The Dirtiest Job of WW2 - Battle of the Scheldt

It seemed like the rain would never end in the seclusive enclaves of the Scheldt Estuary during the Fall of 1944, but despite the thick mud, impenetrable fog, and heavy fire, the Allies had one clear goal: to secure a supply line to Antwerp for the incoming forces advancing into continental Europe.
The excruciatingly challenging circumstances played against the liberators, as almost 86,000 Wehrmacht soldiers steadily defended the position and had no mercy against the Allied forces, most of which belonged to the Canadian Army.
Still, the Canadians and several sympathizers continued advancing to liberate the Scheldt river between Belgium and the Netherlands. And with it, the most fortified German strongpoint of the Atlantic Wall: the Island of Walcheren.
As the amphibious vehicles approached the island, the soldiers could spot the Orange Mill against the glow of fires and realized that the brutal last phase of one of the longest battles in the war had just begun.
Like Bill Davis of the Royal Highland Regiment said: (QUOTE) “That was the dirtiest job that we ever had.”
- As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Docs sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect. I do my best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Dark Docs is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas. -

[@VodkaRob]

My Grandad was in Operation Market Garden and was captured by the Germans. He was an officers driver and was told that he didn't have to go but he went anyway. His officer was shot so he had to take charge of a small group of men. He actually didn't talk about it until he was very old and I can understand why after some of the stories he told me. His mate got blown up by an allied air raid, he said that he went over to him and as he approached he thought that he was just unconscious but when he got to him and tried to lift him up his body was in two pieces. They must have witnessed some horrific things that we can't begin to imagine. We should never forget their bravery. ✌️😎 Thanks for another great video. 👍

[@devikwolf]

Canadian forces fought like hell in WW2 but get little mention compared to the US, British, and Soviet armies. Good to see them getting attention.

[@guywerry6614]

As a Canadian I have seen quite a bit in print / video about the roles / contributions of our troops. Overwhelmingly positive - pretty impressive for a VOLUNTEER, largely civilian force!

[@MrSims-ky2ne]

@@guywerry6614 be grateful you aren't speaking German. -your American brother

[@corbintodd9339]

They were great soldiers no doubt. They’re overlooked for the simple fact of numbers really. They were an important ally but simply couldn’t contribute the way the UK, US, Soviets, etc could. Mostly just due to per population and economy size really.

[@MrSims-ky2ne]

@@corbintodd9339 100%

[@hanzzimmer1132]

The 1st Special Service Force doesn't get enough recognition either but those in the know in the US military learn extensively about that badass unit

[@markhughes7273]

The Canadians were the equal of fighting men of any I saw on the battlefields anywhere. The part they played was magnificent and it was a honor to have them under my command. Gen.Dwight Eisenhower

[@tessierashpoolmg7776]

Anyone else have something to say?

[@johnlewis9158]

Out of all the allied forces it was the Canadian's the German's feared the most

[@tessierashpoolmg7776]

@@johnlewis9158 With all respects to Canada (my Grandma was Quebecois). I am thinking that for all of the Germans would, especially late in the war, would fear the Russians above all. Vengeance and all that.

[@johnlewis9158]

@@tessierashpoolmg7776The difference being the Russian's were fighting for there life's and thus for them it was either kill or be killed. This wasn't the case with Canadian's or for that matter any of the allied forces other than the Russian's of course. Indeed it was German's themselves that made the Russian army(which for centuries had been a second rate outfit) such a potent force. Bottom line when whole villages and town's are being massacred and to surrender means certain death then what choice do you have other than to fight or die. That said it was the German's themselves and not me who considered the Canadian's the cream of the allied forces so i have to take there word for it

[@tessierashpoolmg7776]

@@johnlewis9158 No problem John. I was just putting myself in the boots of a German soldier. He knows his best chance is to surrender to the allies.

[@jaykillxreaperofdeath6967]

Thanks for doing this one. Canada fought extremely hard with almost no rest from juno all the way to Hamburg

[@hydrocooledcarrot]

I like how this channel covers so much, not just the Brits and Americans.

[@BbbbbbbbbBBBB556]

The Canadians fight hard in alot of wars with not much recognition

[@jaykillxreaperofdeath6967]

@@BbbbbbbbbBBBB556 I know it's my goal to do the same and bring good name to my countries armed forces.

[@skillzsett7958]

I served with many Canadians. Good people. 🇺🇸👍🏻🇺🇸

[@BbbbbbbbbBBBB556]

@@jaykillxreaperofdeath6967 I did some training with some Canadian forces and they are good at what they do. Kinda jealous that yall took the record for longest kill shot haha

[@nzs316]

A year ago I was tracking my uncle’s involvement in the ww2. I wasn’t sure about a certain detail and called my sister on that detail. Her reply was, “it’s the regiment that won distinction for their bravery!”. I replied, “all our regiments were distinguished by their bravery!".

