Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery Gate, 1989
There are 2338 Canadians buried here near Nijmegan , Netherlands. They were killed near the end of the European war in 1945.
A forest as a Sign of Alliance
By our reporter
GROESBEEK - "Is it her, or is it not her?" Even the volunteers of the Liberation Museum are in doubt when a unknown woman - although she is wearing a hat - walks through the lane of the air-mobile brigade. But one could tell, by the swelling applause that Princess Margriet still has to come. There is a sound of relief, "Ah, there she is", and the cameras start shooting. The Princess is not wearing a hat today.
Yesterday, Groesbeek celebrated a Liberation Day Festival at the Wylerbaan. It was for a limited audience, as little publicity was given for the Royal visit. About 200 people had gathered at the parking place of the Liberation Museum, where the last tree for the Canada Netherlands Memorial Park was about to be planted.
Glad
With the sound of the Royal Dutch Air Force band and the Groesbeek mixed choir, contentment reigns on all sides. The initiators, the Canadian Veterans J. Cupp and J. Knowles, were happy that it had been possible to create a "forest" at Groesbeek. It was a symbol of the historical alliance between the two countries. On the very spot where they took the first steps into liberated Holland, 53 years ago, in the future everyone can now walk in the shade of the Canadian Maple Leaf.
The representatives of the Dutch government were also satisfied. The Mayor of Groesbeek, Mr. Prick, had seen the "forest" grow from plan to reality. This was despite the proposals from Den Hague to create the remembrance forest in the northern part of Holland, rather than in the already green area of Groesbeek.
In his speech, the Minister of agriculture, Minister Van Aartsen, said he was proud of his officers who contributed to the realisation of this "forest". He said, "This wood is the best example we can have for keeping alive our mutual remembrance." For those remembrances - some good, some bad - the "forest" at Groesbeek is perfect, said Veteran Cupp to the audience. The bad memories were commemorated on 4th May, the good memories were told on Liberation day.
In fluent Dutch, Cupp said: "Some years ago I attended a march with Veterans, and I heard a young girl asking her Father if those old men were really the people who liberated The Netherlands. 'Were those old men able to fight?', she asked him.
It took some time before the last tree for the Canada Netherlands Memorial Park was brought by helicopter. With a thunderous roar, the chopper landed on the small cycle track along the Wylerbaan. "The pilot could even land on a ten-cent piece, muttered a Canadian, with admiration, from behind his video camera.
Golden spade
The public defied the whirlwind of dust caused by the helicopter, and immediately understand why Princess Margriet had left her hat at home. The tree was planted by the Royal guest, with a golden spade. She did this, together with Veteran Cupp, once again symbolising the historical alliance between Canada and The Netherlands.
Translated from the Gelderlander newspaper of 6th May 1998, by Jaap
Been and Peter Barleycorn.
The Mission to a Little White Headstone
The Canadian soldier, Reg Robbins, left for Europe in 1944. He would never return to his hometown Paris, Ontario. Reg died in February 1945, at the age of 31, and left behind a Wife and a baby Son. After more then 53 years, his widow, Son and Grandchildren visited the grave of the soldier R.A. Robbins for the first time. It was finally a mission to try to come to terms with a shattered life.
By Marc Hijink
GROESBEEK - 'Life is bitter', according to an advertising slogan. 'Life is a disaster', says Jean Stevenson. The 75 years old Canadian woman became, within one month at the age of 23, a Mother and a Widow. Her beloved husband Reg went as a volunteer to Europe and died in Uedem, Germany. She was informed about his death in three official letters. Jean relates the poignant facts: Firstly, he was Missing in action"; later, "Missing and presumed wounded". Finally, it was "Killed in action, on 22nd February 1945". Momentarily, she touches the silver cross, the military distinction that she carries on her breast during her visit to The Netherlands. "Reg left behind a big gap. I loved him very much, and my Mother loved him like she loved her own Son. No, I was not angry when he volunteered to join the Army, and went off to the war. He wanted to fight for freedom. Whilst Reg was at the front, he wrote me letters every day. I had sent to him packages with soap, which he subsequently gave to people in the area". She caught her breath, as her visit to The Netherlands after 53 years revived old memories. Although Jean remarried after the Second World War, Reg remained in her memories. Her second husband became seriously ill, and she resoundingly asks herself why she had to be struck by such adversities. "One of the most tragic things was that Reg never saw his Son."
