Vector of Memory Heroes in Moonlight

The liberation of Apeldoorn was part of Operation Cannonshot: Canadian troops crossed the river IJssel near Gorssel to liberate the Veluwe. After fierce resistance on the way to Apeldoorn, the Canadians counted on heavy fighting at the liberation of the city. However, most German troops had already left Apeldoorn and the resistance wanted to prevent a heavy attack.

Resistance fighters Gijs Numan and Albert van de Scheur sneaked across the sluice in the night to inform the liberators about the situation. They brought two captured German soldiers with them and after they were interrogated, the plan of attack was adjusted. That same night, the Canadians entered the city via the Deventer Bridge. Apeldoorn was thus liberated on 17 April.

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Source

• Text: Liberation Route Europe
• Photos: TracesOfWar.com