[@derekokopski7723]

I love watching all of your video's!! As a Canadian with lots of knowledge of all the wars Canada has been in, and the vast majority of their battles, the Schedlt Estuary has to be one of the worst!! My grandfathers regiment "The Royal Winnipeg Rifles", had a hard fight at the "Leopold Canal". Lots of close fighting there, throwing grenades back and forth over dikes at each other. One of the hardest attacks at that time fell Upon "The Calgary Highlanders", to take the causeway that like South Beveland to Walchern Island. It is 1 KM long with no cover and was called "The Causeway of Death". What a terrible place to fight a war. Thank you for all you do to inform the people on this history! My heart goes out to "All" the victims of that war! Thank you from a proud Canadian!

[@MangeurDePoulet]

Nice name bro

[@stanpolchinski8956]

maps are missed

[@dirkb5978]

Hello! I live in the Scheldt area and I investigate a lot in this battle and I am looking for Canadian relatives of family which fought in the Battle of the Scheldt. Would you like to contact me?

[@matty6848]

It’s about time the Canadian soldiers who fought in WW2 got more recognition for their service and heroics. Unfortunately all the recognition goes towards the American, British and Soviet forces, and I say that as a Brit myself.

[@JayM409]

@@dirkb5978 - My Great Uncle, Howard Burns, served with B Company, The Lake Superior Regiment (Mot), of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division.

[@donhathaway3234]

My dad was a combat soldier in the South Pacific and most of my interests have involved that theatre. Not saying that I have ignored the European battles (difficult to NOT learn about them living here in the U.S.) but, I know next to nothing about the sacrifices our our allies in Europe. Thank you for the telling of an inspiring story I have never heard of. Hope to see more like this. Our brave neighbors to the north of us deserve more.

[@RattrapsTail]

I'm from Walcheren and the amount of bunkers still around today is frankly insane! Lots of history can be found on the islands from the war.

[@mafmaf6417]

Many people do not know that the Canadians fought almost non-stop from Juno the the end of the war and were given some of the most difficult targets to take. We also had a very sever man shortage in the combat arms units, namely the infantry Regiments. All these guys deserve more recognition than history gives them.

[@johnkidd1226]

My father was in Sicily, Italy, then to Holland, Belgium and Germany from July, 1943 to September, 1945. The only R & R he got was a few days in an Italian seaport waiting for the ship to take him to Holland. He left home in May, 1942 and never got home until October, 1945. Canadians idea of R & R was to get a hot meal in the rear, get patched up, wait for reinforcements and go back to the front for the next push.

[@mafmaf6417]

@@johnkidd1226 the Italian campaign is largely forgotten. Most of the heavy fighting was done by Canada. We even get less recognition there. Canada should have liberated Rome, not the US. I served in the 1st Battalion PPCLI, which has many Battle Honor's in Italy.

[@johnkidd1226]

@@mafmaf6417 I saw one documentary where they wanted to move the Canadians from the west to the east side of the Italian peninsula in secret. A few BC loggers on bulldozers pushed a road through the mountains and moved a thousand trucks, tanks, artillery and equipment without the Germans knowing. That road is still used as a truck road to this day. Having worked in logging in BC, it is amazing what one man on a D8 can do in a day.

[@edletain385]

@@mafmaf6417 My uncle served in the Loyal Edmonton Regiment (later 3PPCLI as a reserve unit) reconnaissance platoon in Italy and Holland. He lost two fingers while in Holland and was sent back to the UK. His five brothers also served, Army, Navy, Air Force and Merchant Marine. One brother, my dad, trained as infantry but never got oversea, hw ended up as a POW guard at a camp in Alberta. His CO decided he was 'too valuable' where he was, i.e. goal tender for the camp hockey team and spoke fluent French, useful when picking up a load of prisoners in Montreal.

[@mafmaf6417]

@@edletain385 that's a great. My grandfather and his brother served. My grandfather joined on Dec 8 41. He was 24 and married at the time. He trained here in Canada then in 42 was sent to England. Because he work at Ford he was a RCEME. He went to France after D Day. He never really talked about much other than his best friend getting killed during a German artillery attack and staying with a nice family in Holland. He didn't get home until 46, my mother was born in 43. His brother also never talked about his service other than some of his time as a POW, and thinking his brother was killed because while visiting a Canadian war cemetery he saw a grave marker with my grandfather's name on it, which turned out to be someone else. They are both gone now.

[@normmcrae1140]

I have at least 2 Uncles who were in the Scheldt..... They NEVER talked about it, and it was only recently that I found out that one had been shot there, although he survived. A miserable slog by everyone's accounts.

[@ssherrierable]

We they must be old as hell if they were there, amazing 🤩

[@mrsgaap1]

you know where? i am from zeeland my self so i am curious how close they were

[@dldissolving2005]

My grandfather was at Pearl Harbor. Never spoke of it. Family was unaware of this until after he passed away. All we knew was he was in the Navy during WW2.

[@maruad7577]

One of my uncles fought there as well. He never talked of the war until the last couple of years before he died and he wouldn't talk about the Netherlands at all.

[@normmcrae1140]

@@mrsgaap1 Unfortunately, no - I only found out about it when I found an old newspaper article from WW2.

