Operation Vitality Begins as Canadian Infantry Advances Down the South Beveland Penninsula

The third major operation of the Battle of the Scheldt opened on October 24 when the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division began its advance down the South Beveland peninsula.

The Canadians hoped to advance rapidly, bypassing opposition and seizing bridgeheads over the Beveland Canal, but they too were slowed by mines, mud and strong enemy defences.

An amphibious attack was made across the West Scheldt by the British 52nd (Lowland) Division to get in behind the German's Beveland Canal defensive positions. Thus this formidable defence was outflanked, and the Canadian 6th Infantry Brigade began a frontal attack in assault boats. The engineers were able to bridge the canal on the main road.

With the canal line gone, the German defence crumbled and South Beveland was cleared. The third phase of the Battle of the Scheldt was now complete.

As noted above, the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division began its operations against South Beveland on October 24. It hoped to get forward rapidly, by-passing opposition and seizing operations over the Beveland Canal - but once again, mines, mud and enemy defences slowed progress.

Meanwhile an amphibious attack was made across the West Scheldt by the 52 (Lowland) Division to turn the canal line. Thus the formidable Beveland Canal was outflanked and the 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade began a frontal attack in assault boats. The engineers were able then to bridge the canal on the main road. With the canal line gone, the German defence crumbled and South Beveland was cleared.

The work of the 2nd Canadian Division was not yet over. It was now allotted the task of crossing the causeway to Walcheren