Unveiling Black Surinamese WWII Heroes
- NIJMEGEN, netherlands (AP) — As the Netherlands prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its liberation next month, a new short film is shedding light on the...
- Graauw, 36, expressed his motivation for creating the film, stating that many young people in both the Netherlands and Suriname are unaware of the crucial role these former...
- The film premiered Friday at the Go Short festival and received both the Go Short Public Prize and the Young Jury Prize.
Surinamese Soldiers’ WWII heroism Highlighted in Award-Winning Short Film
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NIJMEGEN, netherlands (AP) — As the Netherlands prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its liberation next month, a new short film is shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of Suriname and Curaçao during World War II. “Ticks and See the World,” directed by Safi Graauw,recently garnered two prestigious awards at the Go Short International Film Festival.
Graauw, 36, expressed his motivation for creating the film, stating that many young people in both the Netherlands and Suriname are unaware of the crucial role these former Dutch colonies played in the fight against Nazi germany.
The film premiered Friday at the Go Short festival and received both the Go Short Public Prize and the Young Jury Prize. Graauw noted the competitive nature of the festival, emphasizing his pride in the film’s recognition among over 3,000 submissions.
Graauw emphasizes that the documentary offers a fresh outlook on the past relationship between the Netherlands and its former colonies, particularly for younger generations. He believes the film redefines the shared history and the concept of dutch nationality.
The Story of Wooter, Davis, and Kranenburg
“Ticks and See the World” centers on the experiences of three Surinamese soldiers – Willy wooter, Harry Davis, and Guillaume Kranenburg – who served in the Princess Irene Brigade, a Dutch army unit that fought alongside Allied forces. Graauw describes their heroism as remarkable.
“We were looking for adventure, for freedom of the country”
During the war, Queen Wilhelmina, in exile in London, appealed to citizens to join the armed forces. Recruitment efforts extended to Suriname, than part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with pamphlets urging young men to “Draw for Canada and see the world.”
Approximately 500 Surinamese men enlisted.The film features the voice of Kranenburg, a former paratrooper, recalling their motivations: “We were looking for adventure, for Freedom of the Fatherland.”
The film also touches on a controversial aspect of the era. The Dutch government in exile initially sought support from South Africa. Though, concerns about Afrikaner resistance to serving alongside Black soldiers led Prime Minister Gerbrandy to reportedly express opposition, allegedly stating, “No N*Kerktjes in the army.”
Surinamese Soldiers’ WWII Contributions Highlighted in New Film
A new film is shedding light on the frequently enough-overlooked contributions of Surinamese soldiers during World War II. The film aims to bring recognition to their efforts and address the lack of acknowledgment they received from the Dutch state.
Forgotten Fighters: surinamese in World war II
During the war, Surinamese soldiers were initially deployed to various locations, including East Asia, to combat Japanese forces. According to filmmaker Safi Graauw, the willingness of the Surinamese people to fight speaks volumes about their character, transcending the circumstances of the Dutch colonial regime.
Some Surinamese soldiers, including individuals named Wooter, Davis, and Kranenburg, journeyed to England via Canada to join the Princess Irene Brigade. This brigade participated in the Battle of Normandy in 1944. Graauw notes that these soldiers considered themselves blessed to defend innocent civilians. While Wooter, davis, and Kranenburg survived the war, they reportedly never received official recognition for their service from the Dutch government.
The Genesis of “Oompie Gilly”
The film project originated with Naomi Wills,a relative of Guillaume Kranenburg. Wills encountered a 2020 article about Surinamese veterans and questioned her mother about “Oompie gilly,” prompting the revelation of her great-uncle’s story. This inspired Wills to collaborate with Graauw to share this history with a wider audience.
Together, Wills and Graauw consulted writer Jules Rijssen, who authored a 2012 book on Surinamese war veterans. Graauw stated that Rijssen welcomed the film project, as he had previously attempted to share this history without success.
Wills and members of the Van Kranenburg family attended the film’s premiere. Graauw emphasized the importance of telling this story, recalling the emotional impact of seeing guillaume’s son in the audience.
Undervalued Contributions
Graauw contends that the contributions of Black soldiers and former colonies are often minimized in Dutch historical narratives. She highlights the strategic importance of Suriname, which provided approximately 60% of the bauxite used in allied aircraft construction. Additionally,Aruba and Curaçao supplied 50% of the oil that fueled the British Air Force.
Reports indicate that over 600,000 Black soldiers from Caribbean and African colonies served during World War II. Moreover,approximately 1.2 million Black soldiers served in the segregated U.S. Army.
