the

Battlefield
tours

86

The Liberation of Holland 70th Anniversary Tour

YOUR MAP KIT & GUIDE

May 1st, 2015 - May 15th, 2015

And

to think,

as you step off of your

easy flight, enjoying your
coffee along with your
driver & guide across the
smooth roads of Europe,

what our boys had to

do, the profound
struggle that went on, to
make all this possible
- Victoria van Krieken

!2

We
Thank
you for
joining
us
On May 1st, 2015 you will begin embarking on a journey re-tracing the footsteps of our
Canadian heroes along the Liberation route to freedom. You will be joined by our
Battlefield guide, Glen Edmonds and tour director - CEO Ian Cowan, who have been
assisting our veterans across Europe since 1986.
By joining us in this momentous occasion you are representing all Canadians nation wide
in celebrating 70 great years since the Liberation of Nazi occupation across the
Netherlands. Since then, tremendous strides have been made in quality of life, technology,
design, architecture, & medicine giving way to what is now a fascinating destination, home
to many warm hearted and welcoming residents, who have never forgotten what our
forefathers did for them.
Wed like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking part in this special journey with us.
It is you who help us represent our nation and our history, but most importantly, you help
represent our people; our brothers, uncles, fathers and friends impacted so greatly by the
events that took place from 1939-1945.
For your presence at the Commemorative Events of the Jubilee Liberation, we thank you.

Take it apart.

What you will

This Map Kit was made so that you can

pull apart any section you wish to travel
with, and carry only what you desire on
each day of your itinerary.

find helpful

Plenty of Whitespace.

in this

This kit comes with plenty of white

space to add notes to margins. We also
use regular grade printing paper, so
highlight what you need, and easily
pencil mark notes that you can change
for later.

Guide
A Letter from
our Team

A few words from our

Battlefield team.
Page 5

About the
Liberation

What it was, and why we

celebrate it. A brief
description of the events
and history that took
place.
Page 6

Guide Book for every stage

of your tour; pre & post.

Your Itinerary

A full length copy of your itinerary,

with maps of the areas we will be
discovering, complete with a recap
of your inclusions & exclusions
while on tour.
Page 7

With maps, resources, and background

detail, this kit comes with some
information you might find useful
during your preparation for tour, some
while on tour, and a section for after
the tour has finished.

A simple go-to Itinerary

Yo u r D i r e c t L i n k w i t h
Connecting others on Tour.

Inspired by Battlefield Tour traveller

Marg Liessens, this is a simplified
version of your tour, with a point
form list of areas we will be covering,
with day to day maps.

This guide will provide you with all of

the contact information you need to
connect with others in our group
travelling with us. Learn more about
the Veterans joining us by subscribing
to our email list. Learn how to quickly
& easily connect with them after tour
to share stories, pictures, and to stay in
touch.

Page 11

Your Map Kit

Your director & guides have put

together the maps that they find best
encapsulate the efforts and actions
made in the Second World War
through the regions we will be
visiting. We urge you to bring this
section along on tour, as your guides
will go through each map with you,
for a better grasp of each areas
history.

Page 15

Get your contact information

overseas and orient yourself
with our hotel list.

Yes you will find all of this information

and more in this very guide. All contact
information, hotel lists, maps, useful
destination resources, list of public
events, and more can be found here for
your notes. Orient yourself early by
exploring what this guide has to offer
you.

Page 22

Prep for Tour

A reading list referred

by friends and travellers,
a list of what to bring,
useful resources along
the way, a list of online
resources, and a
connection with our
blog that Canadians at
home can follow along
the way.

After the Tour

Easily share pictures to Facebook,

Flickr, or blog stories so that our
nation can follow our story. Join the
groups e-mail-mail list. Keep in
touch, and share your pictures and
stories with each other.

Page 45

Your Hotel List & Contact

A list of our hotels & contact

information while overseas.

Page 43

the

Battlefield

A Letter from our Team

In May of
1995, we
concluded a
tour with
Veterans
and their
families, and
wondered if
it would be
the last tour
of its kind
we would
have the
honour of
leading...

tours

86

Our company has been organizing Battlefield tours for over 25 years. Those
years produced a driving passion that continues to inspire us and move our
travellers in many ways, long after the tour is over.

In May of 1995, just after the 50th Anniversary of Holland, we concluded a

tour with our Veterans and their families, and wondered if it would be the last
tour of its kind we would have the honour of leading. In the years leading up
to the anniversary, our coaches were filled with the men and women who
fought for our freedom and the freedom of our children. For some, it was the
first time in decades to set foot on the battlefields of Europe. For most, it was
a final farewell to their comrades who were laid to rest thousands of miles
from their homelands. For all, it was a stark reminder of the loss and sacrifices
our loved ones had endured.
We were fortunately wrong to think that visitors to the battlefields of Europe
would dwindle after the memories of the 50th Anniversary celebrations had
faded. Its been well over a decade later and the Connection Tours team along
with the CWT Travel Source, Dh Tours, and a number of other supportive
agencies across Canada are helping us operate numerous Battlefield Tours
across Europe and beyond every year. The tours are experienced by
participants of all ages from all different walks of life, with a common desire
to understand and pay tribute to the men and women who fought and paid the
final sacrifice for our freedom today.
Our expertise has since developed from the First and Second World Wars in
Europe, to the Crimean, Napoleonic and Boer Wars in South Africa. Today we
also focus heavily on Canadas involvement in South East Asia. We have hosted
Veterans returns to D-Day and the Liberation of Holland annually, and educate
many small school study groups and regiments year-round. Our tour managers
are extremely knowledgeable in their fields of expertise and we consider
ourselves very fortunate to have all of them on board since our start in 1986.

