The multi-faceted campaign in the Netherlands had seen much success, though at great cost.

Elements of the 3rd Canadian Division had slogged through mud and rain to accomplish their task - that of “bursting” the Breskens Pocket. While the town of Breskens itself had fallen on the 21st of October, small groups of determined German defenders remained active in the area. It was not until November 3rd that a victory could finally be recorded in the war diary of the Division - simply written as “Op. Switchback now complete”.

The late weeks of October 1944 were miserable for the Canadian forces, their Allies, and their enemy alike. Major operations continued in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, while the 1st Canadian Corps continued to push northwards in Italy.

Few events (military or otherwise) are as deeply etched in the Western consciousness as D-Day. The Normandy landings stand as the ultimate measure of honour, self-sacrifice, and courage in the face of near certain annihilation.

In the wake of Britain and France’s declaration of war on Germany, Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King recalled Canadian Parliament on the 7th of September, leading to 3 days of intense debate. Would Canada lend itself and it’s sons and daughters to yet another European war?

The Second World War was fought in a thousand places, for one - initial - reason. By the wars end, over 65 million had been killed worldwide, cementing the conflict as the bloodiest in human history. In spite of the staggering death figures and unparalleled destruction, one question lingers: Why did the Second World War happen?

For most members of today’s generations, May 8th is an unremarkable day.

But for those who bore witness to the horrors of the Second World War, May 8th holds a special reverence. May 8th is remembered as the day when 6 long years of war came to a close. Years of hardship, loss, suffering, and self-sacrifice were in the past - but they would never be forgotten.

Each year, Canadians pause in solemn reflection to honour those who have fought and died in the defence of liberty. But rarely do Canadians acknowledge the reverence and deep respect held for our Armed Forces around the world.

May 5th is celebrated as Liberation Day in the Netherlands. Festivals, concerts, and the like are held, in the words of Holland’s government, “to realize how lucky you are to live in a country where people live in freedom”.

As the clock ticked towards November 11th, Canadian forces continued to push into Mons.

A cold mist enshrouded what remained of the defending German Army and the attacking Corps. The contingent forces of the 2nd Division had pushed into the city centre from the south, and by 4 AM they had entered the city centre. German forces had melted away in the face of the Canadian advance.

The clock ticked downwards towards the Armistice.

Behind the lines, in the forest of Compeigne, talks of an official armistice to end the First World War had been held. The German delegation, led by Matthias Erzberger, had been given a deadline on which they could agree to armistice terms dictated by the Allies. On the morning of November 10th, a decision had yet to be made.

Since 1915, the British Navy had enforced an embargo on Germany, depriving their people of vital imports of food, fertilizer, and other necessities of life and production. This, combined with the continuous drain of the war effort, had seen growing discontent from German citizenry concerning their quality of life and the feasibility of the ongoing war.

Canadian Forces continued to sweep through the south of Belgium.

The 5th Brigade continued to lead the charge for the 2nd Division. The day’s operations brought them as deep into Belgium as Dour, which was secured by the early evening.

Canadians entered Belgium. French and Belgian civilians who had been trapped in the enemy zone of occupation openly wept when Allied forces passed through their town.

On the southwest hinge of the Canadian line, Henry Burstall’s 2nd Division swept over the border. Burstall had picked the men of the 5th Brigade to act as a spearhead, instructing them to “act with the utmost boldness”.

The push along the Western Front continued. In the north-east of France, Canadian forces incessantly marched after the retreating German Army.

France was nearly back under the complete control of the Allies. Near the Belgian border, Canadians engaged in multiple, battalion level operation aimed at capturing the innumerable villages along their area of the front.

On the Western Front, the remnants of the Imperial German Army were in open retreat. The Canadian Corps kept hot on the German’s heels.

A cold rain washed over the advancing Corps.

Allied forces continued to mount pressure on what remained of the Imperial German Army. Northern France had nearly liberated. German defences in Belgium continued to crumble.

Still, pockets of German resistance remained. The 12th Brigade ran into German defences outside of the village of Quarouble. Fighting would continue there until the next day.

