Canadians constructing a Bridge across a river on the Arras-Cambrai Road on their way to Cambrai. [ASE Label]

Collection CCGW / CCGG 2016.3.1.2-33

Photograph of Canadian troops constructing a bridge across Canal-du-Nord in September, 1918 on their way to Cambrai. Cambrai was an important railway and supply hub for the German army and was one of their last strongholds. Cambrai was surrounded by canals that were heavily guarded by German defenses, making it difficult for infantry soldiers and tanks to cross. During the latter half of September, British and Canadian engineers were ordered to construct bridges, often under machine-gun fire, in order to make the canals passable for infantry troops and artillery.