Our vision is to continue to organize battlefield tours to educate future

generations sin an effort to retain a semblance of our history and the sacrifice
of generations past.
We thank you for joining us on the 70th Anniversary since the Liberation of
Holland. We hope the events on this tour touch your heart, as they have
touched ours. As we continue to travel to destinations farther afield to discover
we will keep you, our travellers and friends aware of any future travels,
opportunities, and events.

Sincerely,
Ian Cowan
& The Battlefield Tours Team

!5

About the Liberation

The Netherlands was invaded by Nazi Germany on May 10th 1940.
Instantly placed under German occupation, Holland experienced one
of the highest levels of Jewish deportation out of any other occupied
country. By the end of 1944, a loss of over 20,000 lives in the
Western Regions would be because of the Hunger Winter - the
harshest of famines, which ravished the country, not to be relieved
until the end of the war.

Finally, on May 5th, 1945, after a long and stubborn struggle, the
whole of the Netherlands was finally liberated in the total surrender of
all German forces. After crossing the Rhine at Wesel and Rees,
succeeding over great hardship and defeating all odds, it was the
Canadians who forced the full surrender of Germany, and thus,
Holland's freedom.

Considering the incredible persecution Holland suffered through

during the Second World War, the country nevertheless flourished
into the remarkable destination it is today. In 2012, Amsterdam was
ranked the Worlds second best city to live in by the Economist
Intelligence Unit, as well as considered to be an alpha world city by
the Globalization and World Cities Studies Group. Since their
liberation, the Netherlands has come to invent not only the world's
stock exchange, but fundamental technologies such as the compact
discs, bluetooth, Wi-Fi, the DVD, and Blu-Ray.
On May 5th of every year however, the people of Holland take a
moment to stop, and comes together as a nation to look back at what
they have overcome. They take this time especially to recognize the
Canadians who had fought so heroically for their freedom, and invite
us to celebrate with them.
The appreciation, recognition, and understanding of what happened
here is an emotionally invigorating experience for any Canadian, as
we meet, embrace, and celebrate together with our Dutch community,
the efforts made together to overcome a great conflict in our history.
!6

Your Itinerary
You will start with a warm welcome from our group already in Holland. Journey with us as we explore across the Netherlands,
and partake in all events, ceremonies, and appreciation for Canada's role in the Liberation of Holland 70 years ago.

Once all of our events and celebrations have concluded, we will say our farewells to Holland and continue on the Road to
Berlin.Along the way we willvisit the site of the Dambusters Raids, Colditz, Dresden, The Great Escape, and the Third Reich
Berlin, finishing our tour right on top of Hitler's very Bunker.

A Brief overview of our regions and dates:

From May 1st- May 15th,
(01/05)Day 1 - Depart Toronto
for Amsterdam
(02/05)Day 2 - Arrive in
Amsterdam to meet your
driver and guide. Transfer to
Arnhem
(03/05)Day 3 - Visits to
Nijmegen & Groesbeek,
overnight in Arnhem
(04/05)Day 4 - Start in Holten,
to Arnhem, to Driel, overnight
in Arnhem
(05/05)Day 5 - Visits to
Wageningen, to Leersum,
overnight in Arnhem
(06/05)Day 6 - Explore
Giethoorn, down to Zwolle,
overnight in Arnhem

For an accurate in depth, and day to day Maps of the regions we will be visiting,
please go to page 11

(07/05)Day 7- Full day in

Amsterdam
(08/05)Day 8 - Leeuwarden &
Groningen, overnight in
Arnhem
(09/05)Day 9 - Full day in
Apeldoorn, overnight in
Arnhem

(10/05)Day 10 - Transfer to
Kassel, overnight in Kassel.
(11/05) Day 11 - Transfer to
Dresden, overnight in
Dresden

(13/05) Day 13 - Explore into

Zagan Poland, then transfer to
Berlin, overnight in Berlin

(14/05) Day 14 - Explore Berlin,

overnight in Berlin
(15/05) Day 15 -Transfer to
Tegel International Airport
Berlin for you journey home, or
continue on to your tour
extension.

(12/05) Day 12 - Full day in

Dresden, overnight in
Dresden

A Full Length View of our Itinerary:

Day One - May 1st
Depart from Toronto's Lester B Pearson
Airport to board your overnight flight to
Amsterdam. [Dinner and breakfast will be
served onboard].
Day Two - May 2nd
Upon arrival, you will be met by your coach
driver and tour manager and begin your
journey to Arnhem. You will arrive in time
for some rest and relaxation before your
"Welcome Dinner", giving you the full
opportunity to meet your traveling
companions.
[Overnight - Van der Valk Hotel, Arnhem
(D)].
Day Three - May 3rd
You will begin your day with a visit to
Nijmegen and the Liberation Museum
in Groesbeek for theopportunity to truly
understand what occupied Holland was like
and the operations handled by Allied
Forces in 1944/45. You will then attend the
Commemoration Servicesat the
Canadian Military Cemetery in
Groesbeek.[Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)].

