In the first week of May 1945, negotiations took place between the Allies and Germans forces. The German forces allowed food shipments, but were not yet prepared to surrender. The end of the war suddenly drew nearer following the news of Adolf Hitler’s suicide. On 6 May, German General Blaskowitz signed the surrender in Wageningen.

On 4 May 1945, Field Marshal Montgomery, at his headquarters on the Lüneburg Heath in Germany, accepted the official surrender of the German army in north-western Europe. A day later, General Foulkes, commander of the 1st Canadian Army, decided to draw up a separate surrender document for the German army in the Netherlands. He summoned German General Blaskowitz to the Hotel de Wereld in Wageningen to sign the capitulation.

General Blaskowitz initially sent his chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Reichelt. That was not sufficient; Blaskowitz had to come in person. That afternoon, at four o’clock, Blaskowitz arrived at the hotel. The Commander of the Internal Armed Forces, Prince Bernhard, was also present, along with a group of journalists and camera crews. The general was presented with a detailed surrender document. He requested a 24-hour reprieve to see if he could meet all the terms of the surrender. The following day, 6 May, Blaskowitz returned to sign the surrender of all German troops in the Netherlands. After five years of occupation, the country was liberated.

Although the war was officially over, a few bitter incidents still took place. Some German units refused to lay down their arms and fought against the Internal Armed Forces or the resistance. In Amsterdam, this led to the deaths of 19 civilians.

‘City of Liberation’

Wageningen now calls itself the ‘City of Liberation’. Every year on 4 and 5 May, the city commemorates the Second World War and celebrates freedom. Highlights include the famous parade, attended by veterans, and the Liberation Festival with stages throughout the city centre. Activities centred on the themes of peace and security also take place at other times of the year. For an overview of all events, visit http://www.wageningen45.nl/.

‘Virtual Tour of Hotel De Wereld’

The story of the surrender brought to life. Find out what happened on 5 May 1945 at Hotel De Wereld. Walk around the negotiating table yourself, experience it first-hand and click on the link for a virtual tour. http://www.capitulatie45.nl/