The Liberation of Holland 70th Anniversary Tour

YOUR MAP KIT & GUIDE

theBattlefieldBattlefield

tours 86

May 1st, 2015 - May 15th, 2015

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And to think, as you step off of your easy flight, enjoying your coffee along with your driver & guide across the smooth roads of Europe, what our boys had to do, the profound struggle that went on, to make all this possible

- Victoria van Krieken

On May 1st, 2015 you will begin embarking on a journey re-tracing the footsteps of our Canadian heroes along the Liberation route to freedom. You will be joined by our Battlefield guide, Glen Edmonds and tour director - CEO Ian Cowan, who have been assisting our veterans across Europe since 1986.

By joining us in this momentous occasion you are representing all Canadians nation wide in celebrating 70 great years since the Liberation of Nazi occupation across the Netherlands. Since then, tremendous strides have been made in quality of life, technology, design, architecture, & medicine giving way to what is now a fascinating destination, home to many warm hearted and welcoming residents, who have never forgotten what our forefathers did for them.

Wed like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking part in this special journey with us. It is you who help us represent our nation and our history, but most importantly, you help represent our people; our brothers, uncles, fathers and friends impacted so greatly by the events that took place from 1939-1945.

For your presence at the Commemorative Events of the Jubilee Liberation, we thank you.

We Thank

you for joining

us

What you will find helpful in this

Guide

Take it apart. This Map Kit was made so that you can pull apart any section you wish to travel with, and carry only what you desire on each day of your itinerary.

Plenty of Whitespace. This kit comes with plenty of white space to add notes to margins. We also use regular grade printing paper, so highlight what you need, and easily pencil mark notes that you can change for later.

Guide Book for every stage of your tour; pre & post. With maps, resources, and background detail, this kit comes with some information you might find useful during your preparation for tour, some while on tour, and a section for after the tour has finished.

Your Direc t L ink wi th Connecting others on Tour. This guide will provide you with all of the contact information you need to connect with others in our group travelling with us. Learn more about the Veterans joining us by subscribing to our email list. Learn how to quickly & easily connect with them after tour to share stories, pictures, and to stay in touch. Get your contact information overseas and orient yourself with our hotel list. Yes you will find all of this information and more in this very guide. All contact information, hotel lists, maps, useful destination resources, list of public events, and more can be found here for your notes. Orient yourself early by exploring what this guide has to offer you.

A Letter from our TeamA few words from our Battlefield team. Page 5

About the LiberationWhat it was, and why we celebrate it. A brief description of the events and history that took place. Page 6

Your ItineraryA full length copy of your itinerary, with maps of the areas we will be discovering, complete with a recap of your inclusions & exclusions while on tour.

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A simple go-to ItineraryInspired by Battlefield Tour traveller Marg Liessens, this is a simplified version of your tour, with a point form list of areas we will be covering, with day to day maps.

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Your Map KitYour director & guides have put together the maps that they find best encapsulate the efforts and actions made in the Second World War through the regions we will be visiting. We urge you to bring this section along on tour, as your guides will go through each map with you, for a better grasp of each areas history.

Page 22 Prep for TourA reading list referred by friends and travellers, a list of what to bring, useful resources along the way, a list of online resources, and a connection with our blog that Canadians at home can follow along the way.

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After the TourEasily share pictures to Facebook, Flickr, or blog stories so that our nation can follow our story. Join the groups e-mail-mail list. Keep in touch, and share your pictures and stories with each other.

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Your Hotel List & ContactA list of our hotels & contact information while overseas.

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A Letter from our Team

In May of 1995, we

concluded a tour with Veterans and their

families, and wondered if it would be

the last tour of its kind

we would have the

honour of leading...

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Our company has been organizing Battlefield tours for over 25 years. Those years produced a driving passion that continues to inspire us and move our travellers in many ways, long after the tour is over. In May of 1995, just after the 50th Anniversary of Holland, we concluded a tour with our Veterans and their families, and wondered if it would be the last tour of its kind we would have the honour of leading. In the years leading up to the anniversary, our coaches were filled with the men and women who fought for our freedom and the freedom of our children. For some, it was the first time in decades to set foot on the battlefields of Europe. For most, it was a final farewell to their comrades who were laid to rest thousands of miles from their homelands. For all, it was a stark reminder of the loss and sacrifices our loved ones had endured.

We were fortunately wrong to think that visitors to the battlefields of Europe would dwindle after the memories of the 50th Anniversary celebrations had faded. Its been well over a decade later and the Connection Tours team along with the CWT Travel Source, Dh Tours, and a number of other supportive agencies across Canada are helping us operate numerous Battlefield Tours across Europe and beyond every year. The tours are experienced by participants of all ages from all different walks of life, with a common desire to understand and pay tribute to the men and women who fought and paid the final sacrifice for our freedom today.

