Freedom of World 1940-45, Plate, Leo Hupkes

This Delftware plate celebrates the liberation of Holland in 1945. It shows the Battles of Dunkirk (left) and Normandy (right) playing out across the horizon, while the combined emblems of the United-Kingdom and the Netherlands emerge victorious in the foreground.

This plate is one of ten pieces produced shortly after the end of the Second World War by potter Leo Hupkes, Gouda, Netherlands. It was presented to RAF Group Captain Norman Ryder as a mark of gratitude to those who ‘fought for the freedom of the world.’ The remaining copies were presented to high-ranking Officers in recognition of the aid they provided to the Dutch rebuilding effort. With Mr. Hupkes' agreement, Gp Capt Ryder gifted this plate to the RAF Museum, 20 August 1981.