Very Rare
Battle of the Scheldt
Overview
The Battle of the Scheldt was one of the most crucial yet overlooked battles of the Northwest European campaign. Its objective was to open the port of Antwerp to Allied shipping, which was essential for supplying the advance into Germany. The battle involved brutal fighting through flooded, dyke-lined terrain against entrenched German defenders.
Obscure Facts & Hidden Details
Canadian forces bore the brunt of this battle, suffering severe casualties in freezing, waterlogged conditions. The battle is barely mentioned in most histories despite its strategic importance—without Antwerp, the Allied advance stalled for months.
The flooding was so extensive that Canadian troops had to wade through waist-deep water while under fire. German paratroopers had turned every building and dyke into a fortified position.
General Montgomery initially prioritized Operation Market Garden over clearing the Scheldt, a decision that delayed the use of Antwerp by months and prolonged the war.
The flooding was so extensive that Canadian troops had to wade through waist-deep water while under fire. German paratroopers had turned every building and dyke into a fortified position.
General Montgomery initially prioritized Operation Market Garden over clearing the Scheldt, a decision that delayed the use of Antwerp by months and prolonged the war.