The Second World War was coming to an end in 1945, and the men of the 8th Hussars had made their way up the Western front to the Netherlands. Still under the command of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, their final task would be open the northern Dutch port of Delfzijl.
Located on the coast of the Ems Estuary which runs between the Netherlands and Germany from the North Sea, Delfzijl was an important secondary port for the Dutch for both defence and importing goods. The port of Delfzijl was situated directly across the water from the German port of Emden. This made it a main subject of the border dispute of the estuary between the Netherlands and Germany.
Although they declared themselves neutral, the Netherlands was invaded by Germany in 1940 and had been under German occupation since. Most of the southern regions had been liberated in 1944, but the northern and western regions remained under occupation. Those living in occupied regions were struggling to survive and the winter of 1944-45 is known as the "Hunger Winter".
During the “Hunger Winter” the daily ration of someone living in the occupation zone was 32o calories a day. Delfzijl was intended to be a primary port for imported goods to relieve the starving Dutch population. However, it remained under German control and used only for German military transports.
Although they declared themselves neutral, the Netherlands was invaded by Germany in 1940 and had been under German occupation since. Most of the southern regions had been liberated in 1944, but the northern and western regions remained under occupation. Those living in occupied regions were struggling to survive and the winter of 1944-45 is known as the "Hunger Winter".
During the “Hunger Winter” the daily ration of someone living in the occupation zone was 32o calories a day. Delfzijl was intended to be a primary port for imported goods to relieve the starving Dutch population. However, it remained under German control and used only for German military transports.
It was mid-April 1945 and the 8th Hussars had just successfully taken Putten in Operation ‘Cleanser’. Only one Hussar soldier had been killed in the four-day action, and the regiment had rested for a few days in the Putten region. They were prepared when the 5th Armoured Division moved North to Defzijl.
The sea port was being held by approximately 1500 German troops. This would be primarily and infantry task and ‘A’ and ‘B’ squadrons would be attached to the 11th brigade for the operation. The German forces had many concrete gun emplacements and heavy artillery. The only way to advance the foot soldiers was behind tanks.
The sea port was being held by approximately 1500 German troops. This would be primarily and infantry task and ‘A’ and ‘B’ squadrons would be attached to the 11th brigade for the operation. The German forces had many concrete gun emplacements and heavy artillery. The only way to advance the foot soldiers was behind tanks.
Operation ‘Canada’ began on April 23rd. Some divisions were sent across the estuary to Emden, while the others pushed towards the city. By the evening of April 30th they had reached Delfzijl’s perimeter. Other regiments attacked that night and were slowed by minefields. However, at dawn the Hussars and their tanks began to work their way into the town. The Irish Regiment along with a squadron of 8th Hussars captured the Eastern part of the fortress that day.
For nine days the men of the Hussars fought to open the port of Delfzijl. More than 4000 prisoners were taken and the German garrison commander officially surrendered on May 2nd. Only 3 days later on May 5th the men received word to cancel all offensive operations – the war was over! Operation ‘Canada’ was very successful and demonstrated remarkable bravery from the 8th Hussars; and it wasn’t long before they would see their beloved country again.
For nine days the men of the Hussars fought to open the port of Delfzijl. More than 4000 prisoners were taken and the German garrison commander officially surrendered on May 2nd. Only 3 days later on May 5th the men received word to cancel all offensive operations – the war was over! Operation ‘Canada’ was very successful and demonstrated remarkable bravery from the 8th Hussars; and it wasn’t long before they would see their beloved country again.
If you would like to learn more about Operation ‘Canada’, German occupation of the Netherlands, or the 8th Hussars in general; please visit the 8th Hussars Museum in the historic Sussex train station.