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In this book, we have collected about 100 life stories of fallen soldiers, chosen to represent a diverse range of ages, regiments, beliefs, ethnic backgrounds and the dates of their sacrifices. Each story is accompanied by a portrait and, in some cases, by additional photographs that offer a richer picture of their lives. Where possible, we have selected stories of fallen soldiers whose descendants have contacted the Faces to Graves Foundation, offering a deeper insight into the significance of this commemoration.
The introductory chapters describe the historical and cultural significance of the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. Frank Mehring and Jaap Verheul of Radboud University discuss the importance of the cemetery as a transnational heritage site. They emphasise its place in the collective memory of the war, both in the border region of the Netherlands and Germany and in transatlantic relations. Canadian war historians John Goheen and Mark Zuehlke describe the crucial involvement of the Canadian Forces in the liberation of the Netherlands and the Rhineland Offensive, and the experiences for participating soldiers. Rense Havinga, curator at the Freedom Museum, offers a history of the cemetery itself, inaugurated by Queen Wilhelmina on 4 May 1947 and managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. He also discusses how the graves of liberators were adopted by local people. The book also highlights the invaluable work of the volunteers of the Faces to Graves Foundation, who compiled the life stories of the fallen soldiers and maintained links with their families in Canada. Mathilde Roza of Radboud University shares stories of soldiers coming from the indigenous peoples of Canada, adding another layer to the historical role of the cemetery. Finally, two chapters describe the place of the Canadian liberation in the Netherlands and Canada. Frank Mehring and Jaap Verheul narrate the living memory of Canadian soldiers in the Netherlands and composer and professor Dean Burry of Queen’s University, Canada, explores how the liberation of the Netherlands is commemorated in Canada’s society and popular culture. Together, these introductory chapters provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the soldiers' stories within the broader context of their historical and cultural significance.
Faces of Liberation: The Canadian War Cemetery Groesbeek
Edited by Frank Mehring en Jaap Verheul
Authors: Alice van Bekkum, Dean Burry, John Goheen, Rense Havinga, Frank
Mehring, Saskia Peters, Mathilde Roza, Jaap Verheul, Mark Zuehlke
At the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek rest 2,618 servicemen from Canada
and the British Commonwealth. Most of these men fell during the liberation of
the Netherlands and the decisive Rhineland Offensive at the end of the Second
World War. This book brings their individual stories to life and offers a poignant
tribute to the young men who fought for freedom, democracy, and peace. With
the names of all the fallen and the 1,012 missing on the Memorial Wall, this is a
valuable unique reference work that perpetually honors their sacrifices.
The book tells the history of the cemetery through a transatlantic lens, with
special focus on the commemorative practices of Dutch volunteers and local
heritage institutions to keep the collective memory alive. Through rich
illustrations, this book shows how the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek has
become a living tribute to the bonds between the Netherlands and Canada.
Order the book at Amsterdam University Press
Published by Amsterdam University Press
Release date: April 2025
Retail price € 49.99
Pre-subscription price € 39,99
Hardback 24 x 30 cm
Approx 320 pages full colour
ISBN 9789048565849
Design Frederik de Wal
The book will also be published in Dutch, Gezichten van Bevrijding, De Canadese Oorlogsbegraafplaats Groesbeek
The presentation of the book will take place on May 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek.
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