herd us into
the underground shelter which dad made lined with bales of straw. I remember a bomb
hitting the house that went through the kitchen ceiling and into the cement floor below
which left a hole but never exploded. Dad managed to hide a radio in secret to catch
some news. The windows were always shuttered at night because no light was to be
seen from the outside nor were we allowed out of the house. If a young girl was seen
"being friendly" with a German soldier, her head was Shaved!
On our farm, we had a few cows, pigs, chickens, grains and vegetables. Dad and our
neighbour grew rapeseed and together they made a contraption that extracted the oil.
Food became so scarce that people were given coupons but soon even the stores ran
out of food. Hungry city folks would come and trade their household possessions for
some food. Some would eat cats and tulip bulbs to survive! Dad baked bread and lots
of it. I remember seeing him standing in a big trough in the stable kneading the dough
with his feet... Mum made butter. They killed pigs nothing was wasted even the bladder
of the pig was saved and from it, we made “rommelspotten” (a musical instrument with
a tin can and stick). They always had to be on the watch for inspectors who would stop
them from such illegal acts. We did not know who to trust or who our enemies were.
Where they were or whom they were working for. Some Dutchmen were lured or forced
to work for the Germans. At one time mum was pregnant she was buttering the milk
when an inspector came. She quickly sat on the milk can in the corner of the hallway
and pretended she was in labour. The inspector left. Mum suffered 2 miscarriages during
the war. I remembered my little sister Ria who was stillborn and touching her forehead
before she was taken away. At school, we were given code liver oil and vitamin C to
prevent illness. I remember the itching and scratching between the fingers from scabies
and a student in front of me; her head was full of lice falling on my desk... At age 6, I
was struck with polio.
possible but we sensed the fear towards the enemy and the stress that our parents
had to endure. The Germans stole all they could from us; our horse, bikes, radios, etc.
At night when we were terrified when we heard the air raid sirens and the bombs falling.
Our parents would comfort us by saying they are the good guys but if they mention
Germans, mum would haul us out of bed, grabbed her purse and rosary and herd us into
the underground shelter which dad made lined with bales of straw. I remember a bomb
hitting the house that went through the kitchen ceiling and into the cement floor below
which left a hole but never exploded. Dad managed to hide a radio in secret to catch
some news. The windows were always shuttered at night because no light was to be
seen from the outside nor were we allowed out of the house. If a young girl was seen
"being friendly" with a German soldier, her head was Shaved!
On our farm, we had a few cows, pigs, chickens, grains and vegetables. Dad and our
neighbour grew rapeseed and together they made a contraption that extracted the oil.
Food became so scarce that people were given coupons but soon even the stores ran
out of food. Hungry city folks would come and trade their household possessions for
some food. Some would eat cats and tulip bulbs to survive! Dad baked bread and lots
of it. I remember seeing him standing in a big trough in the stable kneading the dough
with his feet... Mum made butter. They killed pigs nothing was wasted even the bladder
of the pig was saved and from it, we made “rommelspotten” (a musical instrument with
a tin can and stick). They always had to be on the watch for inspectors who would stop
them from such illegal acts. We did not know who to trust or who our enemies were.
Where they were or whom they were working for. Some Dutchmen were lured or forced
to work for the Germans. At one time mum was pregnant she was buttering the milk
when an inspector came. She quickly sat on the milk can in the corner of the hallway
and pretended she was in labour. The inspector left. Mum suffered 2 miscarriages during
the war. I remembered my little sister Ria who was stillborn and touching her forehead
before she was taken away. At school, we were given code liver oil and vitamin C to
prevent illness. I remember the itching and scratching between the fingers from scabies
and a student in front of me; her head was full of lice falling on my desk... At age 6, I
was struck with polio.
Our family risked their lives by hiding Jews. They helped on the farm for their nourishment. All Jews that were found by the Germans were told to
take their gold jewellery with them. It was later easily confiscated; even their gold tooth fillings were retrieved after their gassing in the
concentration camps! I particularly remembered a young Jewish girl by the name of Hettie wondered what became of her? Ashes?
