Selle

First World War

Date

17-25 October 1918

Geographical Parameters

The railway Boué – Busigny – Caudry: thence the stream to its junction with the river Escaut: thence the latter

Context

A battle honour formally entitled the “Battle of the Selle” and itself being part of “The Final Advance” 1.

Description

The Germans had constructed a defensive line along the River Selle, north of Le Cateau to Valenciennes. The Third (British) Army, on the right and the First (British) Army (which included the Canadian Corps (Lieutenant-General Sir A.W. Currie) on the left, pushed the enemy back from this river line taking a total of 20,000 prisoners and 475 guns in the course of a week's fighting. The German Army was tottering but it would take one more offensive to push it over the precipice.

Awarded to:

Disbanded Unit

• 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion, CEF
  Award to the 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion, CEF (GO 88/31)