Our expertise has since developed from the First and Second World Wars in Europe, to the Crimean, Napoleonic and Boer Wars in South Africa. Today we also focus heavily on Canadas involvement in South East Asia. We have hosted Veterans returns to D-Day and the Liberation of Holland annually, and educate many small school study groups and regiments year-round. Our tour managers are extremely knowledgeable in their fields of expertise and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have all of them on board since our start in 1986. Our vision is to continue to organize battlefield tours to educate future generations sin an effort to retain a semblance of our history and the sacrifice of generations past.

We thank you for joining us on the 70th Anniversary since the Liberation of Holland. We hope the events on this tour touch your heart, as they have touched ours. As we continue to travel to destinations farther afield to discover we will keep you, our travellers and friends aware of any future travels, opportunities, and events.

Sincerely, Ian Cowan & The Battlefield Tours Team 5

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The Netherlands was invaded by Nazi Germany on May 10th 1940. Instantly placed under German occupation, Holland experienced one of the highest levels of Jewish deportation out of any other occupied country. By the end of 1944, a loss of over 20,000 lives in the Western Regions would be because of the Hunger Winter - the harshest of famines, which ravished the country, not to be relieved until the end of the war.Finally, on May 5th, 1945, after a long and stubborn struggle, the whole of the Netherlands was finally liberated in the total surrender of all German forces. After crossing the Rhine at Wesel and Rees, succeeding over great hardship and defeating all odds, it was the Canadians who forced the full surrender of Germany, and thus, Holland's freedom.Considering the incredible persecution Holland suffered through during the Second World War, the country nevertheless flourished into the remarkable destination it is today. In 2012, Amsterdam was ranked the Worlds second best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit, as well as considered to be an alpha world city by the Globalization and World Cities Studies Group. Since their liberation, the Netherlands has come to invent not only the world's stock exchange, but fundamental technologies such as the compact discs, bluetooth, Wi-Fi, the DVD, and Blu-Ray.

On May 5th of every year however, the people of Holland take a moment to stop, and comes together as a nation to look back at what they have overcome. They take this time especially to recognize the Canadians who had fought so heroically for their freedom, and invite us to celebrate with them.

The appreciation, recognition, and understanding of what happened here is an emotionally invigorating experience for any Canadian, as we meet, embrace, and celebrate together with our Dutch community, the efforts made together to overcome a great conflict in our history.

About the Liberation

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Your ItineraryYou will start with a warm welcome from our group already in Holland. Journey with us as we explore across the Netherlands, and partake in all events, ceremonies, and appreciation for Canada's role in the Liberation of Holland 70 years ago. Once all of our events and celebrations have concluded, we will say our farewells to Holland and continue on the Road to Berlin.Along the way we willvisit the site of the Dambusters Raids, Colditz, Dresden, The Great Escape, and the Third Reich Berlin, finishing our tour right on top of Hitler's very Bunker.

From May 1st- May 15th,(01/05)Day 1 - Depart Toronto for Amsterdam

(02/05)Day 2 - Arrive in Amsterdam to meet your driver and guide. Transfer to Arnhem

(03/05)Day 3 - Visits to Nijmegen & Groesbeek, overnight in Arnhem

(04/05)Day 4 - Start in Holten, to Arnhem, to Driel, overnight in Arnhem

(05/05)Day 5 - Visits to Wageningen, to Leersum, overnight in Arnhem

(06/05)Day 6 - Explore Giethoorn, down to Zwolle, overnight in Arnhem (07/05)Day 7- Full day in Amsterdam

(08/05)Day 8 - Leeuwarden & Groningen, overnight in Arnhem

(09/05)Day 9 - Full day in Apeldoorn, overnight in Arnhem (10/05)Day 10 - Transfer to Kassel, overnight in Kassel.

(11/05) Day 11 - Transfer to Dresden, overnight in Dresden(12/05) Day 12 - Full day in Dresden, overnight in Dresden

A Brief overview of our regions and dates:

For an accurate in depth, and day to day Maps of the regions we will be visiting, please go to page 11

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(13/05) Day 13 - Explore into Zagan Poland, then transfer to Berlin, overnight in Berlin(14/05) Day 14 - Explore Berlin, overnight in Berlin

(15/05) Day 15 -Transfer to Tegel International Airport Berlin for you journey home, or continue on to your tour extension.

Day One - May 1st Depart from Toronto's Lester B Pearson Airport to board your overnight flight to Amsterdam. [Dinner and breakfast will be served onboard].

Day Four - May 4th After breakfast, you will depart for the Commemoration Ceremonies atHolten Canadian War Cemetery, after which we will tour back to Arnhem to visit John Frost Bridge, the British Airborne Memorial as well as Hartenstein Hotel, the HQ of the beleaguered Airborne Forces and now a restored Museum. Before returning to the

hotel for dinner, you will also get the opportunity to visit the Canadian Engineers Memorial in Driel.[Overnight - Van der Valk Hotel, Arnhem (B, D)].

Day Five - May 5th Today, a more relaxed start as you will travel to Wageningen for the Wageningen Parade. We will have to leave early however, as the Parade is now scheduled for 3.30pm. This evening, our groups will be hosted by the Mayor and Townspeople of Leersum in a private concert. After the concert, our Veterans and family representatives will be receiving the final Liberation Medal from the people of the Netherlands. A very moving a memorable event. [Overnight - Van der Valk Hotel, Arnhem (B, D)].

