Five Brothers and a War

1945 Summary

Jul 16 Jul 17 Jul 20

Americans test atom bomb in New Mexico.

Allied Conference at Potsdam.

Belgium debates future of King Leopold, who refused to evacuate to London in 1940, was taken prisoner-of-war, and remained in exile in Germany, where he visited Hitler. France evacuates its troops from Syria. First Dutch War Tribunal meets at Den Bosch to try its share of 120,000 Dutch Nazi collaborators. Churchill loses election in Britain. Allies at Potsdam issue ultimatum to Japan.

Jul 25

Jul 26 Jul 30

General Simonds succeeds Canadian commander Crerar. Canadians complete Bailey-bridge across IJssel near Zwolle. Belgian cabinet resigns. Van Acker forms another cabinet.

July

Aug 02 Aug 06 Aug 08

Americans drop atom bomb on Hiroshima.

Soviet Union declares war on Japan. Task of resistance ends, many enlist in new Dutch army. Nagasaki hit by atom bomb. Dutch survivors from concentration camp Sachsenhausen reach border at Nieuweschans. Jewish World Congress release British plan on emigration to Palestine. Sukarno and Hatta declare Indonesia's independence, Bersiap period starts: open season on Caucasians and their supporters. The Dutch and British governments sign a “civil affairs agreement” for the Dutch East Indies, British troops to evacuate prisoners from Japanese-run concentration camps. Dutch populace celebrates Queen's Day with massive display of patriotism. Canadians celebrate Labor Day, welcome 60,000 visitors at Soesterberg air base. Second World War ends with signing of unconditional surrender on US ship in Bay of Tokyo. As the country continues to struggle through great shortages of every kind, Lieftinck withdraws all paper money, and issues f 10 pocket money to everyone. Move aims to curtail black market circuit and attack economic clout of war-time profiteers. Finance minister lifts confidentiality of bank accounts and transactions, announces personal assets registry. Pressure mounts to hold early elections. General Simonds holds blunt press conference, to answer criticism in newspaper editorials regarding moral issues involving Canadian soldiers. Government introduces new economic policies, increases wages and salaries and establishes minimum wage of f 33.25 per week for family of four. Mediators set wage levels on national scale. With availability of troop transport ships growing, Canadian army sends 110,000 out of 282,000 men home. Prins Bernhard promoted to Inspector General of Dutch army. Emperor Hirohito announces Japan's surrender. Hay days for black marketeers, but 25 arrested in Zwolle.

Aug 09

Aug 13 Aug 15 Aug 17

Aug 24

history Aug 25 Aug 31 Sep 01

Sep 02

Sep 13 Sep 26

Oct 10

Oct 15

October

Five Brothers and a War

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