October 3, 2020

By BRIAN KRAPF

This beautiful multi coloured calendar is made of heavy paper and is one foot in height. It prominently features the Big Three (Churchill—at the top, course; Roosevelt; and Stalin) along with Field Marshal Montgomery, General Eisenhower, and President De Gaulle. The calendar was published for 1945 in celebration of the 1944 liberation of France, Belgium, and Holland.

“Our Liberators” appears at the top in both French and Dutch, and the Belgian flag appears as a banner in the center. While there is no identified manufacturer, it is likely the calendar was printed in the Netherlands since the actual calendar portion near the bottom is printed in Dutch. Interestingly, the Dutch made a variety of items to celebrate the 1944 liberation, so the calendar is consistent with other items they produced.

Wartime calendars are difficult to obtain, particularly one that are still in good condition. They were printed in limited quantities and designed to be used and thrown away. This one is a wonderful survivor and a terrific example.

Brian Krapf’s book We Want Winston!—A Treasury of Churchill Memorabilia is due to be published by Pen and Sword in 2021.

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