| The Battle for the Rhineland in February and March 1945 was one of the largest of the Second World War, and a crucial phase in the final defeat of Germany. Overall command of the important Anglo-Canadian portion of this campaign rested with 1st Canadian Army, but the central Canadian contribution to the fighting was "Operation Blockbuster": the attempt by 2 nd Canadian Corps to breakthrough the final German defences west of the Rhine by punching a hole through a narrow, open gap in the Hochwald and end the campaign in one quick thrust. After several daring attempts Blockbuster failed, and the operation degenerated into a continuation of the costly and sluggish fighting that typified its predecessor, Operation Veritable. Since the end of the war there has been debate over whether Blockbuster was more costly than the risk deserved, and speculation that senior Canadian commanders failed to consider other---more viable---options.;Using primary documents, secondary sources, and a personal familiarity with the battlefield, this thesis argues that Operation Blockbuster was, in fact, a sound military plan. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
