The national anthem in Marseilles

On 27 May 1945, the ‘Monowai’ arrived in Marseilles. Many in the group later remembered their welcome with fondness. In their testimonies, they mentioned that the national anthem was being played on the quay, and they spoke of the abundant food and of receiving some money and documents facilitating their journey back to the Netherlands. The group also had the opportunity to send postcards home. Otto sent a telegram to his mother. The train ride through France, with the train stopping at almost every station, felt like a celebration. Coffee, bread, wine - all sorts of things were offered by the elated population. In Belgium, the reception was a little less cordial; in the Netherlands, according to the testimonies, it was downright frosty.