Day Five - May 5th

Today, a more relaxed start as you will travel to
Wageningen for the Wageningen Parade.
We will have to leave early however, as the
Parade is now scheduled for 3.30pm. This
evening, our groups will be hosted by the
Mayor and Townspeople of Leersum in a
private concert. After the concert, our
Veterans and family representatives will be
receiving the final Liberation Medal from the
people of the Netherlands. A very moving a
memorable event. [Overnight - Van der Valk
Hotel, Arnhem (B, D)].
Day Six - May 6th
After breakfast, you will tour to Giethoorn,
the Venice of the Netherlands with canals
meandering through the village instead of
streets. One of the most delightful villages in
the Netherlands. You will also tour the 13th
century capital of the province of Overijssel,
Zwolle where you will have time to relax
before dinner. Dinner this evening will be at
your hotel. [Overnight - Van der Valk Hotel,
Arnhem (B, D)].

Day Four - May 4th

After breakfast, you will depart for the
Commemoration Ceremonies atHolten
Canadian War Cemetery, after which we will
tour back to Arnhem to visit John Frost
Bridge, the British Airborne Memorial as
well as Hartenstein Hotel, the HQ of the
beleaguered Airborne Forces and now a
restored Museum. Before returning to the
hotel for dinner, you will also get the
opportunity to visit the Canadian Engineers
Memorial in Driel.[Overnight - Van der Valk
Hotel, Arnhem (B, D)].

Day Seven - May 7th

Today, you will be heading to Amsterdam for a tour of the city and the option of either taking a cruise through the
beautiful canals, a visit of Anne Franks House or even a walking tour of the Red Light District.For those of you who
have been to Amsterdam, we are offering you a choice of going to the Dutch Bulb Fields and a visit to the gardens. In
the evening, you will be attending the VIP performance of the Voorthuizen Military Tattoo in honour of the
Canadians who liberated the Netherlands in 1944 to 1945. [Overnight - Van der Valk Hotel, Arnhem (B, D)].
Day Eight - May 8th
This morning you will visit Leeuwarden
and Groningen - both liberated by the
2nd Division in April of 1945. Both
towns will be celebrating the 70th
Anniversary Liberation of the
Netherlands with local festivities and
events. [Overnight - Van der Valk Hotel,
Arnhem (B, D)].
Day Nine - May 9th
After breakfast, you will be attending the
emotional and historic final Parade of
Apeldoorn, with Veterans on board
WW2 vehicles and this will be the
highlight of your tour. [Overnight Arnhem (B, D)].
Day Ten - May 10th
This morning you will visit the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission Cemetery at Rheinberg, to pay respects to those who
did not return from the Dambusters raid. You will then travel onto
the Mohne Dam in the Ruhr Valley, which was heroically
breached by the Lancasters of 617 Squadron in 1943. During this
fascinating day, walk on top of the dam and see where the breach
was made. You will then travel to Kassel for check-in at your hotel.
[Overnight - Kassel (B, D)].
Day Eleven - May 11th
Today you will visit Colditz, the castle and museum - the infamous
"bad boys camp", and a scene of many ingenious escape bids. Perched
above a sleepy town of the same name, Colditz has a varied history,
although we will focus on its use as an internment camp for Allied
prisoners during World War II. You will hear the story of the "Red
Fox", Mike Sinclair, killed on an escape attempt, and also the story of
Douglas Bader, plus many more. Then onto Dresden, for free time,
and your overnight accommodations. [Overnight - Dresden (B, D)].

!99

Day Seventeen - May 12th

The Dresden Raids and Swiss Saxony: Uncover the
tumultuous history of the great city of Dresden.As the
seat of Saxon royalty, Dresden was arguably Germany's
most beautiful city. During the war it suffered almost
complete destruction, however it has since been
painstakingly restored to its former glory. In the Swiss
Saxony area you will come across the Bastai, rising to
1000 ft above the Elbe Valley and offering spectacular
views across the Regional Park area. Sandstone cliffs that
have been weathered into amazing shapes by the elements
provide natural walkways and viewpoints. [Overnight Dresden (B, D)].
Day Eighteen - May 13th
This morning - to Zagan for "The Great Escape".
You will cross the border into Poland to visit Zagan,
the Polish camp from where "The Great Escape" was
planned. You will uncover the story of the escape and
the reprisals ordered by Hitler against the recaptured
men. You will also visit the Memorial. Transfer to
Berlin.[Overnight - Berlin (B, D)]
Day Nineteen - May 14th
Today - the "Fall of Berlin".At the Berlin War
Cemetery, we pause for reflection at the graves of
many Bomber crew shot down over the city. You will
also see the remains of the Anhalter Bahnhof. Once
Berlins Rail Gateway to Europe and the point from
which many fled the Third Reich, it is now poignantly
preserved as a ruin. An equally poignant reminder of
the war is the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedachtniskiche, a
ruin amongst the wealth of the Ku-Damm shopping
area. During the tour you will see The Brandenburg
Gate, Unter Den Linden areas, Babelplatz, The
Royal Palace, The Humboldt University, The
Berliner Dom, Alexanderplatz and the TV Tower as
well as Flakturm.Plus, you will visit Checkpoint
Charlie Museum and view the Reichstag
Building.This evening will be your "Farewell Dinner
[Overnight - Berlin (B, D)].