The film is currently being shown at film festivals. Graauw hopes it will eventually be screened in schools, believing that it is essential viewing for anyone learning about World War II.
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Surinamese Soldiers’ WWII Heroism: A Story Uncovered
This article explores the untold stories of Surinamese soldiers in World War II, highlighting a new short film that brings their heroism to light and reveals their overlooked contributions.
understanding the Film: “Ticks and See the World”
Q: What is the new short film about?
A: “Ticks and See the World,” directed by Safi Graauw,shines a light on the ofen-overlooked contributions of Surinamese and Curaçaoan soldiers who fought during World War II.It tells the stories of their bravery and service, reminding us of a history frequently absent from mainstream narratives.
Q: What awards has “ticks and See the World” won?
A: The film has recently won two prestigious awards at the Go Short International Film Festival: the Go Short Public Prize and the Young Jury Prize.
Q: What inspired the director, Safi Graauw, to make this film?
A: Graauw’s motivation stems from the fact that many young people in the Netherlands and Suriname are unaware of the pivotal role these former Dutch colonies played in the fight against Nazi Germany. She aimed to rectify this historical gap.
Uncovering Untold Stories: The Surinamese soldiers
Q: Who were the main Surinamese soldiers featured in the film?
A: the film focuses on the experiences of three Surinamese soldiers: Willy wooter, Harry Davis, and Guillaume Kranenburg. Their stories exemplify the heroism and contributions of Surinamese service members.
Q: Where did Surinamese soldiers serve during World War II?
A: Initially, Surinamese soldiers deployed to various locations, including East Asia, to combat Japanese forces. Some, like Wooter, Davis, and Kranenburg, joined the Princess Irene Brigade in Europe, participating in the Battle of Normandy in 1944.
Q: What motivated the men from Suriname to join the Dutch army during WWII?
A: The film features Guillaume Kranenburg recalling their motivations. He stated,”We were looking for adventure,for freedom of the Fatherland.” They joined the military for a chance to serve, see the world (“draw for Canada and see the world,” were the recruitment slogans according to the article), and fight for freedom.
Q: Did these soldiers receive recognition for their service?
A: Sadly, Wooter, Davis and Kranenburg never received formal recognition from the Dutch government for their service during the war. The article notes a lack of acknowledgment for the contributions of Surinamese soldiers,which the film seeks to rectify.
The making of the Film: A Personal Journey
Q: How did the film project begin?
A: The film originated with Naomi Wills, a relative of guillaume Kranenburg. After encountering a 2020 article about Surinamese veterans and learning about her great-uncle’s story, she joined forces with Safi graauw to share this history with a wider audience.
Q: Did anyone else contribute to the films creation?
A: Yes, Wills and Graauw collaborated with writer Jules Rijssen, who wrote a 2012 book on Surinamese war veterans. Rijssen was very welcoming of the film project.
The Importance of Remembering: Undervalued Contributions
Q: Why is it crucial to tell the stories of Surinamese soldiers?
A: The film seeks to highlight the contributions of Black soldiers and those from former colonies, which are often minimized in Dutch historical narratives. This is essential for recognizing their bravery and the important roles they played.
Q: What specific contributions did Suriname and Curaçao make during World War II?
A:
Suriname: Provided approximately 60% of the bauxite used in Allied aircraft construction.
Aruba and Curaçao: Supplied 50% of the oil that fueled the British Air Force.
Q: How many Black soldiers served in WWII?
A:
Over 600,000 Black soldiers from Caribbean and African colonies served.
Approximately 1.2 million Black soldiers served in the segregated U.S. army.
Q: What does the film hope to achieve?
A: Graauw hopes the film will eventually be screened in schools, believing it’s essential viewing for anyone learning about World War II, fostering a more complete understanding of this crucial period in history. She also hopes that it can spark conversations about the Netherlands’ history with its former colonies and the recognition of these soldiers’ contributions.
Key Takeaways:
| Feature | Details |
| —————— | —————————————————————– |
| Film Title | Ticks and See the World |
| Focus | Surinamese Soldiers in WWII |
| Director | Safi Graauw |
| Key Figures | Willy Wooter, Harry Davis, Guillaume Kranenburg |
| Contribution | Provided raw materials and soldiers vital to allied victory |
| Recognition | Stories undervalued within the Dutch historical narrative |
Q: Where can people see the film now?
A: “Ticks and See the World” is currently being shown at film festivals. As the article notes, there are hopes of screening it in schools in the future.