[@BMrider75]

Good video, but please would you include a map ? It's relatively easy to draw a map of the key locations, and put some arrows on it for movements. It would enhance your presentation enormously.

[@BMrider75]

@SonicPsyched my geography (modestly) is excellent. Maps are my currency. I had my Atlas out reviewing the location while pausing the video! In a battle, it's a moving front, and understanding it fully would be helped by directions of movement. Plus, place names change, so the historical reference is no longer seen on a current map . Finally, the footage used is seldom of the actual conflict being described, and frequently woefully wrong representations are used. I guess cine cameras were a low priority when crossing the Scheldt...

[@gobalmighty7463]

@SonicPsyched That's a fairly ignorant response now! Nobody needs to go drawing maps because they already exist but for pedagogical reasons it would be very helpful to have them included in the content, rather than some stock footage of General Bradley and lots of US troops who aren't relevant at all. Don't be so lazy! WTF?

[@burnt_playz7853]

@SonicPsyched yeah, I agree. I was looking at the c-17 crash during an air show video. There were sooooo many un needed haters. I think that he is doing great and nothing needs to be drastically changed.

[@BMrider75]

@SonicPsyched do you understand the difference between constructive suggestions, and snarky denigrating ? No, I didn't think so. I also noticed 63 thumbs up for my helpful encouragement, and 1 for your lazy comment. Have a nice day

[@burnt_playz7853]

@@BMrider75 look mate, all we are trying to say is he is doing a great job. I agree that some things could be changed and there is always room for improvement. Anyway, I’m all seriousness, have a good day.

[@5ynth3ticNZ]

The Scheldt was probably one of my most played maps on company of heroes 1. I cant recall seeing any videos of this battle until now. Being from New Zealand I've always felt a bit of a connection to the Zealand region in Europe. Thank you for bringing back fond gaming memories and thank you to the brave men that put their lives on the line to keep the world free.

[@sirbollocks5147]

try watching the forgotten battle its on Netflix gives a good portrayal of this battle.

[@5ynth3ticNZ]

@@sirbollocks5147 cheers, ill have a look into it!

[@scootr65]

Thanks for the Netflix suggestion!

[@joelfrancisco3798]

I'm sorry, but I watched this before going to the comment section... and the WHOLE time I was getting Company of Hero vibes!! So much so I think I'll reinstall the game and have at it!

[@5ynth3ticNZ]

@@joelfrancisco3798 that middle island being a bloodbath / strong point really holds up when you play that map.

[@Levi-Willis]

Sometimes I have to remind myself Canada isn't mr. fancy socks... I'm proud of our Canadian warriors in both world wars.

[@brunotulliani]

Spot on!

[@mrhml532]

You know the story of Leo mayor? he liberated a city (Zwolle) by himself in my home country during ww2

[@cleverusername9369]

American here, I've been to Canada and fell madly in love with your beautiful country and your lovely people. I'm something of a history buff myself, and I'll happily and confidently say that the World Wars couldn't have been won without the participation of the brave and unreasonably badass Canadians. Y'all are the nicest people in the world until you get a hold of a hockey stick or get orders to fight Germans, and the world owes your country more gratitude. God bless you guys, we're very lucky to have you Canucks as our friends, neighbors, and allies 🇺🇸❤🇨🇦

[@pooperstalker2818]

Went to Canada for work and was met with disgust and apathy. They like you if you are on personal trip.

[@cleverusername9369]

@@pooperstalker2818 maybe your negative attitude is why they didn't like you or care to try. Every Canadian I met was friendly, generous, polite as is their wont, and perfectly happy to meet a friendly American. Maybe you should look at yourself and how you present yourself to people before you judge others.

[@gerryowen5577]

From Vimy Ridge to Passendale to Amien followed by Canal du Nord, and the last 100 days of WW1 the Canadians (then led by General Currie) were the sharp end of the stick against the toughest German fortifications. It is not surprising that from Normandy on they were in the thick of it. The Scheldt is such a good example of their competence, tenacity and courage against daunting challenges. Thank you for remembering

[@gregreid673]

Yup. My Dad was in the 10th Battalion CEF. Very proud that the Germans called his battalion the "White Gurkas". Over the top 7 times.

[@thatcanada]

As a Canadian it's always good to see Canadian forces recognized for their role in defeating Nazi Germany. Battles like the Scheldt are often not well known outside of Canada. Another would be the "Italian Stalingrad" of Ortona in Italy, where Canadians faced two battalions of the tough German 1st Parachute Division; often face to face amongst the rubble.

[@farmind6582]

I will look up that battle, I have spent a lot of time in Italy visiting and studying sites. I guess now looking at Canada you have your own battle with Nazi Socialists, I wish you well over there and to get rid of the World economic forum fascist dictator!

[@matty6848]

True. The Canadian soldiers didn’t get the recognition for the fighting and sacrifice they made. It always goes too the American, British and soviet forces, and I say that as a Brit myself. I have nothing but respect for the those brave Canadian soldiers who came from thousands of miles away to help fight and defeat the Nazis. I also heard had the Germans invaded Britain, Canadian forces would of stayed behind to help defend the U.K. against further advances by the Germans into Britain. I can’t imagine the Americans would of done the same!?

