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.