We, in the south, were liberated first when the armed forces came in through Belgium and on into South Holland. I’ll always remember September
19th, 1944. Everyone came outside to see the Canadians with their big trucks, tanks, jeeps and cannons. The falling of many parachutes on the
17th was a sight to behold! They occupied our barn and fields parked their equipment against the bush one canon facing close to our house hut
theywere Canadians and we were free!! (Later, I learned that my cousin, Annie, was born on that day. So far, as an adult, she has visited Canada
ten times) The young soldiers gave us crackers, chocolate bars and cigarettes. Us kids would trade the eggs from the henhouse to trade for more
goodies. I was only a child but can you imagine how easy it was for older girls to fall in love with the handsome young soldiers. Many did and
became war brides. My husband had 2 older sisters. At that time in their orchards were tents with soldiers mother kept a close watch and made
sure the girls were inside in the evening. I know of several such war brides and each could write a book! Some came from parents of high standing
who disowned them when they became pregnant and most started their lives in Canada with a poor farm boy.
The war left Holland devastated and poor. Farmers had to start over again. It was a disgrace to send young farm boys to factory for work and the
idea of immigrating started. Go to the land of our liberators was written on posters and preached in churches. English lessons were offered. The
war brides became the first immigrants. From 1951 to 1963, twenty thousand citizens left Holland every year. From our small village alone, 302
people went to Canada, one third of its population, mostly large families. Dutch and Canadian government worked together. Holland paid Canada
with immigrants. Go to the Promised Land we were told. Then came the rumours of the Russians coming and people became more anxious to leave
to avoid yet another war. Dad would have gone to Brazil, Australia or New Zealand to speed up the process but really wanted to follow his brother
and sister who had already left for Canada with their families. We sold our farm and had an auction sale. All the money was needed to pay for the
boat journey to Canada. After 9 days on the boat we arrived in New York and then by train to Oakville on April 26, 1951. A year later the
government paid for the travel expenses. I often thought how unfair but I have never heard anyone complain. People had courage and were tough
at that time which was what they needed in their new life in a strange country.
In 1949, my aunt left for Canada with a family of 16 members and a year later, an uncle with 9 members. We all left with the thought of never
to return or see Holland, family and friends ever again... No one looked back but with full steam ahead. No doubt there were tears. Our sponsors
picked us up at the train station. He knew us all by name. Mum and dad in the front of his pickup we on the back. After working for him on the
dairy farm for 1 year we bought a house where we stayed for 2 years and yes dad and brother went to work for the factory until there was enough
money to buy a new farm. A hundred acres! All my brothers later became successful farmers. In my first year I worked as a mother's helper for
our sponsor. They had 4 little girls, one to six years old that helped a great deal to learn English. Later I went into nursing and married Joe
Leenders, a Dutch farmer. Now we are proud Canadians but will never forget our roots.
We will always remember and thank our liberators. Sometimes wonder who and where those soldiers are who gave me chocolate bars almost
60 years ago. Yes, the Germans stole our food but the Canadians stole our hearts. We also have fond memories and are thankful towards
George and Janet Atkins, our sponsors who helped us and made us feel welcomed. At our 50th anniversary in Canada we invited them for dinner
at a hotel that now stands on the edge of Bronte creek, where our first Canadian home stood belonging to the Atkins. They recently sold their
farmhouse and moved to the village of Hepworth. On their 60th wedding anniversary, I wrote them a poem of thanks and remembrance.
After the war, a special bond between our countries became evident. Many people have flown back and forth. Many reunions were organized here
and in Holland. In Mariahout, we have our own piece of Canada "maplehof" where over the years; we have planted maple trees, a totem pole
and plagues. We visited the school there. The children were told of our coming and amazingly these grades 5, 6 and 7 children answered us in
English! We gave them Canada lapel pins. They wrote essays about Canada, the war years and the reason we left Holland. Here is one of the
winning essays: "After world war two, most people don't know what they must do. Some of them had no place, that's the reason they took the
suitcase. They drove to sea, over the road and went to Canada by boat. That was over 50 years ago, it is hot in summer and in winter there is
snow. In Canada you have big mountains and lakes and most everyone eat juicy steaks." The children know and will remember the war years
and the special bond between our countries. To this day, they still care for the Canadian graves.