[@bigwoody4704]

@@matty6848 BULLSHIT,415,000 GIs don't come home and you can't imagine them doing the same - asshole. Ya you had some good soldiers,like everyone else but the damn channel wasn't crossed until when ? think real hard before pissing on an ally or neighbor. Why not go then w/o the US ,nothing stopping you?you had 4 full years to do so,oh that right the Gerries at Dunkirk happened,my bad - Tell it to the crown.

[@johnlewis9158]

@@matty6848 I don't agree the Canadian's have always been very well regarded by everyone who fought in both world wars and by everyone who studied the history of both world wars. Indeed out of the allied forces it was the Canadian's the German's feared the most. So much so indeed that their are many recorded instances of the word stormstrooper being used by German generals to describe the Canadian infantry.

[@bobsomek1001]

My Father, 1st Division was at Ortona and had Christmas Dinner in the tunnel.. Captain Paul Triquet, VC Royal 22nds took the road at Casa Beradi. Went in with 120 men, by morning they only have 9 men left capable of fighting until relieved. At Ortona the Canadians developed street clearing, one side at a time due to snipers. Since the the houses we joined they would clear one house at a time, then blow a hole through the wall into the next one.

[@christophertschirhart4068]

As a Canadian whos father fought in WWII I appreciate that you are giving our troups our due! To this day it is recoginzed as the hardest fighting our Country undertook in this conflict. However there is a lot of actual footage of the Canadians in this campain and a lot of the images showen are not from this battle at all. Our troops went in on D Day and faught all the way up the coast protecting the left flank of the alies. We even went into the north end of Germany and made a last minute dash to ensure the Soviets didnt overstep the agreed line. We cut them off so they didn't take Denmark.

[@Errorinfection]

We, the Dutch, owe these people everything. The thought alone gives me goosebumps.

[@Luis-bo2uj]

yeah., you owe the hunger winter famine of 1944 that got lot of your people to starve. Operation Market garden was totally unnecessary for the course of the war, didnt get anything value out of it, and get most of the Netherlands (which were relative untouch by the war when compared to the rest of europe) destroyed

[@lycian123]

@@Luis-bo2uj You would have preferred the Netherlands to be 'untouched' in WW2?

[@Luis-bo2uj]

@@lycian123 of course, why not? thousands of your people hunger by the end of 1944 cause of this futile and totally unnecessary operation. It was just a whim of the British to get to Berlin earlier so they could say ''WE won the war''. The war was already decided by the Rhine. But the British would not want the Americans or the Russians to eventually arrive in Berlin first. Imagine destroying half a country and causing thousands of civil death and starving just because you want some credit.

[@brianhalberg131]

Having walked through several allied war cemetaries in the Netherlands, I can say that the attention, care and respect your country pays to the graves of thousands of Canadians, Brits, Poles and others whom are laid to rest there, a strong message of thanks and appreciation is conveyed.

[@broncosgjn]

@@Luis-bo2ujFirst up the Dutch were on near starvation rations during the German occupation. They were used as slaves of the German Reich. Read some of the stories written by Dutch people who survived the Nazi occupation. Everyday that war continues cost tens of thousands of casualties. The Russians alone were losing over 20,000 people PER DAY. Attempts to shorten the war were just that. The day the war ends is the day the casualties reduce and the Dutch are freed from Nazi oppression. Another issue is the fact that the US General Eisenhower was the Supreme Allied commander and decisions were up to him. Not the British. The one thing the Allies and Russia and the occupied slave people of Europe could agree on was to end the war as soon as possible. To end the mutilation and death and starvation. So you don't like the British? No need to make up fairy stories. If you want someone to blame then the 1930s to 40s Germans were the ones who started it and enslaved Europe by military force and then decided to follow that creature Hitler to the very end continuing their mass murder. The modern Germans themselves agree with this. But not you?

[@adventussaxonum448]

My dad joined the Royal Marines Commandos just after the war. All his NCOs had fought at Walcheren, and many on D-Day. They all said Walcheren was the worse of the two experiences.

[@simonrigg8391]

My Grandad was a Royal Marine Commando in WW2. He served in the North African campaign.

[@joeydirtknuckles526]

My grandfather was part of this canadian liberation, and fought the psychological damage caused by the viciousness of the battle his entire life. 🇨🇦

[@dirkb5978]

Hello! I live in the Scheldt area and I investigate a lot in this battle and I am looking for Canadian relatives of family which fought in the Battle of the Scheldt. Would you like to contact me?

[@kenneths.perlman1112]

Amazing men.

[@peep139]

I really love your videos!! I'm also a big fan of the war footage, even if it isn't necessarily from the battles you're discussing. However, I have a suggestion; please include maps of the areas you're discussing. They don't need to be animated or anything, but just flashing up a couple maps of the areas as you discuss the geography and cities would help your words create a more acurate picture of the situation than some footage of a random soldier :) Thanks for all your hard work!

