The Dutch have always had a love-hate relationship with water. Water takes and water gives the Dutch say in resignation. Water is considered an enemy as it can take lives and cause disaster, but it is seen as a friend because of the fish catch and the recreational possibilities it provides for. The country is intersected by waterways being essential elements for the economic well
being of the country. Without water the Netherlands would not exist, may be said. (The country is called 'nether lands' because much of it lies below sea level, protected against flooding by dikes). The emerging history of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is connected with the brilliant idea to use water as a defensive system against hostile armies during the independence war between 1568 and 1648. At a time that airplanes did not yet exist and horses fulfilled the function of tanks the enemy was hold off by setting large areas of low lying lands under water, as shown in the picture. This made it possible to defend (the present province of) Holland in an efficient manner with relatively few people. But also during the world wars of 1914-1918 and 1940-1945 water played an important roll both in the defence and the freeing of the country.The water line in winter time
Also in winter time the water line was a formidably 
element of defence. When the water is not frozen it is nearly possible for an army to go quickly through it. Wading is heavy work and requires a certain prudence to prevent from tumbling due to unseen height differences of the bottom. But formerly frozen water was equally effective. Though the enemy could iron their boots and thus walk on the slippery surface they had few chances against the defenders that moved around at great speed on their ice skates. The picture shows that regiments were drilled to move on frozen water, here on the River Merwede before the city of Dordrecht.
Ice skates used by soldiers
The picture with exercising regiments makes clear that ice skates belonged to the standard equipment of soldiers. It is assumed that military buyers placed orders for them at the local skate makers. Not much is known about this, however. Blauw (Van glis tot klapschaats, 2000) states that the Dutch Ministry of War bought all stocks of Dutch skate makers in the autumn of 1939-1940 when it became clear that the Netherlands could become involved in the second world war as to provide the army with ice skates. This concerned 'common' skates of course. The picture below, however, shows a pair of specially made soldier's ice skates, which is shown by the very heavy execution of them and their colour: army green. Because of their place of finding they probably have been in use with the Belgium army, maybe during the first world war.
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Soldier's ice skates, 1st quarter 20th century Maker: unknown Mark: none Technical data: total length: 42 cm, height over ice: 4,2 cm; platforms: 31 cm long, 6,5 cm wide; runner blades: 21 mm high, 8,5 mm thick; weight: 740 g including straps |
It is known that the armies of Norway and Sweden have used ice skates as well. These should have been wholly metal ice skates with clamping devices.