Another Central Power left the war. On November 3rd, 1918, the Austro-Hungarian Government signed the Treaty of Villa Giusti, bringing its involvement in the First World War to an end.

Germany was left alone.

Canadian Corps picked up where yesterday’s efforts left off. The battle for Valenciennes continued.

The previous day’s operations had seen Valenciennes entrapped by Canadian Forces on two sides. To the south, the 46th Battalion had dug in just beside the Canal d L’Escaut, and the 47th Battalion followed suite on the western bank of the canal.

5:15 AM. The crash of an artillery bombardment signals the beginning of the Canadian assault on Valenciennes.

Roaring with power, the initial artillery barrage accurately eliminated enemy strongpoints in and around Mont Houy. Given Valenciennes’ status as a logistical centre with a huge civilian presences, any artillery attacks near the city itself had to have been executed with a surgical accuracy.

Canadian Forces continued to assemble around Valenciennes, anxiously anticipating the forthcoming assault on the city.

Following the failed British attempt to capture Mont Houy, it once again fell to the Canadian Corps to shatter the German defences.

David Watson’s 4th Division relieved the British 51st Division, assuming their positions just south of Mont Houy. The right end of the line was taken over by the 49th British Division, while the right wing was filled by the 10th Canadian Brigade.

A quiet day for the Canadians. Frederick Loomis’ 3rd Division shifted into the 4th Division’s sector, assuming responsibility for a small portion of their line.

While the Corps waited in the wings, their compatriots in the 51st British Division assaulted Mont Houy.

Movement resumed. The Canadian Corps and accompanying units continued to crawl toward Valenciennes.

Men of the 51st British Divisions had crossed the Ecaillon, a small stream branching off from the Scheldt River. Punching through the village of Maing, the Highlanders were stopped just south of Valenciennes, establishing a line outside of Famars.

Though the quiet in the Canadian sector persisted, important developments were occurring both on and beyond the front lines of the Western Front.

Just to the south of the Canadian portion of the line, the Battle of the Selle wound to a close. Aimed at breaking the defences of the Hermann Position, the offensive accomplished just that. The German Armies in the sector were pushed back across the Sambre-Oise Canal, just south of Valenciennes.

German retreats to the Hermann Line defences continued.

The past week and a half of engagements with the German Army could be characterized by the phrase “cat and mouse”. In an attempt to reach the Hermann Line, German Forces would rarely engage with the pursuing Canadians, leaving the fighting to small groups of rearguard defenders.

A quiet day in the Canadian Sector.

Preparations had begun for an assault on Valenciennes. Contingents of the Corps were given a brief respite as plans were finalized and the line restructured.

Operations continued. 3 Canadian Divisions still manned the front.

The previous day’s actions had seen the 1st Canadian Division capture the Forêt de Vicogne before being relieved by Frederick Loomis’ 3rd Division. Fresh from a reserve camp at Queant, the 7th and 9th Brigades crossed the St. Amand - Valenciennes Road and entered the Forét de Raismes.

Archie MacDonnell’s 1st Division snaked through the Forét de Vicogne, reaching the Valenciennes-St. Amand Road by early morning. Later in the day, they were relieved by the 3rd Division, who had moved from their reserve just outside of Quéant.

The advance towards Valenciennes continued.

Though the German Army continued their retreat to the Hermann Line, pockets of resistance still presented difficulties to the Canadian Corps.

The advance continued. Canadian Forces continued to pour over the Canal de L’Escaut, towards German occupied Belgium and Northern France.

With Valenciennes serving as a orienting point, the 3 Canadian Divisions manning the front lines thrust forward. Over 40 communities fell into the hands of the advancing Corps - towns and villages that had been occupied since the beginning of the War. Chief amongst them was Denain, a huge industrial centre on the north bank of the Canal d L’Escaut.

Each year, Canadians pause in solemn reflection to honour those who have fought and died in the defence of liberty. But rarely do Canadians acknowledge the reverence and deep respect held for our Armed Forces around the world.

