“Hindenburg Line” is a Battle Honour awarded to the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), and is perpetuated by the Governor General’s Foot Guards.
The Battle of the Hindenburg LineThe Hindenburg Line (or Siegfried Line) was a formidable German defensive system. The Regiment’s involvement includes the following key aspects:
• Drocourt-Queant Switch: In early September 1918, the Battalion participated in the offensive against the Drocourt-Queant Switch of the Hindenburg Line. On September 2, the Battalion advanced through the Drocourt-Queant trenches west of Cagnicourt, encountering evidence of savage fighting and heavy machine-gun fire.
• Canal du Nord: Later in September, the Battalion was involved in the crossing of the Canal du Nord and the assault on the Marcoing Line (part of the Hindenburg system). It was during operations along the Hindenburg Line (specifically the Marcoing Line) in late September 1918 that Lieut. Milton F. Gregg performed the actions for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
• Date: The regimental historical dates list associates March 24, 1918, with the Hindenburg Line, likely referencing the defensive actions during the German Spring Offensive launched from that line, though the major offensive operations to break the line occurred later in the year.
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