Every year, in order to honour the Liberation of Belgium and the Netherlands, the Canadian Liberation March from Hoofdplaat, Netherlands to Knokke-Heist Belgium, a distance of 34 km, is held.
Knokke-Heist was liberated on 01 Nov 1944, the last town in Belgium to be liberated, as part of the Battle of Scheldt. Every year, the town hosts Canada week to honour the more than 1,000 Canadian and Allied members who lost their lives during the liberation.
Hundreds of Canadians, including the Canadian ambassador, visit Knokke-Heist during this time every year. The Canadian Military members in the Netherlands participate in the celebration and march. In addition, many of the teachers from the AF North NATO school where Rachel teaches participate in the weekend. I am back in Canada so this will be my last post for a while, but Rachel is participating, and providing the photo coverage.
According to the press release, “No town in the world is decorated with more Maple Leaf Flags than Knokke-Heist during the Canada Week, that is why our Mayor Piet Degroote is so proud to name Knokke-Heist, “Maple Leaf City.”
Canadian Flags are everywhere, including on the Windmill vanes.
Canada Week will culminate in the 48th Canadian Liberation March, which is 34 km long. It is all organized by the local historical society “Cnocke is Hier,” the For Freedom Museum, and the Town Council of Knokke-Heist. The route retraces the path taken by the Canadians during Operation Switchback, the clearing of the Southern portion of the Scheldt Estuary.
The march covered the area south of the Scheldt Estuary from Hoofdplaat to Knokke-Heist.
There are 18 Markers along the route pointing the way. The Markers say Canadese Bevrijdingsroute or Canadian Liberation Route.
One of the markers providing a weather report.
The military members stationed in the local area participate in the march. There is also strong representation from the teachers at AF North.
After the march, a reception is held in the For Freedom Museum, also featured in a previous post. There are celebrations along the way. The local citizens line the parade route. Many Dutch and Belgian citizens march as well to show their gratitude to the Canadians. Last year there were 1,800 marchers in the parade.
The start of the march in Hoofdplaat.
Crowds gathered at the memorials.
The military members and the AF North community in their bright red jackets.
Supporters of all sizes did the march.
Pipe Bands led the way for the ceremonies.
The locals enthusiastically support the march, this house offering toilets, soup, coffee, and tea.
One of the memorial stops along the way was in Retranchement. On 31 October 1944, the Royal Canadian Engineers, under the leadership of Sgt J.L. Hickman and under heavy fire, erected a Bailey Bridge to cross the drainage canal so the Canadians could liberate the remaining towns in Belgium.
Sgt Hickman was killed, and the replacement bridge was named in tribute to him and his comrades.
The land along the march route is very flat and low-lying. The Germans flooded large areas to impede the Allies progress. Tanks and vehicles were forced stay on the roads because the fields would not support their weight.
It was generally a wet weekend, but a bit of blue sky and a rainbow appeared for the march.
A before and after shot of Rachel and her fellow teacher Christine. They are both smiling after the march!
It is great that the Canadian Military and Education community support the annual march to honour the efforts of the Canadians so long ago. The respect and gratitude of the local citizens 80 years later makes you proud to be a Canadian.
Many of the Canadians who were killed in the Liberation are buried in Adegem Canadian Military Cemetery, subject of a previous post. As part of the weekend, a visit to the cemetery is taken to honour the fallen. A cousin of my sister-in-law Marg Columbus (Allen), Christopher Cadeau is buried at Adegem, subject of another post. Rachel paid her respects to Christopher and the 838 fallen Canadians.
Christopher Cadeau’s headstone.
An honour guard at the Cross of Remembrance.
A young fan snaps a photo of her mom and dad, both military members on parade at the cemetery.
I’ve just caught up on your terrific blogs, Paul. This one’s special again for me with the Knokke-connection. In April-May ‘45, my Dad & Uncle’s regiment participated in liberating central Holland to the north coast at Defzijl, near Groningen. I look forward to the reception & activities during the regiment association’s 80th anniversary tour in summer 2025. (wine)Bob
Thank you Paul for the excellent info and pictures of the march. Thank you Rachel for visiting my cousin Chris’ gravesite. It’s good to see that the people haven’t forgotten and appreciate the sacrifices made by our brave boys and men.
Kathy Peacock
My father was with a Canadian Artillery Regiment and was there when they liberated Netherlands and Belgium after landing on D-Day. Great to see they still honour their sacrifices.
Excellent story about the march. It is so wonderful that almost 80 years later, the tradition carries on and the residents who were not even alive at the time come out to honour the Canadian Soldiers. I am proud that Rachel carried out the tradition. I looked at the pipe band to see if she managed to get hold of one of the drums. Congratulations Rachie on doing the march and documenting it so well. Proud of you dear Niece (for more than just the march).