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WWII On This Day: October 9

What happened on October 9 during World War II? This date brings together 2 events from 1944, with period photographs and links to the full operations documented across WW2 Theatres.

1944
LVT-4 Alligator amphibious vehicles pass Terrapin amphibious vehicles near Terneuzen during the Battle of the Scheldt, 13 October 1944.
Department of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada · 13 October 1944 · Public domain in Canada · Source
The Battle of the Scheldt

Ramsay warns that supply depends on Antwerp

Ramsay warned in early October that the Allied advance would eventually be halted by supply shortages unless Antwerp was opened. His naval staff also expected the estuary to require a prolonged minesweeping effort after the coastal guns had been eliminated. The warning reinforced the logistical argument already reaching Eisenhower: possession of the docks had little operational value while German batteries and minefields still closed the approaches.

Continue in The Battle of the Scheldt →
The Battle of the Scheldt

The Braakman crossing

During the night of 8–9 October, the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade crossed the Braakman inlet in Buffalo and Terrapin amphibious vehicles and landed near Hoofdplaat behind the German positions facing the Leopold Canal bridgeheads. The new lodgement forced the 64th Infantry Division to defend against attacks from two directions and allowed the Canadians to expand the bridgehead eastward from the coast.

Continue in The Battle of the Scheldt →