In October 1944, to more quickly supply the Allied forces, access had to be gained to the port of Antwerp. The 1st Canadian Army was given the task to capture the roads to and the banks of the Scheldt. A part of this operation, the Allies advanced towards Woensdrecht and Bergen op Zoom, and via the Kreekrakdam, to Zuid-Beveland.

On the 13th of October 1944, the Canadian regiment, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, was ordered to capture the German positions on the railway embankment at Woensdrecht. The assault ended in tragedy. Private John Dubetz survived, but 58 other Canadian soldiers were killed. Afterwards, the Canadians called this day: Black Friday.