May 5th is celebrated as Liberation Day in the Netherlands. Festivals, concerts, and the like are held, in the words of Holland’s government, “to realize how lucky you are to live in a country where people live in freedom”.

NO STONE LEFT ALONE Memorial Foundation
2nd Annual Kraków, Poland Ceremony
September 14, 2018

Enlisting with his brother Ernest, Herman James Good joined with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the summer of 1915. Initially serving with the 2nd Pioneer Battalion, the two brothers found themselves transferred to the 13th “Black Watch” after arriving in France. After spending a year together on the front lines, Ernest Good was killed in action near Pozieres Wood, leaving his brother to continue alone on the Western Front.

The Canadian Corps, alongside the Australian and New Zealand contingents serving in the British Army, were subject to certain stereotypes associated with “colonials”. The picture of a wild, unrestrained soldier was manifest in Private John Croak, who served with both the 55th and 13th Battalions during the First World War.

Tensions between Anglo and French-Canadians flared during the First World War. While both French and English were used interchangeably in both Quebec and the Canadian Parliament, a lack of Francophone regiments in the Canadian Expeditionary Force discouraged many Quebecers from enlisting. No matter the situation at home, the prowess of French-Canadian units in the C.E.F was legendary.

The Canadian Expeditionary Force is regarded for its military prowess, often seen and spoke of as the “shock troops” of the greater B.E.F during the First World War. Though a brutally efficient military machine, it was comprised mostly of young men from service backgrounds. Such is the case of Wallace Lloyd Algie, VC, who listed his pre-war occupation as a banker. Schooled at the Royal Military College of Canada, Algie leaned on his schooling after enlisting with the C.E.F on April 19th, 1916 as an officer.

Born in Oak River, Manitoba, Alexander Picton Brereton had spent his life both working Canadian soil and cutting Canadian hair before enlisting in the 8th Battalion, CEF and embarking for England in late 1916. Joining up with the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, he soon found himself in France, seeing action with the 8th Battalion all the way up until the start of the 100 Days Campaign.

Born in Ashington, England, and emigrating with his family to Saskatoon in 1911, Hugh Cairns enlisted in the C.E.F at only 19 years old. Despite the horror stories of the Western Front, Hugh was but one of thousands of young men who left their lives behind to serve their country during the First World War.

Though born in Scotland, John MacGregor (VC) holds the honour of being one of Canada’s most decorated veterans. Serving in both the First and Second World Wars, MacGregor epitomized the idea of the “Fighting Canuck”.

Gwen has been a proud volunteer with No Stone Left Alone for many years and we have valued her relationship with the Royal Canadian Legion and Poppy Fund. Gwen, you will be missed! Thank you for your service!

As we look ahead to what is to be another exciting year of growth, I wanted to share with you what we are anticipating for 2018. I wish at this time to thank all the volunteers and donors, who have helped us grow this important program in such a short time.

On the 100th anniversary, and every day, No Stone Left Alone would like thank all of those who fought for our freedom and securities in the World War I Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Edmonton AB, February 25, 2021 – Maureen Bianchini Purvis, Founder, President & Chair of No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division).

As we look ahead to what is to be another exciting year of growth, I wanted to share with you what we are anticipating for 2018. I wish at this time to thank all the volunteers and donors, who have helped us grow this important program in such a short time.

Starting today and for 150 days until November 11th, 2017 we will share with you the “words of our Canadian youth” on their reflections after participating in a No Stone Left Alone event in their city/community across Canada. I hope you will be encouraged, touched and surprised that a new generation of Canadians is beginning to understand the importance of Remembrance.

May 1, 2017 - Brig.-Gen. Derek Macaulay has officially taken over command of the 5th Canadian Division in Halifax.

Macaulay earned the promotion at a ceremony at Citadel Hill Monday morning.

Strathcona ENews - The Regiment is extremely proud to share the most recent announcement of the appointment of BGen Trevor Cadieu as the Commander of 3 Canadian Division this summer following his re-deployment from Op PROTEUS.