Stories
Stories
Explore the stories of the individuals who contributed to the liberations of the Netherlands and how their stories made a difference in bringing an end to the Second World War.
Charles is one of Canada’s most distinguished Indigenous soldiers of the Second World War. The son of a First World War hero and a woman of the Cree First Nations, Charles earned a Military Medal (MM) in January 1945 and a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) in March 1945.
Stories
Mona Parsons
An actress, nurse, and member of the Dutch Resistance, Mona sheltered downed Allied airmen in her home. She was imprisoned by the Nazis and became one of the first and only women to be tried by a Nazi tribunal in Holland. Mona was sentenced to death but escaped.
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Philip Pochailo
Philip was assigned to the 166 Squadron of No.1 Bomber Command and, in 1944, his aircraft was shot down over the Netherlands. Dutch families around the Oostvoorne area hid Philip in their homes as Nazis searched for prisoners.
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Virtual Exhibit Items
Samuel Moses “Moe” Hurwitz
In 1941, Samuel Moses “Moe” felt an obligation to help his “brothers” overseas and joined the Canadian army. He quickly became legendary for his heroism after landing in France with the Canadian Grenadier Guards at the height of the Battle of Normandy in July 1944.
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Virtual Exhibit Items
Donald “Don” White
Don White was eager to join the war effort, signing up first thing in the morning on his 18th birthday. He was assigned to the Royal Canadian Dragoons and landed in Italy in 1944 before moving with his regiment to liberate the Netherlands.
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Virtual Exhibit Items
Léo Major
Léo Major is an iconic French Canadian hero from the Second World War. Today, Léo is a celebrated figure in the Dutch city of Zwolle, with annual commemorative events and a street named in his honour.
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Virtual Exhibit Items
Charles Anthony “Tony” Law
Anthony Law held the unique post as a naval officer as well as one of Canada’s most notable naval Official War Artists during the Second World War.
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Earl Alexander Olmsted
Earl Olmsted rose to prominence as a Canadian Army Officer who held command positions and led artillery units during the Second World War.
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Virtual Exhibit Items
Donald “Don” Taylor Somerville
In February 1941, at the age of 18, Don White and a group of friends enlisted with the Royal Canadian Engineers. Don worked clearing the roads through Caen so Allied troops could move through the area to their next objectives and built the “Reynolds’ Bridge” across the Orne River.