Bridging the Gap: Canadian Engineer Operations at Canal du Nord–Bourlon Wood, 1918

Authors

Brian Pascas

Abstract

During the last hundred days of the Great War, the Allied armies swept eastward past the Hindenburg Line with hammer-blow offensive warfare. Performing their work under intense machine gun and shell fire, engineers erected bridges and constructed roads, allowing infantry and artillery units to pursue the retreating enemy. These combat engineers played a vital role in battle tactics and logistical services of open warfare. Their versatile formations contributed to the Canadian Corps’ rapid victories, which included the successful Canal du Nord crossing leading to the capture of Bourlon Wood in September 1918.

Recommended Citation

Pascas, Brian "Bridging the Gap: Canadian Engineer Operations at Canal du Nord–Bourlon Wood, 1918." Canadian Military History 28, 1 (2019)