Every spring, many Dutch tulips bloom especially in Ottawa where Dutch queen, Julianna, was safe during the war and her third daughter,
princess Margriet was born. Our town of Erin was sent 1000 bulbs as a memory and to thank the veterans once again. Many veterans were
invited and have attended the liberation anniversaries in Holland. At the 50th I also attended. Many old restored war vehicles came out and
rode the corridor. Thousands of people lined the streets. It was like liberation day all over again! Some of the veterans even jumped parachutes
again. It was cold and wet but we heard them say conditions were much worse then. Everyone had their stories to tell like one who was also
born on liberation day with a stomach ailment but the wounded soldiers received medical attention first. Another while dad ran for a midwife he
found shattered glass on the delivery bed. There were special church services where peace doves were let free. Two soldiers were buried against
the church with their helmets displayed on their graves. Special ceremonies are still held there periodically and fresh wreaths laid. In 2002 it
was thought to be the last of a celebration of this magnitude. Still three hundred thousand people came to see and thank the veterans. In 1995
there were 15,000 veterans participating. In 2000, 3 to 4 thousand the oldest being 92 and most of them between 70 and 80 years old. This time
it was the first opportunity for veterans Jack Ferguson and Weir Winters to go from Erin. They enjoyed themselves immensely and were treated
royally. Jack rode in the tank that he'd operated during the war and said, “You know, 55 years ago, a young girl came to me and give me flowers
and here she came again.” Jack fell in love with an army nurse during the war and were engaged then lost each other. Iris later married in
England, Jack, in Canada. They both lost their partners since and Jack and Iris are now husband and wives. While Jack and Weir were in Holland
they found the grave of their friend Everet Bessey who was killed shortly before the end of the war. At the cemetery in a memorial inscribed with
the words: "We live in the hearts of friends for whom we died." Jack and Weir stayed together with their host family who this past year, 2002,
came to visit them in Erin. Then went on to Vancouver where they visited more veterans whom they have hosted.
take their gold jewellery with them. It was later easily confiscated; even their gold tooth fillings were retrieved after their gassing in the
concentration camps! I particularly remembered a young Jewish girl by the name of Hettie wondered what became of her? Ashes?
We, in the south, were liberated first when the armed forces came in through Belgium and on into South Holland. I’ll always remember September
19th, 1944. Everyone came outside to see the Canadians with their big trucks, tanks, jeeps and cannons. The falling of many parachutes on the
17th was a sight to behold! They occupied our barn and fields parked their equipment against the bush one canon facing close to our house hut
theywere Canadians and we were free!! (Later, I learned that my cousin, Annie, was born on that day. So far, as an adult, she has visited Canada
ten times) The young soldiers gave us crackers, chocolate bars and cigarettes. Us kids would trade the eggs from the henhouse to trade for more
goodies. I was only a child but can you imagine how easy it was for older girls to fall in love with the handsome young soldiers. Many did and
became war brides. My husband had 2 older sisters. At that time in their orchards were tents with soldiers mother kept a close watch and made
sure the girls were inside in the evening. I know of several such war brides and each could write a book! Some came from parents of high standing
who disowned them when they became pregnant and most started their lives in Canada with a poor farm boy.
The war left Holland devastated and poor. Farmers had to start over again. It was a disgrace to send young farm boys to factory for work and the
idea of immigrating started. Go to the land of our liberators was written on posters and preached in churches. English lessons were offered. The
war brides became the first immigrants. From 1951 to 1963, twenty thousand citizens left Holland every year. From our small village alone, 302
people went to Canada, one third of its population, mostly large families. Dutch and Canadian government worked together. Holland paid Canada
with immigrants. Go to the Promised Land we were told. Then came the rumours of the Russians coming and people became more anxious to leave
to avoid yet another war. Dad would have gone to Brazil, Australia or New Zealand to speed up the process but really wanted to follow his brother
and sister who had already left for Canada with their families. We sold our farm and had an auction sale. All the money was needed to pay for the
boat journey to Canada. After 9 days on the boat we arrived in New York and then by train to Oakville on April 26, 1951. A year later the
government paid for the travel expenses. I often thought how unfair but I have never heard anyone complain. People had courage and were tough
at that time which was what they needed in their new life in a strange country.