Day Six - May 6th After breakfast, you will tour to Giethoorn, the Venice of the Netherlands with canals meandering through the village instead of streets. One of the most delightful villages in the Netherlands. You will also tour the 13th century capital of the province of Overijssel, Zwolle where you will have time to relax before dinner. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel. [Overnight - Van der Valk Hotel, Arnhem (B, D)].

Day Three - May 3rd You will begin your day with a visit to Nijmegen and the Liberation Museum in Groesbeek for theopportunity to truly understand what occupied Holland was like and the operations handled by Allied Forces in 1944/45. You will then attend the Commemoration Servicesat the Canadian Military Cemetery in Groesbeek.[Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)].

Day Two - May 2ndUpon arrival, you will be met by your coach driver and tour manager and begin your journey to Arnhem. You will arrive in time for some rest and relaxation before your "Welcome Dinner", giving you the full opportunity to meet your traveling companions. [Overnight - Van der Valk Hotel, Arnhem (D)].

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A Full Length View of our Itinerary:

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Day Eight - May 8th This morning you will visit Leeuwarden and Groningen - both liberated by the 2nd Division in April of 1945. Both towns will be celebrating the 70th Anniversary Liberation of the Netherlands with local festivities and events. [Overnight - Van der Valk Hotel, Arnhem (B, D)].

Day Nine - May 9th After breakfast, you will be attending the emotional and historic final Parade of Apeldoorn, with Veterans on board WW2 vehicles and this will be the highlight of your tour. [Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)].

Day Ten - May 10th This morning you will visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Rheinberg, to pay respects to those who did not return from the Dambusters raid. You will then travel onto the Mohne Dam in the Ruhr Valley, which was heroically breached by the Lancasters of 617 Squadron in 1943. During this fascinating day, walk on top of the dam and see where the breach was made. You will then travel to Kassel for check-in at your hotel. [Overnight - Kassel (B, D)].

Day Eleven - May 11th Today you will visit Colditz, the castle and museum - the infamous "bad boys camp", and a scene of many ingenious escape bids. Perched above a sleepy town of the same name, Colditz has a varied history, although we will focus on its use as an internment camp for Allied prisoners during World War II. You will hear the story of the "Red Fox", Mike Sinclair, killed on an escape attempt, and also the story of Douglas Bader, plus many more. Then onto Dresden, for free time, and your overnight accommodations. [Overnight - Dresden (B, D)].

Day Seven - May 7th Today, you will be heading to Amsterdam for a tour of the city and the option of either taking a cruise through the beautiful canals, a visit of Anne Franks House or even a walking tour of the Red Light District.For those of you who have been to Amsterdam, we are offering you a choice of going to the Dutch Bulb Fields and a visit to the gardens. In the evening, you will be attending the VIP performance of the Voorthuizen Military Tattoo in honour of the Canadians who liberated the Netherlands in 1944 to 1945. [Overnight - Van der Valk Hotel, Arnhem (B, D)].

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Inclusions Exclusions

Round trip air transportation from Toronto Superior Tourist Class Hotels Breakfast & Dinner Daily All Entrances as per your itinerary Executive Coach equipped with washroom / video / tea /coffee Experienced Tour Manager

Lunches and drinks Travel Insurance Gratuities to tour manager / driver

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Day Seventeen - May 12th The Dresden Raids and Swiss Saxony: Uncover the tumultuous history of the great city of Dresden.As the seat of Saxon royalty, Dresden was arguably Germany's most beautiful city. During the war it suffered almost complete destruction, however it has since been painstakingly restored to its former glory. In the Swiss Saxony area you will come across the Bastai, rising to 1000 ft above the Elbe Valley and offering spectacular views across the Regional Park area. Sandstone cliffs that have been weathered into amazing shapes by the elements provide natural walkways and viewpoints. [Overnight - Dresden (B, D)].

Day Eighteen - May 13th This morning - to Zagan for "The Great Escape". You will cross the border into Poland to visit Zagan, the Polish camp from where "The Great Escape" was planned. You will uncover the story of the escape and the reprisals ordered by Hitler against the recaptured men. You will also visit the Memorial. Transfer to Berlin.[Overnight - Berlin (B, D)]

Day Nineteen - May 14th Today - the "Fall of Berlin".At the Berlin War Cemetery, we pause for reflection at the graves of many Bomber crew shot down over the city. You will also see the remains of the Anhalter Bahnhof. Once Berlins Rail Gateway to Europe and the point from which many fled the Third Reich, it is now poignantly preserved as a ruin. An equally poignant reminder of the war is the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedachtniskiche, a ruin amongst the wealth of the Ku-Damm shopping area. During the tour you will see The Brandenburg Gate, Unter Den Linden areas, Babelplatz, The Royal Palace, The Humboldt University, The Berliner Dom, Alexanderplatz and the TV Tower as well as Flakturm.Plus, you will visit Checkpoint Charlie Museum and view the Reichstag Building.This evening will be your "Farewell Dinner [Overnight - Berlin (B, D)].

