The hunger winter
In 1944 all of Holland grew hungry from lack of food. By April 1945, about 20,000 Dutch people died of starvation.
Starving Children during the Hunger Winter. Source: The Dutch Resistance Museum.
"We took of for the first run. Along the road we saw a lot of people wrapped up in all kinds of shabby old clothes, trying to keep warm, some pushing baby carriages with a child or a little bit of food or clothing. They were walking from farm to farm looking for food. But they had to spend such a long time on the road, they seldom came home with anything; they ate it on the way." |
"The children here run about in just a thin blouse and clogs; no coat, no hat, no stockings, and no one helps them. Their tummies are empty; they chew an old carrot to stay the pangs, go from their cold homes out into the cold streets and, when they get to school, find themselves in an even colder classroom. Yes, it has even got so bad in Holland that countless children stop the passers-by and beg for a piece of bread. I could go on for hours about all the sufferings the war has brought, but then I would only make myself more dejected. There is nothing we can do but wait as calmly as we can till the misery comes to an end. Jews and Chrisrians wait, the whole earth waits; and there are many who wait for death." 
Source: Dutch Resistance Museum
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Source: Honger Winter
- "Food was becoming increasingly scarce, and the typical daily diet consisted of fake tea made with cherry leaves, fake bread made with ground peas and potato starch, and fake meat made with barely, oats or turnips." -Ernest Cassuto
1944-1945: Allies Drop Food in the netherands
Published May 2, 1945. The New York Times.
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Published: April 25, 1945. The New York Times.
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U.S. and British planes dropped brought food to millions in the Netherlands who had suffered through the Hunger Winter of 1944-1945 under Nazi occupation. (National Archives photo)
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Allies Feed Dutch Under Nazi Permit. May 2, 1945. The New York Times.
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