The 75^th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt

Want to learn more about the 75^th anniversary? Below you can find information on the battle and the delegation that will attend commemorative events in Belgium in September 2019.

History

The Battle of the Scheldt was fought in northwestern Belgium and the southwestern Netherlands. The main campaign raged from 2 October - 8 November 1944. The Allied victory, led by the First Canadian Army, opened the port of Antwerp and secured a crucial supply line for the Allied liberation of Europe. More than 75,000 Canadians served in the Battle of the Scheldt, including over 6,300 who were killed, wounded or taken prisoner.

See the First Canadian Army’s progress in the Battle of the Scheld.

Government of Canada delegation

To commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt, an official Government of Canada delegation will travel to Antwerp, Belgium, from 6-8 September 2019. Canadian Veterans of the Battle of the Scheldt, representing regiments that took part in the campaign, will join the delegation.

The First Canadian Army played a leading role during the Battle of the Scheldt and will be well represented by the delegation’s campaign Veterans. Veterans were selected based on nominations from several of the regiments that took part in the campaign.

Travel subsidy

Canadian Second World War Veterans and Allied Veterans living in Canada and travelling outside official Government of Canada delegations to attend commemorative ceremonies in 2019-2020 may qualify for a travel subsidy of up to $2,000 CDN. You can learn more by following this link.

Events

The official Government of Canada delegation will participate in a number of public events while in Belgium.

Liberation Village

Time:
Saturday, September 7: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Sunday, September 8: 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Location:
Steenplein (Antwerp)

Experience the atmosphere of the Liberation of Antwerp in the Liberation Village on the Scheldt waterfront at Steenplein. Attractions will include historical vehicles and a re-enactment camp as well as period food, music and interactive experiences.

7 September 2019

Liberation parade

Time:
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location:
Stadspark to Liberation Village at Steenplein (Antwerp)

A parade of more than 100 historic and contemporary military vehicles will wind its way through the city to Stadspark, where it will be joined by marching bands and re-enactors as it continues to the Liberation Village.

Parade of ships and flypast

Time:
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location:
Steenplein (Antwerp)

Historic and contemporary ships will sail up the Scheldt, passing in front of the old city centre and the Liberation Village (Steenplein). At 5:30 p.m., period military planes will fly overhead.

Sunday, 8 September 2019

75^th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt commemorative ceremony in Maldegem

Time:
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location:
Adegem Canadian War Cemetery

This annual commemorative ceremony will take place at Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, where 848 Canadians who lost their lives during the Battle of the Scheldt are buried.

75^th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt commemorative ceremony

Time:
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location:
Monument to the Fallen, Stadspark (Antwerp)

Official commemorative ceremony hosted by the City of Antwerp to mark the 75^th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt.

*If you or your organization are planning a ceremony or know of one being planned to commemorate the Battle of the Scheldt, we encourage you to consult our Commemorative Partnership Program to see if you could qualify for financial support. We also recommend adding them to our Calendar of Community Events.