In 1949, my aunt left for Canada with a family of 16 members and a year later, an uncle with 9 members. We all left with the thought of never
to return or see Holland, family and friends ever again... No one looked back but with full steam ahead. No doubt there were tears. Our sponsors
picked us up at the train station. He knew us all by name. Mum and dad in the front of his pickup we on the back. After working for him on the
dairy farm for 1 year we bought a house where we stayed for 2 years and yes dad and brother went to work for the factory until there was enough
money to buy a new farm. A hundred acres! All my brothers later became successful farmers. In my first year I worked as a mother's helper for
our sponsor. They had 4 little girls, one to six years old that helped a great deal to learn English. Later I went into nursing and married Joe
Leenders, a Dutch farmer. Now we are proud Canadians but will never forget our roots.
We will always remember and thank our liberators. Sometimes wonder who and where those soldiers are who gave me chocolate bars almost
60 years ago. Yes, the Germans stole our food but the Canadians stole our hearts. We also have fond memories and are thankful towards
George and Janet Atkins, our sponsors who helped us and made us feel welcomed. At our 50th anniversary in Canada we invited them for dinner
at a hotel that now stands on the edge of Bronte creek, where our first Canadian home stood belonging to the Atkins. They recently sold their
farmhouse and moved to the village of Hepworth. On their 60th wedding anniversary, I wrote them a poem of thanks and remembrance.
After the war, a special bond between our countries became evident. Many people have flown back and forth. Many reunions were organized here
and in Holland. In Mariahout, we have our own piece of Canada "maplehof" where over the years; we have planted maple trees, a totem pole
and plagues. We visited the school there. The children were told of our coming and amazingly these grades 5, 6 and 7 children answered us in
English! We gave them Canada lapel pins. They wrote essays about Canada, the war years and the reason we left Holland. Here is one of the
winning essays: "After world war two, most people don't know what they must do. Some of them had no place, that's the reason they took the
suitcase. They drove to sea, over the road and went to Canada by boat. That was over 50 years ago, it is hot in summer and in winter there is
snow. In Canada you have big mountains and lakes and most everyone eat juicy steaks." The children know and will remember the war years
and the special bond between our countries. To this day, they still care for the Canadian graves.
Every spring, many Dutch tulips bloom especially in Ottawa where Dutch queen, Julianna, was safe during the war and her third daughter,
princess Margriet was born. Our town of Erin was sent 1000 bulbs as a memory and to thank the veterans once again. Many veterans were
invited and have attended the liberation anniversaries in Holland. At the 50th I also attended. Many old restored war vehicles came out and
rode the corridor. Thousands of people lined the streets. It was like liberation day all over again! Some of the veterans even jumped parachutes
again. It was cold and wet but we heard them say conditions were much worse then. Everyone had their stories to tell like one who was also
born on liberation day with a stomach ailment but the wounded soldiers received medical attention first. Another while dad ran for a midwife he
found shattered glass on the delivery bed. There were special church services where peace doves were let free. Two soldiers were buried against
the church with their helmets displayed on their graves. Special ceremonies are still held there periodically and fresh wreaths laid. In 2002 it
was thought to be the last of a celebration of this magnitude. Still three hundred thousand people came to see and thank the veterans. In 1995
there were 15,000 veterans participating. In 2000, 3 to 4 thousand the oldest being 92 and most of them between 70 and 80 years old. This time
it was the first opportunity for veterans Jack Ferguson and Weir Winters to go from Erin. They enjoyed themselves immensely and were treated
royally. Jack rode in the tank that he'd operated during the war and said, “You know, 55 years ago, a young girl came to me and give me flowers
and here she came again.” Jack fell in love with an army nurse during the war and were engaged then lost each other. Iris later married in
England, Jack, in Canada. They both lost their partners since and Jack and Iris are now husband and wives. While Jack and Weir were in Holland
they found the grave of their friend Everet Bessey who was killed shortly before the end of the war. At the cemetery in a memorial inscribed with
the words: "We live in the hearts of friends for whom we died." Jack and Weir stayed together with their host family who this past year, 2002,
came to visit them in Erin. Then went on to Vancouver where they visited more veterans whom they have hosted.
