They aimed their weapons at the British tanks, with projectiles piercing the approximately six-centimeter-thick steel walls. Several vehicles caught fire. The British then retreated, but soon returned with flamethrowers. Shortly after, the battle was decided.
The next morning, Saturday, 31 March, the British entered Winterswijk, which had been abandoned by both residents and Germans. Once it became clear that Winterswijk had been truly liberated, the inhabitants rushed back into the village from all sides, giving their liberators a warm welcome.