While the war in the Netherlands was over by 5th May 1945, the 5th Armoured Regiment would not be leaving the country until November of 1945. During this time, the regiment would begin the process that would eventually lead to demobilization. In the meantime, as long as the Hussars where in the Netherlands, they would be put to use assisting the Dutch people. In the process, they forged a bond with the Dutch that would live long into the present. When not assisting the Dutch, the men also found the time to partake in some much-needed downtime.
2015 Celebration of the Liberation of the Netherlands Sussex, NB (8CH Association photo)
Following the official surrender of Germans forces in the Netherlands, the regiment was stationed in the Municipality of Eelde. The citizens of Eelde held a series of exuberant celebrations in the Town, inviting the Hussars to participate. Notwithstanding this celebratory atmosphere, the regiment had to remain combat ready. As such, the days following the German surrender in the Netherlands were consumed with performing maintenance on the regiment’s Sherman tanks. However, with the announcement of the German surrender in Europe on 8th May 1945, the men had a temporary reprieve. The regiment granted leave to all soldiers for the day to allow them to attend celebrations. While the celebrations continued throughout the country, the regiment began preparations for demobilization.
As part of this, the regiment would transition from a wartime service to peacetime service. This entailed a comprehensive alteration to the regiment’s training schedule. An increased emphasis was placed on proper parade techniques for a series of regimental inspections. Additionally, vehicles had to be maintained at a new peacetime standard, which meant the men had to keep their tanks clean and in good working order. However, the men and officers still had opportunities to engage in extra-curricular activities. These included sailing, canoeing, swimming, dances, as well as nights on the town. The regiment ensured that all entertainment was coordinated to maximize the number of activities the men could partake in.
As part of this, the regiment would transition from a wartime service to peacetime service. This entailed a comprehensive alteration to the regiment’s training schedule. An increased emphasis was placed on proper parade techniques for a series of regimental inspections. Additionally, vehicles had to be maintained at a new peacetime standard, which meant the men had to keep their tanks clean and in good working order. However, the men and officers still had opportunities to engage in extra-curricular activities. These included sailing, canoeing, swimming, dances, as well as nights on the town. The regiment ensured that all entertainment was coordinated to maximize the number of activities the men could partake in.
However, with the war in Europe over, thoughts of home began taking hold in the regiment. With the introduction of the point system, the men were given an opportunity to gage at what date they would be repatriated home. But, for some men the war was not over. Word came down from Headquarters that volunteers were needed for the war in the Pacific. Hussars would answer that call, nearly two hundred men volunteered to serve in the Pacific. As such, they were repatriated forthwith to Western Canada for training with the Pacific Force. Fortuitously for these men, the war in the Pacific would end before they would ever have to be committed to the theatre, which would mean early repatriation to their homes.
For those men still in the Netherlands, they were soon to be put to work assisting with the post-war efforts. The regiment was tasked with guarding the transportation of German prisoners through their jurisdiction back to Germany. By June, the number of German prisoners being guarded by the Hussars had reached the tens of thousands, with more on the way. Outside of guarding prisoners, the regiment contributed to the Dutch reconstruction efforts. The regiment would be based in the Town of Eelde for the remainder of their stay in Europe. From May to November 1945, they provided valuable assistance to the Dutch people in Eelde, assisting them with rebuilding infrastructure in the Town.
However, with the regiment securely ensconced within Eelde, demobilization efforts quickened. All tank rounds were turned in to a temporary ammunition dump, where it would be disposed of. This was simply the first step. Soon all munitions had to be turned in. Everything from their 50 calibres, to their 9mm rounds for their sidearms, everything was turned in. This was followed by turning in protective gear. Eventually, word had come down that the men would soon be turning in their Sherman tanks too. Starting in July, the regiment began saying their goodbyes to the Sherman’s. By the end of the month, the regiment no longer had its arsenal of armour.
With their tanks gone, the men realized that they were no longer needed in Europe, which only intensified their urge to return home. Recognizing that their stay in the Netherlands was going to be longer than anticipated, the regiment drafted a series of programs to occupy the men. Outside of the leisure activities of sailing and dances, soldiers were provided with the opportunity to take a series of educational courses designed to enhance their return to civilian life. Besides this, the men were given the opportunity to try their athletic skills against one another. Team sports were organized at the regimental and division levels. This occupied the time of many a soldier, who were all invested in proving their prowess vis-à-vis their comrades.
For those men still in the Netherlands, they were soon to be put to work assisting with the post-war efforts. The regiment was tasked with guarding the transportation of German prisoners through their jurisdiction back to Germany. By June, the number of German prisoners being guarded by the Hussars had reached the tens of thousands, with more on the way. Outside of guarding prisoners, the regiment contributed to the Dutch reconstruction efforts. The regiment would be based in the Town of Eelde for the remainder of their stay in Europe. From May to November 1945, they provided valuable assistance to the Dutch people in Eelde, assisting them with rebuilding infrastructure in the Town.
However, with the regiment securely ensconced within Eelde, demobilization efforts quickened. All tank rounds were turned in to a temporary ammunition dump, where it would be disposed of. This was simply the first step. Soon all munitions had to be turned in. Everything from their 50 calibres, to their 9mm rounds for their sidearms, everything was turned in. This was followed by turning in protective gear. Eventually, word had come down that the men would soon be turning in their Sherman tanks too. Starting in July, the regiment began saying their goodbyes to the Sherman’s. By the end of the month, the regiment no longer had its arsenal of armour.
With their tanks gone, the men realized that they were no longer needed in Europe, which only intensified their urge to return home. Recognizing that their stay in the Netherlands was going to be longer than anticipated, the regiment drafted a series of programs to occupy the men. Outside of the leisure activities of sailing and dances, soldiers were provided with the opportunity to take a series of educational courses designed to enhance their return to civilian life. Besides this, the men were given the opportunity to try their athletic skills against one another. Team sports were organized at the regimental and division levels. This occupied the time of many a soldier, who were all invested in proving their prowess vis-à-vis their comrades.
Lieutenant-Colonel Bob Ross accepts thanks of Town of Eelde
While their programs helped stave off the boredom of the troops, it could not quell the rising tide of nostalgia, the Hussars wanted to go home. Those who had earned enough points applied for repatriation, for the rest the point system was simply not working quickly enough. Finally, come November the regiment was informed that it was time for their repatriation. They were leaving the Netherlands. Before they could go, the citizens of Eelde turned out on mass to fete the regiment. The Dutch celebrated the sacrifices of the Hussars and all that they had fought for to liberate them from the German occupiers. They promised that while they had only words at the moment, in the future the effort of the Hussars would be rewarded with gold. So, on 27th November 1945, the Hussars withdrew from the Netherlands setting out to finally return home.
To find out more about the relationship between the Hussars and the Netherlands, or about the 8th Hussars in general, stop by the 8th Hussars Museum located in the historic Sussex Train Station along Broad Street.
To find out more about the relationship between the Hussars and the Netherlands, or about the 8th Hussars in general, stop by the 8th Hussars Museum located in the historic Sussex Train Station along Broad Street.