Key Facts
- Duration
- 3 days
- Date
- Early September 1944
- Canal width
- ~20 metres, very deep
- Crossing unit
- Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada
- Armoured support
- South Alberta Regiment (SARs)
Strategic Narrative Overview
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada were designated as the sole crossing unit, with tank and machine-gun support from the South Alberta Regiment and New Brunswick Rangers on the friendly bank. With the commanding officer absent, Major Stockloser ordered 'B', 'C', and 'D' companies to cross without assault boats, describing it as a 'crossing of opportunity'. A diversionary force probed German defences north of the main crossing point.
01 / The Origins
During the Liberation of Belgium in September 1944, the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade was ordered to cross the Ghent Canal near Oostkamp, approximately five kilometres south of Bruges. The operation was part of the broader Allied advance through Belgium. With supply lines stretched hundreds of miles, ammunition for artillery and mortars was critically short, limiting preparatory fire support for the crossing.
03 / The Outcome
The source does not detail the battle's final outcome or casualties. The engagement lasted three days and formed part of the broader Canadian effort to liberate Belgium. The improvised nature of the crossing, conducted without boats or preparatory artillery fire under a deputy commander, underscored the logistical strains facing Allied forces during the rapid advance of autumn 1944.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Major B. Stockloser, Lieutenant Colonel Dave Stewart (absent).
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.