PURSUIT TO MONS

The battle honour “Pursuit to Mons” represents the fast-moving final chapter of the First World War for the 2nd Canadian Infantry Battalion (“The Iron Second”), whose historic lineage and honours are perpetuated by the Governor General’s Foot Guards
The Launch of the Pursuit: On October 12, 1918, the 2nd Battalion relieved the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish) along the western bank of the Canal de la Sensée, south of Douai. After executing a successful raid across the water to the village of Férin, the Battalion crossed the canal on October 18, 1918, officially initiating the “Pursuit to Mons”.
The Thrill of Liberation: As the Germans rapidly retreated, the advance took on the character of a fast-paced tactical field exercise. Marching through newly freed villages like Pecquencourt, the Guardsmen experienced the profound emotion of being warmly acclaimed as liberators by French civilians who had spent four years under enemy occupation.
The Last Shot: The advance was not entirely peaceful; on October 21st, the Battalion pushed into the swampy undergrowth of the Forêt de Vicoigne, where they ran into a stubborn German defensive screen along the Valenciennes–St. Amand railway. After a sharp firefight with enemy machine gunners, the 2nd Battalion was relieved by the Royal Canadian Regiment on October 22nd. The Battalion officially fired its last combat shot of the Great War on October 23, 1918.
Entering Mons: Although their active combat ended in October, the GGFG’s perpetuated veterans officially marched through the liberated streets of Mons on November 18, 1918, on their historic march as the vanguard of the Canadian Corps heading to Germany for occupation duty.