Inclusions
Round trip air transportation from Toronto
Superior Tourist Class Hotels
Breakfast & Dinner Daily
All Entrances as per your itinerary
Executive Coach equipped with
washroom / video / tea /coffee
Experienced Tour Manager

Day Twenty - May 15th

After breakfast you will be transferred to Berlin
Tegel airport for your flight back to Canada. (B)
Meals onboard., or the extension to your travels.

Exclusions
Lunches and drinks
Travel Insurance
Gratuities to tour manager / driver

!10

10

Your on tour go-to

itinerary

Day 2

A simple, point form itinerary for your day to day while on tour.
Notice map overviews of each region, and useful contact
information that you can use while in each area.
Day One - May 1st
Depart from Toronto to Amsterdam [Dinner & Breakfast
on board]

Day 3

Day Two - May 2nd

Arrive in Amsterdam, to be met by your tour manager and
driver, for our transfer to Arnhem, for your welcome dinner
with the rest of our group. Overnight in Arnhem.
Day Three - May 3rd
We start with a visit to Nijmegen, and will get the chance to
explore the Liberation Museum in Groesbeek. We will
then attend the Commemoration Service at the Canadian
Military cemetery Groesbeek. Overnight in Arnhem.

Days 4 & 5

Day Four - May 4th

After breakfast, we join the Commemoration Ceremonies
at CWC Holten Canadian War Cemetery, after which we
will tour back to Arnhem for a visit to the John Frost
Bridge, the British Airborne Memorial, as well as the
Hartenstein Hotel. Before dinner, we will also visit the
Canadian Engineers Memorial in Driel. Overnight in
Arnhem.
Day Five - May 5th
A relaxed start with a trip to Wageningen for the
Wageningen Parade in the afternoon. Tonight we will be
hosted by the Mayor and townspeople of Leersum in a
private concert.

Day 6

Day Six - May 6th

After breakfast, a tour of Giethoorn The Venice of the
Netherlands. We will also tour the 13th century capital of
the province, Zwolle, with time to relax before dinner.
Overnight in Arnhem.

Day Seven - May 7th

Today we travel to Amsterdam, for a tour of the city with
options to see Anne Franks House, the Red Light
District, the Dutch Bulb Fields, and more. This evening
we will be attending the VIP performance of the
Voorthuizen Military Tattoo. Overnight in Arnhem.

Day 7 & 8

Day Eight - May 8th

A visit up to Leeuwarden and Groningen for their
Liberation celebrations. Overnight in Arnhem.
!11

11

Contact
Information

Day Nine - May 9th

For our final celebration, saving the best for
last, we will travel to Apeldoorn, for the
historic and final commemorative parade.
Truly a highlight for our tour, this will be
followed by a warm hearted Farewell Dinner
to our Holland Only travellers at our Hotel in
Arnhem.

Hotel in
Arnhem
Van der Valk
Hotel Arnhem
Amsterdamseweg
505, 6816 VK
Arnhem,
Netherlands
Our Personal
Contact: Patrick
Leppers
Phone: 01131 (0) 26
482 11 00

Day Ten - May 10th

This morning you will visit the Cemetery at
Rheinberg, You will then walk the Mohne
Dam in the Ruhr Valley You will then travel
to Kassel for check-in at your hotel.

Your Hotel in
Kassel:
Intercity Hotel
Wilhelmshher
Allee 241
3421 Kassel
Germany
Phone: +49 561
9388 0

Dresden Altstadt
Magdeburger
Strae 1a
01067 Dresden
Germany
Phone: 01133 (0) 3
62 81 50 04

You Hotel in
Berlin:
Mark Apart Hotel
Lietzenburger
Strae 82-84
10719 Berlin
Germany
Phone: +49 30 97
80 88 88

For more
information
and contact
details please
see the hotel
list on page 43

Day 10

Day Eleven - May 11th

Today we visit Colditz, then onto Dresden,
for free time, and our overnight.

Day Twelve - May 12th

The Dresden Raids and Swiss Saxony: Uncover
the tumultuous history of the great city of
Dresden. Overnight in Dresden.

Your Hotel in
Dresden:

Day 9

Day Thirteen - May 13th

We will cross the border into Poland this
morning to visit Zagan. We will also visit the
Memorial. Transfer to Berlin for our
overnight.

Day 11 & 12

Day Fourteen - May 14th

We visit the Berlin War Cemetery for a
sombre moment, then off to a tour of Berlin.
Expect to seeThe Brandenburg Gate, Unter
Den Linden areas, Babelplatz, The Royal
Palace, The Humboldt University, The
Berliner Dom, Alexanderplatz and the TV
Tower as well as Flakturm.Plus, a visit to
the Checkpoint Charlie Museum with a
view the Reichstag Building.This evening
will be your "Farewell Dinner, with
overnight in Berlin.