[@schnoodle3]

Too much work for these lazy sods. They just slap up any old stock footage and call it a day.

[@mistral-unizion-music]

Good idea to add maps.

[@dabs4602]

Without a doubt the toughest fight of WWII in Europe. "Send in the Canadians" sounds about right

[@i-_-am-_-g1467]

The Canucks were used literally as a disposable distraction and still came out on top, props.

[@smathet7766]

We have always got the worse jobs. I'm starting to think canadian command volunteered us for those jobs.

[@j.robertsergertson4513]

Like Dunkirk 😂😂😂😂😂

[@hanzzimmer1132]

Not sure about toughest but it was definitely shitty

[@edletain385]

@@j.robertsergertson4513 Sorry but not Dunkirk. 1st Canadian Division was ordered to France a month later. Among the infantry units that landed at Brest were The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR), The 48th Highlanders of Canada and The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, all part of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade. Members of the RCR were present in France at least until 16 June, after the French capital of Paris had fallen to German forces, and returned almost immediately after. The 48th's withdrawal was not without some excitement. The division returned to England for the defence of Great Britain in the case of a German invasion.

[@vancityhighballer4832]

Thanks for doing this. Not that many docs on Canadian battles.

[@brndxt]

As a Canadian who came from Hong Kong, I am always grateful to the two Canadian regiments, namely the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the Royal Rifles, under Brigadier Lawson (who was KIA during the battle), who had bravely fought in the Battle of Hong Kong in December 1941 during WW2, despite being underarmed and green compared to the invading Japanese troops.

[@andrewdence8632]

Thanks for sharing this story. As a Canadian it's great to get more education on my country, thanks eh?

[@dmfraser1444]

My mother's little brother from Calgary, Alberta was part of those forces as an Engineer in the Canadian Army. He was 22 then. He made it back, completed his engineering degree and passed at age 95. He was part of the Canadian delegation for the 50th anniversary commemoration of the liberation of Holland.

[@nathanhenry4093]

Love all of your channels, great to see some most often over looked Canadian content!

[@geoffreymowbray6789]

The Commando Brigade was assisted by Naval gunfire support provided by the 15-inch guns of the battleship HMS Warspite and the monitors HMs Erebus and HMS Roberts.

[@brunotulliani]

Thank-you for this segment!

[@onionhead5780]

8:37 Look close at the soldiers trigger finger in the prone position holding the rifle. There’s a cat laying next to him that keeps swatting his finger. 😂 it’s a split second so you might need to rewind to catch it. 😂

[@davecurda2350]

So very nice to see videos of Canadian forces fighting in ww2. Most videos on ww2 are American or British. Thank you 🇨🇦

[@michaelcampin1464]

Ive done training with Canadians. A truly proud force. Dieppe was the forerunner of the liberation of Europe. Brave men indeed

[@gregreid673]

Yup. They learned an awe full lot of what doesn't work for a successful amphibious landing at Dieppe. It was not in vain like some would have us believe .

[@cookinwitcheezitz]

Love the videos. Thanks for posting so regularly!! You should start including maps for orientation!

[@GUISNIP]

Thank you for highlighting the Canadian sacrifice in that most horrible theatre of war, from an ever grateful Canadian.

[@corymac1140]

I proudly served 12 years with 2RCR, absolutely loved the video man . Blackwatch 🇨🇦☝️

[@davidedwards3361]

I am a volunteer visitor and like to take videos to show one of my clients. These short pieces are perfect, as the older resident will fall asleep it the video is too long. He showed an interest in WWII, so I can show him these, with possibly a music video between , just to keep them alert. Thank you for these shorter documentaries, they are perfect for what I need, and to share with older people.

[@jessenoyhing3871]

Thank you for your history videos. It's very important to remember what happened. Thank you for all the time you put in

[@barrykowalchuk5739]

Great story that has not been widely shared so thanks for the video!

[@paulbarthol8372]

I love the randomness of the video clips. I am waiting for you to slide in some from WWI and Vietnam. Maybe an F15 too

[@leroyjenkins4811]

Quit complaining and shut up! Trying to find exact footage of every battle of WW2 isn’t realistic or possible. Sometimes nobody bothered to film it. We all know a lot of the footage is filler but it’s better than looking at a blank screen for the entirety of the video. If you think you could do a better job, why don’t you make some videos about historical events and you’ll see how hard it is.

[@robwestgate3665]

Thanks for this! It was great and informative.

[@dragonslit816]

Great narration and very good information. You have my follow.

[@josephpacchetti5997]

All of these channels are excellent, Thank you. 👍

[@djl8841]

Thank you for another great documentary.

[@oneshotme]

Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@danielburgess7785]

Worst job in the EToW was the Graves Registration men who were among the liberators of the death camps. I knew one of those men and he was an ammeter photographer. He had dozens of photo albums filled with images of what he saw. Every time I run into a holocaust denier the urge to punch them in the groin is almost overwhelming.

[@jeffbaine4094]

My great uncle was part of the operation. He was an artillery officer supporting the attacks.

