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Operation "Canada" marked the final engagement of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division in the Second World War. This intense battle to liberate the northern Dutch port of Delfzijl spanned ten days and resulted in 62 dead and 180 wounded for the Division. Despite its significance, this operation has largely faded from public memory. 

WASP- Carrier from The Royal Winnepeg Rifles in Appingedam.

Delfzijl is situated on the coast of the Ems Estuary, directly across from the German port of Emden. As one of Holland’s largest secondary ports, it appeared promising to military planners for providing relief to the starving Dutch population following the “hunger winter” of 1944-1945. Delfzijl, along with the German artillery, formed a crucial part of the defenses of Emden and the Ems Estuary. Consequently, the port could not simply be isolated until the war ended.

The operation, code-named “Canada,” was primarily an infantry battle. The Perth Regiment initiated the reduction of the perimeter by capturing the villages of Krewerd and Holwierde. On the 25th, after Wagenborgen was liberated by the Canadian Scottish, the Irish Regiment launched an attack from the town. The next day, the Westminster Regiment (Motor) advanced north to capture the eastern gun batteries.

Brigadier Johnston had been tasked with coordinating the capture of Delfzijl with the 3rd Division’s attack on Emden. However, the 3rd Division became heavily engaged at Leer. Johnston determined that quickly finishing off German resistance would be less costly than a slow advance under heavy artillery fire. By the evening of April 30th, the Brigade reached the inner defensive perimeter. The Cape Breton Highlanders launched an attack that night, but minefields slowed their progress. Tanks from the 8th New Brunswick Hussars were dispatched to assist, and the battlegroup fought its way into the town.

A M3 Stuart tank from the 8th New Brunswick Hussars in the center of Delfzijl.

The Irish Regiment, accompanied by a squadron of 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) tanks, successfully completed the capture of the eastern part of the fortress on the same day. The garrison commander officially surrendered that evening, May 2nd. In the ten-day battle that marked the end of the war for the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, more than 4,000 prisoners were taken. Johnston aptly summarized the sacrifice of the sixty-two men of the 5th Division who gave their lives in late April and early May of 1945: “‘They were determined in the capture of Delfzijl when victory was in our hands and life once more was precious.”

Battlefield Tours offers battlefield tours for both private and mixed groups in Delfzijl and its surroundings. We provide tailored programs for larger groups, schools, and scouting groups. Explore various tour options in Delfzijl, including tours to the north and south of the city. Our Battlefield Tours in Delfzijl require motorized transportation due to the distances covered and the length of the tours. We can accommodate groups of up to 8 persons with our transport services. However, if you prefer, you can follow us in your own car. Groups larger than 8 persons will need to arrange additional transportation. Our tours in Delfzijl and the surrounding areas typically last a full day.

Battlefield Tour – Wagenborgen

Tour highlights*

• Train station Delfzijl
• Farmsum
• Wagenborgen (Canadian Scottish war memorial)
• Woldendorp
• Nieuwolda (1st Polish Armoured Division war memorial)
• Appingedam (Several war memorials)
• Holwierde  (The Perth Regiment war memorial)
• Nansum (German bunkers)
• The port of Termunten
• Termunten (German bunkers)
• Church Heveskes

*Depends on which tour you choose

Duration
The tours in Delfzijl and surroundings takes a full day. Combination with other tours into a multiple day tour is possible.

Possible tour days
Our private tours can be booked all year round and all week to availability.

Price, bookings and payment
Different prices for a private tour may apply depending on group size. Prices, terms and conditions can be found here. You can easily book the tour via the booking form on this page, or by contacting us directly. By submitting a booking you agree to our terms and conditions. After receipt of you booking request we will verify availability on the tour date(s) requested. If needed we will contact you to discuss details or other options. Presuming a requested tour date is possible we will sent you a confirmation email containing an invoice stating the total amount due and the deposit amount (if applicable) needed to complete your booking. Full payment is due 10 days prior to the start date of the tour.

Transport and pick up location
This is a bustour. We start the Battlefield Tours from the train station in Delfzijl. If you arrive by plane, you will probably fly to Schiphol, Amsterdam’s airport. The easiest way to get to Groningen is by train. There is a direct train from Schiphol to Groningen, which leaves every hour. From the train station in Groningen there is a direct train to Delfzijl. You can plan your train using the journey planner of the Dutch railways. You should select Schiphol as your departure station and Delfzijl as your destination. Overnight accommodation is as varied as the city and province of Groningen itself. A small selection includes nostalgic renovated farms, camping out on a farm, and the four-star De Ville hotel. Book overnight accommodation via this website.

Canadian Army Newsreel, No. 70 about the Battle of Groningen