Day 13 - 15

Day Fifteen - May 15th

After breakfast you will be transferred to
Berlin Tegel airport for your flight back to
Canada, or on to the extension of your
travels. (B) Meals onboard

12

Official Veteran Affairs Canada

Schedule of Events
Below is a list of the official commemorative events by the official Government of Canada
delegation to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands from May 3rd
- 9th. The events will take place to honour more than 7,600 Canadians who sacrificed their
lives during the campaign.
Sunday, May 3 (2:00 pm)
Government of Canada
Ceremony of Remembrance
at the Groesbeek Canadian
War Cemetery

Monday, May 4 (11:00 am)

Commemorative ceremony
at the Holten Canadian War
Cemetery (Organized by
Welcome Again Veterans)

Tuesday, May 5 (3:30 pm)

National Liberation Parade
in Wageningen (organized
by the Netherlands)

005 Regiment Google Fancy Schedule Going Over

Saturday, May 9 (12:00 pm)

National Event in Apeldoorn
(organized by the
Netherlands)

!13

13

Official Schedule of all

Liberation Events: Regiment 005

14

Preparing for Tour

Travellers from the past have helped put together the following resources in preparation for
our Battlefield tour. With their experience, and the tremendous support our travellers receive
from our historical communities, partners & host destinations, we have put together a list of
what we find will best help you prepare for our upcoming tour.

What you will find in this section of your guide

Reading List. pg. 16
What to Packpg. 17
Online Resources to explore before tour...pg. 18
Travel Facts & Tips Along the Way....pg. 19
Audio Spots you can find on Tour.....pg. 20
Our Blog - Keep yourself updated prior to tour....pg. 21
the

Battlefield
tours
BLOG

86

You can find all of this information and more on our

Battlefield Tours Community Blog. Go to
www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog to subscribe.

15

Suggested Reading List

Recommending the best of Canadian War Fiction, in an effort to understand the Second World War in all of it's fascinating depth. We asked our
diverse battlefield community across Canada to help put together a recommended reading list as we prepare for our growing groupof
BattlefieldTours travellers. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the best in literature we think suits our tour and the destinations we are
visiting best.
All Hell Let Loose {Inferno: The World
at War, 1939-1945} - Author: Max
Hastings 748 Pages

British historian explores the entire span of

history in the Second World War, from military
developments to the reactions and experiences of
different individuals. Max Hastings provides us
with the Everyman's Story - including accounts
from a range of roles during conflict. Over 748
pages long, the read is a lengthy one, but gives way
to a true distillation of everything Hastings has
learned from a lifetime of scholarship and
research.

Canada and the Liberation of the

Netherlands, May 1945 - Author: Lance
Goddard
240 Pages

Told through interviews with both Dutch

survivors and Canadian veterans, Canada and the
Liberation of the Netherlands dives right in to
this lesser known chapter of our history, and
explores the events in detail.

Maple Leaf Against the Axis - Author:

David J Bercuson 336 Pages

One of Canadas preeminent military historians,

retells a compelling account following the
Canadian army, navy, and air force, fighting in
battles ranging from Hong Kong to the Rhine
River crossing through the stories of the men and
women who were there, playing a significant role
in the Allied Victory.

Rhineland - Author: W. Denis Whitaker 432

Pages
Well researched, Whitaker creates a story that
blends the tactical with the anecdotal experiences
of many soldiers giving the reader a great
understanding of the difficulties the Allies
experienced getting to, and crossing the Rhine. He
also explores Operation Veritable, Grenade, etc.

On to Victory: The Canadian Liberation

of the Netherlands, March 23 - May 5 1945
- Author: Mark Zuehlke 536 Pages

Because We are Canadians - Author: Charles

Kipp 304 Pages
This is the story of Sgt. Charles D. Kipp, on active
duty in Europe during the bloody days following DDay. Kipp recalls experiences with detail, both the
horrific and beautiful, making this story a must read
for veterans of the War and military history buffs, as
well as those seeking to understand what ordinary
soldiers had endured. Kipp was injured 9 times in the
ten months fighting on the front. After suffering a
heart attack, from PTS disorder, Kipp passed away in
January 2000.

Published to coincide with the 65th anniversary of

Canadas Liberation of Holland, Mark Zuehlke
draws upon official records, Veterans recollections,
and his keen understanding of the combat
experienced bringing to life the history that
happened here.

The Struggle for Europe - Author: Chester

Wilmot 766 Pages
A detailed account of the European theatre during
World War II starting with the allied preparations
for D-Day, subsequent invasion of Normandy, and
major battles and strategies of the rest of the war.

Cinderella Army - Author: Terry Copp 407

Pages

The Bitter Road to Freedom: The Human

Cost of Allied Victory in World War II
Europe - Author: Willian I Hitchcock 446
Pages

Author Terry Copp relies on original sources - letters,

diaries, photographs, footage, and broadcasts to evoke
the thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears, and heartbreaks of
the generation of Canadians who faced the war.

