By 1945, it was becoming clear that the war in Europe was coming to a close. German High Command had exhausted most of its forces on the Western Front in the failed Ardennes Offensive, and the Red Army was nearing Berlin. On April 30th, 1945, Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his Berlin bunker. By May 8th, 1945, Germany had surrendered.
Following V-E Day, the 8th New Brunswick Hussars had the good fortune of being garrisoned in the Netherlands rather than in truculent and devastated Germany. Thanks to this fortunate reality, a lively social life sprang up complete with dances, movies, sightseeing, and sailing.
As a result, Headquarters added other responsibilities and opportunities to stave off boredom and indiscipline among the men. Leaves were granted to England and Paris, among other places, and particular emphasis was placed on educational courses and sports to keep the soldiers at the top of their game.
Others occupied their time working on the regimental newspaper, known as the 8th Hussar, which proved to be instrumental in maintaining morale and keeping former members in touch.
More importantly, however, the 8th New Brunswick Hussars provided vital support to the people of Eelde in the tough times after the war. In addition to providing support in the area's reconstruction, the Hussars provided help in other ways. For instance, the townspeople burned peat to heat their homes, but had no way of moving it because the Germans had taken with them all heavy equipment and functional vehicles. So, the regimental command arranged a driver-maintained course that took the trucks out to where the peat was stored. From there it was driven back and distributed from the town square.
Following V-E Day, the 8th New Brunswick Hussars had the good fortune of being garrisoned in the Netherlands rather than in truculent and devastated Germany. Thanks to this fortunate reality, a lively social life sprang up complete with dances, movies, sightseeing, and sailing.
As a result, Headquarters added other responsibilities and opportunities to stave off boredom and indiscipline among the men. Leaves were granted to England and Paris, among other places, and particular emphasis was placed on educational courses and sports to keep the soldiers at the top of their game.
Others occupied their time working on the regimental newspaper, known as the 8th Hussar, which proved to be instrumental in maintaining morale and keeping former members in touch.
More importantly, however, the 8th New Brunswick Hussars provided vital support to the people of Eelde in the tough times after the war. In addition to providing support in the area's reconstruction, the Hussars provided help in other ways. For instance, the townspeople burned peat to heat their homes, but had no way of moving it because the Germans had taken with them all heavy equipment and functional vehicles. So, the regimental command arranged a driver-maintained course that took the trucks out to where the peat was stored. From there it was driven back and distributed from the town square.
Eventually, the men began to return home in various ways. 202 men got home early by volunteering to join the continuing fight against Japan, while others got home based on a complicated points system that took into consideration a variety of factors including time spent in the army and overseas. Soldiers received two points for each month of service in Canada, three points for each month of service overseas and a twenty percent bonus if they were married. The higher the score the better the chance was for a speedy return home.
In July 1945, the men were forced to part with their M4 Sherman tanks. Though inanimate steel machines, the men often formed special bonds with these vehicles forged throughout years of war.
Finally, the Regiment withdrew from the Netherlands on November 27th, 1945.
The 8th Hussars returned home on January 26th, 1946. The liner Ile de France made port in Halifax. From there they embarked on a train headed towards Sussex.
The train was hours late and it was early in the morning of the 27th before it reached Sussex.
Upon disembarking from the train, the men were greeted by the Mayor, military and civil dignitaries, cheering crowds, and a band.
Veterans received $100.00 to buy civilian clothing.
65 Hussars paid the ultimate sacrifice and never made it home
In July 1945, the men were forced to part with their M4 Sherman tanks. Though inanimate steel machines, the men often formed special bonds with these vehicles forged throughout years of war.
Finally, the Regiment withdrew from the Netherlands on November 27th, 1945.
The 8th Hussars returned home on January 26th, 1946. The liner Ile de France made port in Halifax. From there they embarked on a train headed towards Sussex.
The train was hours late and it was early in the morning of the 27th before it reached Sussex.
Upon disembarking from the train, the men were greeted by the Mayor, military and civil dignitaries, cheering crowds, and a band.
Veterans received $100.00 to buy civilian clothing.
65 Hussars paid the ultimate sacrifice and never made it home