In 1993, 12 Canadian university students and two professors went to
Normandy to design a memorial commemorate Canada's role in 1944
liberation of Normandy sponsored by the Canadian Battle of Normandy
Foundation. The students were the age of the then soldiers. The Second
World War was a remote period in history vaguely associated with
grandparents. They were deeply moved by meeting survivors of the battle.
Still every year, in Burlington, Ontario, a friendship day is held to remember
liberation. This year, on May 3rd, a unique orchestra of 25 young accordion
players is coming for the occasion and will be on hand to entertain, meet
veterans, learn and share. Recently, we received a story called, "The last
flight before Christmas" from Boekel, my husband’s hometown about an
airplane that shattered in the Leender's family orchard 60 years ago on
December 20th, 1942. Six young French Canadian soldiers died. Their
names are known but to date they have been unable to find any of their
family members. On December 20th of 2002, a ceremony was held and
flowers placed on that spot.
The war brought much turmoil, what stays is grief and a steadfast will
that it can be different and get better! Our parents taught us to be thrifty.
We learned how to make do. I remember mother unravelling sweaters and
socks then made into children’s wearable. White dresses were made from
fallen parachutes and how we hated wearing clothes made from the green
brown camouflage kind. We taught our children to be thrifty…
one never knows!
Normandy to design a memorial commemorate Canada's role in 1944
liberation of Normandy sponsored by the Canadian Battle of Normandy
Foundation. The students were the age of the then soldiers. The Second
World War was a remote period in history vaguely associated with
grandparents. They were deeply moved by meeting survivors of the battle.
Still every year, in Burlington, Ontario, a friendship day is held to remember
liberation. This year, on May 3rd, a unique orchestra of 25 young accordion
players is coming for the occasion and will be on hand to entertain, meet
veterans, learn and share. Recently, we received a story called, "The last
flight before Christmas" from Boekel, my husband’s hometown about an
airplane that shattered in the Leender's family orchard 60 years ago on
December 20th, 1942. Six young French Canadian soldiers died. Their
names are known but to date they have been unable to find any of their
family members. On December 20th of 2002, a ceremony was held and
flowers placed on that spot.
The war brought much turmoil, what stays is grief and a steadfast will
that it can be different and get better! Our parents taught us to be thrifty.
We learned how to make do. I remember mother unravelling sweaters and
socks then made into children’s wearable. White dresses were made from
fallen parachutes and how we hated wearing clothes made from the green
brown camouflage kind. We taught our children to be thrifty…
one never knows!
Interesting notes:
- Canada was greatly involved with the liberation of the Netherlands
- Canada lost over 7600 soldiers during the 9 months of combat in the Netherlands, total of WWII: over 42000 soldiers
- The toughest battle for the Canadians in the Netherlands was ‘the Battle for the Scheldt’
- The Netherlands got three big Canadian war cemeteries: Bergen op Zoom, Groesbeek and Holten
- We may never forget what Canada has done for us! Lest we forget!
-
Photo: Freda Leenders, Gerda van Wanrooy and her Canadian
husband. Freda and Gerda are both from Mariahout.
(Freda Leenders)
husband. Freda and Gerda are both from Mariahout.
(Freda Leenders)
Photo: a random picture of how the Canadian liberators would
have looked like for Freda. A civilian shares his milk with Canadian
soldiers of the Royal Hamilton light infantry in Assen on 13 April
1945. They sit on a tank of B-coy Fort Garry Horse. (Daniel
Guravich)
have looked like for Freda. A civilian shares his milk with Canadian
soldiers of the Royal Hamilton light infantry in Assen on 13 April
1945. They sit on a tank of B-
