In a historic moment, the council chamber doors of the City of Hamilton welcomed a delegation from Woensdrecht, a small Dutch municipality liberated by the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (RHLI) during World War II.
The delegation of nine individuals from Woensdrecht is in Hamilton to mark the 82nd anniversary of the municipality’s liberation, a crucial battle that broke a deadlock between Canadian units and Axis forces, resulting in significant casualties.
During a special ceremony at city hall on Tuesday, the delegation met with RHLI members and Mayor Andrea Horwath to commemorate the anniversary and their pioneering visit.
Woensdrecht Mayor Steven Adriaansen, leading the delegation, emphasized the significance of the RHLI in their liberation, expressing gratitude for past visits by RHLI members to honor fallen and wounded soldiers.
Expressing a desire to strengthen ties between Canada and the Netherlands, particularly with Hamilton, Adriaansen underlined the value of preserving the memory of the sacrifices made for freedom.
‘We want to really make a strong bond between Canada and the Netherlands, especially with Hamilton,’ said Woensdrecht Mayor Steven Adriaansen during a visit to Hamilton. (Brittany Spencer/CBC)
The battle for the vital village of Woensdrecht occurred from October 16-22, 1944. The RHLI, with minimal preparation and new recruits, successfully captured and held the village, aiding the 4th Canadian Armoured Division’s offensive that led to a German retreat and the liberation of the strategic Beveland Peninsula.
Major Mike Rehill, representing the RHLI, highlighted the enduring gratitude of the Dutch people towards Canadian forces for their role in the liberation, emphasizing the importance of the special bond between Canada and the Netherlands.
Major Mike Rehill, regimental secretary of the RHLI and chair of the city’s veterans committee, says hosting the delegation from Woensdrecht is an important way to honor the special bond between Canada and the Netherlands, and the key role Hamilton plays in that bond. (Brittany Spencer/CBC)
Both mayors pledged at the ceremony to uphold the memory of the RHLI’s sacrifices in the battle for Woensdrecht, recognizing the intertwined histories of the two communities and the enduring significance of their relationship.
Mayor Horwath stressed the city’s rich military heritage and the importance of preserving such stories as a responsibility for future generations as firsthand accounts of WWII diminish.
The delegation’s visit, including a stop at Niagara Falls, will continue with engagements in Burlington on Thursday.