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@brianhalberg131]

You do a very good job on these pieces, but its a shame that you have used so little actual footage of Canadian army units (or Czech, Polish, British, Dutch or a host of other Units that comprised 1st Canadian Army.) Yes there were a couple of American units attached at times. My father fought from Normandy all the way up through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany. He even brought a very valuable souvenier home from Holland, my Mom.

[@beerdrinker6452]

Dark Docs, I admire your style. Thank you.

[@Jeff-fc3tw]

@8:36 the Bren Gunner behind his Machine gun playing with the Cat, A moment of Calm and Humanity before the Hell Storm! Damn that hit home ..

[@painkim4936]

As a German, literally living not even 100 metres away from "Uncle Beach", I can say that this is a very informational video. On the Island there are a lot of reminders on what happened, from smaller submarines of the Germans on the dikes to bunkers still standing on fields and many information boards, but still I learned something new from the video. As a last thing I want to mention: the Brits bombarding and destroying the dikes of Walcheren were represented as a not really bad thing, tho in reality it caused big flooding, which killed many civilians, destroyed many houses and in general should not be seen as a good thing and was from my expertise way too much for what was needed , even from a standpoint doing this to allow amphibious landings.

[@lIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI]

how ironic of you

[@828enigma6]

Bombing dikes and dams is never a good thing from a civilian standpoint, but sometimes a necessary evil. I'm sure whoever ordered it had many a sleepless night before and after.

[@sirdudleynightshade8747]

Must have been Arthur Harris again....a menace to friend and foe.

[@stomper5432]

That must be so amazing being able to go into old nazi ww2 bunkers id be in awe

[@kellybreen5526]

A friend of mine participated in the bombing. He said that there was a perceived need to put the water to its natural level. The fear was that if they left the dykes intact the Germans would blow the dykes and drown the army. The net result was the infantry had to advance along the tops of the dykes and they had no cover

[@twinkstance]

Thanks for showing this greetings from The Kingdom of The Netherlands!

[@jerzyvandommelen894]

As an inhabitant of Vlissingen, grandson of a Polish WWII serviceman from the 1st Polish Tankbrigade, as an Army Veteran and a Royal Netherlands Airforce serviceman: thanks to the Canadians who fought so bravely and fiercely. You are not forgotten🙏

[@jordanchiasson3262]

Love the Canadian content, wish you would have used actual British and Canadian footage instead of US troops

[@alancruickshank5596]

And get their fact right

[@dabs4602]

Seeing some of those German prisoners were practically kids just makes me sick.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Lots of Hitler Youth were forced into battle as soon as they were tall enough for a uniform. Really sick thing to do to teenage boys ☹️👎

[@hanzzimmer1132]

It be like that

[@williamdrijver4141]

In 2020 a movie about this battle was made: De Slag om de Schelde (Netflix: The Forgotten Battle). Good to see some extra attention paid, also here on YT, to the heroic work done by the Canadians. We owe everything to the golden generation who liberated us from evil!

[@alancruickshank5596]

That was a Great War film, but just fiction

[@susanlister753]

Excellent script. Well delivered. Good job.

[@paulbrouyere1735]

I loved your video on what happened at ‘t Scheldt during WW2. My mum was born in 1942 in Antwerp and told me she still remembered the air alarms and sounds of the V2’s (might have been V1’s, I don’t know). Later on, I discovered my grandfather lived near to the place where Hitler had his bunker in the Ardennes. Weird world. Make peace, not war

[@general5104]

UNBELIEVABLE HELL, I never heard about! Thanks for posting these videos! & thanks to all the soldiers that fought! & those brave souls that died! (I certainly hope that they were saved, before they died!)

[@peterIV88]

i live in zeeland and i have photos off my street in 1940 when there were a lot of SS troops off the regiment `Deutschland` and dead french soldiers. and in 1944 there was really heavy fighting and a couple of Wehrmacht soldiers and 2 Canadians were temporarily buried in our garden. and til this day if we dig in our garden we find cartridges and shrapnel.

[@richardsawyer5428]

The Netherlands is an area that I really need to explore. Us Brits share a huge amount of history, with them. The 95th Rifles fought there during the Napoleonic wars I think whilst the Canadian contribution to World War 2 is nowhere near honoured as it should be.

[@mrredfeet]

There are many routes you can follow though the Netherlands based on WW2. Such as the liberation route in Brabant. Where you can walk/bike through a war museum in overloon.

[@AllahDoesNotExist]

You share more history with Belgium.

[@richardsawyer5428]

@@AllahDoesNotExist Geek out out on ancient, medieval, napoleonic and modern history then fill up on Belgian beer, chips with mayonnaise and chocolate. It's all good.🇧🇪🇬🇧👍I think that I saw Harry Patch at the Menin Gate once.

[@crixusthenorman1603]

WW2 and WW1!!

[@demi3115]

@@AllahDoesNotExist lol what

[@paulprigge1209]

Thank you! Just a country hit from Missouri! really appreciates this early 60s I am .

