80 years ago

Signs like this have been put up in our village. They explain about the liberation of our area in the Second World War. I’ve written this before; I’m still in disbelief on how hell-bent societies all over the world seem to be on repeating history. Across the globe, far right is on the rise and even winning elections. Winning with promises of “law and order”, but once in power not willing to comply with the laws and ignoring court orders.

Let’s hope stories of what happened 80 years ago have an impact… I’ve translated the text on the sign:

“To make it as difficult as possible for the Allies to liberate us, the occupier orders the entire area between Damsterdiep and Eemskanaal to be flooded. On September 21, 1944, the dikes are breached. Everyone must evacuate to the other side of the Damsterdiep. While the water continues to rise, farmers try to harvest as much grain as possible.

On Sunday, April 15, 1945, while the Canadians are in Groningen, the Germans arrive at the Bolt Bridge, then still called Draai bridge, and blow it up, as well as all the bridges over the Damsterdiep and Eemskanaal. Only in Wittewierum did the Canadians get across. After the liberation, a pontoon bridge served as an emergency bridge until 1947.”