Dear Manitobans,

Hi! I am a 21 year old student who grew up in the small and picturesque town of Ommen, in the Dutch province of Overijssel. We are known locally for our pristine nature and our cute historic buildings and city center.

This weekend marks the 75th anniversary of being freed from German occupation by Canadian troops, and we are still very grateful for the efforts made by your countrymen.

During the liberation of Ommen, two Canadian soldiers, both Manitobans, died, and I wanted to tell you about them, because I think it’s important that they are not forgotten.

Lieutenant George Thomas Wilson (24) lived in Winnipeg before the war, and was married to a Shelia May Wilson at the time of his passing.

Trooper Gerald Wilfred Soanes (22), son of Simon and Helen Soanes, came from the small town of Flin Flon, on the border with Saskatchewan.

On the 6th of April, 1945, these two were driving a “Staghound” T17 armoured car, together with their compatriots: Troopers D.D. Montgomery, John E. Harkins and H.B. Loker.

These men were members of D Squadron of the 18th Armoured Car Regiment (XII Manitoba Dragoons) Royal Canadian Armoured Corps.

As they were approaching Ommen from the south, they encountered hostile German forces. The skirmish that ensued caused the nearby hotel to burn down.

Their armoured car was eventually hit by a Panzerfaust, a German anti-tank weapon. Lieutenant Wilson and Trooper Soanes both died because of this, while the rest were taken as prisoners of war.

Ommen would later be liberated on the 11th, partly due to the efforts of men like Lieutenant Wilson and Trooper Soanes.

They now rest at the Holten Canadian War Memorial, and they are also remembered by a plaque at the location were they died, close to the Ommen train station.

When remembering war and celebrating the end of it, we often focus on the big names such as American General Patton and British General Montgomery, but it is very important to also remember the men who served them. Where would we be without them?

So a thank you from me and all Ommeners to Lieutenant Wilson and Trooper Soanes, and also to Canada and Manitoba! The Dutch are still grateful for your sacrifices!

Thanks for reading, I hope that you have found this to be another reason to be proud of your wonderful province.

Cheers!