Day Twenty - May 15th After breakfast you will be transferred to Berlin Tegel airport for your flight back to Canada. (B) Meals onboard., or the extension to your travels.

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Your on tour go-to itinerary

Day One - May 1st Depart from Toronto to Amsterdam [Dinner & Breakfast on board]

Day Two - May 2nd Arrive in Amsterdam, to be met by your tour manager and driver, for our transfer to Arnhem, for your welcome dinner with the rest of our group. Overnight in Arnhem.

Day Three - May 3rd We start with a visit to Nijmegen, and will get the chance to explore the Liberation Museum in Groesbeek. We will then attend the Commemoration Service at the Canadian Military cemetery Groesbeek. Overnight in Arnhem. Day Four - May 4th After breakfast, we join the Commemoration Ceremonies at CWC Holten Canadian War Cemetery, after which we will tour back to Arnhem for a visit to the John Frost Bridge, the British Airborne Memorial, as well as the Hartenstein Hotel. Before dinner, we will also visit the Canadian Engineers Memorial in Driel. Overnight in Arnhem.

Day Five - May 5th A relaxed start with a trip to Wageningen for the Wageningen Parade in the afternoon. Tonight we will be hosted by the Mayor and townspeople of Leersum in a private concert.

Day Six - May 6th After breakfast, a tour of Giethoorn The Venice of the Netherlands. We will also tour the 13th century capital of the province, Zwolle, with time to relax before dinner. Overnight in Arnhem. Day Seven - May 7th Today we travel to Amsterdam, for a tour of the city with options to see Anne Franks House, the Red Light District, the Dutch Bulb Fields, and more. This evening we will be attending the VIP performance of the Voorthuizen Military Tattoo. Overnight in Arnhem.

Day Eight - May 8th A visit up to Leeuwarden and Groningen for their Liberation celebrations. Overnight in Arnhem.

A simple, point form itinerary for your day to day while on tour. Notice map overviews of each region, and useful contact information that you can use while in each area.

Days 4 & 5

Day 6

Day 7 & 8

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Day 2

Day 3

Day Nine - May 9th For our final celebration, saving the best for last, we will travel to Apeldoorn, for the historic and final commemorative parade. Truly a highlight for our tour, this will be followed by a warm hearted Farewell Dinner to our Holland Only travellers at our Hotel in Arnhem.

Day Ten - May 10th This morning you will visit the Cemetery at Rheinberg, You will then walk the Mohne Dam in the Ruhr Valley You will then travel to Kassel for check-in at your hotel.

Contact InformationHotel in Arnhem Van der Valk Hotel ArnhemAmsterdamseweg 505, 6816 VK Arnhem, Netherlands Our Personal Contact: Patrick LeppersPhone: 01131 (0) 26 482 11 00Your Hotel in Kassel:Intercity HotelWilhelmshher Allee 241 3421 KasselGermanyPhone: +49 561 9388 0

Your Hotel inDresden:Dresden AltstadtMagdeburger Strae 1a01067 Dresden GermanyPhone: 01133 (0) 3 62 81 50 04

You Hotel in Berlin:Mark Apart Hotel Lietzenburger Strae 82-84 10719 BerlinGermany Phone: +49 30 97 80 88 88

For more information and contact details please see the hotel list on page 43

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Day 10

Day Eleven - May 11th Today we visit Colditz, then onto Dresden, for free time, and our overnight. Day Twelve - May 12th The Dresden Raids and Swiss Saxony: Uncover the tumultuous history of the great city of Dresden. Overnight in Dresden.

Day Thirteen - May 13th We will cross the border into Poland this morning to visit Zagan. We will also visit the Memorial. Transfer to Berlin for our overnight.Day Fourteen - May 14th We visit the Berlin War Cemetery for a sombre moment, then off to a tour of Berlin. Expect to seeThe Brandenburg Gate, Unter Den Linden areas, Babelplatz, The Royal Palace, The Humboldt University, The Berliner Dom, Alexanderplatz and the TV Tower as well as Flakturm.Plus, a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum with a view the Reichstag Building.This evening will be your "Farewell Dinner, with overnight in Berlin. Day Fifteen - May 15th After breakfast you will be transferred to Berlin Tegel airport for your flight back to Canada, or on to the extension of your travels. (B) Meals onboard

Day 11 & 12

Day 13 - 15

Day 9

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Official Veteran Affairs Canada Schedule of Events

005 Regiment Google Fancy Schedule Going Over

Sunday, May 3 (2:00 pm) Government of Canada Ceremony of Remembrance at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery

Monday, May 4 (11:00 am) Commemorative ceremony at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery (Organized by Welcome Again Veterans)

Tuesday, May 5 (3:30 pm) National Liberation Parade in Wageningen (organized by the Netherlands)

Saturday, May 9 (12:00 pm) National Event in Apeldoorn (organized by the Netherlands)

Below is a list of the official commemorative events by the official Government of Canada delegation to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands from May 3rd - 9th. The events will take place to honour more than 7,600 Canadians who sacrificed their lives during the campaign.