Pain
Wayne Robbins cries as his Mother fights back her tears. It took him a long time to find words, as also his youth was damaged. "Like my Mother I have always had the wish to visit the grave of my Father. The opportunity never came." Jean nods and tells how, on the 50th anniversary, in 1995, a visit was not possible, as she did not have the money for the journey. It was very painful for the elderly woman and her Son decided to take action. The little white headstone in the Canadian War Cemetery, one of thousands, became the target of a mission. A mission to try to come to terms with a shattered life. Wayne came in contact with Jaap Been, from Malden, whose family was a host family for Veterans in the past. As a result of his mediation, the Family was able to come for a week to The Netherlands, in a bungalow in Groesbeek. It became a journey to a far country and at the same time a journey through time. "This is the area where my father also walked", Wayne adds, and casts down his eyes. "Of course, it hurts, but at the same time it feels good." Behind him his eldest son Tim clutches his handkerchief. Also Reggie, Wayne's youngest Son, looks away. Although he is only 8 years old, in his name the pain of the war resounds. "Reggie is named after his Grandfather, says Jean. In the silence that follows the memories are more palpable than ever. Also Jaap Been cannot keep his eyes dry. "Yesterday, for the first time we went to the grave, and the emotion there was too much. I left them on their own for a while, after all, it was their Family."
Friend
But here, in the small bungalow at Groesbeek, Jaap feels more involved than ever. Wayne puts his arm around his shoulders and says: "Jaap has become a good friend of ours." Jean, thrilled, looks on . "After the silent march and the commemoration, we all went to Reg's headstone. It was a difficult, but at the same time, also a beautiful moment. For us it was a relief to see how the Dutch people commemorate the victims of the Second World War. For, believe me, even after such long time, the wounds of the Second World War are not yet healed".
Next to the photo: Jean Stevenson with her son Wayne and grandsons Tim and Reggie at the headstone of her fallen husband Reg.
Translated from the Gelderlander newspaper of 6th May 1998 by Jaap Been.
Second invasion on the Sevenhillsroad
In the centre of Groesbeek there were no signs of the Canadian commemoration.
From our reporter.
GROESBEEK - As busy as it was on the Canadian War cemetery at the Sevenhillsroad, so deserted was the centre of Groesbeek on Saturday afternoon. Except for a few national colours there was no sign in the village centre of the Canadian commemoration dedicated to the liberation of Holland which took place a few miles further on. Even the little flags on the electric light standards were missing.
'One should hope that they will not return via Groesbeek', was the criticism of a passenger as a reaction on the sad look at the centre. At the same time the Sevenhillsroad look liked a second invasion. At the entrance of the cemetery the veterans were welcomed by the Air Force band, who formed a guard of honour. For both young and old it is was exhausting as the sun was burning mercilessly. By the guard of honour many guards fainted and fell.
Seven musicians were carried off. As one of them felt so distressed on the ground he was brought to the Nijmegen hospital to have his injuries treated. The tens of toilet units render a good service. Before they climb on the large tribunes, the veterans massively made use of the opportunity to do a pee. In large queues and in the order of arrival they were waiting for their turn. Also for many veterans the heat is too much. They were brought to the many first aid posts and had to miss a large part of the ceremony for which they had travelled so far.
The waiting is for the many VIPs, like the Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, the Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok, princes Margriet, her husband and the ambassadors of many allied countries. At the entrance of the cemetery burgomaster Prick of Groesbeek and commissioner of the Queen Jan Terlouw are waiting to receive them. When many tens of wreaths have been laid at the Cross of Sacrifice after the impressive ceremony, also people of Groesbeek like Frits Verheij and Nol Seadt from the Dutch resistance and the local youth got the opportunity to lay a wreath. Then the great mass of people dispersed.
Unlike the other high official guests, the Prime Minister Jean Chrétien leaves the area reserved for VIPs. With the old Veterans he slowly walks and halts between the headstones. His bodyguards got more and more overheated.
Next to the photo: More than 6000 Veterans attended the commemoration at the Canadian War cemetery at Groesbeek last Saturday.
Translated from 'the Gelderlander' newspaper from 8th May 1995
The Last Post, speeches and absolute silence.
By our reporter.
THE NIJMEGEN AREA - The little-known village Alphen, a village concealed in the countryside of Maas and Waal, yesterday was nearly 12 hours ahead of the rest of the Netherlands. While the whole country was in a ceremonious silence at 8 o'clock yesterday evening, Alphen had already experienced the same moment early in the morning, after the celebration of the Eucharist in church. It was one of the variations on the call to remembrance which yesterday took place on many locations in the Nijmegen area. Speeches, the Dutch National anthem and the Last Post: these in general were the fixed program items which determined the sacred atmosphere at the remembrance monuments. However, neither the speeches nor the musical notes could make more impression than the absolute silence, which, like a blanket was laid over the area at 8 PM. On the Canadian War Cemetery, exactly between Groesbeek and Berg and Dal, even no cough could be heard. Amongst the hundreds of people being present, there were surprisingly many younger children. They also were involved with the ceremony. Wax lights were placed near the cross of sacrifice by Children, while a piper was playing. Unfortunately most of the lights were blown out immediately by the wind. Also the Mayor of Groesbeek paid attention to the youth by saying: 'Also many young people here found their last interment'. We at the time swore that it should never happen again, however, it has proven that this is a difficult mission, when we face the many places of war which daily costs human lives. We literally have to educate the new generations in tolerance and understanding. There also was another prominent guest: the ambassadress of Canada, Mrs. M. Bernard-Meunier, who had preferred to lay a wreath in the Nijmegen area to commemorate the victims of the 2nd world war.
