Operation Blockbuster facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Operation Blockbuster
Part of the Western Allied invasion of Germany in the Western Front of the European theatre of World War II
Operation Blockbuster (yellow)
Date 26 February – 3 March 1945 Location Lower Rhine region Germany Result Allied victory
Belligerents
Canada  United Kingdom	Germany
Commanders and leaders
Harry Crerar Brian Horrocks	Alfred Schlemm

Operation Blockbuster was the completion of the larger Operation Veritable by the First Canadian Army, reinforced by the XXX Corps from the British Second Army from late February to early March, 1945. Veritable had been slower and more costly than expected and the Canadian commander, General Harry Crerar, had decided on a fresh start for the operation. Three British and Canadian divisions advanced south-eastwards, capturing unprepared German positions in the Hochwald forested ridge [de], before advancing on Xanten. They linked up with the Ninth US Army at Berendonk, near Geldern on 3 March.

Battle honours

Attached to the 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division, the Canadian infantry and armoured regiments to earn battle honours for actions during Operation Blockbuster, emblazoned on their regimental colours as The Hochwald, include:

• The Algonquin Regiment
• The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada
• The Lake Superior Regiment (Motor)
• The Lincoln and Welland Regiment
• Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment
• South Alberta Regiment
• The South Saskatchewan Regiment

See also

• Canada in World War II