The Battle for the Scheldt 2nd of October to 8th November 1944. Solving the supply problem.

The Battle for the Scheldt 2nd of October to 8th November 1944. Solving the supply problem.

Following Germany’s decisive defeat in the Falaise Gap, the Allies made rapid advances across France and Belgium.

The supplies still had to come into Normandy and be driven the long distances forward. As the Allies moved further away from their supply centres in Normandy, it became difficult to supply all the allied armies in the field.

The situation regarding effective supply was becoming critical. Hoping to secure the remainder of Belgium, advance through the Netherlands and into northern Germany, 21st Army Group was teetering at the end of a lengthy logistical chain trailing back to Normandy.

Further south, the Americans encountered the same problems. In the weeks following Operation Market Garden, some of the most bitter fighting seen since Normandy occurred during a series of operations designed to clear the estuary leading to Antwerp.

With this port open, adequate supply could be restored. What would become known as the Battle of the Scheldt was essential.

With the Allies advancing towards Antwerp,the Belgian Resistance captured Antwerp’s port intact before the Germans could destroy its facilities and the city was liberated by British 11th Armoured Division on September 4.

However, the port could not be brought into immediate use, the Scheldt estuary was heavily mined and the Germans held its north bank and maintained a presence around Breskens to the south.

Hitler had ordered German 15th Armee to hold the mouth of the Scheldt and formidable defences and coastal artillery were constructed on Walcheren, securing control of the estuary. While these heavy guns were operational, it was impossible to clear the river.

Each of these islands and Peninsula’s was stormed successfully in separate set piece battles culminating in the final phase leading to the surrender of the remaining German forces on the 8th November 1944.

The mouth of the port was cleared of mines and the port was ready for use on November 28th. On December 1st over 10,000 tons of stores were landed at Antwerp. It now became the principal supply port for allied troops.