[@venturefanatic9262]

Well done, you produce that of the quality of NOVA.

[@harrickvharrick3957]

The river referred to in the title is actually called the 'SCHELDE'. First of all, there is the so-called Eastern Schelde ('Oosterschelde'), which actually has a weird name be cause it is in fact the Northern one of the two. This river runs entirely through the most Southern province of the Netherlands and is dammed on a few sides, including with a long, complex, regulatable dam that under normal conditions allows the tides to roll in and out to protect sea life, but that can be closed in case that it storms (and that was an example for a more or less similar construction in the Thames river near London built more recently). And then there is the river this story is about a part of, the so-called Western Schelde ('Westerschelde'), which, you guessed it, in fact is the southern one of the two not western. This is an even somewhat more impressive river be cause it exists as a completely unimpeded sea arm that sees a lot of (international) shipping move through it and for the longest and widest part runs through the Netherlands (over 5 kilometers wide, today it is both tunneled and still has a ferry service). The story refers to a less wide part of it that just under 100 km inland passes through Antwerp (a large Belgian city, both historical and industrial, that is situated near the border, with not unimportant harbours and harbour facilities, a point at which 'de Schelde' is also tunneled twice and still 150-200 meters wide at most) after which it goes on as a fairly unimpressive littler inland river through Belgium. The most Southern part of the Dutch province of the Netherlands that in its entirety is called Zeeland ('Sea land') is completely cut off from the Dutch mainland by the Westerschelde and actually physically connected to Belgium over the entire length of its border. The province of Sea Land however does entirely consist of Islands anyway and still has some more rivers running through it (all of which except for the Westerschelde floating eastward), nowadays all of them being under human control through several other large water works, all of which built with the intention of controlling the risk of severe floods.

[@rinoohhighskilled7236]

lovely video, I live on the island where it all happened. there's been made a movie about it too: 'slag om de schelde '

[@dun85r95]

Your stuff is so well done you should be working for the history channel so detailed well put together I watch your channels every day

[@TheEarl777]

Thankyou again I like the shot of the Bren gunner playing with the cat.

[@tristanvdj]

I live in the town of Vlissingen on Walcheren, thank you for giving this piece of history the much deserved international attention!

[@alancruickshank5596]

Vlissingen was liberated by the King's Own Scottish Border Regiment (KOSB) which was part of the Scottish 52nd Lowland Division (Mountain). It was always a joke that they trained as a Mountain Division and their first real battle was the battle for Walcheren which was below sea level. A very well-trained fighting unit mainly made up of very young men, most boy's.

[@caraddiction8783]

I live in Zeeland, on the Island of Walcheren to be exact. We still find loads of old ammunition and grenades to this today. I am only 20 years old and already found 2 of them randomly. Very good documentation of the battle. Thanks for doing this.

[@jackpavlik563]

Be careful with the unexploded ordinance bro

[@Lee-70ish]

Hi. My dad was in the Royal Navy on assault landing craft he landed British number 4 commandos on Walcheren of his 8. landing craft only 3 made the shore . He said having landed troops a few months earlier on D Day the battle of the Schelt was much worse. After the battle he took his landing craft into Middleburg moored opposite the Town hall which had been the Nazi headquarters ran across the square and stole the Nazi flag that hung outside the main door. I still have that flag and intend to return it to the museum as it’s part of that areas history and I have no one to leave it too. My dad always spoke highly of the citizens and said despite having little and many starving welcomed him and his shipmates warmly into their homes

[@-CLUMSYDIYer-]

No one nation won WW2, it was a collective effort and i wish the smaller allies would get the credit they deserve!

[@hanzzimmer1132]

The US could have though with nukes

[@christycullen2355]

@@hanzzimmer1132 the war in Europe was over before America even developed the Nuke. Even if they had Europe would of been a desolate waste land full of fall out so its probably a good thing they didn't 🤷‍♂️

[@hanzzimmer1132]

@@christycullen2355 well yeah I know what happened in history and also why nuclear weapons are bad.. but they could have won the war by themselves with that.

[@christycullen2355]

@@hanzzimmer1132 so why are u making stupid comments like that then?

[@donnycooke56]

Exactly. As a USA 🇺🇸 citizen both my grandfather's fought in WW11. One is buried in Luxembourg American cemetery. My Grandfather who survived the war would speak of (not a lot though) all the brave allied soldiers. He had much respect for all of them.

[@wolffswildwest6402]

It's the weather we endure up north lots of us still hunt and keep up marksman skills atho I see it changing more and more , love seeing the Canadians get some love there we were there for many of the toughest battles as were many others 🇨🇦

[@MarcStjames-rq1dm]

The Canadiens fought like Lions in both World War One and Two. They deserve to be heralded. I'm just a guy from Long Island but I have taken notice and I say Thanks.....

[@newt21]

Thank you for mentioning the brave Canadian’s, I feel like they don’t get enough credit for what they did. The war would have been won sooner if that buffoon Bernard was not in charge. What an embarrassment for England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@nikstone2420]

I thought I was the only one who felt Montgomery was worthless as a strategist.