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Travellers from the past have helped put together the following resources in preparation for our Battlefield tour. With their experience, and the tremendous support our travellers receive from our historical communities, partners & host destinations, we have put together a list of what we find will best help you prepare for our upcoming tour.

Reading List. pg. 16 What to Packpg. 17 Online Resources to explore before tour...pg. 18 Travel Facts & Tips Along the Way....pg. 19 Audio Spots you can find on Tour.....pg. 20 Our Blog - Keep yourself updated prior to tour....pg. 21

Preparing for Tour

What you will find in this section of your guide

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You can find all of this information and more on our Battlefield Tours Community Blog. Go to www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog to subscribe.

theBattlefieldBattlefield

tours 86BLOG

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Suggested Reading List

All Hell Let Loose {Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945} - Author: Max Hastings 748 PagesBritish historian explores the entire span of history in the Second World War, from military developments to the reactions and experiences of different individuals. Max Hastings provides us with the Everyman's Story - including accounts from a range of roles during conflict. Over 748 pages long, the read is a lengthy one, but gives way to a true distillation of everything Hastings has learned from a lifetime of scholarship and research.

Canada and the Liberation of the Netherlands, May 1945 - Author: Lance Goddard 240 Pages Told through interviews with both Dutch survivors and Canadian veterans, Canada and the Liberation of the Netherlands dives right in to this lesser known chapter of our history, and explores the events in detail.Maple Leaf Against the Axis - Author: David J Bercuson 336 PagesOne of Canadas preeminent military historians, retells a compelling account following the Canadian army, navy, and air force, fighting in battles ranging from Hong Kong to the Rhine River crossing through the stories of the men and women who were there, playing a significant role in the Allied Victory.Rhineland - Author: W. Denis Whitaker 432 PagesWell researched, Whitaker creates a story that blends the tactical with the anecdotal experiences of many soldiers giving the reader a great understanding of the difficulties the Allies experienced getting to, and crossing the Rhine. He also explores Operation Veritable, Grenade, etc.

On to Victory: The Canadian Liberation of the Netherlands, March 23 - May 5 1945 - Author: Mark Zuehlke 536 PagesPublished to coincide with the 65th anniversary of Canadas Liberation of Holland, Mark Zuehlke draws upon official records, Veterans recollections, and his keen understanding of the combat experienced bringing to life the history that happened here. The Struggle for Europe - Author: Chester Wilmot 766 Pages A detailed account of the European theatre during World War II starting with the allied preparations for D-Day, subsequent invasion of Normandy, and major battles and strategies of the rest of the war.

The Bitter Road to Freedom: The Human Cost of Allied Victory in World War II Europe - Author: Willian I Hitchcock 446 Pages Historian Hitchcock surveys the European continent from D-Day to the final battles of the War. Exhaustive research in five nations and dozens of archives, Hitchcocks account shows that the liberation of Europe was both a military triumph and a human tragedy of epic proportions.

The Guns at Last Light - Author: Rick Atkinson 897 Pages The brutal fight in Normandy, the liberation of Paris, the disaster of Operation Market Garden, the horrific Battle of the Bulge, and the final thrust into the heart of the Third Reich, Atkinson provides us with a wealth of new material with a mesmerizing set of characters. Atkinson produces here, a definitive chronicle of a war that unshackled a continent, preserving the freedom of the West.

Because We are Canadians - Author: Charles Kipp 304 Pages This is the story of Sgt. Charles D. Kipp, on active duty in Europe during the bloody days following D-Day. Kipp recalls experiences with detail, both the horrific and beautiful, making this story a must read for veterans of the War and military history buffs, as well as those seeking to understand what ordinary soldiers had endured. Kipp was injured 9 times in the ten months fighting on the front. After suffering a heart attack, from PTS disorder, Kipp passed away in January 2000.

Cinderella Army - Author: Terry Copp 407 PagesAuthor Terry Copp relies on original sources - letters, diaries, photographs, footage, and broadcasts to evoke the thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears, and heartbreaks of the generation of Canadians who faced the war.

The Second World War in the West - Author: Charles Messenger 224 PagesFollow the spread of war throughout the world, and the technological developments as the Germans undertake a bitter offensive. A concise introduction for anyone looking for an accessible overview of the Second World War in the West, featuring colour photographs, timelines, and a multitude of maps that help explain the subject matter and brings it to life.

Recommending the best of Canadian War Fiction, in an effort to understand the Second World War in all of it's fascinating depth. We asked our diverse battlefield community across Canada to help put together a recommended reading list as we prepare for our growing groupof BattlefieldTours travellers. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the best in literature we think suits our tour and the destinations we are visiting best.

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This is just the beginningfind our extensive library of recommended books, documentaries, and films at: www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog

http://www.thebattlefieldtours.com/bloghttp://www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog

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The Battlefield Packing List We have asked past travellers and hosts what they think is best to pack in preparation for our journey. The forecast at this time of year usually calls for pockets of rain and temperatures in the low 20s. Updated constantly with welcomed suggestions, this is what we like to think of as a list of

items you might like to have on hand while embarking on a Battlefield Tour in Europe.