Historian Hitchcock surveys the European

continent from D-Day to the final battles of the
War. Exhaustive research in five nations and dozens
of archives, Hitchcocks account shows that the
liberation of Europe was both a military triumph
and a human tragedy of epic proportions.

The Second World War in the West - Author:

Charles Messenger 224 Pages

The Guns at Last Light - Author: Rick

Atkinson 897 Pages

The brutal fight in Normandy, the liberation of

Paris, the disaster of Operation Market Garden, the
horrific Battle of the Bulge, and the final thrust
into the heart of the Third Reich, Atkinson
provides us with a wealth of new material with a
mesmerizing set of characters. Atkinson produces
here, a definitive chronicle of a war that unshackled
a continent, preserving the freedom of the West.

Follow the spread of war throughout the world, and

the technological developments as the Germans
undertake a bitter offensive. A concise introduction
for anyone looking for an accessible overview of the
Second World War in the West, featuring colour
photographs, timelines, and a multitude of maps that
help explain the subject matter and brings it to life.

This is just the beginningfind our

extensive library of recommended
books, documentaries, and films at:
www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog

!16

16

The Battlefield Packing List

We have asked past travellers and hosts what
they think is best to pack in preparation for our
journey. The forecast at this time of year usually
calls for pockets of rain and temperatures in
the low 20s.

Updated constantly with welcomed suggestions,

this is what we like to think of as a list of

Essential
Waterproof Rain Jacket

Power Adaptor for your electronics

Water Bottle
Comfortable jeans, walking
trousers
Waterproof, warm & durable rain
boots
The best feeling: Wool socks,
warm socks, clean socks!
Map kit & phrasebook
Comfortable walking shoes (or
running shoes!)
Sweaters, t-shirts & undershirts good items to layer with
Camera

You can visit www.thebattlefieldtours.com/

blog for more packing suggestions and
useful travel information specific to your
tour.

items you might like to have on hand while

embarking on a Battlefield Tour in Europe.
We hope you find our suggestions useful, and if
you have any questions or a suggestion of your
own, we would love to know. Contact
samantha@thebattlefieldtours.com

Suggested
Binoculars (Especially handy
along the Normandy Coast!)
Sunscreen, Hat & Sunglasses
Notebook
Granola Bars, Handy Snacks
Phrasebook & current map of
areas we are covering
Historical Literature about our
destinations (please see reading
list)
Headphones & Neck Pillow for
the Plane
Backpack for day trips
Pen & Notepad
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Useful Online Resources

Many supportive organizations, host communities, as well as official tourist boards of each
destination we are visiting have updated their online sites with an insurmountable amount of
research, & resource in an effort to provide the beneficial insight & information needed for
any traveller embarking on the journey to the 70th Liberation of the Netherlands. We
encourage you to browse the following websites to find more incredible information in
preparation for the 70th Anniversary tour.

ww.liberationroute.com
Undoubtedly one of the best resources in
preparation for the Liberation Tour,
Liberation Route Europes website has a
collection of impressive audio spots, videos,
story lines, biographies, and most
importantly, interactive maps to give you a
fundamental grasp on the events that were
experienced in the areas we will be covering.
slre.etraveltraining.eu/en/Home
The Liberation Route Europes
E-Learning platform focuses on the
stories and overview of the Liberation
through Europe. Take training sessions as
often as youd like, and if youre up to it,
test your knowledge on the events
surrounding the Liberation of the
Netherlands.

www.canadainternatio
nal.gc.ca/netherlandspays_bas/index.aspx?
lang=eng
The Government of
Canadas official
Embassy of Canada to
the Kingdom of the
Netherlands official
web page. Here you will
find proof of the strong
partnership between
Canada and the
Netherlands. Learn
about our historical ties,
and the importance of
our nations partnership.

Other
Useful Resources Found Online

www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/overseas
Visit Arnhem: http://www.arnhemnijmegenregion.com/arnhem
Visit Flanders: http://www.visitflanders.com/en/
About Bayeux: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux
www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/
www.normandy1944.org.uk
About Nijmegen: http://english.nijmegen.nl
Liberation Museum Groesbeek: http://www.bevrijdingsmuseum.nl
Hartenstein Hotel: http://en.airbornemuseum.nl
Visit Holland: http://www.holland.com/global/tourism.htm
Visit Amsterdam: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/
Go to www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog for even more
suggested online resources specific to your tour.

You can visit

www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog
to see a longer list of online resources
available to you.

www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/
history/second-world-war/liberationnetherlands
Veteran Affairs Canada has recently updated their
website to offer a wealth of information for the
upcoming events. Find history, fact sheets,
memorials, schedules of events, as well as diaries,
letters, and stories from the heroes of the
Liberation.
www.rcl005.nl
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 005 - The
Guardians of Remembrance is the only Royal
Canadian Legion Branch in The Netherlands. Learn
about their history, find a full comprehensive guide
to all events in regards to the commemoration, a list
of Canadian cemeteries across Holland, as well as
other articles and links of interest.
www.welcomeagainveteransholten.nl/
index.html
Welcome Again Veterans Holten - is the official
foundation, in collaboration with the Holten
Canadian War Cemetery to honour, & support the
events and ceremonies which will take place. Find
more about their program, the cemetery, and useful
links to their friends and partners.
www.cwgc.org
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
carries the monumental responsibility of caring for
all cemeteries from the World Wars.
Here you can find information about the
1.7 million individuals buried, learn about !1818
a cemetery, and find even more resources
about events, commemorations & news.

