Description
Object description
Dutch civilian schoolchild in the Arnhem area, Netherlands, 1940-1945
Content description
REEL 1 Recollections of period as civilian in Arnhem area, Netherlands, 1940- 1945: German invasion of Netherlands, 5/1940; brother's experiences during invasion of Netherlands; reasons for capitulation of Dutch, 1940; awareness of threat of German invasion prior to 5/1940; start of German Occupation, 1940; registration for identity cards; dissemination of war news from illegal radios; rounding up of Jewish civilians; arrest of father, 1942; resistance activities in Netherlands; German shooting of hostages; father's work in aviation industry.
REEL 2 Continues: nature of fighting in Arnhem area, 1944-1945; foraging in field for food; nature of rations available, 1944-1945; dropping of food by Allied aircraft, 4/1945-5/1945; arrest of father by Germans, 1943; lack of street lights; providing milk for family; state of bicycle during foraging trip; how father was released as hostage after arrest; statement of bishop against membership of Dutch Nazi party; attempt to get to shot down aircraft before Germans; US aircraft dropping fuel tanks.
REEL 3 Continues: watching bombing from roof of family home; employment in agricultural nursery; German reprisals after shooting of officer; eating of cat by nursery employees; treatment of collaborators on German surrender, 5/1945; provision of medical facilities by Canadians; theft of animals from farm by German occupiers; removal of trees from street; German roadblocks. Aspects of period as civilian in Netherlands, Ireland and GB from 1945: post-war education and employment to improve English in GB, 1948; post-war career and application to emigrate to Canada; move to Ireland, 1954; reasons for move to GB, 1960 and subsequent career.
REEL 4 Continues: Reflections of period as civilian in Arnhem, Netherlands, 1940-1945: how Queen Juliana was born on Dutch ship on route to Canada; story of wife's involvement in escape organisation including aiding George Blake; his wife's arrest and imprisonment in Germany; effects of experiences on wife; nature of early stages of German occupation; attitude to life in Netherlands and GB; attitude towards war.