RMR Museum Presents ‘A Regiment’s Sacrifice: Defeating Hitler’s Army’

Westmount, Quebec – 01 October 2024: The Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR) Museum, an institution dedicated to the preservation of the rich military and cultural heritage of the RMR, is launching ‘A Regiment’s Sacrifice: Defeating Hitler’s Army’, a temporary museum exhibition marking the contribution of Canada’s citizen soldiers in defeating the evils of the Nazi domination of Europe. 

In terms of relieving human suffering, the battle’s success had profound implications for both soldiers and civilians. It helped ensure the swift delivery of supplies to Allied troops, reducing hardships on the front lines. Furthermore, by liberating the Scheldt region, particularly parts of Belgium and the Netherlands, the Allies alleviated suffering among civilians who had endured Nazi occupation, deprivation, and severe food shortages. The victory eventually led to better supply access during the “Hunger Winter” in the Netherlands, which would have been much worse without the Allies securing the Scheldt.

The Battle of Leopold Canal kicked off this liberation and it took place from October 6th, 1944 until the 13th of October 1944 as the opening act to the Battle of the Scheldt (Oct 2 – Nov 8 1944) and Operation Switchback (Oct 6 – Nov 3 1944). Located right on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands, the Leopold Canal was a difficult landscape for battle, which was used to the German’s advantage. This attack required tactics, skill and the element of surprise, and although the RMR was not initially supposed to be a part of this battle, their service would help lead to the liberation of North-West Europe, a major turning point for the eventual Allied victory in 1945. 

“This Remembrance Day, we reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the Royal Montreal Regiment in the Battle of the Leopold Canal, which launched the pivotal Battle of the Scheldt,” says Colin Robinson, former Commanding Officer of the RMR. “In October 1944, the RMR played a crucial role in securing a bridgehead across the Leopold Canal which ultimately led to the Allies securing the vital supply route to Antwerp. Crossing a canal in small boats, the RMR faced fierce resistance in treacherous terrain, instantly taking heavy casualties. Their actions not only contributed to the successful Allied advance into Europe but also helped alleviate the suffering of civilians under Nazi occupation. This year, we honour their legacy and humbly reflect upon ordinary Canadians achieving the extraordinary. Lest we forget.”

The Battle of the Scheldt (October-November 1944) was a crucial Allied campaign in World War II aimed at securing access to the port of Antwerp, Belgium. Antwerp was vital for the Allies to supply their advancing armies in Western Europe, as the supply lines stretched from Normandy were becoming unsustainable. The Germans controlled the Scheldt estuary, preventing access to the port.

Strategically, securing the Scheldt was essential for opening Antwerp and shortening the supply route, which allowed the Allies to fuel their push into Germany. The battle involved difficult terrain—wetlands, dykes, and fortified German positions—making it a challenging operation for Canadian, British, and Polish forces under Canadian General Guy Simonds.

‘A Regiment’s Sacrifice: Defeating Hitler’s Army’

• November 1st – 10th
• RMR Armoury, 4625 Ste-Catherine W.
• 10h00 – 18h00 
• Open to the public / free admission
• Schools and group visits welcome, RSVP at info@royalmontrealregiment.com