In 1945, liberated from the Nazis, Europe was recovering and somewhat nervously joking at those who had recently oppressed it. The Netherlands also did not stand aside — for example, a series of postcards by the artist Nico Broekman was produced, entitled «Memory of the Five Years War, Terror and Nazi Dominance, May 1940 — May 1945» (Een herinnering aan vijf kommervolle jaren oorlog, terreur en overheersching der Nazi's, mei 1940 — mei 1945).
The drawings are uncomplicated, but made with attention to detail. Judging by the red buttonholes of many characters, the artist was especially annoyed with the Wehrmacht anti-aircraft gunners. All illustrations are taken from www.europeana.eu.
“Eternal Fritz” (De eeuwige mof). Caricature of a German soldier
“On vacation from Holland” (Met verlof uit Holland). German soldier bends under the weight of bundles, boxes and sausages
“Green Police Executioners” (De groene politiebeulen). A German policeman caught a boy drawing the monogram of Queen Wilhelmina and OZO (Oranje Zal Overwinnen) — “The Orange will be back!” Next to it a poster with a portrait of Hitler can be seen
“Famous poster” (Het bekende aanplakbiljet). Hitler, trapped in the victory letter V, calls for help. The text “Germany is winning on all fronts” is changed to “on all the first pages” by gluing the piece of paper onto it
“The Bismarck Youth” (De Bismarck Jeugd). Caricature of an old man mobilized to the Wehrmacht
“Dutch chicken” (De Nederlandsche kip). The sign states: “Rather die for the fatherland than eggs for a grumpy customer”
“Graceful girls of the Wehrmacht” (De lichte meisjes van de weermacht). The inscription on the package of the girl from Lyuftshuts — one of the auxiliary air defense services — says that there are stockings inside. The NSDAP badge on the lapel gives a special charm to the ruddy Fräulein
“Kriegsmarine” (De Kriegsmarine). The German Marine, judging by the clenched knees, does not really want to go in the direction marked on the sign
“Officer” (De officier). A real Prussian, judging by the scars on his face
“Parade march” (Des Parade pas). A Luftwaffe eagle on the helmet appears to have turned into a seagull with indigestion
“Back home?” (Terug naar huis?). Sad reflections: 690 kilometers to Berlin, far from London, and a prisoner-of-war camp is right here
“Noble German from SA” (De S.A. edelgermaan). The SA dagger looks more like a Roman gladius