Fast facts, attractions &

travelling tips

Fun Facts about the Netherlands:

Essential Facts about the Netherlands:

The village of Giethoorn, in the province of Overijssel, does not have any
roads. All transport is done by water over one of the many canals. It is
known as the "Venice of the Netherlands.

Population:
16,296,000
Capital:
Amsterdam; 1,145,000
Area:
41,528 square kilometers (16,034 square
miles)
Language:
Dutch, Frisian
Religion:
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim
Currency:
Euro
Life Expectancy:
78
GDP per Capita:
U.S. $27,200
Literacy Percent:
99

Dutch people are the tallest in the world, with an average height of 184
cm for men and 170 cm for women.
The Netherlands is the largest exporter of tulips.
The 'Netherlands' mean "Low Country" in Dutch. About half of its
surface area is less than 1 metre above sea level. Its highest point is 321
metres (1,053 ft) above sea level.
The KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) is the longest running national airline in
the world. It was founded in 1919.
There are 1180 windmills in the Netherlands.

Schiphol International Airport was built in the depths of a drained and

ancient lake bed, where waters were supposed to be particularly
treacherous, bringing down many ships. Schiphol directly translates to
Ships Hole in English.
Notable Attractions along our Journey through the Netherlands
Groesbeek:
The National Liberation Museum - www.liberationmuseum.com
Arnhem
Burgers Zoo - www.burgerzoo.com
Dutch Open Air Museum - www.openluchtmuseum.nl
Amsterdam
The Heineken Experience - www.heinekinexperience.com
Coster Diamonds - www.costerdiamonds.com
Van Gogh Museum - http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl
Anne Franks House - http://www.annefrank.org
Overloon
Oorlogsmusem - oorlogsmuseum.nl

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It was at this very spot

Downloadable Audio Spots & Resources to Find on Tour
The Liberation Route
Europe has made over
100 audio stories available
throughout Brabant &
Gelderland. Before
travellers leave for tour,
they can download the
Liberation Route App,
available for both iPhone
and Android. The
Liberation Route Europe
App gives you direct
access to the storylines,
places of interest,
historical events, maps,
nearby attractions, and
biographies of the local
areas we will uncover:
everything on the website
including historical
photographs, audio stories
and videos.

There are many areas you may come across in life,

but, as busy our minds can be, we often walk right
by. What organizations like the Liberation Route
Europe has learned about specific areas deserves a
marker. We encourage you to find these spots, take
the moment in, and remember that this great
history we have, was a very real event.

If you spot a boulder like this,

read the information which will
mark which audio spot you
have come across. Locate the
audio spot on your
downloaded App, or mark the
spot to look up later at:

www.liberationroute.com

The apps offline

download function saves
your information before
you leave. Download it to
your telephone, and you
wont have to worry about
roaming charges when you
get there. Have all the
information you need,
saved offline, right at your
fingertips.
You can find the
Complimentary App to
Download for free by
visiting the following
website:
www.liberationroute.com/
app

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Following Us Online

the

Battlefield

tours
BLOG
86

For the Canadians we leave behind, The Battlefield Tours

Team has set out to develop a way to easily share our
experiences, stories, pictures & video so that our
travellers can share this incredible experience with our
fellow Canadian veterans, family members, loved ones,
and others in our Battlefield Community here at home.
As one of our travellers embarking on this momentous
journey, we urge you to subscribe to this blog before you
travel. Every day of our tour we will be sending our
subscribers a re-cap blog post of our daily experiences
during our journey. For you, that means upon your return,
your inbox will have a re-cap of every day on tour for you
to review or share with friends. For the weeks leading up
to our tour, you will also find our Battlefield Blog as a
useful resource with even more information, resources,
and community news.

3 Ways to Subscribe
to our Tour News:

C) Like us on Facebook, at
www.facebook.com/thebattlefieldtours
and we will send you a link to subscribe
direct

www.thebattlefieldtours.com/
blog
Every day we update
- A Facebook Post
- A Group List E-Mail
- An official Blog post
About your Tour

Pictures, video,
submissions & interviews
with travellers on tour, and
members of our host
communities across France,
Belgium, Holland &
Germany.

Special Blog following: The Liberation Tour

Share Your Story

A) E-Mail
samantha@thebattlefieldtours.com
and make a request to subscribe
B) Go to
www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog
and press Subscribe

Every day.

Canadian Veteran Bud Weeks has returned to Normandy with our

team, leaving ourselves and our travellers with an extraordinary wealth
of knowledge & information.

