There is a statue of a polar bear in the Hogelandsepark on Biltstraat. The cute animal looks with its head towards De Bilt, but the reason for this is a lot less cute.
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The polar bear in Utrecht East is a monument for the Polar Bears. These were the British and Canadian soldiers who liberated Utrecht during the Second World War. On May 7, 1945, they were the first liberators to enter our city with their tanks via Biltstraat. They were received with loud cheers, touched, applauded and kissed.
Read more after the photos >
A Brengun Carrier of the 49th Reconnaissance Regiment (Polar Bears), probably on Biltstraat, during the arrival of the Allies. Photo: collection The Utrecht Archives/97578n
The revelry on the Biltstraat near the Berekuil, where some enthusiastic people climb a vehicle during the arrival of the Allies. Photo: collection The Utrecht Archives/123187
Mayor ter Pelkwijk on the steps of the Town Hall (Stadhuisbrug 1) during the reception of the commanding officer of the 49th Reconnaissance Regiment (Polar Bears). Photo: collection The Utrecht Archives/97632
The stage at the Janskerkhof on which General Foulkes of the 1st Canadian Army, General Rawlins of the 49th Infantry Division (Polar Bears), Mayor ter Pelkwijk, City Commander of the Domestic Armed Forces (BS) Kwint and other military and civil authorities conduct the parade (Church Parade) after the solemn thanksgiving service for the victory in Europe in the Cathedral Church. Photo: collection Het Utrechts Archief/805315
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A Brengun Carrier of the 49th Reconnaissance Regiment (Polar Bears), probably on Biltstraat, during the arrival of the Allies. Photo: collection The Utrecht Archives/97578n
The revelry on the Biltstraat near the Berekuil, where some enthusiastic people climb a vehicle during the arrival of the Allies. Photo: collection The Utrecht Archives/123187
Mayor ter Pelkwijk on the steps of the Town Hall (Stadhuisbrug 1) during the reception of the commanding officer of the 49th Reconnaissance Regiment (Polar Bears). Photo: collection The Utrecht Archives/97632
The stage at the Janskerkhof on which General Foulkes of the 1st Canadian Army, General Rawlins of the 49th Infantry Division (Polar Bears), Mayor ter Pelkwijk, City Commander of the Domestic Armed Forces (BS) Kwint and other military and civil authorities conduct the parade (Church Parade) after the solemn thanksgiving service for the victory in Europe in the Cathedral Church. Photo: collection The Utrecht Archives/805315
For our liberators
The limestone monument was made by Marie José Wessels, a sculptor from Bilthoven. It was placed in 1992 in memory of the liberation and as a thank you to the liberators. The following text is written on the pedestal: ‘For our liberators/to our liberatorsMay 7, 1945′.
Every year on May 7, a commemoration takes place around the monument. The Royal Brass Band Utrecht will play the British and Dutch national anthems, the mayor will give a speech and flower arrangements will be laid.
Big shooting
Although May 7 was a public holiday, it was overshadowed by a major shooting at the Rosarium. Ten members of the Home Forces were killed when they encountered a large group of German soldiers. That is why there is a stone as a monument opposite the Rosarium.
View the impressive images of the liberation in Utrecht here:
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Another mystery solved! Do you also have a question about Utrecht? Maybe you are curious about the meaning of the raccoon graffiti or why the Choorstraat is called that. indebuurt will find out! Mail your mystery to [email protected].
Sources: The Utrecht Archives, May 4 Utrecht, Art in public space Utrecht