We hope you find our suggestions useful, and if you have any questions or a suggestion of your own, we would love to know. Contact samantha@thebattlefieldtours.com

Essential Waterproof Rain Jacket Power Adaptor for your electronics Water Bottle Comfortable jeans, walking trousers Waterproof, warm & durable rain boots The best feeling: Wool socks, warm socks, clean socks! Map kit & phrasebook Comfortable walking shoes (or running shoes!) Sweaters, t-shirts & undershirts - good items to layer with Camera

Suggested Binoculars (Especially handy along the Normandy Coast!) Sunscreen, Hat & Sunglasses Notebook Granola Bars, Handy Snacks Phrasebook & current map of areas we are covering Historical Literature about our destinations (please see reading list) Headphones & Neck Pillow for the Plane Backpack for day trips Pen & Notepad

17You can visit www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog for more packing suggestions and useful travel information specific to your tour.

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Useful Online Resources

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Many supportive organizations, host communities, as well as official tourist boards of each destination we are visiting have updated their online sites with an insurmountable amount of research, & resource in an effort to provide the beneficial insight & information needed for any traveller embarking on the journey to the 70th Liberation of the Netherlands. We encourage you to browse the following websites to find more incredible information in preparation for the 70th Anniversary tour.

www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/liberation-netherlands Veteran Affairs Canada has recently updated their website to offer a wealth of information for the upcoming events. Find history, fact sheets, memorials, schedules of events, as well as diaries, letters, and stories from the heroes of the Liberation.

www.rcl005.nl The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 005 - The Guardians of Remembrance is the only Royal Canadian Legion Branch in The Netherlands. Learn about their history, find a full comprehensive guide to all events in regards to the commemoration, a list of Canadian cemeteries across Holland, as well as other articles and links of interest.

www.welcomeagainveteransholten.nl/index.html Welcome Again Veterans Holten - is the official foundation, in collaboration with the Holten Canadian War Cemetery to honour, & support the events and ceremonies which will take place. Find more about their program, the cemetery, and useful links to their friends and partners.

www.canadainternational.gc.ca/netherlands-pays_bas/index.aspx?lang=eng The Government of Canadas official Embassy of Canada to the Kingdom of the Netherlands official web page. Here you will find proof of the strong partnership between Canada and the Netherlands. Learn about our historical ties, and the importance of our nations partnership.

ww.liberationroute.com Undoubtedly one of the best resources in preparation for the Liberation Tour, Liberation Route Europes website has a collection of impressive audio spots, videos, story lines, biographies, and most importantly, interactive maps to give you a fundamental grasp on the events that were experienced in the areas we will be covering.

slre.etraveltraining.eu/en/Home The Liberation Route Europes E-Learning platform focuses on the stories and overview of the Liberation through Europe. Take training sessions as often as youd like, and if youre up to it, test your knowledge on the events surrounding the Liberation of the Netherlands.

Other Useful Resources Found Onlinewww.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/overseas Visit Arnhem: http://www.arnhemnijmegenregion.com/arnhemVisit Flanders: http://www.visitflanders.com/en/ About Bayeux: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/ www.normandy1944.org.uk About Nijmegen: http://english.nijmegen.nlLiberation Museum Groesbeek: http://www.bevrijdingsmuseum.nl Hartenstein Hotel: http://en.airbornemuseum.nlVisit Holland: http://www.holland.com/global/tourism.htmVisit Amsterdam: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/

Go to www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog for even more suggested online resources specific to your tour.

www.cwgc.org The Commonwealth War Graves Commission carries the monumental responsibility of caring for all cemeteries from the World Wars.Here you can find information about the 1.7 million individuals buried, learn about a cemetery, and find even more resources about events, commemorations & news.

You can visit www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog to see a longer list of online resources available to you.

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/overseashttp://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeuxhttp://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/http://www.normandy1944.org.ukhttp://www.iamsterdam.com/en/http://www.thebattlefieldtours.com/bloghttp://www.thebattlefieldtours.com/bloghttp://www.thebattlefieldtours.com/bloghttp://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/overseashttp://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeuxhttp://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/http://www.normandy1944.org.ukhttp://www.iamsterdam.com/en/http://www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog

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Fast facts, attractions & travelling tips

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Fun Facts about the Netherlands: The village of Giethoorn, in the province of Overijssel, does not have any roads. All transport is done by water over one of the many canals. It is known as the "Venice of the Netherlands.

Dutch people are the tallest in the world, with an average height of 184 cm for men and 170 cm for women.

The Netherlands is the largest exporter of tulips.

The 'Netherlands' mean "Low Country" in Dutch. About half of its surface area is less than 1 metre above sea level. Its highest point is 321 metres (1,053 ft) above sea level.

The KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) is the longest running national airline in the world. It was founded in 1919.

There are 1180 windmills in the Netherlands.Schiphol International Airport was built in the depths of a drained and ancient lake bed, where waters were supposed to be particularly treacherous, bringing down many ships. Schiphol directly translates to Ships Hole in English.

