Holten Canadian War Cemetery

When we leave Holten via the Holterbergweg in the direction of Nijverdal and then follow the signs, we find the Canadian Cemetery Holten in a beautiful natural location.

Rijssen and Holten were liberated on April 9, 1945 by the 2nd Canadian Army Corps, as part of the 1st Canadian Army. The Canadian army command was instructed to find a suitable place where the fallen would be laid to rest. Thanks to the cooperation of the mayor, Mr. Enklaar, and the willingness of Mr. Sterringa, head of the school in Dijkerhoek, to sell land, the site could be arranged.

A total of 1394 fallen soldiers found their final resting place in Holten. The first official commemoration took place on 5 May 1948, as a sign that the cemetery was complete. Numerous dignitaries, including Prince Bernhard, were present.

The Canadian War Cemetery in Holten contains 34 Commonwealth burials. 32 from UK victims and 2 from Australia.

Every year there are several ceremonies at the cemetery, in the months of April, May, November and December.

In 2011, a information centre was opened at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery, containing details of each of the 1394 fallen soldiers buried in this cemetery. Based on personal stories, anecdotes and photos, often donated by relatives, the memory of those who fell is kept alive. The information center is freely accessible to everyone and offers a source of information 'for all generations'.

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Source

• Text: Leo Lensen & Arjan Vrieze
• Photos: Arjan Vrieze