Days that changed my life

My story starts in Treebeek Holland September 1944.

After 4 years and 4 months under German occupation “The Liberation.”
The American tanks rolled in and my mother ironed the Dutch flag. We had seen the last of the retreating German Army the day before, and knew it would not be long. My brother Jaap had already met up with the American troops the night before by walking across the “hei” (moor) and had come home triumphantly with a packet of American cigarettes.
We welcomed the American troops with open arms and open front doors, they in return were grateful for a place of warmth and friendship. Many friends were made and sadly also some were lost in the following months of fighting prior to the end of the war in May 1945.
Then in late October the British Army took over and all my dreams were fulfilled, I fell in love with Austin Muir a dashing Captain in the 34th Armoured Brigade We were married on the 1st of May 1945 in Heerlen first by the Mayor of Heerlen in a Civil Ceremony and afterwards in the “Doopsgezinde Kerk” in Heerlen. Twice in fact as the service was repeated in English by the Army Chaplain, the Rev. Craig. The text used was taken from the 1st chapter of the Book of Joshua verse 6 : Be strong and of good courage. A very good choice!
We honeymooned in Epen a beautiful village in South Limburg and were Liberation Day Special Guests in the local pub from morning till night. We celebrated our 60th Wedding Anniversary on 1 May 2005. And are blessed with 5 children, 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The only sad thing is that we have been unable to trace our friend and best man David Morgan. They were truly historic days.

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