His experience during the war gave us a newfound respect for the
Canadians we call heroes. His insight gave us a perspective we never
had before. It was Bud who had reminded us that the unimaginable
personal effort and sacrifice that each individual faced in the months and years leading up to the Liberation, was a very real experience, and
one we should never forget.
This year, Bud Weeks joins us again, to continue sharing his story.
This time however, we aim not only share his journey with our
travellers, but with our entire nation. Throughout the tour, every day,
our blog writer Samantha will be asking Bud to sit with her to
help write his story, as we re-discover the history of our forefathers,
and the celebration of a destination changed completely by their
efforts. We encourage all of our travellers to follow in Buds!21
footsteps and share with Samantha your stories and insights
while on tour.

21

The D-Day to Hollands Liberation

Map Kit: The 70th Anniversary Tour

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A Glimpse at D-Day:

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D-Day Objectives of 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion

a. Secure and protect DZ V by destroying enemy HQ and
strongpoint near Varaville.
b. Destroy bridge at Varaville.
c. Destroy bridge at Robehomme
!24
d. Protect 9 Para Bn during their assault on Merville battery.
e. After other tasks accomplished, seize and hold Le Mesnil
crossroads.

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France:

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The Disembarkment of
Allied Troops on D-Day in
the following areas
referred to as Utah,
Omaha, Gold, Juno, &
Sword beaches.

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The Western Front 1914

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Your Hotel & Contact List

Holland

Germany

Night of May 2nd - May 9th

Arnhem
Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem
Amsterdamseweg 505, 6816 VK
Arnhem, Netherlands
Our Personal Contact: Patrick
Leppers
01131 (0) 26 482 11 00

Night of May 10th

Kassel
Intercity Hotel Kassel
Wilhelmshher Allee 241
3421 Kassel
Germany
01149 (0) 561 9388 0
en.intercityhotel.com

www.hotelarnhem.com
Our Driver (throughout)
Ruijs Reizen Coach Company
Het Wargaren 5, 5397 GN
Lith, Netherlands
01131 (0) 4 12 48 11 25
ruijsreizen,nl

Night of May 11th & May 12th

Dresden
Dresden Altstadt
Magdeburger Strae 1a
01067 Dresden
Germany
01149 (0) 3 62 81 50 04
http://bit.ly/1MjnHKO

Night of May 13th & 14th

Berlin

**Important Note when

Calling from Canada**
When calling the Netherlands
from Canada you must dial 011
31 + (telephone number)

When calling Germany from

Canada you must dial 011 49 +
(telephone number)

Please note we have listed all

contact information as calling
from Canada. If you wish to
contact any of the above
contact information while
travelling through either the
Netherlands or Germany,
simply drop the international
code, and dial the 8, 9 or 10
digit phone number provided.

Mark Apart Hotel

Lietzenburger Strae 82-84
10719 Berlin
Germany
01149 (0) 30 97 80 88 88
markaparthotel.de

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Connecting with your

Guides & Group Overseas
Your Tour Director: Ian Cowan
Your Guide: Glen Edmonds
Your Coach: Ruijs Reizen

While Overseas - if you find yourself lost, or need to contact your

guides or driver while on tour, please call:(0) 412 48 11 25, head of
Ruijs Reizen Coach Company and ask to be connected with Ian
Cowan & Glen Edmonds Group

While in Canada - By email: ian@connectiontours.ca

By Mobile: 1-416-844-4228 before Apr 20th

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After Tour: Connect

with the Battlefield
Tours Community

the

Battlefield
tours

86

Visit our Official Battlefield Tours website

www.thebattlefieldtours.com
Send an E-Mail to
samantha@thebattlefieldtours.com with
your stories, pictures, and feedback
Like & Explore the Battlefield Community
Facebook Page by visiting:
www.facebook.com/thebattlefieldtours
Subscribe to The Battlefield Tours
Community E-Mail List
Receive latest news, updates, community
news & destination information
Call our office anytime:
1-877-449-4652

Your Travel Agents Details:

Carlson Wagonlit Travel Source

25 Lesmill Rd, Unit 1
Toronto, ON
M3B2T3

www.cwttravelsource.com

1-877-449-4652

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Many Thanks,
Without you, resources and opportunities found in this map kit and in our host destinations would not be
possible. With the help of the following individuals and organizations, we have been able to continue keeping
these special tours especially incredible:
A Very Special Thanks to our Canadian Battlefield Community
Marg Liessens, Glen Edmonds, Philip Marion, and all of our other contributing Battlefield Tour travellers past &
present for the support & feedback you have provided in the creation and execution of our programs

All photos and credits for the Battlefield Tour 2015 Programmes & Kits have been taken by our very
own travellers on our Battlefield Tours Past. [ For more photos and submissions, please visit our
Battlefield Tour Facebook & Flickr Photo Collections online ]
For the incredible submissions, feedback, stories, and breathtaking photos from tours past, we thank you!
The Battlefield Tours is also affiliated with the following partners, and would like to give special thanks
to the organizations that keep our tours in motion:

Canadian Veteran Affairs

Especially Katherine Mackinnon for her direct support with our travelling veterans
The Royal Canadian Legion 005 Branch
Gerard Hendricks, many thanks for his assistance in development and information for this special Jubilee year

Legion Magazine
For continuing to promote our vision and efforts
The Liberation Route Europe
For all of their resources, support and assistance as we welcome this exciting year for Canadians

Special Thanks also to all of our Supportive Canadian Travel Agencies,

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