The liberation of Geel did not pass off without a struggle. The British 50th Northumbrian Infantry Division succeeded in crossing the Albert Canal at Geel-Punt and Geel-Stelen, and forming a bridgehead there. Between this bridgehead and Geel-Centrum the British fought with the Germans from 7 to 10 September. On 10 September the British occupied a large part of the centre, with the help of the Shermantanks of the Sherwood Rangers Regiment.

The Allies were able to advance via the Pas and Markt to halfway along the Stationsstraat. There they got into trouble. They want to surround the Germans, but are themselves taken in the pincers. The German soldiers get support of Jagdpanthers, driving anti-tank guns, which can eliminate the British tanks one by one. There are also heavy house-to-house fights. The British are pushed back to the Albert Canal. On 11 September, the Germans again control the centre.

On 12 September, the 15th Scottish Infantry Division relieves the 50th Northumbrian Division. The next day they enter the centre. The Germans are nowhere to be seen. They have tactically retreated behind the Kempen Canal in Ten Aard. This way, the Germans shorten their line of defence and can deploy their troops more easily in several places.

The fierce confrontation of September 1944 leaves its traces in the centre of Geel. Both sides used an enormous amount of artillery. Many streets and houses were destroyed. The Sint-Amands church and the Sint-Dimpnak church are heavily damaged. It is a prelude to the hell of Ten Aard.