Essential Facts about the Netherlands: Population: 16,296,000 Capital: Amsterdam; 1,145,000 Area: 41,528 square kilometers (16,034 square miles) Language: Dutch, Frisian Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim Currency: Euro Life Expectancy: 78 GDP per Capita: U.S. $27,200 Literacy Percent: 99

Notable Attractions along our Journey through the Netherlands Groesbeek: The National Liberation Museum - www.liberationmuseum.com ArnhemBurgers Zoo - www.burgerzoo.com Dutch Open Air Museum - www.openluchtmuseum.nl Amsterdam The Heineken Experience - www.heinekinexperience.com Coster Diamonds - www.costerdiamonds.com Van Gogh Museum - http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl Anne Franks House - http://www.annefrank.orgOverloon Oorlogsmusem - oorlogsmuseum.nl

http://www.liberationmuseum.comhttp://www.burgerzoo.comhttp://www.openluchtmuseum.nlhttp://www.heinekinexperience.comhttp://www.costerdiamonds.comhttp://www.vangoghmuseum.nlhttp://www.annefrank.orghttp://oorlogsmuseum.nlhttp://www.liberationmuseum.comhttp://www.burgerzoo.comhttp://www.openluchtmuseum.nlhttp://www.heinekinexperience.comhttp://www.costerdiamonds.comhttp://www.vangoghmuseum.nlhttp://www.annefrank.orghttp://oorlogsmuseum.nl

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The Liberation Route Europe has made over 100 audio stories available throughout Brabant & Gelderland. Before travellers leave for tour, they can download the Liberation Route App, available for both iPhone and Android. The Liberation Route Europe App gives you direct access to the storylines, places of interest, historical events, maps, nearby attractions, and biographies of the local areas we will uncover: everything on the website including historical photographs, audio stories and videos.The apps offline download function saves your information before you leave. Download it to your telephone, and you wont have to worry about roaming charges when you get there. Have all the information you need, saved offline, right at your fingertips.

You can find the Complimentary App to Download for free by visiting the following website:

www.liberationroute.com/app

If you spot a boulder like this, read the information which will mark which audio spot you have come across. Locate the audio spot on your downloaded App, or mark the spot to look up later at:www.liberationroute.com

There are many areas you may come across in life, but, as busy our minds can be, we often walk right by. What organizations like the Liberation Route Europe has learned about specific areas deserves a marker. We encourage you to find these spots, take the moment in, and remember that this great history we have, was a very real event.

It was at this very spotDownloadable Audio Spots & Resources to Find on Tour

http://www.liberationroute.com/apphttp://www.liberationroute.comhttp://www.liberationroute.comhttp://www.liberationroute.com/app

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theBattlefieldBattlefield

tours 86BLOG

Following Us Online

Every day.

www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog

Every day we update - A Facebook Post

- A Group List E-Mail- An official Blog post

About your Tour

Pictures, video, submissions & interviews with travellers on tour, and

members of our host communities across France,

Belgium, Holland & Germany.

For the Canadians we leave behind, The Battlefield Tours Team has set out to develop a way to easily share our experiences, stories, pictures & video so that our travellers can share this incredible experience with our fellow Canadian veterans, family members, loved ones, and others in our Battlefield Community here at home.

As one of our travellers embarking on this momentous journey, we urge you to subscribe to this blog before you travel. Every day of our tour we will be sending our subscribers a re-cap blog post of our daily experiences during our journey. For you, that means upon your return, your inbox will have a re-cap of every day on tour for you to review or share with friends. For the weeks leading up to our tour, you will also find our Battlefield Blog as a useful resource with even more information, resources, and community news.

3 Ways to Subscribe to our Tour News:A) E-Mail samantha@thebattlefieldtours.com and make a request to subscribe

B) Go to www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blogand press Subscribe

C) Like us on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/thebattlefieldtours and we will send you a link to subscribe direct

Special Blog following: The Liberation Tour Share Your Story

Canadian Veteran Bud Weeks has returned to Normandy with our team, leaving ourselves and our travellers with an extraordinary wealth of knowledge & information. His experience during the war gave us a newfound respect for the Canadians we call heroes. His insight gave us a perspective we never had before. It was Bud who had reminded us that the unimaginable personal effort and sacrifice that each individual faced in the months - and years leading up to the Liberation, was a very real experience, and one we should never forget.

This year, Bud Weeks joins us again, to continue sharing his story. This time however, we aim not only share his journey with our travellers, but with our entire nation. Throughout the tour, every day, our blog writer Samantha will be asking Bud to sit with her to help write his story, as we re-discover the history of our forefathers, and the celebration of a destination changed completely by their efforts. We encourage all of our travellers to follow in Buds footsteps and share with Samantha your stories and insights while on tour. 21

http://www.thebattlefieldtours.com/bloghttp://www.thebattlefieldtours.com/blog

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The D-Day to Hollands Liberation Map Kit: The 70th Anniversary Tour

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A Glimpse at D-Day:

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D-Day Objectives of 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion a. Secure and protect DZ V by destroying enemy HQ and

strongpoint near Varaville. b. Destroy bridge at Varaville. c. Destroy bridge at Robehomme d. Protect 9 Para Bn during their assault on Merville battery. e. After other tasks accomplished, seize and hold Le Mesnil

crossroads. 24

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France:

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The Disembarkment of Allied Troops on D-Day in the following areas referred to as Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, & Sword beaches.

