On this day in 1944, the Battle of the Scheldt began with divisional engineers of the 2nd Canadian Division clearing mines and building bridges over the Antwerp-Turnhout Canal to prepare the approaches for Operation VITALITY and the clearing of South Beveland in Holland. M L/Sgt William Hurd Gunness of the 11th Fd Coy was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry under fire.