THE ROYAL CANADIANS DRAGOONS
AND LEEUWARDEN
In February 1945, The Royal Canadian Dragoons, as part of the 5th Canadian
Division, ceased activities in Italy and under the codename Operation
GOLDFLAKE, began the move to Northwest Europe. There was to begin the final
campaign of the Dragoons in the Second World War.
The Regiment, with their Staghound armoured cars, landed in Marseilles,
France and began a long road move through such historical sites as Lyon,
Campiene (the forest where the World War I Armistice was signed), and
Cambrai (also during World War I where armour was first effectively used).
On reaching Vorselaar, Belgium on the 23rd of March 1945, the Regiment was
assigned the task of Corps Reconnaissance for the 1st Canadian Corps.
The main Allied thrust, which had now reached and was crossing the Rhine
River, had bypassed the coastal areas of France, Belgium and Holland. It
was these areas that the Canadians were tasked to clear, specifically the
opening of the supply route north through Arnhem, Holland.
During the end of March and beginning of April 1945, the Dragoons waited for
movement orders and trained under then Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel
K.D. Landell. In early April, the decision was reached that the Canadians
would advance in Holland, up both sides of the strategic Ijssel River and
the enclosed coastal lagoon, Ijsselmeer. The Regiment was transferred to
2nd Canadian Corps, under command of General Guy Simonds and A Squadron
was detached to 3rd Canadian Infantry Division as a flank guard to the east.
On the 8th and 9th of April 1945, the advance began with The Royal Canadian
Dragoons leading 2nd Corps advance on the east side of the Ijsselmeer. The
Regiment met sporadic and demoralized resistance. By April 10th, a
breakthrough was achieved across the River Vecht at Ommen and the order was
sent out for the Dragoons to push through at best speed. They were to
proceed cross-country in a north-westerly direction through the province of
Friesland toward its capital of Leeuwarden. Their task was to cut all main
communication routes originating from the city, then isolate, and if
possible capture the city.
Through the 12th, 13th, and 14th of April, the Regiment moved northwest
towards Leeuwarden meeting and capturing small groups of Germans as well as
liberating 20 Allied POWs from a hospital. As they passed through the
small Dutch villages, the towns people pulled out their orange banners and
flags to welcome the RCD.
Sunday the 15th of April 1945 found the Regiment consolidated on the
territory gained in the previous days push. B Squadron, stretching west
from Dokkum (northeast of Leeuwarden) received word that the Germans had
left Leeuwarden. Word was also received that the Dutch was engaging
remnants of the German Garrison Resistance. "C Squadron was sent to
reconnoitre.
C Squadron entered Leeuwarden at 1100hrs, 15th of April 1945, under
drizzling rain. They found the streets deserted except for isolated groups
of armed Dutchmen. Sporadic gunfire was still being exchanged, but with the
approach of armoured cars, the remaining Germans withdrew. Cheering crowds
began to fill the streets and national flags were taken from their hiding
places as the people cried, laughed and embraced the Canadians.
Word was sent back to Regimental Headquarters who promptly moved into the
city and set up in the finest hotel. By the days end, the Dragoons were
established in and around Leeuwarden. RHQ and C Squadron spent the night
of April 15th in the city with D Squadron twenty miles east on the
Groningen highway and B Squadron twenty miles north in the Dokkum area.
All the jails in the area were bulging with German prisoners for by now the
count had risen to 3,000 and still the weary Wehrmacht poured in under
escort. Vast stocks of munitions, parks of artillery and vehicles were
taken as well as dumps of gasoline and other fuels. Huge stocks of food were
captured and promptly turned over to the Dutch Patriots. Dutchmen turned
against collaborators in their midst and violence and local unrest swept the
area
so that in addition to their military duties, the Dragoons became temporary
local administrators, judges and policemen. A Squadron rejoined the
Regiment after being relieved from its flank guard task.
After the celebrations of 15th of April 1945, the war carried on and the RCD
pushed east. However, neither the Dutch nor the Dragoons have never forgot
the Liberation of Leeuwarden.
Each year the RCD and the City of Leeuwarden celebrate the Liberation on
April 15th with a parade and a flag ceremony. On this day, the Regiment
flies the flag of Leeuwarden and the City of Leeuwarden flies the flag of
The Royal Canadian Dragoons. In some cases, the celebrations are more
elaborate, with the Regiment sending soldiers to the celebrations in
Holland. The Dragoons have adopted Jannetze Jetten, who was born almost to
the second that C Squadron had entered the town. She is now an honourary
member of the RCD Association. As well, the Regiment was presented with a
Frisian clock (the Leeuwarden clock) which now sits in the Regimental
Headquarters.