Next to the photo: At the ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery a piper provided extra atmosphere between the moments of silence.
Translated from 'the Gelderlander' newspaper from 5th
May 1997
Paris family embarks on trip of a lifetime
by Karon Sinning
Jean Stevenson is making a trip to remember May 1.
Along with her son, Wayne Robbins and grandsons, Reggie and Tim, Jean will at long last be visiting the memorial grave site of Wayne's father who lost his life during the second world war.
It will also be the first visit to his father's gravesite for Wayne who's son Reggie was named after the grandfather he never knew.
Paris resident, Reg Robbins left for his tour of duty in the second world war in June of 1944. He lost his life in Udem, Germany, February 22, 1945, two days before the couple's fifth wedding anniversary, and never got to see the son that he and Jean shared.
Reg left Canada from Camp Borden as part of the Queen's Own Rifles from Toronto, but after the North Nova Scotia Highlanders suffered serious personnel losses during a difficult battle, Reg signed up with them to go into battle.
"Reg was wounded in France and spent some time in a hospital there, recovering, " said Jean.
During their separation Jean and Reg had vowed to write to each other every day. Jean had previously suffered a miscarriage and Reg was very concerned about her pregnancy.
After Wayne's birth, Jean did manage to get a letter to Reg letting him know he had a son and that everything was ok. However, the photographs that Jean had taken of Wayne didn't reach Reg in time and he died without ever seeing his son.
Both Reg and Jean kept up their promise to write daily, although getting letters delivered to servicemen during World War II was sometimes a hit and miss operation.
"What I had to do was mail everything through the military. They then sent it on to Reg. When he was wounded and in hospital, I was getting letters from him asking why I hadn't written. I had, but they weren't getting through to him. It was very frustrating," said Jean.
Near the end of Reg's stay in hospital a large package arrived containing 17 of Jean's letters.
That wasn't the largest packet though. During another move, where Reg was billeted with a Dutch farming family the mail bogged down again and Reg received a package containing 34 letters from Jean.
"He wrote to me that he had to arrange them by post marks to try to get them in the right order, " smiled Jean.
These kinds of hold ups were part of life for servicemen overseas during the war. Even larger items would get
bogged down such as cigarettes and other care-package items like chocolate and cookies. There would be nothing for weeks, then mounds of stuff would arrive.
"I remember when he was staying with the farming family. It was very hard times over there, Reg sent me a letter asking me to send a package with just soap in it. The wife of the house had to take all her laundry to a nearby creek and wash it on a scrub board, but was not able to get any soap. Reg wrote she was very grateful when it arrived, " said Jean.
Jean also recalled one of Reg's letters telling her about finding a pair of little legs sticking out from under his bed after a package containing chocolate bars had arrived and been stored their.
"Reg said he pulled these little feet out from under his bed and all he could understand was "chocolate " "said Jean. Reg then gave the boy all the candy bars.
In one of Reg's last letters to Jean he spoke about the big drive into Germany, where he was to lose his life.
In 1996 Jean began correspondence with a fellow in Holland named Jaap Been.
Been is Head Engineer for Phillips in Nijmegen, Holland, where a large war memorial and grave site for Canadian soldiers is situated.
The final resting place of the soldiers buried in Holland is an immaculately manicured vista, kept up partially
by school children, even today.
"The Dutch people are extremely respectful of the Canadian soldiers that died to liberate Holland. Jaap has just been wonderful. He sends all kinds of stuff through email," said Jean.
Been has helped to set an itinerary of events for Stevenson and her family starting with the Remembrance Day ceremony and the Walk of Silence, a mile and a half march from the Town Hall in Groesbeek to the cemetery.
The walk, as stated in the name, is done in silence in respect of those who gave their lives. Jean will be placing a wreath on the war monument in memory of Reg.
Been also has a trip planned to the famous tulip fields of Holland and an interview set up with the local Gelderlander newspaper.
Jean, Wayne, Tim and Reggie will also be attending a separate ceremony at the Liberation Museum, where the head of the Canadian Military will present the Princess of Holland with a plaque honoring the Dutch people for the dedication in keeping up the cemeteries of those soldiers that fought and died for freedom.
"Jaap has found us the most wonderful place to stay, " said Jean, "it's a resort situated between Groesbeek and the cemetery. He is even going to do some shopping for us, so we will have something in when we arrive."
For Jean, Been has become part of the family, helping her to say her good-byes at her late husband's resting place after all these years.
Been has communicated with Jean and Wayne for about two years, after initially communicating with her English cousin Peter Barleycorn. Barleycorn wrote a letter to Been, asking if he could help find out if Reg's grave was adopted by local Dutch people.
Since that time Been has sent photographs of Reg's grave,
a video of a Canadian War ceremony and translations of the Gelderlander
newspaper.
Return to Canadian War II Memorials & Cemeteries Gallery
Back to Home Page