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Deventer was a crucial point in the transportation corridor desired by the Twenty-First Armoured Group and served as the starting point for the 1st Canadian Infantry Division's upcoming westward advance to Apeldoorn. While the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division was engaged in combat for Zutphen, the "Red Patch Devils" had gathered behind it to organize their planned amphibious assault across the IJssel, codenamed Operation Cannonshot.

Lieutenant-General Guy Granville Simonds anticipated that Deventer would be fiercely defended, much like Zutphen, as the German Army was clearly determined to hold onto the east bank of the IJssel for as long as possible. German Colonel General Johannes Blakowitz ordered the German troops in Deventer to maintain their positions at all costs. Similar to Zutphen, Deventer was well-suited for defense, with its approaches protected by “a maze of waterways.” Once again, the Canadians were compelled to attack the city from the east due to these canals. Both the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and the Canadian Scottish were tasked with launching a daylight assault without comprehensive knowledge of the enemy’s strength or dispositions.

Canadian Soldier from the Canadian Scottish Regiment in Deventer.

The Winnipegs were indeed taken aback by the ferocity of the German fire, but they were supported by the Sherbrooke tanks and Crocodiles. Over 200 prisoners were captured on the outskirts of Deventer, and with the help of a bulldozer filling in a passage across the anti-tank ditch, the armour swiftly dealt with the remaining enemy forces. Although the enemy was pushed back to their final major defensive line, this did not significantly delay the advance of the Canadian troops.

Resistance began to crumble as numerous Germans were captured, while others attempted to flee across the IJssel, a risky maneuver made even more perilous by the coordinated artillery fire from the 1st Canadian Infantry Division. By evening, the Canadians had seized control of the majority of Deventer, and overnight, The Regina Rifle Regiment advanced through the Winnipegs, clearing the southeastern suburbs.

Twenty-four hours after the main attack commenced, Deventer was completely under Canadian control, with much of the credit for the swift clearance of the town attributed to “the highly organized Dutch Underground.” The total infantry casualties for the 7th Brigade, including those of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, amounted to 126, with the brigade reporting the capture of approximately 500 prisoners.

Battlefield Tours offers guided tours for private and mixed groups in Deventer and the surrounding area along the IJssel. We can tailor specific programs for larger groups, schools, and scouting groups. Our tours in Deventer require motorized transport due to distance and duration. We can provide transportation for groups of up to 8 individuals. However, if you prefer, you can also follow us in your own vehicle. Groups larger than 8 individuals will need to arrange for (additional) transportation themselves. Most tours in Deventer and its surroundings last approximately 4 hours.

Monument Battle of Deventer

Tour highlights

• Cröddenbrug Oerdijk Schalkhaar
• Oerdijk/ Kolkmansweg
• Koningin Wilhelminalaan
• Westenbergkazerne
• Anti-tank ditch Brinkgreven
• IJssel bridge Deventer
• Monument Catherine Miller- bailybridge (IJssel)
• Estate Oxerhof
• Monument “Operation Cannonshot” Gorssel (IJssel)

Duration
The tours in Deventer takes a half 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 Deventer. If you arrive by plane, you will probably fly to Schiphol, Amsterdam’s airport. The easiest way to get to Deventer is by train. There is a train from Schiphol to Deventer, which leaves every hour. You can plan your train trip using the journey planner of the Dutch railways. You should select Schiphol as your departure station and Deventer as your destination. . Overnight accommodation is possible in Deventer. Book overnight accommodation via this website.

Army Newsreel, about the Battle of Zutphen