Liberation Route Marker 003

Liberation Route Europe is a certified Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. With hundreds of sites and stories in nine European countries, the route links the main regions along the advance of the Allied Forces in 1943-1945.
The entire route consists of themed routes that can be travelled by by hiking, walking, cycling and car. These routes pass numerous historical and interesting sites and tell stories from a multitude of perspectives that were important in the final phase of World War II.
Many routes feature listening spots, offering the opportunity to listen to a historical story at a location. In addition, many ‘Vectors of Memory’ have been placed, indicating that the passer-by is on one of the Liberation Routes.
The routes can be found on the Liberation Route Europe website or in the app through which many stories can also be listened to.

Josephine Baker performs!
The world-famous dancer, singer and actress Josephine Baker performed here at Café van Lin in Overasselt on 4 and 5 December 1944. The Van Lin family didn’t know who she was at first, but when they saw the Allied soldiers’ enthusiasm they soon realised that she was a superstar. Mother (Moetje) of Lin didn't like it “She half naked, on our stage” she spoke worryingly.

Accompanied by an 8-piece orchestra, Josephine Baker gave a thunderous show with many dress-up performances. That this “Black Pearl” worked for the French Resistance, hardly anyone knew at the time. For this she was later awarded the Croix de Guerre, the Commemorative Medal of the Volunteers of Free France and the Resistance Medal. She was also awarded the Knight's Cross of the Legion of Honor.

The care of the soldiers was taken seriously on both the Allied and German sides. Between battles, soldiers sometimes had to wait a long time before being deployed. The fear of being wounded or killed was constantly present. To provide distraction and keep morale high, various entertainment programs were organized for the soldiers. For example, movies were shown and special radio programs were presented. But the nights when famous names from showbiz went to the front to perform were unforgettable.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar & Liberationroute.com
• Photos: Arjan Vrieze