Itinerary
Day one Sunday 6 October
Travel to Dover, across to France then up to Bruges. We begin with a study of how the First Canadian Army crossed the Leopold canal near Eede on the Dutch Belgian border during Operation Switchback. This set piece attack used the Wasp flamethrower in large numbers with great effect. Onwards to check in at your Hotel.

Day two Monday 7 October
This morning you will see where the 3rd Canadian Division outflanked the Germans at Hoofdplaat with an amphibious landing using the newly arrived Buffalo/ LVT swimming vehicles and caused the collapse of the Breskens pocket. We then head across the Scheldt estuary to Walcheren Island. Controlling the north bank of the Scheldt, the island formed an anchor in the Atlantic wall. We will follow the route of advance of Number 4 Commando from their landings at Uncle Beach (Vlissingen) to their objectives in the city. At Westkapelle you will hear of the RAF involvement in bombing and breaching the dykes prior to the land assault. The 52nd Lowland Division also feature, and we will follow the Jocks in their battle on Walcheren too. Finish the day on the Sloedam causeway, the narrow strip of land joining the island to South Beveland, the scene of terrible loss and tremendous courage forging the link up.

Day three Wednesday 8 October
The Rhineland Campaign began in early February 1945 amidst the sleet, snow and slush of winter. Clearing the west bank of the Rhine, ahead of any likely crossings, was the objective for Operation Veritable which we will begin with today. Fighting in the dark Reichswald woods left many casualties on both sides and we will visit the Reichswald Forest Cemetery to see the graves of the fallen. Our visit will include names synonymous with 1945 British battle honours such as Kleve, Goch and the Hochwald Gap where the valour of Canadian Sergeant Major Fred Tilston earned him his VC, but cost him both legs.

Day four Thursday 9 October
The Rhine Crossing was the last great set piece battle of the North West Europe Campaign. Veteran Allied formations continued the relentless push into the enemy fatherland but faced an even more determined foe who literally, fought to the death. Today we will see where the 51st Highland Division conducted their Operation Turnscrew river crossings, using Buffalo /LVT against dug in Fallschirmjager. We also see where such advances were made possible by the outstanding work of the Royal Engineers at crossing sites and wider bridging operations. We conclude with the airborne drops by 6th Airborne Division, behind enemy lines at Hamminkeln, which illustrated the steep learning curve of the airborne forces even at this late stage of the war.

Day five Friday 10 October
Travel back to Calais and return to GB.