After a successful invasion on D-Day, the Allies turned their attention to pushing their way inland. For the next six days, British, Canadian, and American Forces fought their way through the German lines and advanced several kilometers northwestward. During this attack, the Allies were also able to liberate a number of French channel ports, one of them being Dieppe.
The Battle of Scheldt Antwerp, Belgium, a liberated area in early September, was a key supply spot on the Scheldt River located inland from the coast. With the area being controlled by Nazi Germany, the First Canadian Army was ordered to rid the area of the Germans.
In late November of 1944, the Battle of Scheldt ended with a Canadian victory. The Canadians were able to secure the supply route to Antwerp. Because the battle involved bitter fighting, Canadians suffered nearly 6400 casualties. This victory allowed the Allies to make their final advancement into Germany. As later confirmed by Dwight D. Eisenhower, the success of the Battle of Scheldt had a major impact on the victory over Germany.
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FREEING THE NETHERLANDS On February 8, 1945, the largest Canadian assault force, consisting of 175 000 soldiers, joined the Rhine Offensive. During this campaign, Canadian Forces were able to push the Germans out of the Netherlands while chasing them back into northern Germany. As the Canadians monitered the Dutch towns, they noticed that many people were on the verge of dying due to starvation. In response to these sights, a truce was called on April 22, 1945 to allow the Allies to send relief and help the starving civilians.
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Germany Surrenders During the process in which Canadian Forces freed the Netherlands and marched into northern Germany, the British and Americans were converging on Berlin. As a result, Adolf Hitler, the German dictator, committed suicide on April 30, just as the Soviets were entering Berlin.
Over the next few days, many events took place. The declaration of a ceasefire took place on May 5, German forces surrendered on May 7, and Allied leaders held VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) on May 8. This marked the end of the war in Europe. |