The battle for the Rademarkt

Canadian soldiers of the French-speaking battalion Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal captured the Hereplein in the city of Groningen on Saturday night 14 April 1945. The next morning the whole battalion throws itself into the battle. Fierce street fighting ensued, during which the liberators captured 800 Germans.

The Canadians encounter heavy resistance from Germans who hide in surrounding villas. They witness how groups of Germans also attack each other, because they suspect each other of wanting to surrender. Canadian tanks are located in important places, such as intersections, which are of strategic importance. The Germans make use of towers, cellars and the various houses in the city center.

A Canadian tank fires from the north side of the Heeresingel on the St. Joseph Church. Both the tower and the church are under fire. Before long, the German defenders surrender.

The Canadian soldiers are having a hard time, because of the anti-aircraft guns that the Germans have deployed. The residents on the south side of the Radesingel had meanwhile been chased from their homes, so they can move freely.

The Canadians crawl through gardens along the Verbindingskanaal Canal to clear house after house. During the fighting, several houses on the north side of the Radesingel caught fire. The Germans retreat to the tobacco factory N.V. J. Gruno on the Winschoterkade. This tall building dominates the entire area. Ultimately, the Tobacco Factory catches fire, destroying the building. All Sunday the Canadian soldiers are busy clearing the area between the Heerestraat and the Schuitendiep to the Oosterstraat.