Earlier today I couldn’t believe my eyes when I found this wooden toy army Jeep at a local charity shop, priced at $2. Unless I’m mistaken, toys like this were made towards the end of the war by and for occupying Allied soldiers to give to local kids at Christmas. This one goes great with the child’s size Canadian army uniform I have that was made for a Dutch kid!
That jeep looks great with the kid's Canadian uniform. Now if only our two countries could get together like that again, LOL!
I was just given the history of this toy by a Dutch historian. My Jeep has the Diamond / Made in Belgium mark. So happy!
Love it, and it goes perfectly with your child’s size Canadian uniform. For those who don't know the Land of Maas and Waal (really?): The Netherlands is a delta country, it is divided into two distinct parts by what we call the Great Rivers, which flow from east to west. The rivers form a natural barrier that has always been important in times of war, including WWII. The Land of Maas and Waal is in the eastern part of the Great River region, it sits like a peninsula between the rivers Maas/Meuse and Waal. It is an idyllic region with Medieval castles and villages surrounded by orchards. To the east is the town of Nijmegen, on the other side of the river north of Nijmegen is Arnhem ("A Bridge Too Far").
I have seen many WW2 movies including A Bridge Too Far (was Richard Burton in that one?). So perfect to have that particular jeep to accompany the uniform. Some finds are truly serendipitous!
He wasn't, but a number of other British top actors were. Including Laurence Olivier who played a Dutch doctor, but spoke some sort of language no Dutch speaker could understand. Still love Laurence Olivier though.
I have sometimes felt that an item is supposed to be mine, that there's a rightness to it. Definitely the case here.
I've had two (more modern) actual jeeps in my life too. I have a tender spot in my heart for them. Sweet toy!
