CANADIANS

[Surpmil]

I can tell you that not all interactions in a liberated country were on the level. Sorry to burst your romantic bubbles! These people were desperate and had nothing to offer. The reality of Holland was that many were taken advantage of and in fact it was no better than their German oppressor. Do your research before you romanticize war.

"Many were taken advantage of" Can you expand on that?

Holland offers interesting contradictions: great expressed gratitude for liberation alongside a high degree of active collaboration.

"...and in fact it was no better than their German oppressor."

That sounds like a rather extreme statement, considering that Germany basically put the Dutch on starvation rations from 1944. Not quite as bad as what Greece and some other occupied countries endured of course.

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[Flying10uk]

"Many were taken advantage of" Can you expand on that?

Holland offers interesting contradictions: great expressed gratitude for liberation alongside a high degree of active collaboration.

"...and in fact it was no better than their German oppressor."

That sounds like a rather extreme statement, considering that Germany basically put the Dutch on starvation rations from 1944. Not quite as bad as what Greece and some other occupied countries endured of course.

Perhaps he was referring to "German-Canadians" whom the rest of us have never heard of before? A bit like "French-Canadians" only different.

[Gil Boyd]

Crikey guys, this thread was supposed to be a bit of fun starting with the Sherman image and the 1000 yard stare from the guys talking to the Dutch girl..................didn't realise it would open Pandora's box................whoever she is!!!

[Flying10uk]

Perhaps he was referring to "German-Canadians" whom the rest of us have never heard of before? A bit like "French-Canadians" only different.

I haven't actually made any derogatory comments about Canadians and/or Canadian soldiers and nor would I. Post 12 was a response to post 11 as well as being a response to post 7. Post 14 was a response to your post 13, Gil, when you said that it was supposed to be a bit of fun (post 13), while also responding to the previous posts.

I do try to be fairly careful what I post but if people decide to only read part of what I have written/said and then misinterpret it that is not my problem.

Gil, you did confirm yourself, to me, several years ago, that George B., a relative of my mother, did fight in the battle of Arnhem, which there never was any doubt about anyway. Therefore, in my opinion, my family made it's own small contribution to the liberation of Holland and the Dutch people during WW2.

[Gil Boyd]

Flying10uk,
Roger that fully appreciate your families committment to Market Garden, and yes everybody interprets emails and the posted words differently. How sensitive we have all become. Nothing like looking into someone's eyes when statements are made I suppose.

Maria,
Sarcasm ....................and a general comment to those who made earlier statements and perhaps don't understand us Brits and Dutch people.