​​Lieutenant R. N. Caswell of the Canadian 12th Manitoba Dragoons entered Bruges in the Belgian province West Flanders via the Sint-Andries district. There, he took over the German hospital located in the neighbourhood, along with all of its staff and patients. Caswell then contacted the White Brigade of the resistance, who were able to provide him with the entire German defence plan.

​The German forces at this point decided to abandon the city immediately and fled. On 12 September 1944, the fleeing German forces escaped via the Gentpoort, or the ’Gate of Ghent’, one of four remaining medieval city gates in the city of Bruges. 

​The German troops fled from the advancing soldiers of the Canadian 12th Manitoba Dragoons, and the city was therefore easily liberated by the Canadian unit. 

​The following text is inscribed on the Gentpoort:

​"On 12 September 1944,  

​the Germans  

​left the city 

​through this gate."