​​Loon Plage was 7 km north of Bourbourgville, west of Dunkirk. The Canadian forces who had advanced rapidly along the long left flank had reached the Pas-de-Calais region. Ports along the coastline were key objectives for the Allies. If they could gain control of usable deep-water ports, this would assist in unloading supplies and resources as theycontinued to advance east.

​The Calgary Highlanders had received intelligence that little to no German resistance should be met when they advanced into town. However, caution was given and rightly so as German forces were present. The advance became slow and tedious as German artillery and mortar fire came down on them.

​Canadian artillery returned fire at Loon Plage, but ammunition was running short. The artillery was supported by anti-tank guns who fired onto the church as it was believed the spire was an observation post. The closer the Canadian forces advanced, the more they came under fire from machine gun positions and mortar fire.

​A decision was made to attack the town from the western side and advance in. D company advanced to within 500 metres of the centre of Loon Plage. The advance was eventually halted, and D company withdrew to the edge of the town where they linked up with the other three companies. Their original position was being hit by significant machine gun and mortar fire. The German defensive line had been established along the railway line, north of town.

​At 08:15 on 9 September 1944 Major Heyland asked for permission to advance into Loon Plage as there were reportedly 200 German soldiers ready to surrender to the Canadian forces. This was granted and a short time later the Major reported that Loon Plage was clear and secured.

​The new Battalion Headquarters were setup in a former German HQ, aa heavily fortified pill box. Two of these large German defensive positions can still be found on Avenue des Marronniers and Rue Jean Moulin.

​When the main force of The Calgary Highlanders entered Loon Plage, they were given a very warm welcome. The civilians greeted the Canadian forces with cheers, offering famous French wine and fresh bread.

​Patrols over the coming days were sent towards Dunkirk, around 15km east of the town. On 19 September the Canadian forces who held the western side of the Dunkirk siege perimeter moved on further into Belgium and were relieved.​