“Bad Zwischenahn” is a Battle Honour awarded to the 21st Canadian Armoured Regiment (GGFG) for its actions between April 26 and May 1, 1945, during the final drive to the North Sea.
The Battle of Bad Zwischenahn
• The Advance: Following the crossing of the Küsten Canal, the Regiment was ordered to advance north to the German spa town of Bad Zwischenahn. The terrain was difficult, characterized by peat bogs that forced the tanks to stay on a single cratered road, making them vulnerable to anti-tank fire and preventing proper deployment.
• The Fighting: The advance was contested by fanatical enemy troops, including paratroopers and marines, using self-propelled guns and mines. The Regiment fought in close cooperation with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, advancing by bounds.
• Casualties: Despite the war nearing its end, the fighting was costly. Several tanks were knocked out, and the Regiment suffered casualties, including Guardsman G. Lewis, L/Cpl N.A. Sullivan, and others.
• The Ultimatum: On April 30, the town was surrounded. The Divisional Commander, Major-General Chris Vokes, offered the mayor of Bad Zwischenahn a choice: surrender or the town would be destroyed by artillery and air power. The German garrison withdrew, and the town was taken without further major fighting.
• Last Casualties: Tragically, on May 1, 1945, Guardsmen V.P. Hanney and J.L. Walker were killed by booby traps in this area; they were the Regiment’s last battle casualties of the war.
