Battles & Campaigns · 1918
Battle of the Canal du Nord
Canal du Nord, near Cambrai, France
What happened
The Canal du Nord had been left unfinished when the war began, and one section was dry. In darkness, Canadian troops crossed that dry stretch on a narrow front, because the Germans had flooded the land around it. They captured Bourlon Wood and other goals, and by 1 October all of Currie's objectives were taken.
Why it matters
The battle broke most of the Hindenburg Line defences. The German high command accepted that it could not win the war.
What came next
The Battle of Cambrai and the Battle of St Quentin Canal finished breaking the line, and the war ended on 11 November 1918.
Did you know?
Twelve Victoria Crosses were awarded for actions in this battle.
Timeline
- 8 Aug 1918Battle of Amiens begins the Hundred Days.
- 27 Sep 1918Canadians cross the Canal du Nord.
- 29 Sep 1918Battle of St Quentin Canal begins.
- 1 Oct 1918All Canadian objectives are taken.
- 11 Nov 1918Armistice.