​​The German forces had been surrounded for nearly two weeks before the Canadian forces finally began to advance towards Boulogne. The objective for the Canadians was to capture the port intact so it could be immediately utilised. The reality of this would be that the German forces would render the port unusable to deny the allies the key facility. 

​At 06:15 on 17 September 1944 the QOR had moved up to this location and formed up in the fields ready to move off. They were afforded a grandstand view at 08:30 when formations of Royal Air Force heavy bombers and the tactical air force began the pre bombardment of German defences. 

​The order of advance would be the first objective of the Wincardenne. This was 3km away and on the edge of Boulogne. D company was to secure the village of Rupembert which was a few hundred meters away which would then see the advance move on. 

​At 09:55 B and D companies began to advance. B company were slowed by minefields which covered the approaches towards the outskirts of the town. Captain Sawyer of B Company was slightly wounded during this period.  

​Whilst held on the outskirts of the town northeast of Chem du Blanc Pignon, Captain Sawyer had once again stopped, he had climbed onto a tank to speak with the tank commander. A group of German prisoners appeared and were marching through the field, paths had been cleared through the minefield by flail tanks. However, one of the Germans stepped outside of the marked area and stood on a mine. The mine detonated killing both him and Captain Sawyer. He is buried at the Calais Canadian War Cemetery Plot 6, Row B, Grave 6. 

​By the end of the evening the battalion had advanced as far as St Martin de Boulogne. B company were positioned, where now, Rue du Denacre is and D company at Avenue de Charles de Gaulle.​