​Lieutenant W.B. Sparks of "A" Company, The Highland Light Infantry of Canada, and Captain J.D. MacFarlane of the 14th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (R.C.A.), awaiting the jump-off of the attack on Leer, Germany, 28 April 1945​ 

Battle for Leer

Infantrymen of "A" Company, Highland Light Infantry of Canada, boarding boats on the Ems River to attack Leer, Germany, 28 April 1945​

​​The operation began with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders crossing the Leda River in storm boats to secure a bridgehead, while other Canadian troops advanced by boat crossing the River Ems. Supporting them were tanks, engineers, and air support, including Typhoon fighter planes. Despite heavy opposition, the Canadian forces were able to take their initial objectives by surprise. However, things quickly became difficult when the reserve battalion, the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Highlanders, came under intense German fire. Several boats in the second wave were sunk, leading to heavy casualties.&nbsp;​The Canadian forces fought fierce street battles throughout the day. By the evening of 29 April, Leer was secure, and the troops moved forward. The 3rd Division’s mission, which had begun months earlier on the beaches of Normandy, was nearing its end. The operation was officially called off on 4 May 1945, marking the final steps toward ending the war in Europe.&nbsp;​One of the most remarkable stories from the assault on Leer is that of Private Gerald Robert Campbell, a stretcher-bearer with B-Company, Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Highlanders. As B-Company advanced over open ground, they were caught in a heavy barrage of artillery, mortar fire, and machine-gun fire. Seventeen soldiers were injured, including two of the four stretcher-bearers.&nbsp;​Despite being wounded himself, Private Campbell didn’t hesitate. Along with the remaining stretcher-bearer, he began to carry the wounded to safety. During one rescue, a shell exploded directly under their stretcher, injuring both Campbell and his patient. Ignoring his own injuries, Campbell immediately treated his comrades and continued evacuating the wounded. Campbell worked tirelessly throughout the day, refusing to stop until every injured soldier was safely evacuated. Only after all the wounded were cared for did he take a moment to tend to his own injuries. His courage, selflessness, and dedication under fire earned him the Military Medal (MM), awarded on 10 July 1945.&nbsp;

De strijd om Leer

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