Johan Wolters
Johan Wolters was born and raised in Bolsward, Friesland, and though he was only a young boy during the war, the memories of that time are etched deep in his heart. He remembers growing up in a house on the Hoog Bolwerk, close to where his grandparents lived. It was from this vantage point that he first saw the liberators—an endless procession of Canadian soldiers, their vehicles stretching as far as the eye could see.
Johan’s most vivid memory from that day is of his father lifting him up so he could hand a small bouquet of flowers to one of the arriving Canadian soldiers. The soldier smiled and motioned for Johan to ride with him, but the boy, overwhelmed by the moment, shyly declined. That gesture of thanks, though small, symbolized the immense gratitude that filled the town on the day of liberation.
Though he was only about four years old, Johan remembers the excitement and danger of the final days of the war. Fear lingered in the air. He recalls prisoners being marched through the streets and the lingering threat of German reprisals. One vivid memory involves the oppressive, unforgettable smell of watery hutspot—root vegetable stew—served from the gaarkeuken, or community soup kitchens. His father had worked there, and Johan often joined him on the food runs, watching the massive kettles being hauled in a handcart.
After the liberation, Bolsward erupted in celebration. Johan remembers the flags, the music, the cheers, and the overwhelming joy of the townspeople. Yet there were quieter reflections too. Johan had watched the suffering of evacuees from larger cities who had been sent to the countryside to survive. Many of them arrived in Bolsward malnourished, sick, or lonely. Johan’s family hosted one such child, and though illness eventually forced her to leave, her presence left a lasting impression.
He also recalls the Canadian soldiers being quartered in buildings near his home. They stayed throughout the summer, many unable to return home immediately. Johan was fascinated by their motorcycles, their uniforms, and their presence in his familiar streets. Though he never spoke with them directly, he remembers the feeling of awe and safety they brought.
To this day, Johan reflects often on the war and its cost. But when he remembers the Canadians, it is always with a sense of warmth, courage, and enduring freedom.
–
Gorssel
Photography & Story by Jason van Bruggen
