On April 12, 1945, when Heino was liberated and the Canadian troops were continuing their liberation action towards Zwolle a Canadian tank was just outside Heino hit by a German anti- tank shell. Four Candians died on the spot and one managed to escape the vehicle, heavily wounded. He went to a nearby house. This house was owned by the Jonkman family and mother Anna gave him first aid before he was collected by the Canadians.
Memorial cross
The well known Heino inhabitant Flip Jonkman, not yet born when this tragic accident happened, later became very interested to do research on this event and together with Rein Meindersma they started searching for Canadians involved. They managed to locate the only survivor, mr. Blair Cameron. He came to Heino in 1996 together with his family. Flip placed a wooden cross for remembrance of the liberators.
Stone monument
Flip started immediatley to arrange for a “real” monument for the victims on the Zwolseweg, where it all happened. A very tricky operation with the very strict regulations for monuments in The Netherlands. But everyone knowing Flip will not be surprised that nothing can stop him and finally after more than 20 years he got the allowance of the community of Raalte to install a monument out of stone. He had the monument designed and manufactured almost on his own expenses and it was put in place in March 2020. Everything was arranged for the unveiling by the mayor of Raalte, mr. Martijn Dadema in the presence of some Canadian relatives, officials and friends.
Hick- up
Unfortunately there was the outbreak of the pandemic and every activity in this respect had to be cancelled. Then it was decided to postpone the event by one year. Again this was not possible because of the current gathering and travelling restrictions. Now, hoping that the situation will improve soon, it was decided to postpone it to November 11, 2021 at 11.02 hours. The Canadian National Remembrance Day, a very relevant date! The unveiling will be guided by the National Hymne of Canada and The Last Post.
Liberation Day
Today April 12 it was 76 years ago that Heino was liberated by the Canadians. In 1945 this was not a joyfull day because 66 men of the small village were still hostaged by the Germans and they only came back on April 14. And the terrible accident with the Canadian tank also made it a sad day. But today there was a lot of flagging in the village. A majority was Canadian. At the monument Flip arranged for big pictures of the victims and Canadian flags.
