With its important road and rail junction, Cambrai was the main enemy supply centre in northern France. Liberating the city would cripple the Germans, and the Canadian attack in the early hours of October 9 caught them by surprise. As the Germans were driven out of Cambrai, they set many buildings on fire. Canadian engineers put out the flames, and the city was freed.

Cambrai, October 9, 1918
George Metcalf Archival Collection
Canadian War Museum
19930012-847
Image colourized by Canadian Colour

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