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The Western Front 1914

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Your Hotel & Contact List

Night of May 2nd - May 9th Arnhem Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem Amsterdamseweg 505, 6816 VK Arnhem, Netherlands Our Personal Contact: Patrick Leppers01131 (0) 26 482 11 00 www.hotelarnhem.com

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Our Driver (throughout) Ruijs Reizen Coach CompanyHet Wargaren 5, 5397 GN Lith, Netherlands01131 (0) 4 12 48 11 25 ruijsreizen,nl

Night of May 10th Kassel Intercity Hotel Kassel Wilhelmshher Allee 2413421 Kassel Germany01149 (0) 561 9388 0 en.intercityhotel.com

Night of May 11th & May 12th Dresden Dresden Altstadt Magdeburger Strae 1a 01067 Dresden Germany01149 (0) 3 62 81 50 04 http://bit.ly/1MjnHKO

Night of May 13th & 14th Berlin Mark Apart HotelLietzenburger Strae 82-8410719 Berlin Germany 01149 (0) 30 97 80 88 88 markaparthotel.de

Holland Germany**Important Note when Calling from Canada**

When calling the Netherlands from Canada you must dial 011 31 + (telephone number)When calling Germany from Canada you must dial 011 49 + (telephone number)Please note we have listed all contact information as calling from Canada. If you wish to contact any of the above contact information while travelling through either the Netherlands or Germany, simply drop the international code, and dial the 8, 9 or 10 digit phone number provided.

https://secure.booking.com/myreservations.en-gb.html?sid=4ea60953b0a5e338f0c740ae6ae01d60;dcid=2;bn=993377679;do=self_change1;pincode=6238http://www.hotelarnhem.comhttps://secure.booking.com/myreservations.en-gb.html?sid=4ea60953b0a5e338f0c740ae6ae01d60;dcid=2;bn=993377679;do=self_change1;pincode=6238http://www.hotelarnhem.com

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Connecting with yourGuides & Group Overseas

Your Tour Director: Ian Cowan Your Guide: Glen EdmondsYour Coach: Ruijs Reizen While Overseas - if you find yourself lost, or need to contact your guides or driver while on tour, please call:(0) 412 48 11 25, head of Ruijs Reizen Coach Company and ask to be connected with Ian Cowan & Glen Edmonds Group While in Canada - By email: ian@connectiontours.ca By Mobile: 1-416-844-4228 before Apr 20th

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mailto:ian@connectiontours.camailto:ian@connectiontours.ca

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After Tour: Connect with the Battlefield Tours Community

Visit our Official Battlefield Tours websitewww.thebattlefieldtours.com

Send an E-Mail to samantha@thebattlefieldtours.com with

your stories, pictures, and feedback

Like & Explore the Battlefield Community Facebook Page by visiting:

www.facebook.com/thebattlefieldtours

Subscribe to The Battlefield Tours Community E-Mail List

Receive latest news, updates, community news & destination information

Call our office anytime: 1-877-449-4652

theBattlefieldBattlefield

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Your Travel Agents Details:

Carlson Wagonlit Travel Source25 Lesmill Rd, Unit 1

Toronto, ONM3B2T3

www.cwttravelsource.com

1-877-449-4652 45

http://www.thebattlefieldtours.comhttp://www.thebattlefieldtours.com

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Many Thanks,

A Very Special Thanks to our Canadian Battlefield Community Marg Liessens, Glen Edmonds, Philip Marion, and all of our other contributing Battlefield Tour travellers past & present for the support & feedback you have provided in the creation and execution of our programsAll photos and credits for the Battlefield Tour 2015 Programmes & Kits have been taken by our very own travellers on our Battlefield Tours Past. [ For more photos and submissions, please visit our Battlefield Tour Facebook & Flickr Photo Collections online ] For the incredible submissions, feedback, stories, and breathtaking photos from tours past, we thank you!

The Battlefield Tours is also affiliated with the following partners, and would like to give special thanks to the organizations that keep our tours in motion: Canadian Veteran Affairs Especially Katherine Mackinnon for her direct support with our travelling veterans

The Royal Canadian Legion 005 Branch Gerard Hendricks, many thanks for his assistance in development and information for this special Jubilee year Legion Magazine For continuing to promote our vision and efforts

The Liberation Route Europe For all of their resources, support and assistance as we welcome this exciting year for CanadiansSpecial Thanks also to all of our Supportive Canadian Travel Agencies,

Without you, resources and opportunities found in this map kit and in our host destinations would not be possible. With the help of the following individuals and organizations, we have been able to continue keeping these special tours especially incredible:

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