The Battle of Otterlo was the last big battle to take place in The Netherlands. The town found itself stuck between the Canadians advancing to the west on one side, and the Germans trying to get their remaining troops to safety behind the Grebbe Line, on the other. Communication was poor and liberated or not, an unexpected and serious battle ensued.
Chaotic
On 16th April 1945, the 5th Canadian Armoured Division conquered Otterlo before continuing on to Wekerom and Voorthuizen. They left the divisional head quarters, a number of artillery units and an infantry battalion behind in the village. Meanwhile, the Germans in the Veluwe were trying to get to safety in the west of The Netherlands. Somewhere between 600 and 900 German soldiers reached Otterlo on the evening of the 16th April in the attempt. The Canadian fired their guns at short range but were eventually taken out by the Germans. The gunners fought on using their hand guns but groups of German soldiers managed to push through and dig themselves in. One group attacked the divisional headquarters in the school next to the church. Then the German artillery joined in the battle, shooting at the village. By the early morning, the situation had escalated into a serious battle. Canadian tanks had been called in for assistance and they drove into the village, guns blazing. Two Wasp flamethrowers fired at the German positions and the German soldiers panicked and fled. The battle was over. Approximately 300 Germans were killed along with 12 Canadians and 4 civilians. 48 Canadians were wounded. The liberation of Otterlo had come at a high price.