[@newt21]

@@nikstone2420 no I agree I think he was a overrated drunk

[@glenmartin2437]

Thank you. My brave Canadian cousins need reports like this.

[@kennethhenry282]

Love the vids, could you do a video about ramree island and the crocodiles?

[@f8-ucmdr358]

Perhaps often overlooked yet Well Deserved Applause and Gratitude for the Canadian's effort and Toll paid! We ALL (The Alies) paid a quite large price in that endeavor. As an American, Thank You, just doesn't say enough.

[@jeremyfallock4088]

It's interesting learning about the campaign my grandfather participated in. It shows me we are capable of much more than we think.

[@peggymacmillan5069]

I'm liking your videos much. Am interested in WW1 mostly cause CPL Richard E. Eldridge is my Grandma's Dad. It be cool too see a WW1 movie with him in it... Great work.

[@robertwaid3579]

Great video Dark Doc's. Keep up the good work of reminding us of what Our Parent's n Relatives went Through, in those Conflicts so long ago. Also the part the Other Allies played was really A Big Key too the Overall Effort's it took, too Succeed. 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇦🇺🇦🇮🇧🇻🇨🇰🇬🇧🇮🇱🇭🇲🇨🇮🇨🇳 (Forgive me? I may have forgotten a few? Of the other Allies who fought & Thier Flag!).

[@johnreed8336]

Thank you for remembering the brave contribution that Canadian armies made during WWII . They don't get as many mentions as they should .

[@brianq-peep9816]

Needed more Canadian photos

[@arcticfox1402]

My great grandfather was an engineer with the 2nd division and was at or around a lot of these long forget Canadian battles. If I remember correctly, and I can't find a primary source unfortunately, that when they finally opened the port to shopping and had a ceremony the Canadian ranking officer in the area didn't receive an invitation.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@tng2057]

Possibly the biggest Eisenhower strategic error made since D Day, in not securing the sea passage to Antwerp sooner.

[@wombatwilly1002]

Agreed!

[@californiadreamin8423]

Normally it’s Montgomery who gets the blame. People forget, as you point out, that Eisenhower was the Supreme Commander with a colossal staff, yet this error does not appear to have been examined by historians.

[@tke240]

Your voice has a Damien Lewis, American accent quality that is fits well for these WWII videos.

[@Nicer_Ricer_JDM]

Wanna know my thought below… lovely, engaging, always a pleasure to watch

[@pratapbalakrishna3036]

Canadians, being outdoors men, were natural sharpshooter, their tanks were accurately aimed, and they adapted to the Normandy countryside, one must read Caen, where the Allies , ground to a halt, very little is spoken, about, this stalemate, and the carnage that happened.

[@gringostarr69]

Nice job on slowing your narrating. Must not have been easy, but good job 👍

[@John-ym9ht]

Good to remember. Americans are probably somewhat unaware of the extreme sacrifices of some of our brave allies since most of our stories focus on American troop engagements.

[@haeker_2516]

You should do a video about "battle of the Afsluitdijk" where around 225 Dutch soldiers held back over 500 german soldiers!

[@spiffywolf2850]

There's a good movie about this battle on Netflix called "The Forgotten Battle" I think it is

[@rileymannion5301]

Canadians fight the hardest because we don’t even want to fight in the first place so if we really have to, we do what we gotta do to get it done fast

[@danicalifornia505]

It’s missions like this that few know about that should be the basis of World War Two video games. Brining light to the masses on battles that are less known.

[@grosenbergmd]

Great video, adding a map would have been very helpful....

[@Stray1One]

Cheers man,

[@steven2212]

The Canucks never get the credit they deserve because of the large footprint of their southern brother's, this vid did them a great service in that it shows their great sacrifices during WWII. Bravo

[@johndyson4109]

Don't ever say that you can get a dozen Canadians out of a pool in the HOT summer by saying, " PLEASE!

[@fries4450]

I was just on vacation there, it's beautiful!

[@valhallasashes4354]

8:36 That cat playing with the gunners trigger finger. too cute.

[@ai-d2121]

Imagine this fierce battle. Now a film called “ De Slag om de Schelde” is on Netflix. It shows some of the horrors. The film is pretty accurate. A lot of the houses are more or less restored on “ Walcheren” but on a closer look you can find battle scars. On one of the beaches in Vlissingen you find a traditional windmill “De Oranje Molen” which was used as a reference for artillery firing from the opposite of de Schelde. It was heavily damaged and you still clearly see where rounds hit the bricks. It is worthwhile visiting Walcheren, especially if you like bicycling.

[@Emdee5632]

The only thing that bothers me about the film is that the actual fighting, the main battle, is in the last quarter, the first three quarters are about everything and nothing. The family of my mother lived and lives not on Zeeland, but in western Brabant. Close enough to have heard the stories my family told (and not long after that, of their own liberation).

[@ai-d2121]

@@Emdee5632 It is not a documentary…

[@rogerelzenga4465]

I actually live in the place where they landed, Vlissingen (Flushing).... there are still remnants of that battle everywhere....