​​Ready to advance to Boulogne​

​​The German forces had been surrounded for nearly two weeks before the Canadian forces finally began to advance towards Boulogne. The objective for the Canadian forces was to capture the port intact so it could be immediately utilised. The reality was that German forces rendered the port unusable to deny the Allies this key facility. 

​At 06:15 on 17 September 1944, the QOR had moved up to this location and formed up in the fields ready to move off. They were afforded a grandstand view at 08:30 when formations of Royal Air Force heavy bombers and the tactical air force began the pre-bombardment of German defences. In the order of their advance, Wincardenne was to be the first objective, located 3km away and on the edge of Boulogne. D company was to secure the village of Rupembert a few hundred metres away, which was tro enable the advance to move on. At 09:55 B and D companies began to advance. B company were slowed by minefields which covered the approaches towards the outskirts of the town. Captain Sawyer of B Company was slightly wounded during this period.  

​Whilst held on the outskirts of town northeast of Chem du Blanc Pignon, Sawyer had once again stopped, and climbed onto a tank to speak with the tank commander. A group of German prisoners appeared and were marching through the field, paths had been cleared through the minefield by flail tanks. However, one of the German priosoners stepped outside of the marked area and stood on a mine. The mine detonated killing both him and Sawyer, who is buried at Calais Canadian War Cemetery Plot 6, Row B, Grave 6.

​By the end of the evening the battalion had advanced as far as St Martin de Boulogne. B company were positioned where Rue du Denacre is now, and D company at today's Avenue de Charles de Gaulle.​