A LIBERATION ALBUM: CANADIANS IN THE NETHERLANDS 1944-45. (BASED ON THE FILM "LIBERATION!" PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY JOHN MULLER.

Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1980. 176 pp, 4to (11 1/4" H). Profusely illustrated with b&w photographs, reproductions. "The liberation of the Netherlands in 1944-45 ended five long years of hardship, oppression, and the indignity of armed occupation. The German occupation culminated in the 'Hunger Winter' of 1944-45 when, deprived of food and fuel, thousands in the heavily populated western Netherlands starved to death. Most of the Jewish community had died in Nazi concentration camps and thousands of men had been deported to Germany as forced labour. No wonder the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian, British, American and Polish troops released a wave of unforgettable joy. Canadian soldiers recall the advance across Belgium and the Netherlands as one of the most arduous and bitterely contested campaigns of the war. Often their tanks and heavy vehicles bogged down in the soggy terrain and the infantry had to advance on foot across the flooded polders and along muddy dikes against well-defended German positions. To the soldiers, too, the liberation was a release from the terrors of war, and they joined gladly in the celebrations with the Dutch people. To most Canadians in 1939 the Netherlands was a tiny far-away country about which they knew little. The momentous events of 1944-45 established a solid bond of affection between the two counties, strengthened after the war by the thousands of war brides and emigrants who headed for Canada. This album of words and pictures is published in a spirit of rememberance and celebration. Not only does it recapture the emotions of the Dutch at regaining their freedom, but it also commemorates a singular and noble Canadian achievement." Very light wrinkling at top/bottom of spine, minor edge wear, slight cigarette odour. Dust jacket has wrinkling along top edge, light browning on spine and flap-folds, one very small closed tear.. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good-.