Drawing on personal diaries, military records, and interviews with veterans, Terrible Victory dramatically depicts Canada’s role in the Battle of the Scheldt.

 

On September 4, 1944, Antwerp, Europe's largest port, fell to the Second British Army and it seemed the war would soon be won. But Antwerp was of little value unless the West Scheldt Estuary linking it to the North Sea was also in Allied hands. Opening the Scheldt approaches fell to First Canadian Army—which was still fighting on the French coast.

 

To open Antwerp at any cost, First Canadian Army slammed hard against heavily entrenched German forces ordered to die in place. For 55 days, a titanic contest between two equally determined foes ensued—fought at close quarters in ground devoid of protective cover and in appalling conditions where each day was colder and wetter than the one before. All of the Canadians’ courage, endurance, sacrifice, and skill were required to turn potential tragedy into triumph.

 

In Terrible Victory, acclaimed military historian Mark Zuehlke vividly recreates these days in rich detail to return this largely forgotten story of Firsts Canadian Army's bloodiest, most hard-won campaign to the historical prominence it deserves.