The crossing of the Sloe In order to support the stalled offensive of the Second Canadian Infantry Division on the Sloe Dam, it was decided to surprise the German units on the Walcheren side with a night attack across the water and mud of the Sloe. During the night of 2 to 3 November 1944, Scottish soldiers from the 6th Cameronian Battalion crossed the water in boats and then crossed the mudflats two kilometres south of the dam. This secret attack, codenamed Operation Mallard, was successful. The German soldiers had not reckoned with the Allies here and had to retreat. The Second Canadian Infantry Division then gained ground on the Sloedam and on 5 November the Germans had to surrender.